Maryland Task Force Suggests Purchasing Lowest Emission Vehicles Possible

The City of Salisbury, Maryland's Environmental Policy Task Force recently released policy recommendations to help transition the city's fleet to electric vehicles, including a purchasing policy where new vehicles are mandated to be the lowest emission vehicle possible, with a focus on electric vehicles.

Some of the suggested policy recommendations (all of which can be found on page 14 of the report) include applying for grant funding through the Maryland Clean Fuels Technical Assistance (CFTA) Program to acquire needed technical assistance in examining the entire city fleet and determining a plan for vehicle conversion; establishing a rating system in which vehicles with low fuel efficiency and high use are prioritized for replacement and upgraded; and considering purchasing Accessory Power Units for all stationary emergency vehicles to power equipment. 

Currently, almost all city vehicles run on gasoline or diesel, with a few electric/gas hybrids and no electric cars. By switching to more hybrid and alternatively fueled vehicles, the city would significantly increase fuel efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and reduce other forms of pollution.

Originally posted on Government Fleet