Municipal leaders can’t make decisions on fleet conversion without accurate data on current fleet greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Greenhouse gas emission data is a critical step in establishing a rationale and system for transitioning the fleet.

Solutions

During annual fleet inventory evaluations, include an inventory of GHG emissions for each fuel type used by the fleet.

Require an annual report documenting fleet GHG emissions from all departments that manage more than three vehicles.

Based on the fleet GHG emissions data collected, establish a fleet conversion timeline for each department.

Model Ordinances

Miami Dade 22.5-3; Intends to reduce vehicle fuel consumption by 5 percent every year and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5 percent every year until it totals to 25 percent. They plan to do this by eliminating unnecessary vehicles,  Increasing the fleet's average fuel economy to be consistent with operational needs, and minimizing fuel usage while increasing the efficiency of routes by minimizing idling.

Louisville, KY
To demonstrate a commitment to climate action, Mayor Greg Fischer signed the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy in April 2016, pledging to report and reduce Louisville’s GHG emissions, and identify and mitigate risks from climate change. In 2018, Louisville Metro released an updated GHG inventory. This report revealed that Louisville's community-wide GHG emissions had decreased by 10.1% from 2010 to 2016.

For more information, click here.