TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager to present the City Council with a comprehensive short- and long-term plan for modernizing the City fleet with energy-efficient vehicles.
DISCUSSION
As we move to improve the environmental conditions of our city, it is clear that more must be done to clean up our air. Energy-efficient Hybrids, clean-diesel cars, and fuel-cell vehicles, can reduce up to 90% of traditional vehicle emissions, and could significantly help Long Beach reduce air pollution. Moreover, the energy bill that was recently signed by President Bush provides up to $3,400 per vehicle in tax credits to consumers for purchase of these cars. Some of these cars can travel twice as far as conventional vehicles on one gallon
of fuel, reducing U.S. dependence on foreign energy sources while producing lower emissions. As the drivers of Hybrids, we have seen firsthand the direct benefits of these
vehicles. On November 4,2003, Councilmember Lowenthal asked for a report on integrating hybrid vehicles into the City's fleet. Since that time energy-efficient technology has improved and tax credits have increased. It is clear that now is the time for us to aggressively look at putting together a comprehensive multi-year plan for modernizing the city fleet with energy-efficient cars. These cars could save the city thousands of dollars annually on fuel costs and refueling time. Our plan should look at all city agencies and all types of vehicles and include an inventory of city vehicles that are scheduled for
replacement.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
[Timing Considerations]
FISCAL IMPACT
[Fiscal Impact]
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
[Respectfully Submitted,]