Sims sets new course for climate-friendly transportation- King County

Sept. 19, 2007

Sims sets new course for climate-friendly transportation

Clean Vehicles NOW! Conference launches next era in green technology

King County Executive Ron Sims launched a green fleet initiative to bring more clean and climate-friendly vehicles to King County.

A first-of-its-kind green fleet initiative to bring more clean and climate-friendly vehicles to King County was launched today by Executive Ron Sims, environmental leaders, and cities throughout the county. The announcement came during the region's first Clean Vehicles NOW! Conference hosted by King County.

A broad coalition of 20 cities, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, and the Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition has committed to work with King County during the next several months to pioneer a series of green fleet standards. It is anticipated that these standards will spur the use of clean vehicle technology and move the region closer to environmental sustainability. Once in place, these green standards could form the basis of one of the nation's first clean vehicle certification programs, one that could serve as a model for communities throughout the country.

"Just as King County is leading the nation in establishing new environmentally-friendly building processes, we are committed to taking the next major step toward promoting the use of cutting-edge clean vehicle technology and alternative fuels," King County Executive Ron Sims said. "Thanks to the progressive actions of the county and our city partners, we intend to show the nation we are ready to walk the talk by using the forward-thinking technology that exists today to combat global warming."

Jim Nolan, Compliance Director of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency says, "In 2005, the Washington State Legislature chose to require the cleanest cars in our state. EPA has so far been unwilling to approve these standards. The Green Fleets Initiative is a great opportunity to help fill this void by encouraging our local jurisdictions to lead the region with green vehicles."

Strategies to achieve these green fleet standards might include: meeting specific goals and targets regarding the purchase of clean vehicle technologies and the reduction of fossil fuels; adopting and successfully implementing policies that promote best practices in fleet design and operation; and sharing information on the total type and quantity of fuel consumed and vehicle miles traveled on an annual basis. Underlying all of the standards will be the critical performance measure of reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles.

Meeting or exceeding the standards could allow fleets to earn "points for innovation" in purchasing clean vehicles and achieving fuel conservation and efficiency. Governments that earn points at a designated level would be recognized publicly and potentially even rewarded for developing a green fleet.

In addition to operating the largest fleet of articulated hybrid buses in the world, King County already has more than 150 hybrid vehicles in its motor fleet and has just received its first electric plug-in hybrid car, yet another milestone for the region.

"We know that many of the root causes of climate change begin with human activities occurring in our metropolitan areas. It's been very gratifying to see the how quickly elected and appointed officials from our cities and counties have come together to lead the region's fleets towards lower carbon emissions," said Rich Conrad, Mercer Island City Manager, who helped organize the participation of King County's suburban jurisdictions.

Executive Sims, King County Council Chair Larry Gossett, Larry Phillips, King County Council Natural Resources Chairman, representatives from the participating cities, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and the Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition joined King County in today's announcement.

"Our partners are decision makers who can help make our region one of the most aggressive in purchase of clean vehicles," said Gossett. "I commend the Executive for hosting this conference and moving the region in such a positive direction in the fight against global warming."

"Clean vehicle technologies that we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are available today," said Councilmember Larry Phillips. "We need to collaborate across local, regional, state and federal levels on climate change solutions, and across municipal lines, as embodied in this regional green fleet coalition being formed today."

Capping off the day of policy discussion was a closing keynote speech by Apollo XI astronaut Dr. Buzz Aldrin. Dr. Aldrin's remarks reinforced the need for both technological innovation and hope in the face of difficult challenges, such as global climate change – the same dynamic human spirit that succeed in landing humans on the moon.

Sims sets new course for climate-friendly transportation

Clean Vehicles NOW! Conference launches next era in green technology

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