Oakland, CA Establishing "Green Fleet" Policies and Procedures

Type: Resolution

Status: Adopted on 6/3/03

Vote: Unanimous

Source File: http://clerkwebsvr1.oaklandnet.com/attachments/2590.pdf

Text:

Resolution No. 77842
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING “GREEN FLEET” POLICIES AND PROCEDURES TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS AND IMPROVE AIR QUALITY IN THE CITY OF OAKLAND, AND TO INCREASE THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF THE CITY’S FLEET

WHEREAS, the City can play a role in improving air quality, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by adopting policies and practices that diminish City fleet emissions; and

WHEREAS, the establishment of a green fleet policy is a result of the leadership of the American Lung Association, Vice Mayor Nancy Nadel, and Public Works Agency Equipment Services Manager Bruce Saunders; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor has committed to converting the City’s automotive fleet to natural gas or other forms of alternative fuel; and

WHEREAS, air pollution is a major public health concern in Oakland; and

WHEREAS, a recent federal study found that air pollution in the four Bay Area counties could cause 208 additional cases of cancer for every million residents, which is 208 times greater than the acceptable risk of cancer caused by air pollution as established by the Clean Air Act of 1990; and

WHEREAS, motor vehicle use is the single largest source of air pollution in the Bay Area, and the top three contributors to potential cancer risk come primarily from motor vehicles; and

WHEREAS alternative fuel vehicles produce significantly lower amounts of greenhouse gas and other emissions; and

WHEREAS, the City faces high and fluctuating gasoline prices; and

WHEREAS, the City of Oakland recognizes that by improving the energy efficiency of its fleet, savings may result in the long term, and

WHEREAS, 75 of the 264 automobiles in the City’s non-emergency fleet are powered by compressed natural gas, and these vehicles over time have proven to be cost effective and easily integrated into the City’s fleet operations; and

WHEREAS, the. City currently replaces 3 ~ 5% of its gasoline-powered fleet annually with alternative fuel vehicles; and

WHEREAS, the City of Oakland wishes to exercise its power in the marketplace by ensuring that purchases and expenditures of public monies are made in a manner consistent with the desire to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and

WHEREAS, the City, as a public body, has an opportunity to provide a positive example to its citizens about environmental actions such as recycling, and using environmentally sound and sustainable technologies and practices; and

WHEREAS, the City’s long-term intent is to have a fleet that is 100% clean and green, which means using clean fuels and vehicles that are the most fuel efficient low emission vehicles available that meet the business needs of the City; and

WHEREAS, clean-burning alternative fuel vehicles can be purchased without exceeding the existing Equipment Services budget; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the City of Oakland will develop and implement ‘‘Green Fleet” administrative policies that address the management, operation and procurement of fleet vehicles in order to continue improving the energy efficiency of its fleets, reduce emissions from the fleet, and increase the capacity of the fleet to save the City money; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Oakland will develop performance measures related to fuel expenditures and vehicle emissions, to help monitor how effective the City’s efforts have been; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Oakland will purchase vehicles powered by alternative fuel sources for its non-emergency automotive fleet whenever possible without exceeding the amount budgeted for vehicle acquisitions; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Oakland will continue to actively pursue federal, state, and other incentive programs related to clean air and energy efficiency.