Title
Requesting that the Board of Directors of the Equipment Leasing Authority (ELA) establish a formal policy governing the purchase of City vehicles to ensure better fuel efficiency and a reduction of greenhouse gases.
Body
Whereas, the City of Pittsburgh is committed to reducing its emissions of greenhouse gases, reducing air pollution, reducing dependence on foreign oil and reducing overall fuel costs;
Whereas, the Equipment Leasing Authority (ELA) manages contracts for the acquisition of the City vehicle fleet; and,
Whereas, a fuel-efficient vehicle fleet would help the City to protect valuable natural resources, save energy, and generate savings; and,
Whereas, the Mayor and all Members of City Council recently signed a formal pledge that prioritized "to support a city government that is as green and sustainable as Pittsburgh's growing international reputation in this area"; and,
Whereas, City Council supports a long-term planning effort to ensure a healthy, recreational environment for all City of Pittsburgh residents.
Be it resolved that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. The Board of Directors of the Equipment Leasing Authority (ELA) shall require that all new vehicles and accessory equipment purchased by the ELA for municipal use be the safest, most fuel-efficient and "green" vehicle in the applicable class required for the job. The ELA shall encourage the purchase of vehicles such as hybrids, Electric Vehicles (EV's) and plug-ins, and shall consider other fuel efficiency technology as it becomes available and proven to meet the specific intended municipal vehicle purpose. Guides and references such as the Environmental Protection Agency's "Green Vehicle Guide," "The Edmunds Green Car Guide" and other applicable publications should be utilized for determination of compliance of this policy.
Section 2. Among the most fuel-efficient vehicles, only those allowable by the Commonwealth's Motor Vehicles Procurement Act, which limits the makes of vehicles, may be purchased. Provided, however, that cost and fleet user equipment requirements to meet the mission and goals of the department including appropriate type and range of vehicles, may still be considered in all final purchase decisions.
Section 3. Current City/ELA-purchased equipment in every vehicle class and Department shall continue to be evaluated to determine if the size and the fuel type of the vehicle is appropriate based on the frequency and the type of usage, with a recommendation for each vehicle prior to replacement.