Best Practices

TRANSPORTATION BEST PRACTICE

Clean Fuels

Los Angeles, CA

Purpose

To further energy efficiency by promoting the use and purchase of vehicles utilizing clean fuels

Outcomes

Since establishing a "Clean Fuel Policy" in 2000, the City's alternative fuel fleet has grown by an average of 23% per year; as a direct result, the City conserved over 7 million gallons of conventional fuel in one year. At the end of 2007, the City’s 3,232 alternative fuel vehicle additions and replacements comprised of compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, electric, hydrogen and hybrid vehicles.

Background & Summary

In May 2000, the City Council adopted the Clean Fuels Policy in order to implement fuel applications that balance environmental benefits and operational concerns of a municipal fleet. Specifically, the policy addresses:

• The use and purchase of vehicles which utilize clean fuels using reliable, durable, and cost-effective technology
• Support of vehicle technologies development that promote energy efficiency and clean operation.
• The need to consider retrofitting technologies for existing fleet
• Promotion of alternative fuel infrastructure
• Health and safety issues and cumulative effects of existing vehicle emissions as well as development of alternative fuel technologies on all neighborhoods

Public Support & Opposition:

City departments in support of and using alternative fuel vehicles include: the General Services Department, Environmental Affairs Department, Department of Recreation and Parks, Department of Public Works, Department of Water and Power, Department of Transportation, Zoo Department, Harbor Department, and Los Angeles World Airports.

The Environmental Affairs Department chairs the Interagency Alternative Fuels Task Force, which is a City-wide advisory group focused on policy implementation.

Additionally, author of the Clean Fuels Policy (Council member Mark Ridley-Thomas) received a Clean Air Award – Leadership in Government from the South Coast Air Quality Management District in 2001 for this legislative initiative.

Fiscal Impacts

Grant funding supports this policy among all City departments involved in the purchase and use of alternative fuel vehicles. Since its establishment, the policy has received over $21 million in grants to help with the new purchases.

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Last updated September 1, 2009

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