Governor Signs Lieu Bill To Require The “Greening” Of The State’s Vehicle Fleet

State has purchased 1,100 “flex-fuel” vehicles, but they have yet to use a drop of alternative fuel

Sacramento, CA – This weekend Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Assembly Bill (AB) 236, a bill by Assemblymember Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) to require the state to develop a comprehensive plan to use alternative fuels in the State’s vehicle fleet.
 
It was revealed earlier this year that, while the State of California has purchased more than 1,100 “flex-fuel” vehicles (which can run on gasoline or alternative fuels), Almost none of those vehicles have used a single drop of alternative fuel. Worse, the new vehicles, when run on gasoline, are more polluting than the cars they replaced.
 
“The ‘Green Fleet’ program has been an environmental disaster,” Lieu said. “I’m thrilled that the Governor has signed my bill to clean up this mess.”
 
Specifically, the bill requires the Department of General Services (DGS), by the end of 2008, to purchase only highly efficient alternative fuel vehicles.  Furthermore, it would require those cars to be run on alternative fuels by July 1, 2009.  In addition, the bill require the State to come up with a plan to reduce the State’s gasoline consumption by 20% by 2020.  Finally, the bill would, for the first time, record the location of cars in the State Fleet, and track their fuel use.
 
Lieu added: “The State of California touts its position as a leader in protecting our environment. AB 236 ensures that we’re walking the talk.”