Boston Takes Steps to Reduce Vehicle Emissions

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced Dec. 13 several new steps to reduce vehicle emissions by accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and other low-emission transportation options in the city.

Wu announced a new Fleet Utilization Policy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the city's vehicle fleet, as well as expanded access to EV charging infrastructure and EV car share programs. She calls for an update to the Fleet Utilization Policy, which will increase city workers’ use of shared rather than individual vehicles, reduce unnecessary vehicle purchases, and accelerate the electrification of light-duty vehicles. The policy will be administered by a new Fleet Utilization Review Committee, consisting of at least three members from fleet management along with members from other departments, which will evaluate usage and application data on vehicles, notify customer departments of abnormal-use vehicles, and reassign and remove vehicles if there is insufficient justification for keeping them. 

“We need urgent action to drive down vehicle emissions and protect the health of our communities,” said Wu. “These steps will contribute to cleaner air and lower emissions, advancing Boston’s efforts to become a Green New Deal city.” 

The City of Boston currently maintains 1,200 vehicles in its fleet, not including school buses and public safety vehicles.