GRAND JUNCTION, CO - Mesa County commissioners last week unanimously adopted a fuel conservation policy that will encourage employees to reduce engine idling and shorten the number and length of trips, reports The GJ Sentinel.
The policy applies to all county vehicles and equipment, including Grand Valley Transit buses, Sheriff's Department squad cars, and Road and Bridge Department trucks and equipment, which consume the most fuel in the county fleet. That fleet travels an estimated 3.5 million miles annually and logs 22,000 equipment-operating hours.
County officials estimate the county's annual fuel consumption could be reduced by nearly 23,000 gallons, saving more than $49,000 a year.
"Changing how we use these vehicles and equipment on a day-to-day basis can make a real difference," said Scott Forsgren, county fleet manager.
The policy requires all vehicle operators stopped for longer than a minute to shut off their engine. The only exception is for a vehicle providing power for communication or emergency equipment.
The policy also encourages employees to cut travel by carpooling and using video and teleconferencing.
Road and Bridge employees will haul materials to designated construction areas during road chip and seal season rather than stockpiling the materials in advance. The change will prevent materials from being moved twice.
Sheriff's deputies are expected to reduce random patrolling and mileage by parking in high-crime and high-traffic areas, according to the GJ Sentinel.
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