PROVIDENCE, RI -- A new ordinance passed by the city council of Providence urges the city to buy the most fuel-efficient vehicle model available for its intended purpose. How far-reaching the ordinance will prove is not clear, however, because it says purchases also must meet other criteria including cost and reliability. In addition, the council tacked on Buy American and pro-labor union clauses. When choosing among "the most fuel-efficient vehicles," the city must give preference to vehicles for which more than 65 percent of dollar value is ascribed to production within the United States and for vehicles made in "unionized factories" in the U.S. In a related matter, the city council approved a nonbinding resolution endorsing the Clean Cars Campaign. The campaign seeks a state law requiring the sale of new cars with higher emission standards and would increase the availability of hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles.