City of Seattle

The City of Seattle has been using natural gas vehicles in their fleet since 1992. Their fleet of over 3,000 vehicles now contains more than 200 dedicated and bi-fuel natural gas vehicles in a variety of applications. The City also operates an electric Ford Ranger in its motor pool fleet. Electricity is also used as the fuel source for other vehicles, such as Seattle City Light’s electric forklifts and carts used at the City Light facility.  In 2001, the City also began using biodiesel (B20) in 20 of its City Light and Public Utilities vehicles.

City of Seattle Unveils Clean, Green Fleet Policies
April 2003 

City of Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels and the Seattle City Council recently introduced a new initiative to increase the use of alternative fuels and improve the fuel efficiency of the city's fleet. Under the new "Clean Green Fleet Action Plan," approximately half of all compact cars purchased by the city will use "cleaner-burning alternative fuel such as compressed natural gas...or get at least 45 miles per gallon." Policies related to heavy-duty vehicles include the use of biodiesel and ultra-low sulfur diesel and the reduction of vehicle idling.

“Clean, healthy air is key to keeping our Puget Sound region a great place to live, work and play,” Nickels said.  “One of the best things the City can do to protect and improve air quality - and to encourage smart fuel and vehicle choices in the community - is to make our own vehicle fleet a model of environmental best practices.”

"Ultimately, our goal is a 100-percent clean and green fleet," said Nickels, noting that the city plans to complete a cost-benefit analysis by the end of the year that will determine "the best mix of fuels and vehicles, and the appropriate timeline for meeting the goal."

"At a time when our nation's energy policies are being scrutinized and fiercely debated, it's important that we look close to home for ways to reduce our fuel consumption," said Councilmember Heidi Wills, Chair of the Council’s Energy and Environmental Policy Committee. “Greening our city’s fleet will save costs and reduce air pollution – that’s a smart investment that will pay off today and for years to come.”

The goals of the "Clean Green Fleet Action Plan" are to reduce fleet fuel use and reduce vehicle fleet emissions. The City's long-term intent is to have a fleet that is 100% clean and green, which means using clean fuels and vehicles that are the most fuel efficient, low emission vehicles available to meet the needs of City operations. The following are some of the specific measures called for in the plan:

• Beginning in 2003, at least 50% of new compact cars purchased each year will be either alternative fuels or achieve 45 miles per gallon or greater.
• By 2005, reduce annual fleet fuel use by 5% compared to 1999.
• By end of 2003, use a fuel blend of 20% biodiesel with 80% ultra-low sulfur diesel in the 902 diesel vehicles (on-road and off-road).
• By end of 2004, complete the emission control retrofit project to install emissions control equipment on 400 existing heavy-duty diesel trucks.

Other programs include:

• Ensure departments select the properly sized vehicle for the job.
• Assess costs and benefits of switching to low sulfur gasoline.
• Reduce unnecessary vehicle idling.
• When possible, use alternatives to vehicles, including: teleconferencing; bus; carpool; bike; FlexCar.

The Mayor and Councilmember Wills also announced a regional pilot program to help reduce unnecessary vehicle idling. Partnering with the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, the Seattle Department of Transportation is installing new signs at the Ballard Bridge today, encouraging people to shut off their engines if they are waiting for the bridge to close.

“Together, these actions will improve air quality in the city and region, and reduce emissions that are harmful to both our health and the environment,” Nickels said.  

Seattle Public Library Rolls Out CNG Bookmobile The Seattle Public Library has rolled out the newest edition in its fleet - a natural gas bookmobile. This exciting and innovative application for the use of natural gas, the first bookmobile in the nation to be powered entirely by compressed natural gas (CNG), was made possible in part by support and funding provided through the Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition and the Department of Energy's State Energy Program funds.