Council Approves Ordinance Requiring the Purchase of Low- and Zero-Emissions City Vehicles

MILWAUKEE—The City of Milwaukee Common Council voted today to approve an updated ordinance requiring departments to purchase low- or zero-emission vehicles with the goal to replace City-owned or leased vehicles with those that operate with cleaner, sustainable alternative fuels. The policy supports the City’s efforts to increase the use of vehicles powered by clean energy sources and achieve its climate goals.

“The new ordinance puts the City on a path toward adopting new technologies while balancing cost-effectiveness and ensuring the department’s ability to carry out core functions. Transitioning our fleet to low- and zero-emissions vehicles will save the City money from reduced fuel and maintenance costs,” said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson. “Integrating sustainability into our purchasing decisions will help Milwaukee achieve our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 45% by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.”

The ordinance applies to the purchase of light-duty and off-road vehicles, as well as medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. When cost-effective, purchases will prioritize hybrid, electric, and alternative-fuel vehicles. The City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works, Police Department, Fire Department, and Port are directed to report annually on the progress of the transition. The police department is already in the practice of purchasing hybrid vehicles for its fleet. The City of Milwaukee Environmental Collaboration Office is also working with departments to plan for electric vehicle charging infrastructure in City buildings and for the community.

“For the future, for my children, I want to significantly lower our use of fossil fuels and that is why I authored this important legislation,” Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic said. “By making this commitment, Milwaukee will also be better positioned to access federal funding to support the transition to low and zero emission vehicles.”

“While City of Milwaukee fleets have been moving to low- and zero-emission vehicles, given the significant cost savings and pollution reductions that are achieved, we’re excited to have a commitment to the purchase of these vehicles across City departments when those purchases are cost-effective and practical,” said City of Milwaukee Environmental Collaboration Office Program Manager Pamela Ritger de la Rosa. “Milwaukee aims to lead by example in making economically and environmentally responsible purchasing decisions and encourage individuals, businesses, and other levels of government to do the same.”

The ordinance contains practical exceptions to the purchase of electric and alternative fuel vehicles, which are currently more likely for heavy duty equipment. Exceptions may be made based on availability of vehicles or charging infrastructure and when available alternative fuel vehicles do not pass a lifecycle cost analysis. Total lifecycle cost includes the vehicle capital cost plus the projected fuel and maintenance costs minus the projected resale value. The vehicle capital cost must factor in applicable federal tax incentives or rebates and federal or state grants. Departments must perform a total lifecycle cost analysis as part of the annual budget planning for the purchase or replacement of vehicles. Read the full ordinance here.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.