Mayor signs executive order to prioritize electric vehicles in Metro’s fleet

Mayor Greg Fischer today signed an executive order directing all Louisville Metro Government (LMG) agencies and departments to prioritize the purchasing of electric and hybrid vehicles, green equipment and necessary infrastructure to support LMG’s transition to electric vehicles.

“Emissions from gas-powered vehicles are the second-largest source for greenhouse gas emissions in our city,” said Mayor Fischer. “Louisville Metro Government employees—from LMPD and code enforcement officers driving their routes to Metro Parks employees cutting the grass—operate many gas-powered vehicles. We need to practice what we preach and lead by example. This executive order will move us toward electric vehicles, which will provide cost savings over time and improve environmental health.”

In addition, the executive order states that any contractor or supplier doing business with Louisville Metro Government in excess of $1,000,000, collectively, shall commit to reduce their carbon footprint and provide a plan that details how they will achieve such reduction.

On-road transportation accounts for 12.8% of our greenhouse gas emissions in Louisville, or the equivalent of 2,749,767 tons of carbon dioxide. Reducing these emissions not only slows the impacts of climate change, but also reduces operating costs and other air pollutants, including ozone precursors, improves public health, and enhances the quality of life for residents.

LMG’s fleet includes a variety of vehicles for employee use such as LMPD and code enforcement officers and Metro Parks crews. LMG has installed several electric vehicle stations already at its facilities. Electric vehicle drivers can find stations at six PARC garages, three library branches, three Metro Parks, the Edison Center and one station is soon to be installed at Jefferson Memorial Forest.

To view the executive order in its entirety, please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/advanced-planning-and-sustainability/document/…