FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 18, 2020

Candice Grose 

                                                                                                            Public Information Officer 

                                                                                                            Office:  901.222.2037

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SHELBY COUNTY MAYOR LEE HARRIS’ OFFICE TO PRESENT SUSTAINABLE GREEN FLEET POLICY 

TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE

Shelby County, TN – Today, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris’ office will present a Sustainable Green Fleet Policy to the Shelby County Commission. The presentation will take place in the Conservation Committee chaired by Commissioner Mick Wright. The Memphis Area Climate Action Plan, a strategic framework for reducing our carbon footprint prepared by the Memphis-  Shelby County Office of Sustainability, reports that on-road transportation produced 39% of Shelby County’s greenhouse gas emissions, making on-road transportation the largest contributor of emissions. As emissions per person continue to rise in Shelby County, Shelby County Government can play a significant role in improving local air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. To support informed decision making, the Sustainable Green Fleet Policy requires that fleet vehicle fuel efficiency information be included in future resolutions regarding the purchase of fleet vehicles. The policy also prioritizes the purchase of green fleet vehicles, supports opportunities to expand fleet modernization, and eliminate or replace inefficient fleet vehicles.

Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development Deputy Director John Zeanah: “Planning and Development partnered with the Public Works Division for a $500,000 grant to develop a pilot of electric fleet vehicles and charging station infrastructure. This will allow us to lay the foundation for more conversions to electric vehicles in the County’s fleet and move in the direction of preserving our shared environment.”

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris: “Currently, Shelby County’s large fleet of vehicles exacerbates local air quality problems, results in greenhouse gas emissions, and contributes to global climate change. As emissions per person continue to rise in Shelby County, Shelby County Government can play a significant role in improving local air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. That is why we want to work with the County Commission to prioritize the purchase of green fleet vehicles. With Commission support, Shelby County Government can lead to tackling climate change.”  

(end of release)

VASCO A. SMITH, JR. ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

160 North Main Street, 11th Floor Memphis, TN 38103 901-222-2000 Fax 901-222-2005

www.shelbycountytn.gov