Councilmember Larry Phillips next to the electric plug-in vehicle he will drive as part of King County's clean transportation technology program.

“King County has been a leader in advancing transportation alternatives clean vehicle technology—from our hybrid and biodiesel buses to our promotion of hybrid fleet vehicles and other advances in green fleet technology,” said Phillips. “This clean fleet demonstration initiative will test the viability of new technologies and raise the visibility of new innovations.”

King County recently led efforts to form a coalition with 20 local cities to develop a Green Fleet Initiative, pledging to bring more clean and climate-friendly vehicles to King County. Phillips’ clean vehicle technology ordinance furthers the Green Fleet Initiative by calling on the Executive to report on the process for development and adoption of regional green fleet standards and the possible establishment of a regional clean vehicle certification program.

The ordinance would also allow special clean transportation technology demonstration vehicles to be assigned to county employees for a limited duration in order to promote and demonstrate the viability of low-emission, energy-efficient technologies and fossil fuel alternatives.

“It’s time to think about global warming and the technology of the future, so I’m proud to promote electric plug-in technology,” said Phillips. “I know it will influence my personal decision on what kind of car to buy next, and I hope it will also influence the purchasing decisions of King County and other governments, businesses, and citizens. Encouraging the use of cleaner vehicles is one way to reduce carbon emissions and protect our air climate and air quality.”

The legislation, which was introduced at the Council’s October 15 meeting, was referred to the Growth Management and Natural Resources Committee.

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system.
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