Committee endorses electric-first fleet policy, directs staff to seek council adoption

The Mountain View Climate Sustainability Committee on a unanimous vote recommended that the City Council adopt a greenhouse-gas-free ("electric-first") purchasing policy that would make electric vehicles and electric landscaping equipment the default for city purchases when the equipment is commercially available, meets operational needs and is financially feasible.

The measure, presented by Sustainability Division staff, directs departments to assume electric options unless an exemption is justified. Sustainability staff said municipal fleet and equipment represent about one-third of city operations emissions and that a formal policy would help coordinate purchases, budget changes and charging infrastructure planning across departments.

Sustainability Division staff member Ms. Lynn said, "A greenhouse gas free or electric-first purchasing policy is one tool that can advance decarbonization in the vehicle and equipment sector," and explained the policywould require electric purchases if the equipment is commercially available, meets…