Santa Clara County is on a mission to transform its fleet of vehicles into a fully environmentally friendly armada, ditching gas guzzlers for zero-emission transport. This California county has pledged that by 2030, its fleet will achieve carbon neutrality, stepping up the game in a world that can no longer afford the luxury of ignoring climate change. The county's fleet, which has impressively clocked in over 27 million miles since 1998 – that's akin to shooting to the moon and back 57 times – is undergoing a major green overhaul.
According to a statement obtained by Santa Clara County officials, tackling the transportation sector is critical as it constitutes 60 percent of the county's emissions. Program Manager Greg Beverlin is taking the challenge head-on by meticulously implementing charging infrastructure and constantly monitoring emissions. Beverlin highlighted that "focusing on electrifying our fleet vehicles, providing charging station infrastructure for our employees and the public, can go a long way in reducing our impact on the planet."
Amid the rising concerns about greenhouse gas emissions, Santa Clara County’s fleet of vehicles and equipment has decided to move swiftly and surely toward sustainability. The County’s Facilities and Fleet (FAF) Department is not only acquiring electric, hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, but they're also revamping the energy sources of tools reaching down to law enforcement transport, which includes Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office prisoner transport buses now running on hydrogen fuel cells.
What's more, the folks at the County's FAF seem to be stepping it up, having been recognized as the sixth top-notch leading fleet by the American Public Works Association (APWA) in 2023 – a notable jump from their 12th-place position just a year prior. As an acknowledgment of their hard work and initiative, David Worthington, Facilities and Fleet Manager, lauded his team by saying, "They can accomplish anything – the team is very strong." He went on to express their drive, stating, "We want to leave this world in a better place than we inherited it. Our team is inspired to do this important work today for the future."
The push towards greener roads is not just a corporate stride but one that resonates with the individuals turning the wrenches. Automotive mechanic Edward Guillen conveyed his sense of pride in being part of the county's green wave. "It makes me proud to work with the County. The things we are doing here will have so many positive impacts on the community and the environment," Guillen told Santa Clara County.
