Finance and Administration Cabinet
State vehicle fleet includes hybrids; other flex-fuel models

FRANKFORT, Ky.— The Finance and Administration Cabinet’s Division of Fleet Management continues to replace larger, less fuel-efficient vehicles traditionally included in the state motor pool with more energy efficient and environmentally friendly models, such as hybrid and flexible fuel vehicles.

The state’s motor vehicle fleet currently has 26 hybrid vehicles with three more on order. The vehicles include the Toyota Prius, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid and Honda Insight. These vehicles replaced larger SUVs and trucks that had been primarily used by field staff in the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet (EPPC), which estimates that its average fuel cost has been reduced by 52 percent as a result of this hybrid technology.

In comparison to traditional fuel-powered vehicles, the above-listed hybrids also reduced harmful emissions from approximately 109,000 pounds to approximately 2,250 pounds for the same mileage according to the Division of Fleet Management.

In addition to the introduction of hybrid technology, another 1,237 flexible fuel vehicles are currently included in the state’s motor vehicle fleet. An additional 228 vehicles on order include sedans, trucks and cargo and passenger vans. These vehicles are designed to run on a mixture of unleaded gasoline and an alcohol fuel, either ethanol or methanol.

As aging vehicles are replaced in the state fleet, the division replaces larger vehicles with more energy efficient vehicles that still meet agency needs. Smaller, lighter automobiles and trucks require fewer materials to produce and decrease emissions.

“Replacing traditional fleet vehicles with smaller flex-fuel and hybrid vehicles is one of several energy efficiency initiatives of this administration,” said Finance and Administration Cabinet Secretary John Farris. “The reduced fuel costs and environmental benefits of reduced emissions make this a win-win for Kentucky.”

Kentuckians will join others across the world in celebrating Earth Day on Sunday, April 22. Spearheaded by the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, a number of state agencies, local governments, businesses and organizations have joined together to celebrate Earth Day in the Commonwealth. Some of these partners have organized environmental activities throughout the month of April while others are providing information and resources on protecting Kentucky's environment. The state government theme for Earth Day this year is “Energy for Kentucky’s Unbridled Future.”

This is the fourth year in a row for a month-long, organized campaign in celebration of Earth Day. Among activities planned are hikes, special events, college campus programs, environmental award presentations and demonstrations of new, environmentally friendly technology. Visit the state Earth Day Web site at <www.earthday.ky.gov> to learn more about Kentucky's Earth Day celebration.

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