For Immediate Release
Contact:  Jason Gerwig
630/407-6022
June 28, 2007

County adopts new vehicle policy

The DuPage County Board approved a new vehicle policy on Tuesday that will help reduce air pollution and decrease fuel consumption of County vehicles. 

A key aspect of the new policy encourages the conversion of County vehicles to an alternative fuel fleet consisting of hybrids, E-85, compressed natural gas and propane fueled vehicles.  To accomplish this goal, when the County is scheduled to replace a vehicle with a newer model, it must, when feasible, replace it with an alternate fuel model.   

“Vehicles that are fuel efficient or operate on renewable fuel not only help the County save money, but they help protect the environment as well,” said DuPage County Board Chairman Robert J. Schillerstrom, who last year formed an ad-hoc alternative fuels committee to study the feasibility of converting to an alternative fuel fleet.  The Committee was tasked by the Chairman to investigate the County’s options in utilizing hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles.

In addition to these new policies the Alternative Fuel Ad Hoc Committee assisted in encouraging the County to switch over from diesel fuel to B-20 bio-diesel. The fuel emits less greenhouse gas emissions and particulate matter. The County is also entering into an agreement with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County to utilize the District’s alternative fuels. This program has served as a valuable tool in determining what is possible for the County fleet.

To view the new vehicle policy, please visit www.dupageco.org.