Sustainability

Strategy 3: Reduce Emissions from Fleets

Washoe County has more than 700 vehicles in our fleet, which contributed 4,251 mtCO2e of GHGs in 2021. As part of our commitment to net-zero GHG emissions by 2050, Washoe County is pursuing the transition of all appropriate internal combustion engine (ICE) fleet vehicles to electric and other zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). We have identified more than 200 light-duty vehicles that would be well-suited for the transition. Although all the data are not in (because EVs have not been in municipal service long enough to generate full lifetime operations costs), our estimates and external research demonstrate that transitioning from Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles will both reduce GHG emissions and lower long-term costs for the County.

As with other energy-efficiency upgrades, the higher up-front costs of EVs challenge the County’s budgeting and planning processes. This transition is also dependent on our ability to pay for and install charging and fueling infrastructure needed for low- and zero-emissions vehicles. And this transition has been impacted by global supply chain issues, the availability of such vehicles, and the allocation of such vehicles by dealerships and the Nevada State Motor Pool to Washoe County.

The County is interested in considering other low- and zero-emission fuels like hydrogen and renewable diesel. However, such fuels are not currently available. To consider adoptions of any alternatives to our current assets, we would need to confirm they would be reliable and scalable in addition to promising lower emissions.

Currently, Washoe County is not aware of any reliable, scalable, affordable or available low- or zero-emissions alternatives to our utility trucks, dump trucks, animal service trucks, graders and other heavy-duty vehicles. For this reason, we currently have no plans to transition away from these ICE vehicles until alternatives are available. We welcome practical opportunities to reduce fleet emissions. Washoe County will reduce emissions from our fleets in the following ways:

5. Incorporate net-zero goals into Fleet Sustainability Plan (Link to Plan)

6. Join Clean Cities & Communities Coalition*

   The County will join other regional jurisdictions, agencies and business in the U.S. Department of Energy’s voluntary, locally based partnership to advance affordable, efficient, and clean transportation fuels and technologies.