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Trump stands behind Hegseth after attack plans shared in second Signal chat; Pollution exemptions granted to AR coal plants; Coping with OR's climate change-fueled pollen season; Federal funding cuts could hit MT harder than other states.

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Defense Secretary Hegseth faces calls to resign for discussing battle plans in a second Signal chat. Indiana denies students the use of college IDs to register to vote, and the White House signals the U.S. might stop trying to end the Russia-Ukraine War.

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Money meant for schools in timber country is uncertain as Congress fails to reauthorize a rural program, farmers and others will see federal dollars for energy projects unlocked, and DOGE cuts threaten plant species needed for U.S. food security.

Report Touts Transitioning AZ's Gov't-Fleet Vehicles to Electric

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Tuesday, June 27, 2023   

A new report found Arizona could save taxpayers $283 million if state and local governments transition their light-duty fleets to electric vehicles over the next decade.

According to the Arizona Public Interest Research Group Education Fund, if the state and its local governments replaced the nearly 20,000 light-duty fleet vehicles which are set to retire over the next decade with EVs, taxpayers would save big.

The move would also help mitigate pollution from gas- and diesel-powered cars and trucks contributing to poor air quality in the state.

Diane Brown, executive director of the Arizona PIRG and co-author of the report, said buying, fueling and maintaining gas- and diesel-fueled fleet vehicles is a "big expense." She argued state and local leaders need to take action independently and collaboratively.

"To accomplish this the state and local governments should develop bold fleet electrification plans," Brown asserted.

Brown recognizes the transition to electric would require "significant" upfront investment, but added incentives such as the Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit, which offers savings of up to $7,500 per light-duty vehicle or $40,000 per heavy-duty vehicle for purchases of EVs by government or private fleets, can help offset costs.

The findings released today follow a report published last October, which examined how 10 of Arizona's largest cities and towns could save a total of approximately $80 billion by replacing their light-duty vehicles with EVs.

Brown pointed out the transition to electric will also help contribute to better air quality and public health outcomes, and added now is the time to commit to the transition.

"By transitioning to electric vehicles, there will be improvements in our air and also for individuals that suffer from asthma or other respiratory issues," Brown contended.

The report stated there are benefits to cooperation for governments and agencies electrifying their fleets and can achieve cost savings by pooling purchases of vehicles and equipment, and advocating for policies to eliminate barriers.

Disclosure: The Arizona Public Interest Research Group Education Fund contributes to our fund for reporting on Civic Engagement, Consumer Issues, Energy Policy, and Urban Planning/Transportation. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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