Eagle – County officials Tuesday unveiled a new fleet of 20 hybrid cars intended to reduce local contributions to global warming.
“For me … this is a very exciting moment to be able to walk the talk,” said County Commissioner Arn Menconi, who generated the idea to buy the Toyota Priuses as replacement vehicles for several county agencies.
The move is the latest in a growing trend of government entities trying to set an example on the environmental front by reducing carbon emissions, which are widely believed responsible for global warming.
The effort is an example of “all the little things that people can do to have an environmental consciousness,” Menconi said.
The cars, which operate on electricity and gasoline and get 50 miles per gallon, are expected to save $21,000 in yearly fuel costs. They replace an aging group of SUVs that averaged 18 mpg.
“I think it’s totally appropriate for Eagle County to take the lead in environmental protection,” said Commissioner Peter Runyon. “To me, Eagle County’s entire economy is about the environment.”
It is a realization that has dawned on many mountain communities.
Aspen leads the way with a comprehensive effort to reduce greenhouse gases throughout town, ranging from distributing free energy-efficient light bulbs to participating in the binding Chicago Climate Exchange.
Carbondale officials have vowed to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions throughout the community by 25 percent by 2012.
Steamboat Springs and Vail are purchasing wind power to offset electric consumption.
Breckenridge is running buses on soy-based biodiesel fuel.
In Eagle County, officials last year passed new building regulations requiring improved energy savings in new residences and this year plan to take similar steps for commercial buildings.
Staff writer Steve Lipsher can be reached at 970-513-9495 or slipsher@denverpost.com.
