SUPPORTING ELECTRIC VEHICLES

WHEREAS, The U.S. Conference of Mayors is committed to providing leadership on environmental and public health issues by implementing and promoting programs and policies that improve the lives of residents, businesses, visitors and the environment; and

WHEREAS, the nation’s Mayors are committed to aggressive actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to curb climate change and reduce its adverse affects; and

WHEREAS, the transportation sector produces one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States; and

WHEREAS, U.S. automobiles and light trucks are responsible for nearly half of all greenhouse gases emitted by automobiles globally; and

WHEREAS, a number of cities have served as leaders in efforts to decrease the nation’s dependence on petroleum and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by accelerating the deployment of plug-in electric drive vehicles and electric vehicle supply equipment; and

WHEREAS, in order to promote rapid transition from gasoline vehicles to electric vehicles, cities around the country are installing a network of publicly accessible electric Vehicles charging stations to give potential purchasers of  electric Vehicles confidence that they will be able to locate charging opportunities if needed when they drive beyond the comfort range of their home charging locations; and

WHEREAS, President Obama has set a goal of putting 1 million electric Vehicles on the road in the United States by 2015; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The U.S. Conference of Mayors encourages mayors to lead by example and ‘green’ local fleets while promoting the cleanest vehicles available and making the United States the world’s most successful electric vehicle market; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors calls upon Congress and the Administration to promote the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in the United States by appropriating significant funding and research and development support for plug-in electric drive vehicles and electric vehicle supply equipment, as well as the deployment of electric charging infrastructure in communities throughout the country.