April 2, 2007

Conference of Mayors President Trenton (NJ) Mayor Douglas H. Palmer has decided to “go green” with a hybrid vehicle as his official city car.He is working on the issue with the city’s Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson, who is researching federal grants that could possibly cover the cost. Jackson owns a hybrid car, and the mayor is very impressed by how quietly her vehicle runs.

Palmer’s effort is in line with the Mayors’ 10-Point Plan entitled “Strong Cities, Strong Families for a Strong America,” in which mayors call for a federal Energy and Environment Block Grant to help cities expand their climate protection programs. The Plan – in effect the Conference of Mayors’ legislative agenda – has been presented to Congress and city councils across the country for support.

“By getting a hybrid, I am practicing what I preach,” Palmer said. Palmer is also encouraging his cabinet to do the same by asking them to consider hybrids – and his Chief of Staff and Business Administrator now drive them. The mayor also asked Jackson to find out if grants are available for the school district to purchase devices that can be installed in district-owned school buses to reduce carbon emissions.

Palmer also recently launched a city-wide effort to help reduce global warming by replacing incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent light bulbs known as CFLs. Palmer says, “If I’m changing light bulbs and calling for green buildings, then the city should have a hybrid car.”