Yesterday I joined leading environmentalists and documentary filmmaker Josh Tickell to declare "Get LA Off Oil Day" and showcase the City's alternative fuel vehicles. The folks from GM also brought a brand new Volt electric car, and we saw a car that gets 150 miles per gallon of ALGAE. Now that's an alternative fuel!
There is no better place in the world for alternative fuels than Los Angeles. We're the car capital of the world, but we are also known for turning challenges into opportunities.
LA was the first American city to incorporate fuel cell vehicles in the fleet for everyday use (and second in the world - Tokyo was first).
In December, I announced the Southern California Regional Electric Vehicle (EV) Readiness Plan. Our plan is to be "plug-in ready" for the next generation of electric cars.
Our Clean Trucks Program banned over 10% of the dirtiest trucks and replaced 16,800 trucks with ones that meet EPA emissions standards or run on alternative fuel.
We are replacing diesel trash trucks, street sweepers, and other city vehicles. Using LNG in trash trucks has saved the City approximately $1.4 million versus dirtier and costlier diesel.
Los Angeles also has the nation's largest fleet of clean fuel buses. The Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority has converted 99% of their buses to clean fuel. Our entire LADOT Commuter Express fleet will use clean fuel buses by 2013.
Just last week we declared "Dump the Pump Day," encouraging people to choose transit, especially with 12 new transit projects funded by Measure R.
By integrating alternative fuels, and simultaneously building a Countywide transit system funded by Measure R, we are well on our way to getting LA off oil.
Follow Antonio Villaraigosa on Twitter: www.twitter.com/villaraigosa
How about creating a more walkable/bikable city? It will be a lot easier than burning our food in our fuel tanks. A more livable Los Angeles can be created with political will rather than technology.
Is ESPN based in LA? Nope, they are based out of Bristol, CN
6/7/09 Lakers v. Orlando Playoffs Staples Center -- up to $4,200 (courtside )
What official capacity did you serve on these night?
How many people went to the concert with you? Where did you sit? Did any city staff accompany or escort you?
( police)
How about you out of LA's pocket and behind bars!
Everything you suggest in your article is about powered vehicles.
If the city of Los Angeles would only enforce the state parking cash-out law
(Assembly Bill 2109, Katz; Chapter 554, Statutes of 1992), which allows
bus riders, bicycle riders, and car poolers to receive the parking fees that
companies pay to subsidize car commuting, it would go a long way to encouraging
less traffic.
The Los Angeles Times reported on Oct 10, 2006 that this law was not being
enforced by the city. Here is a copy: http://www.walkablestreets.com/cashout.htm
Here is are links to two of the Air Resources Board documents on the cash-out law:
http://www.aqmd.gov/trans/doc/cashout_guide_0809.pdf
http://www.aqmd.gov/trans/doc/park_cashout.pdf
Sincerely,
Dave Poyourow