Testimony to Houston City Council on electric vehicles in city fleet

On May 30, 2024, Environment Texas student leader Monica Orozco testified to the Houston City Council on the budget for the city Fleet Management department. Here is her testimony:

Good afternoon, Mayor and Council Members. For the record, my name is Monica Orozco and I am a student leader with Environment Texas. 

Houston’s Climate Action Plan set a goal to convert the entire non-emergency, light-duty municipal fleet to 100% electric vehicles by 2030. However, according to Fleet Management, the city currently owns just 137 battery electric vehicles out of a fleet that ranges between 3500 and 4000 vehicles. Another 19 are on order. So four years into a ten year plan, we’re at less than 4% of our goal. Director Glasscock told the Houston Chronicle, it’ll be “very difficult” to hit our 2030 goal. And this proposed budget makes it even harder. That’s incredibly disappointing and causes me to question the city’s commitment to bold climate action. It’s also a missed opportunity to save money on fuel while cutting air pollution.

Buying, fueling and maintaining gas- and diesel-fueled fleet vehicles is a big expense for the city — especially when gas prices are high. Shifting to electric vehicles can save money for taxpayers by significantly reducing fuel and maintenance costs, while also improving air quality. 

Last year, Environment Texas released a report called Electric Vehicles Save Money for Government Fleets that found Houston and other cities in Texas and the state government could save $863 million if they collectively transitioned their light-duty fleets to electric when they retire older vehicles.

While this transition would require significant upfront investment, historic funding available from the Inflation Reduction Act, including 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 – and state incentives, such as the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Clean Fleet Program – can help pay for it.

I urge the Council to develop a budget plan to ensure we can hit the 100% goal by 2030, starting with a big increase in EVs purchased in FY25. 

Thank you.

Environment Texas’ Monica Orozco testifies to the Houston City CouncilPhoto by HTV Houston Television | Public Domain