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Port of San Diego Goes Green with Fleet Vehicles

In an effort to minimize air pollution on Port tidelands around San Diego Bay, the Port of San Diego is leasing 11 Ford Escape hybrid sport utility vehicles to replace some of the cars and trucks in its aging auto fleet. The new Fords arrived on April 28, 2008, and will be used by Port staff while conducting business.

Acquiring the hybrid vehicles is part of the Port’s Environmental Fund that was established in December 2006. The fund supports environmental projects that will improve the condition of San Diego Bay and the Port tidelands. The Environmental Fund paid the difference between what a gas-fueled vehicle would cost to lease, versus the cost to lease the hybrids. This amounted to approximately $5,000 per vehicle.

The Ford Escape hybrids operate on both gasoline and electricity and can get approximately 36 miles per gallon. When the vehicle is stopped or operating at low speeds, it is powered by an electric motor. Another unique feature of the hybrids is the battery recharging system. Each time the brakes are used, it recharges the battery. The Ford Escape hybrids also meet strict emission control standards and run 90 percent cleaner than the average new vehicle. Even the material inside the vehicle is environmentally friendly, made with 100% waste plastics and polyester fibers.

The Port will be leasing the 11 Ford Escapes from Enterprise Fleet Management for five years. The cost for the entire leasing period is about $296,000. Switching to hybrid vehicles is one of the goals in the Port’s Environmental Sustainability Policy. Approved by the Board of Port Commissioners in December 2007, it is the framework by which the Port makes decisions that incorporate a balance of environmental, social and economic concerns. The policy will also help the Port identify ways that it can reduce its impact on the environment. Establishing the policy is the first step in the implementation of a comprehensive environmental sustainability program at the Port.