News

Similar bills that help the state save money on fleet procurement costs have been signed by Republican governors in Nevada and Virginia

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Yesterday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed SB 284, a widely popular bipartisan bill that passed the Legislature nearly unanimously and would have saved Florida taxpayers up to $277 million on state-owned vehicles. The legislation would have allowed the state to consider fuel and maintenance costs in purchasing decisions for state fleets, making it easier for the state to transition to more cost-effective electric vehicles.

“This veto is a baffling decision that will cost Florida taxpayers millions of dollars,” said Michael Weiss, Florida state lead at Advanced Energy United, the national association of businesses working to achieve 100% clean energy and electrified transportation in America. “The Florida legislature saw the clear economic and taxpayer benefits of a modern and efficient state fleet, but Gov. DeSantis somehow didn’t get the memo.”

Switching the state's fleets to electric vehicles could save Florida up to $277 million over fifteen years 

TALLAHASSEE, FL, May 3, 2023 – Today, the Florida Legislature passed a bill that will help reduce vehicle fleet procurement costs for the state and open the door for alternatively-fueled vehicles to become a bigger part of the state’s future fleet. “SB 284 - Energy” would require the Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) to consider not just the initial purchase price but the total cost of ownership for new additions to the state’s vehicle fleet, including operations, fuel, and maintenance costs. It also asks DMS to recommend the same standards to state agencies, local governments, and state colleges and universities. 

“We know that alternative fuel vehicles like electric vehicles have lower fuel and maintenance costs, and this bill will help ensure those benefits are factored into state fleet purchasing decisions,” said Michael Weiss, Florida state lead for Advanced Energy United, a national trade association of clean transportation and energy companies. "We thank Senator Jason Brodeur and Representative Mike Caruso for their leadership sponsoring and championing this common-sense legislation." 

United also calls for accelerated state investment in charging infrastructure and electric grid upgrades needed for a fully electrified transportation system

SACRAMENTO, CA, April 28, 2023 – National business group Advanced Energy United celebrated today the adoption of the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) rule via unanimous vote by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The rule encourages commercial vehicle fleet operators to switch to zero-emission vehicles over the coming years, with a full phase-out on the sale of gas-powered trucks by 2045. The state regulator anticipates that the switch to zero-emission vehicles, like electric trucks, will save fleet operators up to $48 billion through 2050. 

“California continues to be a leader in the effort to electrify our transportation system by passing a rule that would steer businesses towards more advanced, technologically efficient trucks over the coming decades,” said Ryan Gallentine, transportation policy director at Advanced Energy United, an association of business working to achieve 100% clean energy and electrified transportation in America. “Now that California is on the road to cleaner trucks, the state must pair this plan with forward-looking infrastructure and grid-readiness planning to ensure the pieces are in place to meet this new timeline.” 

Polling found that more than half of all Coloradans supported adoption of the ACT rule 

DENVER, CO, April 21, 2023 – National business association Advanced Energy United today applauded the adoption of the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule via unanimous vote by the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC). Set to take effect in 2027, the ACT rule will require auto manufacturers who produce medium- and heavy-duty vehicles to steadily increase the percentage of zero-emission model sales over time – up to 40-75% by 2035, depending on vehicle type. The rule is designed to spur manufacturers to offer more vehicle options and inventory, as well as provide consumers with more choices.

“In addition to improving air quality for Colorado residents, the Advanced Clean Trucks rule will lower costs for vehicle fleet operators and unlock new, cost-effective options for Colorado businesses,” said Emilie Olson, Colorado state lead at Advanced Energy United, which represents a wide spectrum of companies involved in vehicle production, charging infrastructure, and energy management software. "Small businesses, which have been hit hard by inflation and volatile fuel and supply chain prices, will benefit significantly from this regulation because it will help them switch to vehicles that cost less to operate and maintain.”

Clean energy and transportation group calls for electric grid upgrades and reforms to utility business models 

WASHINGTON, DC, April 12, 2023 – National business association Advanced Energy United today applauded newly proposed fuel efficiency standards by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The two newly proposed standards – one for light-duty passenger vehicles and the other for medium and heavy-duty vehicles – are expected to empower automakers to accelerate production of electric vehicles beginning in 2027. 

“This is a groundbreaking announcement that should finally put the U.S. on a trajectory to fully adopt zero-emissions vehicles,” said Ryan Gallentine, Transportation Policy Director at Advanced Energy United, which represents a wide spectrum of companies involved in vehicle production, charging infrastructure, and energy management software. “Electric vehicles are much more energy efficient as well as less expensive to fuel and maintain versus gas-powered vehicles. The transition to electric drivetrains represents enormous savings for their owners and the efficient use of our electricity grid, not to mention public health.” 

The legislation requires updated procurement standards that could save Florida taxpayers up to $277 million 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. April 11, 2023 – Today, national business group Advanced Energy United applauded the Florida Senate’s passage of CS/CS/SB 284: Energy. The bill would require the Department of Management Services (DMS) to consider not just the initial purchase price but the total cost of ownership for new additions to the state’s vehicle fleet, including operations, fuel, and maintenance costs. It also asks DMS to make recommendations to state agencies, local governments, and state colleges and universities using the same standards. 

Research from Advanced Energy United and the Electrification Coalition showed the bill has the potential to save Florida an average of $18,000 per vehicle by considering the total cost of ownership in vehicle procurement decisions. A full transition to electric vehicles for the state fleet could save Florida up to $277 million over that same period.