Laguna Beach Is Converting to Electrical Fleets

The City of Laguna Beach is leading the way when it comes to reducing emissions in the Southern California area. It was announced recently, that the city is looking to convert the entirety of its municipal fleet to electrical cars. Due to the heavy traffic and car culture in Southern California, the local government is looking for ways to improve the environment. Laguna Beach is looking ahead as Governor Gavin Newsom previously signed an executive order that bans the sale of gas-powered cars in Southern California by the year 2035. To date, the transportation sector remains the largest contributor to California’s greenhouse gas emissions.

In Laguna Beach alone, 50 percent of greenhouse gas emissions are due to transportation.

It has been proven that electric vehicles don’t require as much maintenance and can help reduce emissions. Electricity is also a less expensive alternative to gas and other sources of fuel.

Laguna Beach

The city is also exploring incentive and rebate programs to drive down the costs of more fuel-efficient cars.

On Tuesday, June 29th, the Laguna Beach City Council voted unanimously in support of this effort. According to Laguna Beach Council George Weiss, (who presented the bill) “The benefits are an increasingly good sustainable fleet that will cost less to maintain and operate (and) cheaper fuel costs…It also sends a message to our residents that we’re interested in doing our part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet local climate goals.”

Following the vote, Laguna Beach will gradually work on replacing the current fleet with greener options.

Over the past 20 years, California has been working to reduce its carbon emissions. The California Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report stated that emissions rose slightly in 2018, which is still below the 2020 target. There are no reports yet for 2020, which was indeed an unusual year. With many residents working from the home, it was bound to create a large impact on the numbers. However, as 2021 progresses, and California continues to open up, improving the environment should continue to be a major priority.

If you’re looking for some ways to reduce your own emissions on the road, here are some ways:

Carpooling. If you can share a ride with someone, do so!
Bicycling and walking when you can.
Use public transportation. Southern California has an extensive public transportation system.
Pick a fuel-efficient vehicle.
Keep your tires filled. You can reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 275 pounds a year. Not to mention, you can save up to five percent on your gas expenses.
Drive smarter and better. Reckless driving can increase your carbon output.
Make sure to maintain your car. You need your car to be running properly, so don’t forget to take it on routine checkups!

For more information on reducing emissions while traveling, you can visit the National Park Service.

Earthwise Hauling is dedicated to creating a more eco-friendly and sustainable Southern California. When it comes to vehicles, we’re contributing by using clean-burning, sustainable natural gas for our trucks. Earthwise Hauling services Laguna Beach, the remainder of Orange County, and many other local areas, including Long Beach.