Miramant bill would boost fuel efficiency standards for government-owned vehicles

AUGUSTA — A bill by Sen. Dave Miramant, D-Camden, would aim to save taxpayer money and reduce emissions by requiring fuel efficiency  to be considered for government-owned vehicles and for state law enforcement vehicles.

The bill – LD 93, “An Act to Reduce Fuel Costs to State and Local Government” – received a public hearing before the Legislature’s State and Local Government Committee today.

The legislation would require fuel efficiency to be considered for county and municipal governments when purchasing cars and light duty trucks, such as law enforcement vehicles. The bill would also require fuel economy standards  to be considered when the state  purchases law enforcement vehicles, which were previously exempted.

“It is difficult to find any areas that offer savings when preparing municipal, county, or state budgets,” said Sen Miramant. “This bill provides that opportunity by requiring that fuel economy be considered before purchasing vehicles with taxpayer money.”

LD 93 faces further action in the State and Local Government Committee, and votes in the House and Senate.

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