Riding the hybrid bandwagon: Tahoe Regional Planning Agency touts Hybrid fleet.

[xcel]

UC Davis released a report that indicates reducing pollutants by 30 percent could restore Lake Tahoe's clarity to 1960's levels.

Amanda Fehd - Tahoe Daily Tribune - August 25, 2006


Tahoe Regional Planning Agency now driving an FEH and 3 Prius’

The agency that governs development at Tahoe has bolstered its vehicle fleet with four new hybrid technology cars and says it's walking the walk - not just talking the talk - to save Lake Tahoe's clarity.

Three Prius model Toyotas and one Ford Escape Hybrid arrived a few weeks ago at the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency offices in Stateline.

"We know from recent science on lake clarity that car emissions and traffic have negative impacts on the lake's water clarity," said TRPA spokeswoman Julie Regan. "We believe it's important to demonstrate leadership in promoting clean technology."

The cars are emblazoned with decals promoting the agency's new Web site, www.conservationclearly.org, which Regan said will provide the general public with tips on how they can make a difference toward helping preserve Lake Tahoe's clarity.

The Web site will also highlight the $1 billion Environmental Improvement Program launched by President Clinton in 1997.

Many recognize the need to "Keep Tahoe Blue" - a slogan of the League to Save Lake Tahoe - but many don't know what they can do to help.

Reducing trips in cars, reducing fertilizer use, replacing a wood stove, paving a dirt driveway and incorporating native plants into landscaping are a few ways individuals can make a difference.

UC Davis recently released a report that indicates reducing pollutants by 30 percent could restore Lake Tahoe's clarity to 1960's levels, around 100 feet. It's recently come to light that air pollution plays a major role in declining clarity.

[AshenGrey]

That's really cool! Here in Baltimore, State agencies are starting to drive green vehicles too (although the Chesapeake Bay is in absolutely deplorable condition). I've seen a FEH and a couple of Civic GXs cruising around with government plates. The clarity of the Chesapeake Bay down at the inner harbor (aka the Inner Horror) is less than 3". For real.

[Tim K]

I see a ton of Hybrids in Philly. We have Philly Car Share which lets people 'rent' Priuses around the city (and other non-hybrids). Actually, a few city agencies have done away with under-used vehicles and did a deal with PhillyCarShare to allow city workers to use that service on those occasions when they do need vehicles for work. Our Electric (PECO) and Gas (PGW) companies both have a number of FEH's in their fleets as does Drexel University's security patrol. More and more fleet vehicles seem to be Hybrids. SEPTA (our public transportation company) has a number of Hybrid Diesel buses as well.