Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP)

Strategy ULT-5. Increase the efficiency of City fleet vehicles and employee commuting. To move Ashland toward a future of low-carbon transportation, the City should lead by example. While the City’s own emissions are relatively small compared to personal and commercial vehicle use, there is an opportunity to make internal improvements that demonstrate its commitment to supporting efficient vehicles, alternative fuel sources, and public/shared transportation. PRIORITY ACTIONS ULT-5-1. Provide carpool and vanpool parking, charging stations, and parking for EVs for City employees. Supporting multiple commute options for City employees is an important step on the path to reducing the use of fossil fuels for transporta - tion, one of Ashland’s biggest sources of green - house gas emissions. Encouraging the use of ridesharing, vanpooling, and alternative fuel vehicle use among City staff will set an example for private citizens and serve as tangible evidence of the City’s commitment to sustain - ability. Furthermore, some of this infrastruc - ture—EV charging stations, for example—can be opened to the public, increasing its positive impact. The City could also pursue new policies and programs for encouraging City employees to drive less for their daily commute.ULT-5-2. Conduct a city fleet audit and use it to set policy and targets for higher-efficiency vehicles, vehicle-sharing across departments, and out-of-town vehicle use. Conducting an audit of the City’s vehicles is a straightforward and low-cost action that sets the stage for policies to govern the fuel effi - ciency of the fleet and/or mandate a transition to alternative fuel vehicles over time. ULT-5-3. Develop policy to require the purchase of verified carbon offsets to offset City staff travel. Ashland has no control over the policies, fuel sources, and infrastructure of jurisdic - tions beyond the city limits. Purchasing carbon offsets is a straightforward action that allows the City to extend its commitment to reducing its emissions to staff who travel for work reasons. Furthermore, if the City’s offset payments are invested in local projects, they can provide a wide range of co-benefits to the local community. OTHER ACTIONS • Improve biking amenities at City facilities such as showers, lockers, and covered/secured bike parking. • Take advantage of potential opportunities under the new state clean fuels program. • Increase incentives for sustainable City employee commuting such as through competitions or cost shares.M MiM Mi M Mi 68 ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLANURBAN FORM, LAND USE & TRANSPORTATION