Three primary State agencies would be required to formulate a plan to increase the fuel efficiency of the State motor vehicle fleet to achieve measurable reductions in fuel usage under legislation recently introduced by Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblyman Daniel M. Van Pelt. The 9th District Legislators’ action was taken in response to record increases in gas prices.
Under the measure, S-2117/A-2976, the Department of the Treasury in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) would first work jointly to assess and calculate the miles per gallon average for the State motor vehicle fleet, including all diesel and gasoline vehicles. Those vehicles used for law enforcement purposes would be exempted.
“As it stands, residents are getting whipsawed by skyrocketing gas prices at the pump for not only their own cars but also thorough the rising cost to operate the State fleet which is eating more tax dollars,” said Senator Connors. “We are seeking a comprehensive plan be formulated for achieving reductions in fuel usage over a four-year period, beginning with the first year of implementation. Tangible results are desperately needed in the near future. Otherwise, it is only a matter of time before higher fuel costs for the State fleet are shifted to the taxpayer in one form or another.”
The Connors-Rumpf-Van Pelt initiative calls for the timetable of the plan’s completion, to be within 120 days after the enactment of their bill into law, at which time the plan would be presented to the Legislature and Governor.
“Record setting prices of fuel demand that we decrease the total gallons consumed by the State fleet,” said Assemblyman Rumpf, the ranking Republican member of the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee. “Almost certainly, this will entail a multi-faceted approach including increasing the overall miles per gallon in these vehicles. The costs associated with this issue are significant when considering that there are more than 15,500 vehicles in the State fleet.”
Assemblyman Van Pelt, who currently serves on the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee, went on to add, “This initiative is a part of our broader effort to reign in the cost of state government and bring about fiscal responsibility. The state has an obligation to taxpayers to address this emerging fiscal issue immediately as families continue to struggle by making sacrifices and cut backs in their own budget to compensate for high gas prices. If left unchecked, fuel costs of the State fleet will only add to New Jersey’s overall financial problems and compromise future efforts to reduce state spending.”
Upon introduction, A-2976 was assigned to the Assembly State Government Committee, while the identical companion measure, S-2117, has yet to receive Committee reference.
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December 16, 2008
