Skip to main content

Cohen Introduces Bill to Protect Environment, Save Local Governments Money

June 18, 2014

[WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today introduced the Clean and Efficient Public Safety Vehicles Act of 2014 to help municipal public safety and law enforcement agencies save money on fuel costs and reduce their negative effects on our environment. Congressman Cohen’s bill will encourage local government agencies like fire and police departments to invest in technology that reduces both fuel consumption and improves environmental impacts by ensuring that a portion of their federal grant funds are used on emissions reduction.

“Many emergency vehicles like ambulances must run continuously in order to power critical on-board systems,” said Congressman Cohen. “Constant engine idling uses significant amounts of fuel while waiting at the scene of an emergency or while waiting to be called into action. My bill would help local governments reduce their costs and energy usage while cutting emissions that hurt our environment.”

Congressman Cohen’s legislation will ensure that Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant recipients use five percent of their annual CMAQ funding on projects that reduce the emissions of public safety vehicles like ambulances, police cars, and fire engines.