Description
Some operational needs may require vehicle capabilities that are not yet achievable with current zero-emission vehicle technology. To help reduce the County’s GHG emissions in the near term, King County will expand the use of alternative, low-emission fuels when electric/zero emission vehicles are unavailable or are not feasible. This includes a commitment to purchase renewable diesel as this fuel source is available. The County will work with fleet managers to identify renewable fuel sources and consistently track purchasing based on fluctuations in incremental price between diesel and renewable diesel. The WA Clean Fuel Standard is projected to facilitate the use of alternative fuels by increasing the availability, transparency, and confidence in emission reduction benefits, and reducing the incremental cost of biofuels. King County agencies have made the following commitments to expand the use of alternative fuels:
1. King County Metro will continue a renewable diesel pilot for the bus fleet with a goal to increase to 100 percent renewable diesel use by 2030.
2. King County Metro will pilot the use of renewable diesel in the primary water taxi fleet in 2025 with a goal to increase to 100 percent renewable diesel use in the primary vessel fleet by 2026.
3. King County Metro will use renewable fuels for Paratransit fleet pending vehicle and fueling infrastructure availability.
4. King County Solid Waste has converted to the use of renewable diesel and will continue to use renewable diesel for its operations (“class 8” semi-trucks and heavy-duty landfill equipment).
5. King County Wastewater Treatment will continue a renewable diesel pilot for Grit Truck and LOOP Trucks when fueling in western Washington and increase renewable fuel use as possible and as available when fueling east of the Cascades.