LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Mayor Greg Fischer signed an executive order on Thursday directing all Louisville Metro Government (LMG) agencies and departments to prioritize the purchasing of electric and hybrid vehicles, green equipment and infrastructure to support Metro's transition to electric vehicles.

“Emissions from gas-powered vehicles are the second-largest source for greenhouse gas emissions in our city,” said Fischer. “Louisville Metro Government employees — from LMPD and code enforcement officers driving their routes to Metro Parks employees cutting the grass — operate many gas-powered vehicles. We need to practice what we preach and lead by example. This executive order will move us toward electric vehicles, which will provide cost savings over time and improve environmental health.”

The order also states any contractor or supplier doing business with LMG above $1,000,000, collectively, should commit to reducing their carbon footprint and providing a plan that says how they'll achieve the reduction.

According to a release from the mayor's office, on-road transportation accounts for 12.8% of greenhouse gas emissions in Louisville, or the equivalent of 2,749,767 tons of carbon dioxide. The release said reducing those emissions "not only slows the impacts of climate change, but also reduces operating costs and other air pollutants, including ozone precursors, improves public health and enhances the quality of life for residents."

A variety of vehicles are included in LMG's fleet, and it has installed several electric vehicle stations already at its facilities. Stations are located at six PARC garages, three library branches, three Metro Parks, the Edison Center and one station is soon to be installed at Jefferson Memorial Forest.