Houston backs electric vehicles in climate plan

AUSTIN – Today, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and the City of Houston’s Office of Sustainability released Houston’s Climate Action Plan, laying out a vision to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reach carbon neutrality by 2050. 

In 2014, the city of Houston emitted over 34 million metric tons of global warming pollution, primarily from transportation and electricity to power buildings. The plan outlines a vision to reduce global warming pollution from these sectors by shifting to electric and low-emission vehicles, reducing vehicle miles traveled per capita, and investing in solar and energy efficiency.

Luke Metzger, Executive Director of Environment Texas, issued the following statement:

“We applaud the city’s commitment to electric vehicles, including 100% electric vehicles for its own fleet, partnering with METRO to electrify buses, and working to make 30% of new car purchases in Houston electric by 2030. The coronavirus crisis shows us that clean air is possible without so many polluting cars on the road. We don’t have to settle for dirty air again when life returns to normal.”

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Environment Texas is a non-profit advocate for clean air, clean water and open spaces.