PORTLAND 2017 ELECTRIC VEHICLE STRATEGY
Binding City Policy
BCP-ENN-5.06
PURPOSE
WHEREAS, the 2015 Climate Action Plan (Resolution No. 37135) seeks to reduce local carbon emissions 80 percent from 1990 levels by 2050, with an interim goal of 40 percent by 2030; and
WHEREAS, the transportation sector accounts for nearly 40 percent of Multnomah County’s local carbon emissions; and
WHEREAS, the City of Portland’s 2015 Climate Action Plan includes goals to add 8,000 electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids and increase publicly accessible charging infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, the current sources of electricity serving Portland result in carbon emissions from electric vehicles that are 50 to 75 percent lower than typical gasoline-powered vehicles; and
WHEREAS, electric vehicles emit no tailpipe pollution, protecting local air quality where it impacts the largest number of people; and
WHEREAS, the cost and availability of electric vehicles is improving rapidly, with affordable second-hand vehicles now entering the market and costs falling for new models; and
WHEREAS, the Portland Electric Vehicle Strategy has been developed with an equity lens to increase access to affordable electric vehicle transportation options and maximize air quality and cost savings benefits for low-income populations and communities of color; and
WHEREAS, the City is committed to a balanced transportation system that focuses on people movement instead of car movement by prioritizing walking, biking and transit, while reducing vehicle miles traveled and carbon emissions; and
WHEREAS, the Portland Electric Vehicle Strategy focuses on electrification as a critical strategy to reduce emissions from the private automobiles that remain in use; and
WHEREAS, individuals, public agencies, private businesses, utilities and a range of community-based organizations serving Portland see the promotion and integration of electric vehicles into the City’s transportation system as an opportunity to achieve these goals; and
WHEREAS, the City is committed to establishing a clean energy economy by increasing its use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power and transitioning away from fossil fuels; and
WHEREAS, the State of Oregon’s Renewable Portfolio Standard ensures that the continuing shift to renewable energy sources makes electric vehicles an increasingly effective strategy for reducing carbon emissions; and
WHEREAS, the State of Oregon, along with eight other states, have entered into a collaborative “Multi-State ZEV Action Plan” with the goal of adding 3.3 million zero emission vehicles by 2025; and
WHEREAS, the State of Oregon has adopted a goal that all new vehicles will be zero emission by 2050.
POLICY
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Portland adopts the principles outlined in Exhibit A: "2017 Portland Electric Vehicle Strategy"; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that bureaus are directed to implement the actions identified in the 2017 Portland Electric Vehicle Strategy.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution is binding City Policy.
HISTORY
Resolution No. 37255, adopted by City Council December 14, 2016.