Larisa Manescu, larisa.manescu@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON - This week, the Postal Service announced it is purchasing 9,250 electric Ford delivery vans and 14,000 chargers, investing billions into the electrification of its fleet. However, the USPS is simultaneously buying 9,250 gas-powered vans that will be on US roads by this winter.
In December, the USPS committed to 100 percent electric truck purchases by 2026, a result of public and legal advocacy from environmental groups and a major shift in the agency’s electrification strategy.
In response to this week’s purchase announcement, Katherine Garcia, Director of the Sierra Club’s Clean Transportation for All campaign, released the following statement:
“While we are pleased that the US Postal Service is finally investing in electric vans and chargers, we’re disappointed about its simultaneous purchase of just as many gas-powered delivery trucks.
“The Postal Service needs to complete its environmental review before sinking hundreds of millions into combustion delivery vehicles. A proper analysis will show that combustion vehicle investments are shortsighted.
“Communities across the US deserve cleaner air, and the USPS will not be able to deliver it by putting more fossil fuel vehicles on the road. The agency has committed to 100 percent electric truck purchases within the next three years – it needs to step up its game to get there.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.