Text 
1 Comment [ View ]State vehicles guzzle gas at increasing rate
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Utah state vehicles guzzled nearly $18 million in gas last year, a 117 percent increase from 2004.
A state report says the amount of fuel consumed by state vehicles has remained steady at 6 million gallons a year over the last four years. What's changed is a 12 percent increase in the number of larger, gas-guzzling trucks and sport-utility vehicles in the state fleet.
Tuesday's report from the Legislative Fiscal Analyst's Office recommends that state agencies be billed directly for fuel costs rather than having bills sent to the Division of Fleet Operations. That may help agencies become more cognizant of fuel costs upfront, the analysts said.
Margaret Chambers, director of fleet operations, says her agency has also been trying to buy more hybrid vehicles.
------
Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune, http://www.sltrib.com
Add Your Comment
I've noticed how many large trucks/suv's in the state, and city fleets lately. It is completely inappropriate. While these vehicles may have their place, they should be the exception, not the rule. Most state vehicles should be 4 cyl, and should get very good fuel economy. Trooper cars should be cars, not suv's. I don't mind if they're full size, or mid-size because after-all, they do live in there. But the fact is, they put a lot of miles on these vehicles, and i don't believe it is right for us to pay for trucks-which are more prone to rolling in a chase anyway. They get poor economy, are more expensive to buy and maintain, and just have very limited use in today's force. There is no reason for it, except pride.
I am sickened by the wasteful nature of how our city/state government has been acting in this regard, and it needs to change now. I guess when it is not your money, it is very easy to spend.
Please read our posting guidelines before reporting a comment.