Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried today joined state lawmakers at Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) to ride along on one of PSTA’s newest all-electric buses.
“No state in America is more vulnerable to the intensifying effects of climate change than Florida. Reducing emissions through cutting-edge technologies and energy efficiency is a key part of addressing our climate crisis,” stated Commissioner Nikki Fried. “PSTA’s zero-emission, all-electric buses are an example of the innovative, forward-thinking initiatives we need to make our sustainable future a reality. Together with our Office of Energy, these regional and local efforts will influence the next generation of Florida’s climate and energy.”
The state Office of Energy, housed within the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, will host the 2019 Florida Energy and Climate Summit in Tampa from September 4-6. The summit will feature leading experts and panels on climate change, sea level rise, energy efficiency, agricultural impacts, renewable energy, and other innovations on energy. Registration is available now at FloridaEnergySummit.com.
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority is the public transit provider for Pinellas County, providing more than 13 million rides per year. PSTA operates nearly 50 bus and trolley routes with a fleet of 210 vehicles, nearly half of which are energy-efficient hybrid buses. PSTA recently incorporated several all-electric buses into its fleet as part of its zero-emission vehicle program, in partnership with the Federal Transit Administration.
