P13-Transportation

4. Transportation

Transportation accounts for 21 percent of energy use in Chaffee County, second only to the built

environment. Transportation presents a unique set of challenges due to the need for “portable power,” which creates a heavy reliance on fossil-based fuels.

Conservation efforts can produce significant savings, and developing local bio-fuel capacity can create jobs and revenue within the county, particularly in agriculture, while providing a fuel source that contributes no additional carbon to the atmosphere.

4.1 Fuel Efficiency

Action
Increase the efficiency of fleet vehicles and heavy equipment.

Implementation
Identify ways to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce harmful emissions in local vehicle fleets. Possible improvements include vehicle operation requirements (e.g., no idling, proper tire inflation, regular tune-ups); replacing old, inefficient vehicles and equipment with models that reduce fuel consumption and/or emissions; and use of alternative fuels.

4.2 Multi-modal Transportation

Action
Promote pedestrian, bicycle and low-emission vehicle traffic in Chaffee County.

Implementation
Enhance existing trail systems, bike lanes, sidewalks, ordinances, safe routes to schools and other measures that promote walking and bicycling.

Promote use of low-emission vehicles like golf carts and scooters in appropriate settings (e.g., municipalities and other communities).

Review ordinances and planning considerations to enhance these alternative modes of transportation.

4.3 Clean Vehicle Technology

Action
Support clean vehicle technology in local mass transit – school buses, rafting buses, Chaffee Shuttle, and Monarch shuttle.

Implementation
Implementation could include supporting large-scale conversion of local vehicle fleets to natural gas, bio-diesel, electricity, hydrogen or other fuel sources.