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Environment & Science

Electric vehicles spark progress for Bethlehem Parking Authority

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Electric car charging

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Bethlehem Parking Authority is getting a little greener.

The state Department of Environmental Protection granted the authority $15,000 to buy two electric vehicles.

  • Bethlehem Parking Authority was granted $15,000 to buy two electric vehicles
  • The grant came from the state Department of Environmental Protection
  • It's part of a funding push to ultimately improve air quality in the Lehigh Valley

Now, more than half its entire fleet is electric.
"Our conversion to electric vehicles aligns us with one of our sustainability goals: "to promote a healthier and cleaner environment," parking authority Executive Director Steven Fernstrom said.

State Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-Lehigh/Northampton, announced the Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant in a news release.

“Cleaner and safer emissions means that Lehigh Valley residents will have cleaner air to breathe.”
State Sen. Lisa Boscola, (D-Lehigh/Northampton)

“State funding to assist in the purchase of vehicles that provide for cleaner and safer emissions means that Lehigh Valley residents will have cleaner air to breathe,” Boscola said.

It’s part of a longstanding funding push to replace gasoline and diesel fuel vehicles in the state. The purpose of the grant is to make the air cleaner and the population healthier by building an infrastructure that supports alternative energy refueling and safer emissions.

It was created in 1992 under Act 166 as a way to support innovative energy technology. Additional goals of the program are to reduce the state’s dependence on imported oil, foster economic development and help the environment.

The funds come on the heels of a $1 million state grant to Bethlehem Area School District for two electric school buses, announced in October.

The pilot program, in partnership with PPL Electric, is intended to help the school district switch over eventually to electric school buses.