Sweet news. Being as progressive as they are, I'm a bit surprised they aren't already doing so. I'd love if they could actually make the city functions carbon-neutral by 2020. Now that would be mighty impressive.

City inks $138 million contract for alternative fuel

Austin Business Journal

The city of Austin has inked a multiyear contract for alternative fuel to power all municipal vehicles.

The city has contracted with Houston-based Sun Coast Systems to secure an estimated 3.15 million gallons of E2 gasoline and/or ethanol or 3.21 million gallons of bio diesel fuel. The contract is worth $138 million over six years.

Several city fuel sites will be converted to accommodate alterative fuels and immediately more than half of municipal vehicles will be run on alternative fuel or hybrid technology. The remaining fleet will be fueled by a mix of traditional and alternative fuels--specifically 90 percent gasoline and 10 percent ethanol­--until those vehicles are replaced.

The contract is part of the city's Climate Protection Plan, which pledges to make city buildings, operations and equipment carbon-neutral by 2020.