July 16, 2026
MADISON, Wis. — The Evers Administration adopted a new Clean Fleet Policy, requiring state agencies to purchase alternative fuel vehicles, such as electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids, for new fleet vehicle acquisitions unless an approved exemption applies.
The state’s fleet is comprised of just over 6,000 vehicles, only 14 percent of which are currently alternative fuel vehicles.
The new policy was drafted in collaboration with fleet managers and other experts across the enterprise, led by the Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy (OSCE) and the State Bureau of Procurement. The new Clean Fleet Policy will apply to class 1-5 vehicles with limited exceptions, for example, if a vehicle serves emergency functions or does not have adequate refueling infrastructure nearby. State agencies can select from a range of alternative vehicle fuel types, as outlined by statute, including fully electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, regular hybrids, and more.
The policy is part of the state’s Clean Energy Plan to put Wisconsin on a path for all electricity consumed within the state to be 100 percent carbon-free by 2050.
“We’re embracing a future where we don’t have to choose between mitigating climate change and protecting our environment or creating good-paying jobs and having a strong economy—we are doing both,” said Gov. Evers.
The Clean Fleet Policy is also designed to mitigate the effects of climate change and the rising costs of gasoline and diesel on agency budgets while also continuing to be good stewards of Wisconsinites’ tax dollars by saving taxpayers more in the long run. The policy encourages lifecycle cost analyses across different vehicle types, recognizing that the most sustainable option is often also the most cost-effective.
“We are excited to lead by example on clean energy use in encouraging state agencies to expand their alternative-fuel vehicle options, while ensuring flexibility in meeting state needs, realizing savings on fuel costs, and modernizing our fleet,” said Wisconsin Department of Administration Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld.
This announcement builds on Wisconsin’s involvement with the U.S. Climate Alliance’s Affordable Clean Cars Coalition. This multi-state initiative is aimed at sustaining America’s transition to cleaner and more affordable cars, supporting U.S. automotive manufacturers and workers, and improving air quality for all.
“The OSCE works to translate ideas into action,” said Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy (OSCE) director Maria Redmond. “Strategies in the Clean Energy Plan and in the recently released Emissions Reductions Roadmap show a path for emissions reductions in the transportation sector. We are excited and proud to lead the state in transitioning to a cleaner burning fleet to ensure a healthy environment and economy in communities where we work.”
Earlier this year, Gov. Evers also announced that the state would be bolstering efforts to purchase renewable energy certificates (RECs) from Wisconsin utilities and renewable energy projects for the next two decades, ensuring Wisconsinites have access to in-state renewable electricity.
The state plans to purchase approximately 225,000 RECs every year for the next 20 years, representing 225,000 megawatt-hours of renewable electricity each year, which is enough energy to power more than half a million Wisconsin homes. By purchasing RECs, state agencies support Wisconsin-based jobs, local economic development, clean air, and clean water, while offsetting their net greenhouse gas emissions.
The RFP seeks proposals capable of delivering RECs starting in January 2031 for a 20-year term, helping position state agencies and universities to achieve Wisconsin’s goal of 100-percent carbon-free electricity by 2050.
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