Congressman Nick Lampson, UPS Unveil First Hybrid Delivery Trucks in Houston

Hybrid Electric Vehicles to Serve Houston's High-Density, Low-Mileage Routes

STAFFORD, TX - Congressman Nick Lampson today joined management and employees at the Stafford UPS Customer Center to unveil a new fleet of hybrid electric vehicles, or HEVs. Standing in front of the first of the 15-vehicle fleet, Lampson talked to a group of about 40 workers about the importance of alternative fuel.

"Houston appreciates the proactive stance UPS is taking by including hybrid technology in their delivery trucks," said Congressman Lampson. "As Chair of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, I commend UPS for their investment and dedication to alternative energy and reducing dangerous vehicle emissions."

A first for the UPS Southeast Texas region, the new HEVs will be used on high-density, low-mileage routes in the metropolitan area, such as the Galleria and Downtown Houston. They are part of a pilot program UPS first announced in 2006, when 50 HEVs were ordered. Atlanta, Phoenix, and Dallas were also chosen to participate in the program.

UPS's alternative fuel fleet is one of the largest in the United States, including trucks powered by compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, propane, electricity, and hydrogen.

Here's my take on this. It’s a Win-Win-Win situation. UPS saves fuel costs by running a fleet of hybrid delivery trucks; it takes a swipe at smog levels, which really get bad as the weather turns warm; and going to a hybrid system will put us a step closer to a goal of reducing greenhouse gas levels in our atmosphere.

On another note Nick is looking good in the photo that the district office included with the news release. But I think Nick needs to add couple of kilograms to his frame. Not an easy task if your diet precludes you from eating lasagna, prosciutto and cannoli.