"U.S. States Urge Postal Service To Halt Gas Vehicle Purchases"

"WASHINGTON - A group of 17 state attorneys general urged the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to halt planned purchases of gasoline-powered delivery vehicles pending a new environmental review, in a statement on Monday that encouraged the purchase of electric vehicles (EVs).

USPS announced plans last month to buy at least 25,000 electric delivery vehicles - more than twice its prior estimate - to replace its aging fleet. The group of states led by California and New York want USPS to redo its analysis with "greater attention to environmental justice and addressing the climate crisis."

USPS declined immediate comment.

In April, 16 states, four environmental groups and the United Auto Workers union filed lawsuits to block USPS' from buying mostly gas-powered next-generation delivery vehicles under a contract with Oshkosh Defense (OSK.N) worth at least $2.98 billion. They argue the agency used an unlawful environmental analysis and signed contracts before even completing a draft environmental review."

David Shepardson reports for Reuters August 15, 2022.

Source: Reuters, 08/16/2022