The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has furthered its transition away from fossil fuels by replacing gasoline-fueled landscape equipment with electric versions to maintain more than 500 acres associated with its three Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries and five Minnesota Veterans Homes.

A Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) grant made it possible to purchase a broad range of equipment including electric weed trimmers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, mowers and other items for grounds maintenance. According to the MPCA, about 30 percent of the fuel in gasoline-powered landscaping equipment does not fully combust and is emitted as air pollution. Everyone from staff members who are operating the equipment to Veterans Homes Residents and those visiting the Veterans Cemeteries will benefit from this transition to a cleaner air solution. Other benefits of electric equipment include noise reduction, odorless operations, less maintenance, lighter weight and lower maintenance costs. Additionally, the electric versions will save more than 100 gallons of gasoline each year.

MDVA is committed to serving as an exemplary steward of natural resources and making progress toward the State of Minnesota’s sustainability goals outlined in Executive Order 19-27. In 2019, MDVA began its transition away from fossil fuels by replacing decommissioned vehicles with fully electric, hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid, and electric utility vehicles. The State of Minnesota’s goal is to achieve a 30 percent reduction of fleet fossil fuel consumption by 2027. Learn more at: https://sustainability.mn.gov/.