NEWARK, NJ – New Jersey’s largest utility, Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) will be buying hybrid vehicles to replace nearly one-third of its fleet over the next decade in an effort to reduce tailpipe emissions linked to global warming, according to the Associated Press. The hybrid vehicles, along with the use of alternative fuels and other changes, should reduce the carbon dioxide output of PSE&G by 81,000 tons over the period.

PSE&G plans to replace 1,300 of its cars and light trucks with hybrids, which use a combination of gasoline and electricity for power. The company’s 450 bucket trucks will be outfitted with electric-powered buckets, so the engine can be turned off while a crew is aloft. Also, hybrid bucket trucks are just becoming available, and the utility has purchased two. The company has about 5,000 vehicles, and those that lack a hybrid option will be fueled with biodiesel, a fat-based fuel that produces less pollution.

PSE&G is also the latest New Jersey utility to announce plans in support of the state’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 20 percent by 2020 - or to 1990 levels - and 80 percent by 2050, according to the Associated Press.