A bill is being proposed that would make California the first state to restrict state purchasing and leasing of sport utility vehicles.

Under the legislation, state agencies and universities would only be allowed to purchase or lease SUVs for emergency use, law enforcement or security purposes. In addition, the bill would require agencies to report the number and type of vehicles they own.

State officials said about 7 percent of California’s state-owned vehicles are SUVs, which are more costly and consume more gasoline than smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles.

“We can move the state’s fleet in a safer, healthier direction,” said the bill’s author and Senate President Pro Tem John Burton, a San Francisco Democrat. “It’s a symbol to both Michigan and its auto industry and other state legislatures.”

State officials and environmental groups in favor of the bill note it aims to reduce air pollution, increase road safety, save tax dollars and decrease dependence on oil.

Sport Utility Vehicle Owners of America President Jason H. Vines stated, “Once again, as policy makers are joining a very local minority of celebrities and celebrity wannabes attempting to punish SUVs and their owners, hypocrisy is running rampant. SUVs are purchased by millions of individuals and governments because of the utility and safety these vehicles provide.”

Vines said purchasing a vehicle should be “based on need, utility, safety, fuel economy, emissions, price and performance, not on political correctness.”