Gov. Rendell this week announced the state will explore the use of more hybrid and alternative-fueled vehicles in the state fleet to help reduce air pollution and reduce the consumption of foreign oil.

The Commonwealth plans to increase the number of hybrid vehicles in steps: by 2006 it will add 30 vehicles, by 2008 50 more vehicles, by 2010 add 75 vehicles and by the 2011 model year at least 25 percent of all new passenger vehicles purchased for the Commonwealth fleet will be hybrid vehicles.

These purchases will be made as long as the total cost of ownership does not exceed the average total cost of ownership of the rest of the fleet, according to the announcement.

The Department of General Services will prepare annual reports analyzing its fleet options, total cost of ownership and, in conjunction with DEP, environmental benefits of the program.

Individuals, school districts and others can also buy hybrid vehicles with the help of the Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant Program. Applications are due October 3.

The grants include rebates for the purchase of hybrid and alternative fueled vehicles and biofuels.

Alternative fuels include compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, liquid propane gas, ethanol, methanol, hydrogen, coal-derived liquid fuels and fuels derived from biological materials.

For more information on Green Transportation initiatives at the Commonwealth, visit the Governor’s Green Government Commission webpage .

NewsClip: State Commits to Buying More Hybrid Vehicles

Editorial: Hybrid Leadership

8/26/2005