Rendell Administration Announces $168,678 In Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants

Funding Will Help Finance Purchases of Hybrid Vehicles

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 16 -- On behalf of Governor Edward G. Rendell, Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty today awarded $168,678 in Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants to help residents finance as much as 20 percent of the costs of purchasing alternative-fuel and hybrid- electric vehicles while fostering innovative technology projects.

"Purchasing alternative fuel vehicles and advancing the development of new technologies not only helps to reduce America's dependence upon foreign oil, but it also helps to improve air quality," Secretary McGinty said. "Previous recipients have used these grants to purchase hybrid-electric vehicles or construct refueling or recharging facilities-all of which are essential to creating new markets that can have measurable impacts on pollution reduction, environmental protection and economic growth."

Created by Act 166 of 1992, AFIG provides economic benefits to the purchasers of new vehicles in the form of energy cost savings while at the same time helping to stimulate job growth in the state's energy sector. The program encourages the commercialization of innovative energy technologies and the use of fuels indigenous to the Commonwealth.

One-third of Pennsylvania's ozone pollution comes from gasoline-powered vehicles and refueling operations. Studies show that alternative fuels emit no particulate matter, less carbon monoxide and fewer pollutants that contribute to ground-level ozone, or smog, than conventional gasoline and diesel fuel.

The $168,678 will fund 136 projects, including the purchase of 133 hybrid- electric vehicles; 12 compressed natural gas vehicles; and one innovate energy technology project. All but $46,000 will go to purchase hybrid vehicles.

For more information about the program, visit DEP's Web site at www.dep.state.pa.us, PA Keyword: "DEP alternative fuels."

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