Virginia Announces Alternative Fuel Effort For State's Fleet Vehicles

Virginia has signed agreements with two private fuel companies and joined in a multi-state effort to convert the state's vehicle fleet to alternative fuels. Governor Bob McDonnell announced the development October 2 to launch his conference on energy in Richmond. It ran through October 4.

"In addition to reducing our nation's dependence on foreign sources of oil, a transition to natural gas and propane vehicles will also reduce emissions," McDonnell said. "Although these alternative fuel vehicles are available and operating on our roads today, available refueling infrastructure for these vehicles is limited. The agreements signed today will bring new refueling stations to Virginia at no-cost, and they will be available to state agencies, local governments, and private citizens and businesses. These alternative fuel vehicles can and should be used by the Commonwealth to reduce the Commonwealth's dependence on foreign oil and expand markets for domestic fuels."

The agreements are with Clean Energy and Blossman Gas. They were among fourteen solicitations for a public-private partnership to provide alternative fuel infrastructure and vehicle conversions to the state. The multi-state agreement involves a coalition of fourteen states working with vehicle manufacturers to drive down the costs of alternative fuel vehicles.

McDonnell says the state has thousands of vehicles powered primarily by gasoline or diesel fuels blended from foreign oil. He says the agreements will ease the state's dependence on foreign oil and reduce pollution. "Virginia has an opportunity to lead the nation by fully committing to making a substantial contribution to our nation's energy independence from foreign oil. The Commonwealth of Virginia owns thousands of vehicles powered primarily by gasoline or diesel fuels blended from foreign oil," Governor McDonnell said.

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