ALTERNATIVE FUELS/HYBRID VEHICLE GRANTS NOW OPEN

 HARRISBURG, AUG. 17 – State Sen. Connie Williams announced that grant applications are now being accepted by the state Department of Environmental Protection for the state’s Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program and Hybrid Electric/Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebate Program.

 “These programs are aimed at reducing the state’s dependence on foreign oil, while at the same time promoting new alternative fuels,” Williams said. “The efforts made today to utilize alternative fuels will serve as the model for the future. Those people and organizations who are making the extra effort today to try alternative fuels are to be commended for being part of this model for the future.”

 The Hybrid Electric Vehicle/Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebate grant program is open to Pennsylvania residents who purchase a new hybrid, bi-fuel, dual-fuel or dedicated alternative fuel vehicle. The rebate for 2005 is $500 and will be awarded on a first come basis until funds are exhausted. Rebate applications should be submitted no later than six months after the purchase. Applications can be obtained online at www.dep.state.pa.us, Keyword “Alternative Fuels,” or by calling 717-772-8912.

 The Alternative Fuels Incentive grant program was established in 1992 to help fund alternative energy projects for schools, vocational school districts, colleges and universities, municipal authorities (including transit authorities), counties, local government, county institution districts, corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships and nonprofit entities incorporated or registered in Pennsylvania.

 Funds can be used to purchase and install necessary fleet fueling or home-refueling equipment, to convert gasoline powered vehicles, to purchase alternative fuel vehicles, to reimburse for the research, development, training and demonstration of new applications or new technology for alternative fuel vehicles or projects, and to purchase biofuels such as biodiesel and ethanol.

 The program has been expanded for 2005 (under Act 178 of 2004). The new programs were established to stimulate the use of renewable fuels, such as biodiesel and ethanol. The primary goal of the alternative fuels program is to improve air quality while promoting the use of alternative fuels.

 Grant applications, instructions and additional information about the alternative fuels program are available on DEP’s Web site at www.dep.state.pa.us, Keyword “Alternative Fuels”, or by calling 717-772-8912. The application deadline is 4 p.m. Oct. 1, 2005.