Illinois Must Buy Flex Fuel Vehicles for State Fleet
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois (ENS) - Building on his efforts to support Illinois farmers and expand the use of clean and renewable energy, Governor Rod Blagojevich Friday signed legislation requiring state agencies to purchase flexible fuel vehicles.
These gasoline powered vehicles can run on E-85, an 85 percent blend of ethanol and gasoline. Diesel powered vehicles can run on B-5, a blend of five percent biodiesel and regular diesel fuel.
The bill also encourages state agencies to purchase fuel efficient gas-electric hybrid vehicles.
“This bill will help further the progress we’ve made in recent years in building one of the largest green fleets in the nation. By using biofuels to fuel state cars and trucks, we’re helping the environment and supporting our farmers,” said the governor.
The state will purchase E-85 flex fueled or biodiesel compatible vehicles and hybrids whenever they are available to fit the business use - only certain exemptions will be granted for special agency needs.
To increase the number of large vehicles on Illinois roads powered by biofuels, this bill also allows consumers to purchase large alternative fuel vehicles out of state, if not available in-state, and be able to qualify for a rebate program administered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
The rebate program offers up to $4,000 per vehicle to convert a conventional vehicle to a vehicle using alternative fuels, such as natural gas or propane. Current law requires that vehicles over 8,500 pounds must be purchased in Illinois to be eligible. Details on this rebate program can be found on the Illinois Green Fleets website.
“Renewable fuels help reduce our dependence on foreign oil while decreasing the pollutants in our air,” said Lt. Governor Pat Quinn, chairman of the Illinois Green Government Coordinating Council and the Biofuels Working Group.
Last August, Governor Blagojevich introduced a long-term energy plan to replace Illinois’ dependence on foreign oil with homegrown alternatives. The plan sets a goal of meeting 50 percent of the state’s transportation fuel needs with homegrown fuels by 2017. Illinois would be the first state in the nation to reach this level of energy independence.
The plan is expected to stabilize energy prices, give Illinois farmers new markets for their crops, and create 30,000 new jobs.
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