State Invests $8 Million In 20 Alternative Fuel Projects

The Department of Environmental Protection announced $8 million in funding for 20 projects to promote alternative forms of energy this week.
           “The Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant projects promote cleaner transportation through the production and use of alternative fuels such as biodiesel, natural gas and electricity, and create infrastructure that will allow more Pennsylvanians to make fuel saving vehicles a part of their daily lives,” said Gov. Rendell. “These investments will help make Pennsylvanians less reliant on foreign oil by promoting the production and use of biofuels, and create a variety of employment opportunities in the alternative fuel industry which will provide a much-needed boost to local economies.
            “The actions we have taken during the past seven years have helped Pennsylvania become more energy independent through the strategic investment of state and federal dollars to develop cleaner forms of alternative energy for our homes and businesses. The Alternative Fuel Incentive Grants, or AFIG, will have a similar effect on our vehicles and highways. By promoting the use of cleaner-running vehicles, making the use of such vehicles more practical, and producing cleaner-burning fuels, we are creating jobs, leveraging millions of dollars more in private investments while making our environment cleaner for all Pennsylvanians.”
            AFIG grants help support energy security by investing in companies that produce and market homegrown alternative fuels and related infrastructure. The 20 AFIG projects will combine to save more than three million gallons of conventional liquid fuel. 
            Two of the projects will produce 5.8 million gallons of biofuel. The projects are expected to create or retain more than 160 jobs for Pennsylvanians and leverage nearly $21.6 million in private funding. Environmental benefits include reducing harmful carbon dioxide emissions by 34.4 million pounds annually, the equivalent of removing 3,000 passenger vehicles from our roads.
            “The interest in developing these types of alternative fuel technologies is apparent by the amount of private investments these projects attract,” said Gov. Rendell. “By investing in infrastructure, fuel production, distribution equipment and vehicle use, we are demonstrating the practicality and long-term dependability of these technologies which will help stimulate a cost-competitive transition to a less-carbon-intensive transportation sector.”
            A list of projects funded is available online.
                                 Western PA Companies Get State Alternative Fuels Grants


4/12/2010

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