State to transition vehicle fleet to alternative fuels

Gov. Bob McDonnell today ceremonially signed two pieces of legislation that promote the use of alternative fuel vehicles in the Commonwealth. He also signed a new executive order setting out the state alternative fuel plan required by House Bill 2282.

The governor was joined by delegates Danny Marshall (R-Danville) and David Bulova (D-Fairfax); Secretary of Administration Lisa Hicks-Thomas; Secretary of Natural Resources Doug Domenech; Deputy Secretary of Natural Resources and Senior Advisor on Energy Maureen Matsen; Director of the Department of General Services Rich Sliwoski; and representatives from manufacturers and retailers of alternative fuel vehicles and components.

The legislation was signed during a morning event at the Department of General Service’s Office of Fleet Management Services in Richmond. The Office of Fleet Management Services oversees approximately 4,000 passenger-type vehicles, used by more than 175 state agencies and institutions. Fourteen alternative fuel vehicles and two alternative fuel vehicle chargers were also on display at the signing ceremony.

“As we continue on the path toward making Virginia the ‘Energy Capital of the East Coast,’ it is important that we pursue all practicable and cost-effective options to promote the use of alternative fuel vehicles,” McDonnell said. “Increased use of alternative fuel vehicles holds the potential to help reduce our dependence on foreign oil, support the expansion of private-sector businesses and create new jobs here in the Commonwealth. This potential is why, in my administration, Virginia is pursuing an ‘all fuels approach’ to the vehicles it uses in conducting its business. The legislation and executive order that I am signing today will provide the private sector an opportunity to develop creative partnerships to help the commonwealth meet its goals.”

“My bill connects efficiency of the government fleet with job creation,” Marshall said. “When we take steps to move to alternative energy usage for our state fleet, we also encourage all the Virginia producers of alternative energy. In Southern Virginia, we can connect this with the research being done at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, with producers like Piedmont Biofuels and others. It can be a boost to alternative fuel production and usage across the Commonwealth.”