Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has received a final report from the Governor’s Natural Gas Vehicle Task Force. The report provides several recommendations regarding the utilization of the state’s abundant natural gas to fuel the state’s transportation needs.
“We have the opportunity to reinvest in our own economy, provide drivers with lower costs at the pump as well as support the establishment of more good-paying jobs for West Virginians – all by using a clean burning energy source harvested right here at home,” Gov. Tomblin said. “The Task Force’s recommendations include my recently introduced alternative fuel tax credit legislation. I will continue to work with legislators, and other stakeholders, to make the most of this opportunity.”
Gov. Tomblin issued an executive order, June 19, 2012, establishing the 21 member board that is comprised of public and private industry experts. Some of the recommendations included in the Task Force’s report presented to the governor today include:
- transitioning a portion of the state’s vehicle fleet to natural gas and transition the state bus fleet to propane;
- increasing the maximum amount of a tax credit allowed for building natural gas fueling infrastructure to $400,000;
- encouraging the private sector to develop a communications strategy to educate the public on the benefits of natural gas vehicles, among others.
To review the Task Force’s report, click here.