Gov. McDonnell, Sheriff Harris Announce 'Green' Cars

Gov. Bob McDonnell and Spotsylvania Sheriff Roger Harris participated in a joint press conference Tuesday, highlighting new agreements between Clean Energy Fuels Corp., Alliance Autogas and the Commonwealth of Virginia for alternative fuel fleet cars.  There are currently 20 such vehicles in the Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office fleet.

Governor McDonnell signed a multi-state memorandum of understanding and an executive directive to convert Virginia's state vehicle fleet to alternative fuels.  Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin, who is leading a coalition of 22 states to work with vehicle manufacturers to drive down costs of alternative fuel vehicles, joined Gov. McDonnell at the ceremonies.

The agreement with Clean Energy Fuels Corp. enables the Commonwealth and local Virginia governmental entities to purchase Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) from Clean Energy for their vehicle fleets, reported Daily Finance. "Commonwealth, county, city, municipal and other Virginia government bodies will be able to access special pricing for CNG fuel and services through the state's procurement website, eVA."

The "green" vehicles owned by the Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office operate on regular fuel until reaching a certain temperature, when they then switch to propane. "This is better for the environment and better for the equipment, as it runs much cleaner than traditional fuel," said the Sheriff's department in a press release. "Oil changes are less frequent and maintenance is reduced, thereby reducing the cost to run these vehicles." Annual fuel savings per vehicle is estimated at just over $3,000 per car, for a total annual savings of $60,640 for the 20 vehicles, according to the Sheriff's Department.

The Governor's memorandum of understanding and executive directive follow 2011 legislation and an Executive Order calling for a public-private partnership to build the infrastructure and strategically convert the Commonwealth's vehicle fleet to use alternative fuels. Under the agreement, Virginia will partner with Clean Energy to build at least six new natural gas filling stations around the state, and with Blossman Gas to develop at least seven propane stations.

Clean Energy recently opened its first Virginia CNG public-access station in Richmond and plans to open a second station adjacent to Dulles International Airport, reported Daily Finance.