|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
CONTACT: Bill
Thomas |
State Rep. Eugene DePasquale |
|
|
|
|
|
|
DePasquale to introduce legislation promoting use of
fuel-efficient vehicles
HARRISBURG, Jan. 22 – State Rep. Eugene DePasquale, D-York, will introduce several pieces of legislation that would promote fuel efficiency and encourage the use of hybrids, alternative-fuel vehicles and other fuel-efficient automobiles.
DePasquale, a former deputy secretary in charge of economic development for the Department of Environmental Protection, said Pennsylvania must do more to promote energy and fuel conservation and to reduce its dependence on foreign oil. In addition, he said encouraging citizens to buy hybrids or alternative fuel vehicles would improve the state’s environment.
Two of the measures DePasquale plans to introduce would provide sales tax exemptions for the purchase of hybrids and other fuel-efficient vehicles. He said that providing financial incentives would draw people into buying these types of cars and also provide a reward for those who are committed to protecting the environment.
“Even though hybrids and alternative-fuel cars usually get better gas mileage than similarly sized vehicles with conventional engines, a lot of people are put off by the higher initial costs involved in buying them,” DePasquale said. “Having a sales tax rebate program will help level the playing field regarding the initial costs of hybrid and other fuel-efficient vehicles, making them more affordable for every Pennsylvanian.”
In addition to encouraging residents to be more conservative with their use of fuel and energy, DePasquale also will introduce a bill that would require the state to do the same. The measure he is proposing would mandate that at least 50 percent of all vehicles procured by state agencies and state officials be hybrids, alternative-fuel vehicles or an automobile that gets at least 45 miles per gallon.
“If the state expects its citizens to be environmentally conscious, or to reduce their energy consumption, then it must lead by example,” DePasquale said. “I was very disappointed to learn that there were very few hybrids or alternative-fuel options when I joined the state fleet vehicle program. In fact, there was only one hybrid available, which I was able to secure. However, other members wanted to participate as well and were unable to due to a lack of availability.”
DePasquale said he also plans to introduce legislation that would eliminate private car leases for members of the state House. He believes the cost of this program is too high and with the public clamoring for change, he said this reform is necessary.
“The Senate has already banned private leases and the House should follow suit,” he added.
###wt/2007/mjh l:\print\releases\fuel_vehicles.095