1Directing the Department of General Services to conduct a study
2to determine the associated costs and feasibility of
3converting and retrofitting State-owned vehicles with
4compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas engines for
5the purpose of modernizing the State fleet.

6WHEREAS, As further exploration takes place, natural gas is
7rapidly becoming readily available for use as a transportation
8fuel; and

9WHEREAS, Natural gas is domestically produced, thus reducing
10dependence on foreign oil, and is better for the environment by
11reducing emissions; and

12WHEREAS, The Environmental Protection Agency states that
13light-duty natural gas vehicles can reduce exhaust emissions of
14carbon monoxide by 90% to 97%, carbon dioxide by 25% and
15nitrogen oxides by 35% to 60% when compared to gasoline-powered
16vehicles; and

17WHEREAS, When used as a transportation fuel, natural gas can
18reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% to 29% compared with

1diesel and gasoline-powered vehicles; and

2WHEREAS, Natural gas is also less expensive for the consumer
3by requiring less total vehicle maintenance over time; and

4WHEREAS, Fuel storage cylinders in natural gas vehicles are
5much stronger than gasoline fuel tanks and are also sealed to
6prevent any spills or leaks, allowing natural gas to be a safe
7and efficient transportation fuel; and

8WHEREAS, Converting the State fleet to vehicles that use
9natural gas could spur demand for natural gas produced within
10this Commonwealth; and

11WHEREAS, In converting the State fleet to vehicles that use
12natural gas, the Commonwealth could be eligible for Federal and
13State incentives to offset the costs associated with conversion
14and retrofitting; and

15WHEREAS, A thorough study conducted by the Department of
16General Services would determine the total cost and feasibility
17of converting State-owned vehicles to natural gas vehicles
18through a retrofitting and fleet modernization process; and

19WHEREAS, The study conducted by the department would also
20examine the potential for the expansion of natural gas fueling
21stations throughout this Commonwealth; therefore be it

22RESOLVED, That the Senate direct the Department of General
23Services to conduct a thorough study to determine the associated
24costs and feasibility of retrofitting current State-owned
25vehicles with compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas
26engines for the purpose of modernizing the State fleet.