DEP Urges Hybrid Vehicle Buyers to Apply for PA Rebate Before March 6

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvanians who have recently purchased or leased a hybrid electric vehicle or are in the market for one should act quickly to take advantage of a $500 rebate from the commonwealth's Hybrid Electric Vehicle Rebate Program while funds are available.

The rebate program is scheduled to end March 6, but applications will be accepted until early September for eligible new vehicle purchases or leases. As time passes, though, there is no guarantee that funds will be available to provide a rebate.

"Money is running short and consumers should be aware that funds may be depleted before the March 6 closing date," said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger. "As long as funds are available, rebates will be given for vehicles purchased or leased through March 6.

"You may submit applications for up to six months after the date of purchase, however there is no guarantee the money will last that long. If you are eligible to receive a $500 rebate, you must act quickly."

The program was established in 2004 to promote the use of alternative fuels, improve environmental quality and reduce reliance on foreign energy sources. The program provides a rebate to assist with the incremental costs of buying or leasing a new, approved hybrid electric vehicle.

Hanger added that in recent years, hybrid vehicles have become commonplace on roads and highways. Nearly 9,000 rebates have been issued to help Pennsylvanians acquire new hybrid electric vehicles, which have helped to improve air quality and reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil.

"In order to keep pace with changing and improving technology, and to meet consumer demand for even better fuel efficiency, many manufacturers are now introducing the next generation of hybrids," said Hanger. "These vehicles will utilize a wider variety of alternative fuel technology, offer better gas mileage and further reduce the amount of harmful pollutants released into the atmosphere. With the amount of money available for rebates drawing down, so too must we move on and prepare for the next generation of hybrid vehicles."

Vehicles eligible for rebates must have a combined EPA city and highway rating of greater than 55 miles per gallon, with a carbon footprint of fewer than seven tons per year of carbon dioxide.

Flexible fuel and diesel vehicles are not eligible for rebates.

Rebate forms, along with additional information about the rebate program, may be obtained at www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Hybrid Vehicle Rebates.

Consumers may also call 1-866-294-3854 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

CONTACT: John Repetz, +1-717-787-1323

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection