Autogas for America Continues Push for Equitable Alternative Fuel Incentives

WASHINGTON, Aug. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Autogas for America continues to petition for propane's inclusion in the Senate's Clean Energy Jobs and Oil Company Accountability Act legislation.  "The organization is urging the Senate to include propane Autogas in the definition of natural gas for all legislation".

Sen. Reid's pared-down energy package, which aims to alter the spill-liability cap for oil companies while incentivizing alternative fuel and electric vehicle adoption, is one of several pieces of legislation Sen. Reid hopes to push to a vote prior to the Senate's August recess. Under the latest language released in a Senate draft summary, Autogas is not included in incentives for a $3.8 million development program and infrastructure tax credit, allotted to natural gas.

Autogas for America applauds the merits of natural gas for certain vehicle applications like tractor trailers, buses and other heavy-duty vehicles with fixed routes.  However, other fleets, particularly those with light-duty vehicles, need a more practical solution – one which Autogas currently offers.  These fleets often require a greater range of travel between fill ups and a less expensive fueling infrastructure that can be implemented onsite.  

Like natural gas, Autogas is a clean-burning and domestically produced fuel; it is also significantly less expensive than gasoline.  Growth in the U.S. Autogas market will result in the creation of domestic, green-collar jobs, as well as cleaner air and a reduced dependence on foreign oil.

Of the $300 million awarded to Department of Energy Clean Cities for clean vehicle and alternative fuel infrastructure development (under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act), one-third of the 9,000 vehicles funded are Autogas powered.  "Autogas is the most widely used alternative fuel in the world, far surpassing other options," said Autogas for America Chairman Stuart Weidie. "In order to help this market develop in the United States, we believe unbiased alternative fuel tax incentives at the Federal level will accelerate the adoption of Autogas and will lead to a long-term sustainable market."

Autogas for America will continue to encourage equitable and impactful energy legislation.

For more information visit www.autogasforamerica.org.

SOURCE Autogas for America