Looking to provide Pennsylvanians the security of being an energy-independent commonwealth while also creating a cleaner environment, Gov. Edward Rendell announced Wednesday an $8 million investment in 20 projects that will advance the alternative transportation fuels industry within the state.

“The Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant [AFIG] projects promote cleaner transportation through the production and use of alternative fuels such as biodiesel, natural gas and electricity, and create infrastructure that will allow more Pennsylvanians to make fuel-saving vehicles a part of their daily lives,” said Rendell. “These investments will help make Pennsylvanians less reliant on foreign oil by promoting the production and use of biofuels, and create a variety of employment opportunities in the alternative fuel industry, which will provide a much-needed boost to local economies.”

Through the AFIG program, which Rendell expanded in 2004, $31 million has been awarded to 93 projects, which has also leveraged $194.7 million in investment commitments by public and private fleet operators and fuel providers.

“By promoting the use of cleaner-running vehicles, making the use of such vehicles more practical, and producing cleaner-burning fuels, we are creating jobs, leveraging millions of dollars more in private investments while making our environment cleaner for all Pennsylvanians,” he said.

AFIG grants help support energy security by investing in companies that produce and market homegrown alternative fuels and related infrastructure. The 20 new AFIG projects will combine to save more than three million gallons of conventional liquid fuel, Rendell said, adding that two of the projects will produce 5.8 million gallons of biofuel. The projects are expected to create or retain more than 160 jobs for Pennsylvanians and leverage nearly $21.6 million in private funding. The governor said environmental benefits include reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 34.4 million pounds annually, the equivalent of removing 3,000 passenger vehicles from the road.

Of the 20 new grants, a majority are focused on biofuel development, while five relate to natural gas and three are focused on electricity.

Under the natural gas grants:

On the electricity side:

“The interest in developing these types of alternative fuel technologies is apparent by the amount of private investments these projects attract,” said Rendell. “By investing in infrastructure, fuel production, distribution equipment and vehicle use, we are demonstrating the practicality and long-term dependability of these technologies, which will help stimulate a cost-competitive transition to a less-carbon-intensive transportation sector.”

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