A recent report from a task force study commissioned by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin suggests that Tomblin should quickly begin switching one-fourth of West Virginia's vehicle fleet to natural gas.
The task force study recommends converting nearly 2,000 vehicles within four years.
In the past West Virginia tried to lead the country in a push toward natural gas vehicles. During the 1990s, the state attempted when interest on the new industry was not high enough to sustain. West Virginia installed natural gas fueling stations across the state in the 1990s and according to The United States Department of Energy, about 24 alternative fuel stations currently exist in the state. This current study identifies which counties should host natural gas fueling stations along with a recommended tax credit worth up to $400,000 encouraging their construction.
“It makes sense to start using fuels for our cars and buses that we produce right here in West Virginia,” said Tomblin in an interview in June of 2012.
The recent report also says switching will cost close between $8,000 for a sedan to $35,000 for a heavy-duty truck; and estimates recouping the investment and possibly saving up to $5,000 per vehicle within seven years. Saving estimates will vary depending on the rise or fall of diesel prices.
Tomblin has also proposed legislation to revamp the alternative fuel tax credit; a proposition also found within the current task force study.
Sources: AP, WCHSTV
Comments