THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

SENATE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY SOLOBAY, COSTA, ALLOWAY, BOSCOLA, BROWNE, FERLO, FONTANA, TARTAGLIONE, WAUGH AND M. WHITE, AUGUST 3, 2011

REFERRED TO STATE GOVERNMENT, AUGUST 3, 2011  

A RESOLUTION

Directing the Department of General Services to conduct a study

to determine the associated costs and feasibility of

converting and retrofitting State-owned vehicles with

compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas engines for

the purpose of modernizing the State fleet.

WHEREAS, As further exploration takes place, natural gas is

rapidly becoming readily available for use as a transportation

fuel; and

WHEREAS, Natural gas is domestically produced, thus reducing

dependence on foreign oil, and is better for the environment by

reducing emissions; and

WHEREAS, The Environmental Protection Agency states that

light-duty natural gas vehicles can reduce exhaust emissions of

carbon monoxide by 90% to 97%, carbon dioxide by 25% and

nitrogen oxides by 35% to 60% when compared to gasoline-powered

vehicles; and

WHEREAS, When used as a transportation fuel, natural gas can

reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% to 29% compared with

diesel and gasoline-powered vehicles; and

WHEREAS, Natural gas is also less expensive for the consumer

by requiring less total vehicle maintenance over time; and

WHEREAS, Fuel storage cylinders in natural gas vehicles are

much stronger than gasoline fuel tanks and are also sealed to

prevent any spills or leaks, allowing natural gas to be a safe

and efficient transportation fuel; and

WHEREAS, Converting the State fleet to vehicles that use

natural gas could spur demand for natural gas produced within

this Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, In converting the State fleet to vehicles that use

natural gas, the Commonwealth could be eligible for Federal and

State incentives to offset the costs associated with conversion

and retrofitting; and

WHEREAS, A thorough study conducted by the Department of

General Services would determine the total cost and feasibility

of converting State-owned vehicles to natural gas vehicles

through a retrofitting and fleet modernization process; and

WHEREAS, The study conducted by the department would also

examine the potential for the expansion of natural gas fueling

stations throughout this Commonwealth; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate direct the Department of General

Services to conduct a thorough study to determine the associated

costs and feasibility of retrofitting current State-owned

vehicles with compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas

engines for the purpose of modernizing the State fleet.