National Press Release

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today reminded would-be car buyers -- or those who have purchased an eligible vehicle in the past six months -- that $500 rebates are available to make fuel-efficient electric hybrid vehicles more affordable.

The Governor said Pennsylvania has made more than $1 million available to continue its popular rebate program, which helps drivers conserve fuel, save money, and reduce the state's dependence on imported oil.

"These rebates make it easier for families to buy energy-efficient, electric-hybrid vehicles and conserve fuel," said Governor Rendell. "We need to break our dependence on imported oil by adopting advanced conservation technologies and by producing greater amounts of clean, alternative fuels in Pennsylvania."

Hybrid electric vehicles save consumers money through increased fuel efficiency, which in turn reduces the need to import oil from foreign countries. Greater fuel efficiency also translates into lower emissions of air pollutants.

Rebates will be provided only for purchasing the cleanest and most fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles. In order to qualify, the total city and highway miles per gallon ratings as measured by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency must meet or exceed 55 mpg. The hybrid vehicle must also have a carbon footprint of less than 7.0-tons-per-year of carbon dioxide as accounted by http://www.fueleconomy.gov.

The Department of Environmental Protection maintains a list of eligible vehicles that is updated monthly at http://www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Hybrid Vehicle Rebates.

"Energy conservation saves families and businesses money, and just as importantly it cuts waste of natural resources and reduces pollution," said acting Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger. "By reducing energy consumption and producing clean sources of fuel and power from resources that are abundant in Pennsylvania we are making real progress toward protecting our environment and breaking our dependence on energy imports."

To claim the Hybrid Electric Vehicle Rebate, vehicle purchasers must submit a completed form no later than six months after their purchase to: Department of Environmental Protection, HEV Rebate Program, and P.O. Box 8772, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8772. Include the following information with the completed rebate form:

    --  Copy of a valid Pennsylvania vehicle registration. The name appearing on
        the vehicle registration card must appear on the dealer invoice.
    --  Copy of the bill of sale.
    --  Proof of the vehicle purchase.  This can be a copy of the front and back
        of a cancelled check, the finance agreement or an invoice indicating a
        zero balance due and receipt of payment in full.

A rebate will not be issued unless DEP receives all required documentation within the six-month time frame.

Rebate forms, guidance and instructions are available at http://www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Hybrid Vehicle Rebates, or by calling 866-294-3854 or 717-214-3492.

In July, Governor Rendell signed legislation to encourage the development of homegrown biofuels by establishing new requirements that every gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel contain a percentage of ethanol and biodiesel as in-state production reaches certain benchmarks. Pennsylvania is also increasing its biodiesel production incentive to 75 cents per gallon to eligible applicants, with up to $5.3 million available annually through fiscal year 2010-11.

The Alternative Fuels Incentive Act also calls for extending the state's rebate program to plug-in hybrids and other alternative fuel vehicles. DEP is now developing procedures to implement the new provisions.

The Governor also signed into law a $650 million investment in clean power generation, conservation and energy efficiency that will spur development of alternative and renewable sources of power, create at least 10,000 jobs and help families and businesses save money by conserving energy.

In October, the state legislature passed another piece of Governor Rendell's Energy Independence Strategy that will give consumers the tools and information to make smart energy choices. The new law will also require utilities to provide electricity at the lowest reasonable cost.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit http://www.governor.state.pa.us.

CONTACT:

Chuck Ardo

717-783-1116

Teresa Candori (DEP)

717-787-1323

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor