Gov. Mary Fallin today joined governors from 13 states in inviting auto manufacturers to partner in making more affordable Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles available to both state automobile fleets and private sector consumers.

In a letter to auto manufacturers delivered today, the 13 governors
reinforced their commitment to purchasing CNG vehicles for their state
fleets, both as a cost-saving measure and as a means to incentivizing
the manufacture of affordable and functional CNG automobiles.

The letter refers to a multi-state Request for Information (RFI), asking manufacturers to provide background and information in anticipation of a multi-state solicitation later this year.  Participating states include: Oklahoma, Colorado, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, Utah, Maine, New Mexico, West Virginia, Kentucky, Texas, Ohio, Mississippi and Louisiana.

The initiative, first announced by Governor Fallin and Colorado Governor Hickenlooper, attempts to establish the demand and incentive for car manufacturers in the United States to design and sell a suitable CNG-powered sedan that can be used both by public fleets and private sector consumers.

“Despite their potential as a much more affordable form of transportation, CNG vehicles continue to be held back by a ‘chicken and egg’ scenario,” Fallin said. “Consumers won’t buy cars with limited fueling stations and high price points; and the industry can’t build an affordable car without adequate demand. We can break that cycle by using the combined purchasing power of these 13 states. By purchasing CNG vehicles for state automobile fleets, these states are encouraging the development of more CNG infrastructure and fueling stations and can now work with manufacturers to develop an affordable and high quality product. The result will be a CNG vehicle that has the potential to save money on transportation costs for both state governments and families.”

Fallin said that, besides saving money on fuel costs, encouraging the use of CNG vehicles and CNG fuel has wider economic implications.

“The United States has an abundant supply of natural gas resources that are currently supporting millions of jobs throughout the country,” said Fallin. “By promoting CNG use, states are supporting the production of an American-made energy source that creates American jobs and reduces our dependence on foreign oil. While Washington struggles to find a coherent energy policy, states are leading the way in promoting cleaner, more affordable, American-made fuel sources.”