HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania -- Pennsylvania Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty unveiled the new Hybrid Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebate Program, which enables residents to apply for a $500 rebate to assist with the incremental costs of purchasing a new hybrid-electric, bi-fuel, dual-fuel or dedicated alternative fuel vehicle.

"Alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles save consumers money, especially as fuel prices continue to rise, and enhance America's energy security by making our nation less dependent on foreign oil," said Secretary McGinty during a visit to Sutliff Capital Ford of Harrisburg, which already has stocked and is selling new Escape hybrids.

Using vehicles that achieve higher fuel efficiency standards, get better gas mileage and employ alternative fuels provides a vastly greater degree of energy security and helps to lessen the nation's dependence on foreign oil. Hybrid vehicles use less fuel and run cleaner than traditional automobiles, providing both environmental and economic benefits.

In addition, embracing hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles positions the country to capture a market for the development and deployment of a whole new generation of vehicles. This puts Americans to work and cleans up the environment at the same time by relying on indigenous resources to fuel the economy.

"Each of us can make a difference by demanding cleaner cars that get better gas mileage," Secretary McGinty said.

To qualify for the $500 rebate, the automobile must be registered in Pennsylvania and operated primarily within the Commonwealth. The rebate will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the calendar year as long as funds are available.

Governor Edward G. Rendell worked with members of the General Assembly and legislative leaders who were crucial to efforts to improve the Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant program by eliminating restrictions on the percentage of grant funds that can support alternative fuel projects. The new, Act 178 of 2004, allows DEP to offer the rebate instead of a grant to Commonwealth residents who purchase hybrid electric and alternative fuel vehicles.

Another example of the Commonwealth's leadership is the Governor's recent executive order, "Energy Management and Conservation in Commonwealth," which was signed Dec. 15. This executive order ensures maximum efficiency in energy management and conservation in state facilities through the implementation of a centralized energy strategy. This measure will decrease energy consumption and energy costs and promote a cleaner environment.

The Rendell administration has adopted a number of policy and financial tools designed to promote other advanced energy projects in the state. Pennsylvania is now home to one of the nation's most progressive energy portfolio standards, ensuring that in 15 years, 18 percent of all of the energy generated in the Commonwealth comes from clean, efficient sources.

The Governor is working to build on the state's leadership in the development and deployment of new technologies by inviting letters of interest from advanced energy companies that want to take advantage of the opportunities Pennsylvania has to offer by seeking assistance with project financing or business siting.

The Pennsylvania Energy Harvest Grant Program, which encourages clean and renewable energy projects, has awarded $10 million and leveraged another $26.7 million in private funds since its inception in May 2003 to build a clean, indigenous, diversified energy industry in the state. Passage of the Governor's Growing Greener II initiative is critical to expanding Energy Harvest and building on the success the program already has achieved. Growing Greener II would provide $80 million over four years to expand the grant program.

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

Include the following information with the 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 dealer invoice. For alternative fuel vehicles only, the alternative fuel components must be clearly identified.
• -- Proof of the vehicle purchase.

A rebate will not be issued unless DEP receives all required documentation.

Individuals interested can obtain a rebate form by calling Cleo Arp at DEP at 717-772-8912. The form, along with additional information about the program, also is available at DEP's Web site at www.dep.state.pa.us, Keyword: "Alternative Fuels."