West Virginia Task Force to Study Converting State Vehicle Fleet to Natural Gas

June 21, 2012

CHARLESTON, W.VA – The State of West Virginia’s Governor Ray Tomblin has signed an executive order, Order No. 10-12, that establishes a natural gas vehicle “task force,” which will determine whether it’s feasible to transition the State’s fleet to natural gas as a fuel source and to develop fueling infrastructure for the fleet.

Tomblin cited reducing dependence on foreign oil, potentially saving taxpayer dollars, and creating new jobs as the reasons for studying natural gas a fuel for the State fleet.

According to the Governor’s office, the task force will analyze the potential cost savings from converting gasoline or diesel-fueled vehicles to natural gas-fueled vehicles. It will also analyze whether it makes financial sense for the State to operate pilot publicly accessible natural gas fueling stations. The task force will also study potential partnerships with natural gas producers, infrastructure developers, vehicle manufacturers, in order to determine whether the State can transition its fleet.