The California Energy Commission has approved $12 million for three alternative fuel projects that support green-vehicle initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on petroleum-based fuels.

The projects, which will be funded through the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program (ARFVTP), will be implemented by the University of California, U.S. General Services Administration, and fuel provider Linde LLC. The funding was approved on Jan. 14.

For its $11.2 million, the Regents of the University of California will administer an incentive program to put more natural gas vehicles on California roads.

The U.S. General Services Administration will use its $600,000 to install at least 50 electric vehicle charging stations in existing federal facilities in California.

Linde LLC will use its $300,000 for operation and maintenance costs and data collection for a new hydrogen refueling station that opened in West Sacramento in December.

The California Energy Commission also approved $4 million to fund two geothermal projects along with $3.5 million to fund local energy efficiency projects.