RICHMOND, VA — Virginia’s major-party candidates for governor announced that they would support tax incentives to encourage the production of biodiesel fuel in Virginia, saying rising gas prices demand government efforts to pursue alternative energy sources, according to The Roanoke Times. Democrat Tim Kaine proposed the idea as part of a broad plan to encourage the production and use of biodiesel fuel. In a speech to the Virginia Agriculture and Forestry Initiative at the Virginia State Fair, Kaine said he would seek tax credits and other incentives to encourage the development and expanded use of biodiesel and other renewable energy sources, according to The Roanoke Times. Kaine also said that he would:

• Pull together representatives of the agriculture and petroleum industries to develop a biodiesel initiative.

• Set a goal of converting half of the state’s motor pool to more fuel-efficient vehicles, such as hybrids, within five years.

• Create incentives for local school divisions and transit authorities to convert their bus fleets to vehicles that run on biodiesel fuel.