To run a successful business, it is very important to use practices that are cost-effective and competitive. That is also the case in running Virginia, if we are to stand strong economically. Two of my bills this year are focused on energy efficiency and competition.　

Governor Bob McDonnell has stated that one of his goals is to “make Virginia the energy capital of the east coast.” That has many facets, including the development and efficient use of alternative fuels. My House Bill 2282 Centralized fleet; DGS, et al., to establish plan for vehicles to use alternative fuels takes a giant step toward moving Virginia forward in using alternative fuels to run the state fleet of vehicles.　

I worked with Maureen Matsen, the Deputy Secretary of Natural Resources and and Senior Advisor on Energy in the Governor’s office. This bill requires the Director of the Department of General Services, in conjunction with the Secretary of Administration and the Governor’s Senior Advisor on Energy, to develop a plan providing for the replacement of vehicles in the centralized fleet, that are rotated out of service, with vehicles that operate using natural gas, electricity, or other alternative fuels, to the greatest extent practicable. Consideration will be given to capital and operating costs and the potential for savings.　

As vehicles owned by Virginia are replaced, the plan would provide for fuel- efficient vehicles for different needs. For instance, State Police vehicles would need different power and mobility than the vehicle of a state worker moving from place to place within a city.　

Under this plan, there can be multiple types of powered vehicles in the fleet such as:

Natural gas powered. There are vast quantities of natural gas in southwest Virginia and the use of it to power state vehicles can create jobs there. Natural gas is 22-29% cleaner than gasoline or diesel. Currently natural gas is approximately $1 per gallon equivalent cheaper than gasoline.

Hybrid or electric for in-city use. A Danville company will soon be shipping batteries for use in vehicles.

Biodiesel and other alternative fuels. These fuels are currently being researched and produced in Southside (limited basis now, but hopefully increasing soon.)

The key idea in my bill is “economically feasible.” We can lower the cost to the state in operating vehicles and use energy that is produced in Virginia. The goal is less expense to Virginians and more jobs for Virginians: Win-Win! This will position Virginia to be a leader with economically-feasible, clean-energy vehicles.　

Another bill that I introduced addresses competition and a fair playing field. This is HB1929 Public Procurement Act; price matching by State’s businesses. This bill came forth at the request of a constituent who runs a business.

In February of 2010 North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue Executive Order No. 50 that directs the NC Secretary of Administration to develop price-matching procedures for North Carolina resident bidders on state contracts for the purchase of goods. Such a preference would provide a qualified North Carolina company whose bid price is within 5% or $10,000 of the lowest bid, whichever is less, an opportunity to match the price of an out-of-state low bidder and be awarded contracts with the State of North Carolina.

So, if a Virginia firm bids on a North Carolina contract for the purchase of goods and comes in as low bidder, it might not get the contract. If it is within 5% or $10,000, the North Carolina firm gets the opportunity to come back with a matching bid and take the contract.

My bill gives Virginia businesses a similar competitive option. It provides that whenever the lowest responsive and responsible bidder is a resident of any other state that practices price-matching on goods, and the difference between such bidder’s bid and the bid of the next lowest responsive and responsible bidder who is a resident of Virginia is no more than five percent or $10,000, the Virginia bidder shall be given the opportunity to match the bid of the out-of-state bidder. If the Virginia bidder matches the out-of-state bid, the contract shall be awarded to the Virginia bidder.

This bill is important in keeping Virginia businesses competitive. It is to create a level playing field.

Both of the bills described in this newsletter have passed the House of Delegates and are headed for the State Senate.

As we reach crossover, when all House bills go to the Senate and all Senate bills come to the House, I want to thank all the constituents who have contacted us to give your thoughts about bills coming before the Virginia General Assembly. Please stay in touch.　

You can contact us by sending an e-mail to DelDMarshall@house.virginia.gov or by sending a letter to me at PO Box 406, Richmond, VA 23218-0406, or by calling 804-698-1014. Visit my website at: www.dannymarshall.com　

Until this year’s legislative session concludes, I’ll be sending these weekly comments back home. I hope that the information is helpful, and I greatly appreciate this media resource and its commitment to informing the public.

Danny Marshall　

Buck