DENVER -- The Western Governors' Association today called on Congress to provide incentives this year for the use and development of natural gas vehicles and NGV infrastructure, which would create jobs, improve the economy, protect the environment and reduce the country's dependence on foreign oil.
WGA's chairman and vice chairman, Gov. Brian Schweitzer (Mont.) and C.L. "Butch" Otter (Idaho) in a letter to House and Senate leaders expressed WGA's support for legislation to be considered by Congress.
"One of the greatest contributions from an increased penetration of NGVs in America's transportation system undoubtedly would be a growth in high quality and stable domestic jobs," the letter stated. "Industry projections estimate that implementing long-term tax incentives to promote the increased production of light- and heavy-duty NGVs and NGV stations could create more than half-a-million domestic jobs. These sustainable, high-quality jobs should be strongly incentivized and promoted."
WGA brought together more than 100 diverse stakeholders in 2008 to consider and recommend priority actions that would help diversify fueling options and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The resulting Transportation Fuels for the Future roadmap they developed noted the far reaching environmental and economic benefits of NGVs and their expanding support industries. Over the past 18 months, WGA's governor-appointed Transportation Fuels Council has been working to implement the report's recommendations and coordinate state efforts at the regional level.
