Pennsylvania May Require Hybrids in State Fleet

Pennsylvania would be required to introduce hybrid gas-electric cars to its vehicle fleet within the next two years under a bill being discussed by a legislative panel.

Rep. Daylin Leach, who is sponsoring the measure, touted several reasons to support the purchase or lease of hybrid vehicles, such as greater fuel efficiency and reduced air pollution, in testimony before the House State Government Committee.

Leach said the average hybrid vehicle gets 20 miles more per gallon than the vehicles the state is currently leasing, and that each additional 10 miles per gallon saves about $250 per year in gas, or 12 full tanks.

Pennsylvania does not currently have any hybrids in its 38,000-vehicle fleet because state law says the government can only procure vehicles made in North America, said Frank Kane, spokesman for the Department of General Services.

Leach has proposed requiring the state to launch a pilot program to buy hybrid-electric vehicles by Jan. 1, 2006.