Statement on Governor McDonnell's 2012 Energy Policy and Budget Initiatives

January 5, 2012

“We are enthusiastic about the Commonwealth’s commitment to cleaner domestic fuels and applaud the acceleration of this process through a portion of the Governor’s legislative package.” Said Alleyn Harned, Executive Director of Virginia Clean Cities “Federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality funds are used throughout the country to assist alternate fuel vehicle projects, and using a portion of those funds for an Alternate Fuel Vehicle Conversion fund could be one more good tool for Virginians.”

“The Governor has been an advocate for traditional fuels as well as developing and transitioning to cleaner, often cheaper domestic alternatives, and we are glad to see that continue with components in this legislative package.”

The purpose of Virginia Clean Cities (VCC) is to assist in the improvement of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s air quality, increase U.S. national energy security, and promote economic opportunity in Virginia, primarily by promoting and facilitating increased use of alternative fuels and vehicles. VCC is part of a network of almost 90 coalitions that operate under the umbrella of and derive guidance from the US Department of Energy’s Clean Cities Program.

VCC provides a forum for members to leverage resources, develop joint projects, collaborate on public policy issues, and promote petroleum displacement and clean air technologies in Virginia and the greater mid-atlantic and southeast regions. VCC has extensive experience in building and facilitating public/private stakeholder coalitions, conducting technical education and outreach initiatives, and managing alternative fuel deployment programs.

Link to Governor’s Release: http://governor.virginia.gov/news/viewRelease.cfm?id=1073