PRINTER'S NO.  1505

  

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

  

SENATE RESOLUTION

 

No.

166

Session of

2011

  

  

INTRODUCED BY SOLOBAY, COSTA, ALLOWAY, BOSCOLA, BROWNE, FERLO, FONTANA, TARTAGLIONE, WAUGH AND M. WHITE, AUGUST 3, 2011

  

  

REFERRED TO STATE GOVERNMENT, AUGUST 3, 2011  

  

  

  

A RESOLUTION

  

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Directing the Department of General Services to conduct a study

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to determine the associated costs and feasibility of

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converting and retrofitting State-owned vehicles with

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compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas engines for

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the purpose of modernizing the State fleet.

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WHEREAS, As further exploration takes place, natural gas is

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rapidly becoming readily available for use as a transportation

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fuel; and

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WHEREAS, Natural gas is domestically produced, thus reducing

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dependence on foreign oil, and is better for the environment by

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reducing emissions; and

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WHEREAS, The Environmental Protection Agency states that

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light-duty natural gas vehicles can reduce exhaust emissions of

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carbon monoxide by 90% to 97%, carbon dioxide by 25% and

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nitrogen oxides by 35% to 60% when compared to gasoline-powered

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vehicles; and

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WHEREAS, When used as a transportation fuel, natural gas can

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reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% to 29% compared with

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diesel and gasoline-powered vehicles; and

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WHEREAS, Natural gas is also less expensive for the consumer

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by requiring less total vehicle maintenance over time; and

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WHEREAS, Fuel storage cylinders in natural gas vehicles are

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much stronger than gasoline fuel tanks and are also sealed to

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prevent any spills or leaks, allowing natural gas to be a safe

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and efficient transportation fuel; and

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WHEREAS, Converting the State fleet to vehicles that use

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natural gas could spur demand for natural gas produced within

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this Commonwealth; and

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WHEREAS, In converting the State fleet to vehicles that use

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natural gas, the Commonwealth could be eligible for Federal and

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State incentives to offset the costs associated with conversion

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and retrofitting; and

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WHEREAS, A thorough study conducted by the Department of

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General Services would determine the total cost and feasibility

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of converting State-owned vehicles to natural gas vehicles

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through a retrofitting and fleet modernization process; and

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WHEREAS, The study conducted by the department would also

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examine the potential for the expansion of natural gas fueling

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stations throughout this Commonwealth; therefore be it

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RESOLVED, That the Senate direct the Department of General

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Services to conduct a thorough study to determine the associated

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costs and feasibility of retrofitting current State-owned

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vehicles with compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas

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engines for the purpose of modernizing the State fleet.

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