A new handbook developed by the Alliance to Save Energy with support from Ford Motor Company will help states and localities encourage their residents to purchase and use energy-efficient transportation technologies.

Washington, D.C., May 26, 2005 - A new handbook developed by the Alliance to Save Energy with support from Ford Motor Company will help states and localities encourage their residents to purchase and use energy-efficient transportation technologies. The information in The Drive to Efficient Transportation: State Policies to Encourage the Purchase and Use of Light-Duty Advanced Technology Vehicles and Alternative Fuels offers state policymakers a menu of programs that have proved effective in other states.

"States can play an important role in reducing petroleum use in the transportation sector, particularly for light-duty vehicles," said Alliance Director of Transportation Gail Hendrickson. "By enacting into law a variety of financial and non-financial incentives to encourage consumers to purchase and use advanced technology vehicles and alternative fuels, state policymakers can lessen the nation's dependence on imported oil, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve the air quality in their cities and towns."

"The automotive industry is actively pursuing a variety of advanced vehicle technologies, including hybrids, fuel cells, advanced diesel, and hydrogen internal combustion engines," stated Ford's Manager of Global Public Policy Curt Magleby. "But all of these technologies - including the hybrids currently on the market - carry a price premium. Consumer incentives during early market introduction play a crucial role in offsetting a portion of the incremental costs and creating the demand necessary for affordable economies of scale."

The handbook provides state legislators with details of 15 incentives currently in use in various states, including nine types of purchase incentives (tax credits, grants, rebates); four types of operational incentives such as exempting hybrid electric vehicles from high occupancy vehicle lane restrictions or parking fees; and two types of manufacturing incentives to promote economic development and job creation.

The handbook also discusses the impact of transportation on U.S. energy use and greenhouse gas emissions; defines energy-efficient transportation technologies; and describes current and future energy-efficient technologies, the role of alternative fuels, and federal laws and regulations that, over time, have encouraged advancements in vehicle technologies and fuels. The publication will be distributed free of charge to state legislators and state-related legislative organizations and is available on the Alliance website, www.ase.org/transportationhandbook.

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The Alliance to Save Energy is a coalition of prominent business, government, environmental, and consumer leaders who promote the efficient and clean use of energy worldwide to benefit consumers, the environment, economy, and national security.

For Further Information Ronnie Kweller (202) 530-2203; rkweller@ase.org