OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma and 20 other states are asking U.S. auto manufacturers to produce compressed natural gas vehicles for state vehicle fleets.
A request for proposals for affordable and functional natural gas vehicles is part of a multistate initiative announced in November by Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin and Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper. Fallin announced the release of the request on Tuesday.
Thirteen states signed the original agreement to purchase CNG vehicles for use in state fleets. Eight other states have signed on since then.
Fallin says that by incorporating more CNG vehicles into state vehicle fleets, officials can save tax dollars by reducing the amount spent on fuel. She says it will help create jobs while reducing foreign oil dependence.
Fallin and Hickenlooper traveled discussed the plan with auto executives in Detroit.
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