The state is seeking $6.5 million in stimulus funding from the federal Energy Department to spur the use of hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles by municipalities, private companies, and government agencies.
"Our single biggest greenhouse gas emitter is transportation," said Philip Giudice, commissioner of the state Department of Energy Resources.
The money - which would be used to purchase about 315 vehicles, including buses that run on compressed natural gas and hybrid trucks and taxis - is not guaranteed, but Giudice said he has "high expectations." Several communities and agencies have already indicated they want to upgrade their vehicle fleets. In Boston, city officials want to build five electric vehicle charging stations and add plug-in hybrids to their fleet.
Seth Kaplan, an environmental advocate with the Conservation Law Foundation, said the focus on clean vehicles is a good way to demonstrate Massachusetts's commitment to the environment while also lowering transportation costs.
"Everybody's looking not only for an opportunity to go green but also to save money," Kaplan said.
