November 17, 2003
CONTACT: Eric Cheung (215-567-4004 ext. 237)

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP TEST DRIVES COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS FUEL
First Municipality In Bucks County Willing To Try Alternative Fuel Vehicles In Its Fleet

BENSALEM - Bensalem Township is participating in a two-month trial program to operate two clean-burning Honda Civic natural gas sedans in its Public Works Department fleet. This demonstration program was made possible through a partnership with American Honda Co., FuelMaker Corp. and the Greater Philadelphia Clean Cities Program (GPCCP). During the trial, Bensalem officials will have access to the two alternative fuel vehicles as well as a FuelMaker refueling machine.

"The true champions in moving this project forward have been the Bucks County Transportation Management Association and Bensalem's Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo," notes GPCCP Coordinator Eric Cheung. "The TMA has been very ambitious in its desire to expand natural gas usage throughout Bucks County, and thankfully, Mayor DiGirolamo was aboard right from the start. His support and enthusiasm ensured that this demonstration program became a reality."

Compressed natural gas emits drastically lower levels of air pollution and greenhouse gases compared to gasoline. GPCCP believes that Bensalem's actions will encourage other Bucks County municipalities to test alternative fueled vehicles for their fleets "When residents of other municipalities see the exciting step Bensalem is taking to improve regional air quality and dependency on imported oil, they will want their township to participate as well." Concluded Cheung.

At the conclusion of the demonstration program, GPCCP anticipates that Bensalem will purchase CNG Honda vehicles for its fleet in addition to the FuelMaker machine. GPCCP will provide financial assistance to Bensalem for these purchases through its rebates. These incentives are available to other fleets that follow Bensalem's lead and incorporate alternative fuel vehicles. For more information contact GPCCP at the following number: (215) 567-4004 ext. 237 or consult the organization's webpage: www.cleanair.org/cleancities.

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GPCCP is a nonprofit, private/public partnership dedicated to increasing alternative fuel vehicle usage and alternative fuel infrastructure in the Greater Philadelphia region. GPCCP operates through public outreach and education and by offering financial incentives towards the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles.