The Texas Railroad Commission, the state’s chief energy agency, has received an additional $12 million from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The grant will help fleet operators in 34 counties replace their old forklifts, school buses and medium-duty trucks with ultra-low emissions equipment fueled with propane gas.

The grants are administered by the Railroad Commission’s Alternative Fuels Division under regulations for rebates and incentives dating back to 1994.

The new grant brings to $24 million the total amount TCEQ has awarded the Railroad Commission for propane equipment replacements since 2004. The money comes from the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP), created by the Texas Legislature in 2001 to help reduce emissions of smog-producing oxides of nitrogen (NOx) in counties whose air quality falls short of federal standards.

"Our TERP grants help businesses make the switch to clean, affordable Texas propane-fueled vehicles," said Railroad Commission Chairman Michael L. Williams. "These vehicles play a role in reducing air pollution from industrial trucks and buses, and they help our economy and national security because fleet operators are using Texas-produced propane instead of foreign oil."

Commissioner Victor G. Carrillo noted that results so far have been excellent. “The first $12 million we awarded will reduce NOx emissions by 2,134 tons over the useful life of the new equipment. With this additional $12 million, we'll be able to help many more fleet operators clean up Texas air.”

“These results are a team effort,” said Commissioner Elizabeth A. Jones, “by the Governor, the Legislature, state environmental and energy agencies, and the companies that make and distribute propane fuel and low-emissions equipment. They show how government and industry can work together to benefit all Texans.”

For more information about the Railroad Commission’s Propane Equipment Initiative, visit www.texaspropane.org or call the Railroad Commission’s Alternative Fuels Division at (800) 64-CLEAR.