AUSTIN- Thursday, State Representative Brooks Landgraf proposed the creation of a new grant program encouraging Texas state agencies, counties, and municipalities to dedicate more of their vehicle fleet to Texas fuel vehicles.

"This innovative grant program uses left-over funds appropriated from the last legislative session for the purpose of incentivizing state and local branches of government to purchase vehicles that utilize the abundant Texas fuels that are produced right here in Texas," Landgraf said. 

Under the program, local governments with a fleet larger than 15 vehicles are eligible for grants. In addition to purchasing vehicles, the grants may also be used to construct fueling stations across the state. According to the proposal, the fuels include natural gas, liquefied natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gas. 

"This is an exciting opportunity for our entire state", Landgraf said. "Texas has long been a shining example of self-reliance and ingenuity. Texas fuels are in abundance and utilizing these domestically-produced fuel sources for fleet vehicles will be a step forward in the right direction, while simultaneously reducing long-term costs."

If the proposed legislation passes, the funds for the new grant program administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, would be operational beginning September 1, 2015.

Representative Brooks Landgraf was elected in 2014 to serve House District 81, which encompasses Andrews, Ector, Ward, and Winkler Counties. Landgraf resides in Odessa with his wife Shelby and works as an attorney and rancher. He also serves on the Midland-Odessa Transportation Alliance Board of Directors, the Education Foundation Board of Directors, and the John Ben Shepperd Public Leadership Institute Advisory Council.