SANTA ANA, CA – The California Energy Commission approved funding to help Greenkraft, Inc. bring natural gas trucks to California’s roadways, according to a March 16 press release. The $400,000 is funded by the Commission’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology program.

“By encouraging the use of alternatively fueled vehicles, we are helping create jobs and reduce California’s dependency on petroleum,” said Carla Peterman, Energy commissioner. “Using cleaner-burning fuels also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants. Cleaner air will protect the environment and the health of all Californians throughout the 20-year expected life-span of these vehicles. Consumers and businesses also will save money by using a domestically produced, lower-cost alternative fuel.”

According to the press release, the Energy Commission is trying to increase their buy-down program’s efficiency by awarding incentive reservations in blocks to vehicle manufacturers or their designated dealers. The incentives are passed on to the individual buyers at the point of sale or lease.

Purchasers, in order to benefit from the incentives, must agree to operate the vehicles in California on alternative fuel at least 90 percent of the time for three years.