LANDOVER, MD – Vice President Joe Biden announced $300 million in federal stimulus funding will be available to state and local governments as well as transit authorities to expand the nation's fleet of fuel-efficient vehicles and for the fueling infrastructure necessary to support them, reported United Press International.

"For city and state governments across this country, every day is Earth Day thanks to the ambitious commitments they are making to green their vehicles and transit systems. Now it's time for Washington to help them deliver on those promises," said Biden.

The Clean Cities Alternative Fuel and Advanced Technology Vehicles Pilot Program, housed under the Department of Energy (DOE), "will speed the transformation of our nation's vehicle fleet, help to reduce carbon emissions and increase energy security by helping reduce U.S. dependence to foreign oil," according to a DOE press release accompanying Biden's remarks.

Specifically, the Clean Cities program offers $300 million to support at least 30 alternative fuel or advanced vehicle projects, and requires a 50-percent participant cost share, DOE noted. "Technologies eligible to be funded include a number of different light and heavy-duty vehicles, including hybrid, plug-in electric hybrid, hydraulic hybrid, electric, fuel cell and compressed natural gas vehicles. In addition, projects can support refueling infrastructure for alternative fuels, including biofuels and natural gas. Other efforts eligible for funds include public awareness campaigns and training programs on alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles and infrastructure," according to the statement.

This funding adds to the $11 billion already announced by the Department of Energy to bolster state and local government energy efficiency programs and weatherize low-income homes.

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