The Joint-RFP shall require that the ultimate cost of an OEM NGV should be comparably priced to an equivalent gasoline model. Simultaneously, the states should endeavor to encourage private investment in the development and expansion of fueling infrastructure to meet growing demand. In addition, they should pursue fleet vehicle conversions, where economically compelling, based on a life-cycle cost analysis.
Regarding this initiative, John Hickenlooper, one of the first governors to sign the agreement, explained he sees natural gas cleanly-efficient and job-producing. “We (the states) will make a group commitment to purchase these vehicles if you (the manufacturers) give us a reasonable price,” he said at a symposium sponsored by the University of Colorado. “The key is to kick-start the number of vehicles.”
