AUSTIN, TX – The three commissioners of Texas' chief energy agency — the Railroad Commission — joined Jack Roush, winning team owner of the 2009 Daytona 500, in calling for local government and business fleets to use propane-fueled vehicles.  

On the eve of the NASCAR Nationwide Series opening in Texas, Roush and the Railroad Commission briefed fleet managers on ROUSH Performance's F-150, 250, and 350 pickups powered by propane, a clean-burning alternative fuel.   

"Choosing propane can make environmental and economic sense for Texas fleets, even with the lower gasoline prices we're currently experiencing," said Railroad Commission Chairman Victor G. Carrillo. "Today in Texas, propane costs approximately $1.15 per gallon for fleets that buy in bulk, and with an additional 50-cent per gallon federal excise tax credit, our Texas-produced propane is a great fuel deal. Further, owning a propane truck is made more affordable by a federal tax credit of up to $4,500 per truck." 

Commissioner Elizabeth A. Jones noted: "A typical fleet can save more than $3,000 in fuel and operating costs in the first three years with each new propane F-250 or F-350 truck they buy. And Texas has the most extensive propane refueling network in the nation, with more than 1,000 outlets offering propane motor fuel." 

"The commission has found that the ROUSH propane-fueled pickup we purchased has the same horsepower, torque, and drivability as the conventionally fueled version," said Commissioner Michael L. Williams. "With a 450-mile range, ultra-low emissions, and cost-savings over conventional fuels, fleets can save money and improve air quality at the same time."   

Jack Roush, chairman of ROUSH Enterprises and CEO and co-owner of Roush Fenway Racing, added: "Texas leads the nation in pickup truck usage and can easily take the leadership role in terms of adopting propane as an alternate fuel." 

The alternative fuel trucks will be available in two forms. Customers can choose either a complete ROUSH-assembled vehicle or a conversion kit to retrofit existing 2008 F-150s, or 2009 through 2010 F-250s and F-350s. Both options carry the same three-year/36,000-mile warranty. 

For more information about propane vehicles, go to www.propane.tx.gov.