Pennsylvania encourages nitrogen use

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has begun the Nitrogen Tire Inflation System Grant program for automotive service providers.

Under the program, automotive service providers who sell tires in Pennsylvania can apply to be reimbursed for a portion of their cost to purchase tire inflation systems that deliver "at least 95% nitrogen according to manufacturer specifications."

Eligible applicants with a 50% match of the total cost may request up to $5,000 for systems purchased and installed after July 1, 2008. A total of $100,000 is available for grants in each of the next three years.

"All motorists should regularly check their vehicle's tire pressure," says DEP Secretary John Hanger. "Properly maintained pressure levels lead to better fuel mileage, which also decreases our dependence upon foreign oil."

For more information and applications, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us, DEP keyword "Alternative Fuels."

Applications must be mailed to the Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Energy and Technology Deployment, 15th Floor, Rachel Carson State Office Building, 400 Market Street, P.O. Box 8772, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8772, and postmarked by 4 p.m., Aug. 28, 2009.