SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has signed a bill that requires state agencies to buy flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) that use E-85 or diesel-powered trucks that use B-5 (5 percent biodiesel blend), the Illinois’s governor’s office reports.

House Bill 4137, signed into law on Friday, increases the number of fleet vehicles that can run on environmentally friendly fuels, which state officials say will allow the state government to continue to serve as a national model for “green” fleet operations. The bill also encourages state agencies to purchase fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles.

“This bill will help further the progress we’ve made in recent years in building one of the largest green fleets in the nation. By using biofuels to fuel state cars and trucks, we’re helping the environment and supporting our farmers,” Blagojevich said on his Web site.

To increase the number of large vehicles on Illinois roads powered by biofuels, the legislation allows residents to buy large alternative fuel vehicles out of state if not available in-state and still qualify for a rebate program administered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. The rebate program offers up to $4,000 per vehicle to convert a conventional vehicle to a vehicle using alternative fuels, such as natural gas or propane. Current law requires that vehicles more than 8,500 pounds must be purchased in Illinois to be eligible.

The state will purchase E-85 flex-fueled or biodiesel-compatible vehicles and hybrids whenever available; certain exemptions will be granted for special agency needs.

“Renewable fuels help reduce our dependence on foreign oil while decreasing the pollutants in our air,” said Lt. Governor Pat Quinn, chairman of the Illinois Green Government Coordinating Council and the Biofuels Working Group. “I salute Rep. Mike Boland and Sen. Deanna Demuzio for helping Illinois take the lead in promoting vehicles that run on all-American fuels derived from homegrown crops.”