CARBONDALE- Illinois took a step Tuesday to put more environmentally friendly vehicles on the road at lower costs for purchasers.

State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias unveiled a new statewide rebate program aimed at making fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles more affordable.

An incentive program termed "Green Rewards" is now being offered through the treasurer's office. It passes along $1,000 rebates through financial institutions to purchasers of 19 vehicles that are propelled by hybrid technology.

"The Illinois Green Rewards program will serve as a model for other states to follow. This is great for the state of Illinois. This is great for Illinois consumers," Giannoulias said.

Speaking to a small audience gathered outside the Southern Illinois University Carbondale arena, Giannoulias talked about the advantages of owning hybrid vehicles.

They can get up to 60 miles per gallon of gasoline on the highway while cutting harmful pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 80 percent.

Proponents believe hybrid vehicles could help wean American consumers from being totally dependent on current fuel sources. And the rebate program will help hybrid vehicle buyers recoup their investment faster, Giannoulias said.

Prospective buyers of new hybrid vehicles must secure a car loan from a participating bank or credit union to receive the rebate. The treasurer's office funds the program by depositing money in those banks and credit unions at a below-market interest rate. The money those institutions save in interest is passed to consumers through the $1,000 rebates, Giannoulias said.

"Banks can contact us directly to be in the program. We have $17 million coming through our office every day," Giannoulias said.

Becki Clayborn, a Midwest regional representative with the Sierra Club who was at the news conference, said the American environmental organization favors the new program being offered by the state treasurer's office.

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ELIGIBLE VEHICLES

Ford Escape (2WD and 4WD)

Mercury Mariner (2WD and 4WD)

GMC Sierra (2WD and 4WD)

Chevy Silverado (2WD and 4WD)

Saturn Aura Greenline

Saturn Vue Greenline

Honda Insight CVT

Honda Accord

Honda Civic

Nissan Altima

Toyota Prius

Toyota Highlander (2WD and 4WD)

Lexus Rx400h (2WD and 4WD)

Toyota Camry

Lexus GS 450h

Mazda Tribute (2WD and 4WD)

Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles, Hydrogen Fuel Cell and All Electric vehicles are also eligible. (Currently, Hydrogen Fuel Cell and CNG vehicles are not sold in Illinois, but may be in the future.)

- Illinois State Treasurer's Office

scott.fitzgerald@thesouthern.com / 351-5076