Daley turns more green

City to help cabs turn green - chicagotribune.com: "Mayor Richard Daley today announced a program to reimburse cab companies for using hybrid cars or those powered by natural gas.

The Green Taxi Program, which the mayor announced for Earth Day, uses $1 million in federal funding to pay back cab companies for making the switch.

Norma Reyes, Commissioner of the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, said the city wanted to give the companies an incentive to invest in more environmentally friendly cars.

'The City of Chicago is committed to supporting these efforts and providing financial and operational incentives to offset the higher initial cost price of these vehicles,' Reyes said.

Companies will be reimbursed $2,000 for buying hybrids, and between $9,000 and $14,000 for converting cars to compressed natural gas or propane power. Electric vehicles do not qualify under this program."