TORONTO, Ont. — The Ontario government has announced it is making $15 million available for the purchase of environmentally-friendly commercial vehicles, such as hybrids.

The four-year program was announced yesterday afternoon and will cover hybrid and alternative fuel commercial vehicles. The grants will also be available to retrofit heavy-duty vehicles with anti-idling systems.

The province said it hopes the fuel saving data collected through the program will serve as an incentive for other fleets to adopt environmentally-friendly technologies. Applications for the grants will be available Nov. 28. The funding is also available retroactively, for purchases dating back to August, 2007, the province announced.

“Our Green Commercial Vehicle Program could take up to 40,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions out of our air every year. Helping big and small companies to operate greener, more fuel-efficient vehicles will help us all breathe a little easier,” said Minister Jim Bradley.

“Helping businesses make the switch to fuel-efficient trucks will put Ontario companies at the forefront of green innovation and reduce pollution,” added Environment Minister John Gerretsen.