Did you know that if you buy a hybrid vehicle, you can get a $500 rebate from the State of Pennsylvania?

State Rep. Bob Mensch (R-147th) wants to make sure you know and so, he sent me a press release to that effect.

Although flexible fuel and diesel fuel vehicles are not eligible (even though they should be), a list of specific vehicles that are is maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

To be classified as a hybrid, they hace to have a combined MPG of more than 55 and they cannot emit more than seven tons per year of carbon dioxide.

The rebates are offered on a first-come, first-served basis until the money runs out.

I'm not sure how much is in there, but I know I got a check more than a year ago when I bought my Honda Civic hybrid.

To get your hands on the cash, you have to lease or purchase the vehicle new and complete a rebate form available on the DEP Web site.

For more information, or to view the full list, you can visit Mensch's Web site and click on "Hybrid Tax Credit."