In a bid to be more environmentally conscious, officials from the U.S. House of Representatives recently purchased a diesel-electric hybrid truck from the Denton-based Peterbilt Motors Co. plant.

The Model 330 Hybrid Electric Truck is intended to carry thousands of pounds of furniture and office equipment on the Capitol Campus and throughout the Greater Washington area.

The truck was selected because it provides up to a 30 percent increase in fuel efficiency and significantly reduces emissions of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and mono-nitrogen oxides.

U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Lewisville, was on hand when the company delivered the truck, which cost $112,000, to House officials on Wednesday.

He said the Peterbilt plant in Denton has been a leader in hybrid trucks and noted that the company had one on display two years ago at an event where he spoke.

“We live in an area where air quality is a constant challenge,” Burgess said. “Anytime you have a truck doing medium, small hauling and stop-and-go, less fuel and fewer emissions is a win on both fronts.”

Burgess said House officials researched the truck market, looking for a vehicle that fulfilled their needs while getting better fuel mileage and reducing carbon emissions.

Daniel Beard, chief administrative officer for the House, said in a Peterbilt press release that it makes good sense, both environmentally and economically, to replace an aging fleet with low-emissions trucks.

When the truck travels at less than 25 mph, it is powered by electricity, and it runs on diesel at faster speeds, according to the company.

BJ LEWIS can be reached at 940-566-6875. His e-mail address is blewis@dentonrc.com.