A state Senate hearing recently confirmed the California governor's administration purchased a fleet of alternative fuel vehicles that have yet to burn anything but gasoline, The Mercury News reports. Lawmakers also suggested the vehicles were purchased to benefit a close relationship between General Motors and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Auto manufacturers and state officials confirmed that the contract specifications for the fleet purchases were changed two years ago in such a way that only GM cars met the requirements. After the hearing, Mary Beth Stanek, director of GM's Environmental, Energy and Safety division, confirmed that the company's vehicles were "the only ones that qualified." GM officials added, however, that the bid was competitive and legal and that GM believes it was not given any special consideration. Schwarzenegger officials said the governor had no knowledge or involvement with shaping the contract requirements. General Services officials also said they did nothing to intentionally steer the contract to GM, according to the The Mercury News report.
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