NASHVILLE (AP) - Lawn mowing contractors who would use propane can get as much as $1,000 toward the purchase of new equipment.

The Propane Education & Research Council provides the funds to get as many as 600 new propane-powered commercial mowers in use nationwide.

Nashville nonprofit Middle TN Clean Fuels is stressing the effort locally.

Eligible commercial operations can get the incentives on new mowers with cutting decks of 60-72 inches. Those receiving the incentives must share with PERC how they use the equipment and how it performs during the first year.

The groups say propane mowers cost less to run and produce fewer harmful emissions than gasoline mowers.

Information is online at www.middletncleanfuels.org .