TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Fifteen companies are banding together to promote the use of natural gas-powered vehicles in Florida and seek incentives from the state.

They announced formation of the Florida Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition on Tuesday. The group touts natural gas as a clean, efficient alternative to gasoline and diesel.

Its members include TECO/Peoples Gas, Florida Natural Gas, and a pair of beer distributors, Champion Brands and J.J. Taylor Cos.

Coalition chairman Eric Criss said a study done for the group shows state incentives could create 10,000 jobs, $300 million in new wages and $1 billion in economic output over 20 years.

Rep. Lake Ray, a Jacksonville Republican, supports the group's goals and said he expects lawmakers to consider incentives when they meet in regular session next year.