Gov. Bill Richardson announced guidelines for telecommuting and four-day workweeks that state employees who commute can use to save money on fuel.

State Personnel Director Sandra Perez told state secretaries and agency directors about the guidelines Monday. A large number of government employees commute between Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

"Through this program we can help alleviate the strain of high gas prices on state employees and taxpayers while ensuring that the public's access to state government remains our top priority," Richardson said in a news release.

State agencies must submit their policies to Perez before Sept. 1.

Agencies considering moving to a four-day workweek must identify how they can still meet their department's needs despite the change and show that they can provide good service.

The Economic Development Department will start a pilot program for a four-day workweek in August, Economic Development Secretary Fred Mondragon said.

Certain state employees will not be able to take advantage of the policies because of their job duties or needs of their departments, the news release said.

Government agencies in New Mexico and other states already have taken fuel-saving steps. The University of New Mexico is offering its staff an option of working four, 10-hour days rather than a traditional five-day week with eight-hour work days.

The Florida Attorney General's Office and the Kentucky Secretary of State's Office allow a compressed four-day workweek for their employees.