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Federal Fleet Requirements

The Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992 set forth the statutory requirements for the acquisition of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) by Federal agencies. In fiscal year (FY) 2000 and beyond, 75% of light-duty vehicle (LDV) acquisitions in covered fleets must be AFVs. Vehicles that weigh less than 8,500 lb gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) are considered LDVs.

In January 2007, President Bush signed Executive Order (E.O.) 13423: Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management (PDF 105 KB) Download Adobe Reader, a mandate that requires agencies with 20 or more vehicles in the United States to decrease petroleum consumption by 2% per year relative to their fiscal year (FY) 2005 baseline through FY 2015. E.O. 13423 also requires agencies to increase alternative fuel use by 10% per year relative to the previous year. E.O. 13423 revokes E.O. 13149, which was signed in April 2000.

What is EPAct?

The goal of EPAct is to enhance our nation's energy security. Several parts of the Act were designed to encourage the use of alternative fuels to help reduce U.S. dependence on imported oil. EPAct requirements apply to certain fleets of 20 or more LDVs that are centrally fueled or "capable of being centrally fueled" and are primarily operated in a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)/Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area (CMSA). Vehicles heavier than 8,500 lb GVWR or not located or operated primarily in a covered MSA or CMSA are exempt from the requirements. Law enforcement, emergency, and military tactical vehicles are also exempt. For FY 1999 and beyond, 75% of a Federal fleet's covered vehicle acquisitions must be AFVs.

To find out whether your fleet is covered under EPAct, start with the list of MSAs/CMSAs on the Vehicle Technologies Program Web site.

Compliance with EPAct is met by AFV acquisition credits, which are granted on the basis of the number of AFVs acquired and the quantity of biodiesel fuel used. Agencies earn one AFV acquisition credit toward EPAct compliance for each AFV acquisition. Extra credits are awarded for dedicated light-, medium-, and heavy-duty AFVs (see table below). Federal fleets cannot bank credits or trade them with other agencies.

The Energy Conservation Reauthorization Act (ECRA) of 1998 amended EPAct to allow fleets to generate one AFV acquisition credit for every 450 gallons of pure biodiesel (B100, equivalent to 2,250 gallons of B20) purchased for use in diesel vehicles more than 8,500 lb GVWR. To receive credit for an AFV acquisition, the biodiesel must be neat (B100) or in blends that contain by volume at least 20% biodiesel (B20). Federal fleets are allowed to use these credits only to fulfill up to 50% of their EPAct requirements. These credits can be claimed only in the year in which the fuel is purchased for use, and they cannot be traded among fleets.

How do I purchase an AFV?

There are two steps involved in purchasing alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs).

• Research AFVs for sale on the Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center (AFDC) Web site. This database provides vehicle photos and specifications, links to dealer locators, and pricing information. You can also use the AFDC to run a cost comparison between flexible fuel vehicles and their gasoline counterparts.
• Work with GSA local support to place your vehicle order. Make the order specific and be sure to consider the needs of your fleet. Select an AFV whenever possible.

For more information on buying AFVs, see the following information on GSA Web sites:

• Drive Alternative Fuel Vehicles Easily (DAVE)
• Vehicle Buying

How do I report my annual compliance activity?

Each agency is required to report annual vehicle acquisition, inventory, fuel economy, and petroleum and alternative fuel consumption data to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by using the online Federal Automotive Statistical Tool (FAST). To obtain a FAST password, contact your agency's FAST trainer.

Federal agencies are also required to provide an annual written compliance report for the previous fiscal year to Congress by February 15 (as changed in 2005). The report must address compliance with the requirements of EPAct and E.O. 13423. This report must be placed on a publicly available Web site, and its availability must be published in the Federal Register.

• Federal Agency Annual Reports

Resources

Federal fleet related resources are available, such as fact sheets outlining EPAct regulations, guidance documents, and more. For more information on Federal Fleet Requirements, e-mail fed_fleets@afdc.nrel.gov.