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DOL Fleet Management

The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) was passed by Congress to reduce our nation's dependence on imported petroleum by requiring certain fleets to acquire alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), which are capable of operating on nonpetroleum fuels. The U.S. Department of Energy administers the regulations through the:

For an overview of EPAct and its programs, download "EPAct: Alternative Fuels for Energy Security, Cleaner Air" (PDF 258 KB).

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U.S. Department of Labor Alternative Fuel Vehicle Acquisition Report for Fiscal Year 2001

November 2001

Introduction:

This Department of Labor (DOL) Fleet Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Program Report for Fiscal Year 2001 presents the Department's data on the number of AFVs acquired in fiscal year 2001, and its planned acquisitions and projections for FY 2002 and FY 2003. The report has been developed in accordance with the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) (42 U.S.C. 13211-13219) as amended by the Energy Conservation Reauthorization Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-388) (ECRA), and Executive Order 13149 (signed by the President in April 2000). The DOL goal is to meet or exceed the 75 percent AFV-acquisition requirement for light duty vehicles by acquiring additional AFVs and implementing the use of biodiesel fuel in our diesel vehicles.

Legislative Requirements:

The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) requires that 75 percent of all covered light-duty vehicles acquired for Federal fleets in FY 1999 and beyond must be AFVs where the fleets have 20 or more vehicles, are capable of being centrally fueled, and are operated in a metropolitan statistical area with a population of more than 250,000 based on the 1980 census. Certain emergency, law enforcement, and national defense vehicles are exempt from these requirements. EPAct also sets a goal of using replacement fuels to displace at least 30 percent of the projected consumption of motor fuel in the United States annually by the year 2010.

The Energy Conservation and Reauthorization Act of 1998, amended EPAct to allow one alternative fuel vehicle acquisition credit for every 450 gallons of pure biodiesel fuel consumed in vehicles over 8,500 pounds gross vehicle weight rating. "Biodiesel credits" may fulfill up to 50 percent of an agency's EPAct requirements. The head of each Federal agency must also prepare and submit a report to Congress outlining the agency's AFV acquisitions and future plans to achieve these requirements annually.

Executive Order 13149 directs Federal agencies operating a fleet of 20 or more vehicles within the United States, to reduce their annual petroleum consumption at least 20 percent by the end of FY 2005, compared to FY 1999 levels. Use alternative fuels in AFVs more than 50 percent of the time, improve the average fuel economy of new light-duty petroleum-fueled vehicle acquisitions by one mpg by FY 2002 and 3 mpg by FY 2005, and using other fleet efficiency measures which should include biodiesel fuel.

The DOL Approach to Compliance with EPAct and EO 13149:

To achieve compliance with the legislative mandates of EPAct and EO 13149, the DOL goal is to acquire 75 percent of new light-duty vehicles as AFVs, and use alternative fuel in these vehicles a majority of the time. It will also acquire light-duty vehicles with a higher fuel economy of one mpg in FY 2002 and 3 mpg in FY 2005. The DOL will take advantage of a new surcharge program that will add $10 monthly to the cost of every vehicle leased through the General Services Administration (GSA) to help cover the higher incremental cost of many AFV models, compared to conventional vehicles. DOL signed a Memorandum of Understanding with GSA to participate in the Federal Government's AFV User Program. The program provides AFV incremental cost for placement of AFVs in six selected cities, in order to increase alternative fuel use in the designated areas.

The DOL will take a more aggressive approach in reviewing the feasibility of using biodiesel fuel to further reduce petroleum consumption in diesel vehicles where B20 fuel is available. The use of B20 provides an immediate EPAct credit for fuel purchases and one EPAct credit for every 2,250 gallons of B20 used. The credits earned by purchasing biodiesel can be used to satisfy up to 50% of the alternative fuel vehicle purchase requirements of our fleet. Moreover, B20's higher cetane, flashpoint and increased lubricity mean excellent engine performance, safety and fuel economy. B20 cuts exhaust emissions, minimizing black smoke and odor, as well as cutting ground air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. It is nontoxic, biodegradable and safer to use than any other fuel

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DOL AFV Acquisitions for FY 2001: Table 1 provides the number of fiscal year 2001 AFV acquisitions. The DOL fleet acquired 116 AFV credits and did not meet the fiscal year AFV acquisition requirements for Federal fleets set forth in EPAct. The 116 AFV credits represent 19 percent of the DOL's 2001 covered vehicle acquisitions. Table 1 provides detailed information on the number and types of vehicles leased from the General Services Administration (GSA) by Departmental fleets in fiscal year 2001. The total number of vehicle acquisitions in 2001 was 811. Of these, 206 were exempt for being in fleets outside covered metropolitan statistical areas, or were law enforcement vehicles. These exemptions left 605 vehicles considered EPAct covered acquisitions for DOL fleets in fiscal year 2001. Note: There were difficulties in obtaining accurate fleet inventory information and the number of acquisitions may be higher than the total number of vehicles reported.

Table 1: DOL Fiscal Year 2001 Acquisitions

Category

Fuel Type

TotalAcquisitions

Total Covered Acquisitions

Sedans

Gasoline

371

264

 

Ethanol/Gas

41

36

 

CNG/Gas Dual

0

0

Lt Truck <8500

Gasoline

121

81

 

Ethanol/Gas

0

0

  CNG/Gas Dual

0

0

Lt Truck 8500+

Gasoline

157

125

 

Diesel

0

0

 

CNG/Gas Dual

100

80

Buses

Gasoline

17

15

Other

Diesel

4

4

Table 2 provides fuel usage for Departmental fleets in fiscal year 2000. The information is incomplete due to difficulties that arose this year in accurately determining alternative fuel use. Most vehicles acquired by DOL and other federal fleets are leased from GSA, with all maintenance and fuel costs for the vehicle included in the lease. In order to pay for fuel, federal fleets utilize a GSA credit card. Unfortunately, product code standards are not uniform among fuel suppliers for alternative fuels, such as ethanol (E85), making it impossible for credit vendors to track and gauge the purchase of alternative fuels by Federal fleets. Natural gas, however, is predominantly dispensed at local utility owned fueling sites and fleets can track usage by contacting their local utility.

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Table 2: DOL Fuel Usage in Fiscal Year 2001

Fuel Type

Quantity

Unit

Gasoline*

2,292,669 Gallons
CNG** 16,935 Gallons @2,400 psi, 70 F
Diesel 289,595 Gallons
Biodiesel-B100 0 Gallons
Propane 2,339 Gallons
Methanol 0 Gallons
E85 326,317 Gallons

*Includes gasoline and may include some alternative fuel use

**CNG Dedicated fuel use only

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DOL's Planned Fleet AFV Acquisitions for 2002 and 2003:

There continues to be difficulties in acquiring AFVs. Table 3 provides a projection for vehicle acquisitions in fiscal years 2002 and 2003. In fiscal year 2002, Departmental fleets plan to acquire 340 AFVs, which significantly increases the percentage of AFVs in the fleet and improve AFV acquisition requirements of EPAct. Fiscal year 2003, projections are to acquire 360 AFVs. DOL expects to meet EPAct requirements for AFV acquisitions by fiscal year 2004. The DOL will also pursue the acquisition of electric and hybrid vehicles to our fleet. Although hybrid vehicles are not considered AFVs at this time, they are fuel efficient and emit up to 84% less smog forming emissions than are allowed under Federal guidelines

FY 2002 and FY 2003 Table 3:

Planned AFV Acquisitions

Vehicle Type Fuel Type FY2002 FY2003
Sedan CompactDodge Stratus E85 100 100
Sedan SubCompactCavalier CNG 100 100
Sedan MidsizeFord Taurus E85 100 100
Cargo Van, Full Size CNG 15 20
Pickup Full SizeRegular Cab LPG 15 20
Sport Utility 4 Door E85 10 20
TOTALS   340 360

AFV Acquisition and Use Issues: Federal agency fleets attempting to meet the requirements of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 continue to experience difficulty in the acquisition and use of AFVs. These issues include high incremental cost of certain AFV models, lack of available alternative fuel use data, poor distribution of information on available AFVs, difficulty ordering and receiving AFVs, and limited access to alternative fuel infrastructure and service in certain areas. More importantly, the lack of available alternative fuel use data, continues to hinder federal agencies compliance with the mandated reporting requirements.

The success of DOL fleets in acquiring AFVs depends in large part on funding the high incremental cost of many AFVs and specific appropriations to cover these costs. To help ensure that Departmental fleets have the funding needed to comply with the AFV acquisition mandates of EPAct, DOL and other federal agencies are working with the General Services Administration (GSA) to establish a monthly surcharge on all vehicles leased by DOL fleets.

Most vehicles acquired by DOL and other federal fleets are leased from GSA with all maintenance and fuel costs for the vehicle included in the lease. In order to pay for fuel, fleets utilize a GSA credit card. Unfortunately, product code standards are not uniform among fuel suppliers for alternative fuels, such as ethanol (E-85), making it impossible for credit vendors to track and gauge the purchase of alternative fuels by fleets. Natural gas is predominantly dispensed at local utility owned fueling sites and fleets are able to track usage by contacting their local utility. The Department, in coordination with other federal agencies is preparing to enter into discussions with the major fuel suppliers to address this issue of no uniform product code for tracking alternative fuel sales.

Summary: As detailed in this report, the DOL still has a lot of work ahead of us as we pursue the mandates required by the EO to demonstrate a decrease in gas powered vehicles and replace them with AFVs and use only alternate fuels when available.

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U.S. Department of Labor Alternative Fuel Vehicle Acquisition Report for Fiscal Year 2000

November 2000

Introduction:

This Department of Labor (DOL) Fleet Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Program Report for Fiscal Year 2000 presents the Department's data on the number of AFVs acquired in fiscal year 2000, and its planned acquisitions and projections for FY 2001 and FY 2002. The report has been developed in accordance with the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) (42 U.S.C. 13211-13219) as amended by the Energy Conservation Reauthorization Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-388) (ECRA), and Executive Order 13149 (signed by the President in April 2000). The DOL goal is to meet or exceed the 75 percent AFV-acquisition requirement for light duty vehicles by acquiring additional AFVs and implementing the use of biodiesel fuel in our diesel vehicles.

Legislative Requirements:

The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) requires that 75 percent of all covered light-duty vehicles acquired for Federal fleets in FY 1999 and beyond must be AFVs where the fleets have 20 or more vehicles, are capable of being centrally fueled, and are operated in a metropolitan statistical area with a population of more than 250,000 based on the 1980 census. Certain emergency, law enforcement, and national defense vehicles are exempt from these requirements. EPAct also sets a goal of using replacement fuels to displace at least 30 percent of the projected consumption of motor fuel in the United States annually by the year 2010.

The Energy Conservation and Reauthorization Act of 1998, amended EPAct to allow one alternative fuel vehicle acquisition credit for every 450 gallons of pure biodiesel fuel consumed in vehicles over 8,500 pounds gross vehicle weight rating. "Biodiesel credits" may fulfill up to 50 percent of an agency's EPAct requirements. The head of each Federal agency must also prepare and submit a report to Congress outlining the agency's AFV acquisitions and future plans to achieve these requirements annually.

Executive Order 13149 directs Federal agencies operating a fleet of 20 or more vehicles within the United States, to reduce their annual petroleum consumption at least 20 percent by the end of FY 2005, compared to FY 1999 levels. Use alternative fuels in AFVs more than 50 percent of the time, improve the average fuel economy of new light-duty petroleum-fueled vehicle acquisitions by one mpg by FY 2002 and 3 mpg by FY 2005, and using other fleet efficiency measures which should include biodiesel fuel.

Return to the top of the document Back to Top

The DOL Approach to Compliance with EPAct and EO 13149:

To achieve compliance with the legislative mandates of EPAct and EO 13149, the DOL goal is to acquire 75 percent of new light-duty vehicles as AFVs, and use alternative fuel in these vehicles a majority of the time. It will also acquire light-duty vehicles with a higher fuel economy of one mpg in FY 2002 and 3 mpg in FY 2005. The DOL will take advantage of a new surcharge program that will add $10 monthly to the cost of every vehicle leased through the General Services Administration (GSA) to help cover the higher incremental cost of many AFV models, compared to conventional vehicles. DOL signed a Memorandum of Understanding with GSA to participate in the Federal Government's AFV User Program. The program provides AFV incremental cost for placement of AFVs in six selected cities in order to increase alternative fuel use in the designated areas.

The DOL will take a more aggressive approach in reviewing the feasibility of using biodiesel fuel to further reduce petroleum consumption in diesel vehicles where B20 fuel is available. The use of B20 provides an immediate EPAct credit for fuel purchases and one EPAct credit for every 2,250 gallons of B20 used. The credits earned by purchasing biodiesel can be used to satisfy up to 50% of the alternative fuel vehicle purchase requirements of our fleet. Moreover, B20's higher cetane, flashpoint and increased lubricity mean excellent engine performance, safety and fuel economy. B20 cuts exhaust emissions, minimizing black smoke and odor, as well as cutting ground air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. It is nontoxic, biodegradable and safer to use than any other fuel.

DOL AFV Acquisitions for FY 2000:

Table 1 provides the number of fiscal year 2000 AFV acquisitions. The DOL fleet acquired 77 AFV credits and did not meet the fiscal year AFV acquisition requirements for Federal fleets set forth in EPAct. The 77 AFV credits represent 16 percent of the DOL's 2000 covered vehicle acquisitions. Table 1 provides detailed information on the number and types of vehicles leased from the General Services Administration (GSA) by Departmental fleets in fiscal year 2000. The total number of vehicle acquisitions in 2000 was 960. Of these, 482 were exempt for being in fleets outside covered metropolitan statistical areas, or were law enforcement vehicles. These exemptions left 478 vehicles considered EPAct covered acquisitions for DOL fleets in fiscal year 2000. Note: There were difficulties in obtaining accurate fleet inventory information and the number of acquisitions may be higher than the total number of vehicles reported.

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Table 1: DOL Fiscal Year 2000 Acquisitions

Category Fuel Type TotalAcquisitions Total Covered Acquisitions
Sedans Gasoline 383 226
  Ethanol/Gas 42 30
  CNG/Gas Dual 1 1
Lt Truck <8500 Gasoline 174 48
  Ethanol/Gas 62 46
  CNG/Gas Dual 1 0
Lt Truck 8500+ Gasoline 273 120
  Diesel 13 0
  CNG/Gas Dual 0 0
Other Diesel 11 7

Table 2 provides fuel usage for Departmental fleets in fiscal year 2000. The information is incomplete due to difficulties that arose this year in accurately determining alternative fuel use. Most vehicles acquired by DOL and other federal fleets are leased from GSA, with all maintenance and fuel costs for the vehicle included in the lease. In order to pay for fuel, federal fleets utilize a GSA credit card. Unfortunately, product code standards are not uniform among fuel suppliers for alternative fuels, such as ethanol (E85), making it impossible for credit vendors to track and gauge the purchase of alternative fuels by Federal fleets. Natural gas, however, is predominantly dispensed at local utility owned fueling sites and fleets can track usage by contacting their local utility.

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Table 2: DOL Fuel Usage in Fiscal Year 2000

Fuel Type Quantity Unit
Gasoline* 2,615,713 Gallons
CNG** 3,976 Gallons @2,400 psi, 70 F
Diesel 291,781 Gallons
Biodiesel-B100 0 Gallons
Propane 0 Gallons
Methanol 0 Gallons

*Includes gasoline and may include some alternative fuel use

**CNG Dedicated fuel use only

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DOL's Planned Fleet AFV Acquisitions for 2001 and 2002:

There continues to be difficulties in acquiring AFVs. Table 3 provides a projection for vehicle acquisitions in fiscal years 2002 and 2003. In fiscal year 2002, Departmental fleets plan to acquire 340 AFVs, which significantly increases the percentage of AFVs in the fleet and improve AFV acquisition requirements of EPAct. Fiscal year 2003, projections are to acquire 360 AFVs, a significant increase in the level of compliance. DOL expects to meet EPAct requirements for AFV acquisitions by fiscal year 2004. The DOL will also pursue the acquisition of electric and hybrid vehicles to our fleet. Although hybrid vehicles are not considered AFVs at this time, they are fuel efficient and emit up to 84% less smog forming emissions than are allowed under Federal guidelines.

FY 2001 and FY 2002

Table 3: Planned AFV Acquisitions

Vehicle Type Fuel Type FY2001 FY2002
Sedan CompactDodge Stratus E85 100 100
Sedan SubCompactCavalier CNG 100 100
Sedan MidsizeFord Taurus E85 100 100
Cargo Van, Full Size CNG 15 20
Pickup Full SizeRegular Cab LPG 15 20
Sport Utility 4 Door E85 10 20
TOTALS   340 360

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AFV Acquisition and Use Issues:

Federal agency fleets attempting to meet the requirements of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 continue to experience difficulty in the acquisition and use of AFVs. These issues include high incremental cost of certain AFV models, lack of available alternative fuel use data, poor distribution of information on available AFVs, difficulty ordering and receiving AFVs, and limited access to alternative fuel infrastructure and service in certain areas. More importantly, the lack of available alternative fuel use data, continues to hinder federal agencies compliance with the mandated reporting requirements.

The success of DOL fleets in acquiring AFVs depends in large part on funding the high incremental cost of many AFVs and specific appropriations to cover these costs. To help ensure that Departmental fleets have the funding needed to comply with the AFV acquisition mandates of EPAct, DOL and other federal agencies are working with the General Services Administration (GSA) to establish a monthly surcharge on all vehicles leased by DOL fleets.

Most vehicles acquired by DOL and other federal fleets are leased from GSA with all maintenance and fuel costs for the vehicle included in the lease. In order to pay for fuel, fleets utilize a GSA credit card. Unfortunately, product code standards are not uniform among fuel suppliers for alternative fuels, such as ethanol (E-85), making it impossible for credit vendors to track and gauge the purchase of alternative fuels by fleets. Natural gas is predominantly dispensed at local utility owned fueling sites and fleets are able to track usage by contacting their local utility. The Department, in coordination with other federal agencies is preparing to enter into discussions with the major fuel suppliers to address this issue of no uniform product code for tracking alternative fuel sales.

Summary: As detailed in this report, the DOL still has a lot of work ahead of us as we pursue the mandates required by the EO to demonstrate a decrease in gas powered vehicles and replace them with AFVs and use only alternate fuels when available.

Return to the top of the document Back to Top

U.S. Department of Labor Alternative Fuel Vehicle Acquisition Report for Fiscal Year 1999

November 1999

Introduction:

This 1999 Department of Labor (DOL) Fleet Alternative Fuel Vehicle Acquisition Report provides data on DOL's fleet acquisitions of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) for 1999, planned acquisitions for 2000, and projections for 2001. This report has been developed in accordance with Executive Order 13031 and the Energy Conservation Reauthorization Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-388). The Department did not meet the 75 percent AFV acquisition requirement for fiscal year 1999. DOL acquired only 85 AFV credits in fiscal year 1999. Because of the low level of agency compliance, there will be a major push by DOL agencies to significantly increase AFV acquisitions in fiscal years 2000 and 2001.

This report also contains a brief discussion of the difficulties encountered by the Department in funding the incremental cost of AFVs and tracking the quantity of alternative fuel purchased through commercial refueling stations. In addition to these issues, it has been acknowledged that other federal agencies attempting to acquire and use alternative fuel vehicles have also encountered similar problems with obtaining information on available AFVs, ordering and receiving AFVs, and accessing alternative fuel refueling and support infrastructure.

Background:

This report has been developed in accordance with Executive Order 13031 and the Energy Conservation Reauthorization Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-388). Executive Order 13031, published December 17, 1999, requires each Federal agency to prepare and submit plans for acquiring alternative fuel vehicles in percentages specified by the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct), 42 U.S.C. 13211-13219, and to use alternative fuel in all vehicles capable of running on them, whenever practical. EPAct requires that 75 percent of all covered vehicles acquired for Federal fleets in fiscal year 1999 and beyond must be alternative fuel vehicles. These requirements generally apply to fleets of 20 or more vehicles that are capable of being centrally fueled and are operated in a metropolitan statistical area with a population of more than 250,000 based on the 1980 census.

For security and safety reasons, certain emergency, law enforcement, and national defense vehicles are exempt from these requirements. Executive Order 13031 instructs each Federal agency to report to the Office of Management and Budget on the number of AFV acquisitions and inventory in their fleet and the agency’s alternative fuel use. These reports are to be submitted annually with agency budgets. Executive Order 13031 specifies that each agency is required to fund the incremental costs for AFVs within its own budget and is not exempt in the case of limited appropriations. The Energy Conservation and Reauthorization Act of 1998, amended EPAct to allow one alternative fuel vehicle acquisition credit for every 450 gallons of pure biodiesel fuel consumed in vehicles over 8,500 lbs gross vehicle weight rating. Fleets are only allowed to use these credits to fulfill up to 50 percent of its EPAct requirements. In addition, the Act requires the head of each Federal Agency to prepare and submit a report outlining the Federal agency’s alternative fuel vehicle acquisitions and future plans to Congress by January 1 of each year.

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DOL Fleet AFV Acquisitions for 1999:

The DOL fleet did not meet the fiscal year 1999 AFV acquisition requirements for Federal fleets set forth in EPAct. DOL fleets acquired 85 AFVs credits well below the 75 percent mandated by the Act. The 85 AFV credits represent 18 percent of the DOL’s 1999 covered vehicle acquisitions. Table 1 provides detailed information on the number and types of vehicles leased from the General Services Administration (GSA) by Departmental fleets in fiscal year 1999. The total number of vehicle acquisitions in 1999 was 872. Of these, 417 were exempt for being in fleets outside covered metropolitan statistical areas, and 7 were law enforcement vehicles. These exemptions left 452 vehicles considered EPAct covered acquisitions for DOL fleets in 1999. Note: There were difficulties in obtaining accurate fleet inventory information and the number of acquisitions may be higher than the total number of vehicles reported.

Table 1: DOL Fiscal Year 1999 Acquisitions

Category Fuel Type TotalAcquisitions Total Covered Acquisitions
Sedans Gasoline 515 282
  Ethanol/Gas 53 40
  CNG/Gas Dual 2 2
Lt Truck <8500 Gasoline 142 44
  Ethanol/Gas 62 40
  CNG/Gas Dual 1 1
Lt Truck 8500+ Gasoline 60 24
  Diesel 1 0
  CNG/Gas Dual 2 2
Other Diesel 34 17

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Table 2 provides fuel usage data for Departmental fleets in fiscal year 1999. The information is incomplete due to difficulties that arose this year in accurately determining alternative fuel use. Most vehicles acquired by DOL and other federal fleets are leased from GSA with all maintenance and fuel costs for the vehicle included in the lease. In order to pay for fuel, federal fleets utilize a GSA credit card. Unfortunately, product code standards are not uniform among fuel suppliers for alternative fuels, such as ethanol (E85), making it impossible for credit vendors to track and gauge the purchase of alternative fuels by fleets. Natural gas, however, is predominantly dispensed at local utility owned fueling sites and fleets can track usage by contacting their local utility.

Table 2: DOL Fuel Usage in Fiscal Year 1999

Fuel Type Quantity Unit
Gasoline* 2,445,676.41 Gallons
CNG** 4,804.98 Gallons @2,400 psi, 70 F
Diesel 507,512. 22 Gallons
Biodiesel -B100 0 Gallons
Propane 0 Gallons
Methanol 0 Gallons

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DOL's Fleet AFV Acquisitions for 2000 and 2001:

There continues to be difficulties to acquire AFVs. Nevertheless, in order to significantly increase our AFV acquisition rate, Table 3 provides a projection for vehicle acquisitions in fiscal years 2000 and 2001. In fiscal year 2000, Departmental fleets plan to acquire 340 AFVs, which significantly increases the current percentage of AFVs in the fleet and should meet AFV acquisition requirements of EPAct. Fiscal year 2001, projections are to acquire 360 AFVs, improving the level of compliance. DOL expects to meet EPAct requirements for AFV acquisitions by fiscal year 2004.

FY 2000 and FY 2001

Table 3: Planned AFV Acquisitions

Vehicle Type Fuel Type FY2000 FY2001
Sedan CompactDodge Stratus E85 100 100
Sedan SubCompactCavalier CNG2 100 100
Sedan MidsizeFord Taurus E85 100 100
Cargo Van, Full Size CNG 15 20
Pickup Full SizeRegular Cab LPG 15 20
Sport Utility 4 Door E85 10 20
TOTALS   340 360

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AFV Acquisition and Use Issues:

Federal agency fleets attempting to meet the requirements of the Energy Policy Act of 1992, continue to experience difficulty in the acquisition and use of AFVs. These issues include high incremental cost of certain AFV models, lack of available alternative fuel use data, poor distribution of information on available AFVs, difficulty ordering and receiving AFVs, and limited access to alternative fuel infrastructure and service in certain areas. More importantly, problems with the high incremental cost to purchase AFVs and the lack of available alternative fuel use data continue to hinder federal agencies compliance with mandated reporting requirements and AFV acquisitions.

The success of DOL fleets in acquiring AFVs depends in large part on funding the high incremental cost of many AFVs and specific appropriations to cover these costs. This is an especially difficult problem, as fleets are required to pay the entire incremental cost of the vehicles within the first year of the lease, as opposed to spreading it out over the life of the lease. To help ensure that Departmental fleets have the funding needed to comply with the AFV acquisition mandates of EPAct, DOL and other federal agencies are working with the General Services Administration (GSA) to establish a monthly surcharge on all vehicles leased by DOL fleets.

As stated above, most vehicles acquired by DOL and other federal fleets are leased from GSA with all maintenance and fuel costs for the vehicle included in the lease. In order to pay for fuel, fleets utilize a GSA credit card. Unfortunately, product code standards are not uniform among fuel suppliers for alternative fuels, such as ethanol (E-85), making it impossible for credit vendors to track and gauge the purchase of alternative fuels by fleets. Natural gas is predominantly dispensed at local utility owned fueling sites and fleets are able to track usage by contacting their local utility. The Department, in coordination with other federal agencies is preparing to enter into discussions with the major fuel suppliers to address this issue of no uniform product code for tracking alternative fuel sales.