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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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
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
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
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
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.
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.
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
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
Back to Top
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 |
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
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 agencys 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 agencys
alternative fuel vehicle acquisitions and future plans to Congress by January 1
of each year.
Back to Top
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 DOLs 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 |
Back to Top
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 |
Back to Top
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 |
Back to Top
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. |