Fuel and vehicle choices of fleet operators are impacted by federal, state, and local energy and environmental legislation. Two major pieces of federal legislation impacting the demand for propane vehicles are discussed below. 1992 Energy Policy Act (EPAct) In 1992, Congress passed the Energy Policy Act with primary goals of decreasing the nation's dependence on foreign oil and enhancing energy security through the use of domestically-produced alternative fuels. In order to accelerate the use of alternative fuels in the transportation sector, EPAct mandated that federal, state, and fuel provider fleet owners purchase alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). Federal fleets must follow guidelines set forth in the AFV guide for federal fleets, and state and fuel provider fleets must meet the requirements outlined in the Alternative Fuel Transportation Program, Final Rule [10 CFR Part 490]. Because propane is clean burning and 90 percent of propane used in this country is domestically produced, propane vehicles represent the ideal solution for fleet operators who must comply with these mandates. The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments include expanded provisions to control ground-level ozone (urban smog), carbon monoxide, and particulate emissions from diesel engines that affect air toxics and acid rain. Motor vehicles contribute to all these problems. Clean Fuel Fleet Program (CFFP) In response to the CAAA, the EPA implemented the CFFP, which requires fleets in cities with significant air quality problems to incorporate vehicles that meet clean fuel emissions standards. Beginning in 1998, 30 percent of new vehicles purchased by centrally-fueled fleets in selected cities were required to use clean fuels and meet tailpipe standards that were lower than those in place for general passenger cars (0.075 gpm hydrocarbons, 3.4 gpm carbon monoxide, and 0.2 gram per mile nitrogen oxides). The purchase requirement increased to 70 percent by the year 2000. The program affects 22 ozone and carbon monoxide non-attainment metropolitan areas in 19 states across the country. For more information on requirements, covered fleets, and affected areas, please call your state EPA office. Informational Tools The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Transportation Technologies (OTT) offers several online tools to assist fleet managers and companies in purchasing decisions involving AFVs. They are as follows: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Fleet Buyer's Guide The Fleet Buyer's Guide was developed to help fleet managers make informed decisions regarding the purchase of AFVs: It helps fleet managers understand which regulations and incentives apply to them (based on their location and company description) Shows fleet managers what AFVs are available Identifies where refueling stations are located Measures the cost differences between AFVs and conventional vehicles EPAct Fleet Information and Regulations Many fleet operators are subject to AFV acquisition requirements under EPAct regulations. These requirements differ for different types of fleets. This site provides information for federal, state/alternative fuel provider, and private/local government fleets. The U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center is a valuable resource on a very wide range of alternative fuels information (http://www.afdc.doe.gov/). PROPANE EDUCATION & RESEARCH COUNCIL