Florida Gold Coast Clean Cities Coalition

"Creating a Cleaner Future through Alternative Fuels for Florida"

The Energy Policy Act (EPACT) of 1992 is a federal law that requires fleets of more than 20 centrally fueled, light-duty vehicles located in metropolitan areas (e.g. Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach) to purchase alternative fueled vehicles (AFVs). AFV replacement requirements are as follows (i.e., % of new vehicles purchased each year that must be AFVs):

Model Year	Federal Government	State Government	Municipal Gov't & Private Fleets*	Fuel Provider
1997	25%	10%		50%
1998	33%	15%		70%
1999	50%	25%		90%
2000	75%	50%		90%
2001	75%	75%		90%
2002	75%	75%	20%	90%
2003	75%	75%	40%	90%
2004	75%	75%	60%	90%
2005	75%	75%	70%	90%
2006	75%	75%	70%	90%
*Proposed by EPACT, however US DOE has the authority to modify these dates and percentages.

The alternative fuels permitted by EPACT are alcohol fuels, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (i.e., propane), hydrogen, bio-diesel, coal-derived fuels, biological materials derived fuels, and electricity. Also, federal laws provide tax incentives for AFV purchases, conversions, and installation of "clean fuel" dispensing equipment. The intent of EPACT is to encourage alternative fuel use by making fuels cheaper and more available.

In addition to the vehicle purchase requirements listed above, there are reporting requirements, provisions for exemptions, and provisions for "credits" if an agency has purchased more than the required number of vehicles or has purchased alternative fuel vehicles in advance of the requirements. Each "covered fleet" is required to submit reports to the U.S. Department of Energy on an annual basis. The first reports (by state energy agencies and fuel providers) were due to the U.S. Department of Energy on December 31, 1997.

The Department of Energy has set up an Internet-based method of reporting vehicle acquisitions and credits (address: http://www.ott.doe.gov/credits/index.html). It is possible to download a spreadsheet form or a paper form from this Website.

Failure to acquire vehicles or file reports as required could result in prosecution under Federal law. The (civil) penalty for a violation is $5,000; for a "willful" violation, $10,000 (criminal fine); and for a repeated violation, $50,000.

For more information contact the National Alternative Fuels Hotline at 1-800-423-1363 or visit their website at http://www.afdc.nrel.gov/hotline.html.