A Guidebook to the U.S.

Department of Energyís

Alternative Fuel Transportation

Program

For

State and Alternative Fuel

Provider Fleets

U.S. Department of Energy

1000 Independence Ave., S.W.

Washington D.C. 20585

www.ott.doe.gov/epact/state_fleets.html
Table of Contents 

A Guidebook to the U.S. Department of i REV. 2

Energy’s Alternative Fuel TransportationProgram 

for State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PREFACE........................................................................................................................1

SECTION 1—STATE FLEETS ........................................................................................3

1-1 Determining if Your State Fleets Are Covered by EPACT.................................................. 3

 Decision Tree for State Government Fleets 

1-2 Deciding Whether To Comply State-Wide or as Individual Fleets..................................... 5

 1-3 Reporting Changes in Fleet Status....................................................................................... 5

 1-4 State Acquisition Requirements ........................................................................................... 6

 Calculating Vehicle Acquisitions for State Fleets 

 Calculating Requirements for Fleets Established and Covered After 

 Model Year 1997 

 1-5 Exemptions for States............................................................................................................ 7 

 Applying for Exemptions for Unavailability of Suitable Alternative Fuels 

 or Alternative Fueled Vehicles 

 Requesting an Exemption for Financial Hardship 

 Submitting a Request for an Exemption 

 1-6 Identifying Vehicles To Meet Your Acquisition Requirements .......................................... 9

 Counting Converted LDVs That You Already Own 

 Sorting Out the Differences in Light-Duty, Alternative Fueled Vehicles 

 Choosing Appropriate Alternative Fuels To Satisfy Acquisition Requirements 

 Converting Vehicles to AFVs To Satisfy Acquisition Requirements 

 Acquiring Excluded Vehicles as AFVs To Satisfy Acquisition Requirements 

 Acquiring Medium- or Heavy-Duty AFVS To Satisfy Acquisition Requirements 

 What Does Not Count in Model Year 2000–2001 

 1-7 State Reporting Requirements............................................................................................ 11

 Filing an Annual Compliance Report

 1-8 Alternative State Plans......................................................................................................... 12

 Writing an Optional, Alternative State Plan 

 Monitoring the Implementation of Alternative State Plans

SECTION 2—ALTERNATIVE FUEL PROVIDERS .......................................................15

2-1 Defining an Alternative Fuel Provider ................................................................................ 15

 Exceptions 

 Determining Whether an “Alternative Fuel Provider” is a “Covered Person” 

 Who Must Acquire AFVs 

 Decision Tree for Fuel-Provider Fleets 

 2-2 Calculating the Number of AFV Vehicles That Covered Alternative 

 Fuel Providers Must Acquire .............................................................................................. 17

 2-3 Acquiring Vehicles That Satisfy Program Requirements................................................. 19

 2-4 Choosing Alternative Fuels To Satisfy Acquisition Requirements................................. 20

 2-5 Dealing with Mergers, Acquisitions, and Divestitures...................................................... 21

 2-6 Exemptions from Acquisition Requirements for Alternative Fuel Providers................. 21

 Applying for Exemptions for Unavailability of Suitable Alternative Fuels 

 Submitting Exemption Requests 

 2-7 Alternative Fuel Provider Reporting Requirements.......................................................... 22

 Filing an Annual Compliance Report 
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SECTION 3—AFV CREDIT PROGRAM........................................................................25

3-1 Earning Credits under This Program.................................................................................. 25

 3-2 Transferring Earned Credits................................................................................................ 26 

SECTION 4—REQUESTS FOR INTERPRETIVE RULINGS.........................................27

SECTION 5—ENFORCEMENT .....................................................................................29

APPENDICES 

 APPENDIX A GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ACRONYMS......................................................... 31 

 APPENDIX B METROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS (MSAS) AND CONSOLIDATED 

METROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS (CMSAS) ........................................................ 37 

APPENDIX C ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION ABOUT ALTERNATIVE 

 FUELS, ALTERNATIVE FUELED VEHICLES, AND DOE’S ALTERNATIVE FUEL 

 TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM ..................................................................................... 41 
Preface 

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for State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets

PREFACE 

he country’s increasing dependence on imported oil and the relative instability of the oil-producing 

countries prompted Congress to pass the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992. The Act called on the 

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to expand research and development in the transportation sector, 

and to create programs for accelerating the introduction of alternative fueled vehicles (AFVs) to replace 

conventional models fueled by gasoline. 

DOE’s Alternative Fuel Transportation Program, as codified in 10 CFR Part 490, implements the 

provisions in Sections 501, 507(o), 508, 511, 512, and 513 of EPAct. These sections 

• Call for DOE to promulgate rulemakings requiring State government fleets and alternative fuel 

providers to acquire AFVs in certain gradually increasing percentages; 

• Set forth a credit program to reward those who purchase or lease AFVs either earlier than 

required, or in greater numbers than required; 

• Establish reporting procedures; 

• Implement exemption provisions; and 

• Set forth enforcement procedures and provisions. 

State government fleet managers and alternative fuel providers must determine if they are covered by 

these provisions, and take certain steps to be in compliance if they are covered. This booklet has been 

produced by DOE as a reader-friendly guide to the primary requirements of the Alternative Fuel 

Transportation Program for States and fuel providers. DOE has addressed the topics that fleet managers 

ask about most frequently. 

Section 1 covers the concerns of State government or State agency fleets. Section 2 discusses issues 

specific to fuel providers. The remaining sections (3 through 5) are concerned with credit programs, 

interpretive rulings, and enforcement, and will be of interest to both groups. The three appendices will 

also be useful to both State and Fuel Provider fleets. Appendix A is a comprehensive glossary to 

provide the reader with definitions of unfamiliar terms. Appendix B is a listing of Metropolitan 

Statistical Areas and Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Areas, which are used to determine which 

fleets are covered under EPAct. Appendix C is a helpful source of additional information about 

alternative fuels and alternative-fueled vehicles, and DOE’s Alternative Fuel Transportation Program. 

Topics that are not addressed here may be directed to DOE by mail, Internet e-mail, or telephone. 

Information on how to contact DOE for additional information is provided throughout the document, 

and specifically in Appendix C. Readers should be aware that this guide is only a summary of the 

program. Should questions arise concerning the language of this publication compared to that of the 

regulation, the language of the regulation (10 CFR Part 490) governs.

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for State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets
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Excluded Vehicles 

(as defined by EPAct)

• Emergency motor vehicles 

• Law enforcement vehicles 

• Non-road vehicles 

• Vehicles that under normal 

operations are parked at private 

residences when not in use 

• Vehicles used for evaluating or 

testing products of a motor vehicle 

manufacturer, including vehicles 

owned or held by a university for 

research purposes 

• Vehicles owned or held by a 

testing laboratory or other 

evaluation facility, solely for 

evaluating their performance for 

engineering, research and 

development, or quality control 

reasons 

• Motor vehicles acquired and used 

for purposes that the Secretary of 

Defense has certified to DOE must 

be exempted for national security 

reasons

SECTION 1—STATE FLEETS 

his section will help a State government or State agency determine if it is required to acquire 

alternative fueled vehicles (AFVs) under EPAct. Guidance is also provided on whether the State 

should report as a single entity or as individual agencies, and on the types of vehicles that qualify 

for compliance and credit. 

1-1 Determining if Your State Fleets Are Covered by EPAct 

he State government (or State agency) is “covered” and 

must meet the requirements in EPAct if it satisfies ALL

of the following conditions: 

1. It owns, operates, leases, or otherwise controls 50 

or more light-duty vehicles (LDVs) (of 8,500 lb 

gross vehicle weight rating or less) within the 

United States that are not on the list of excluded 

vehicles found in 10 CFR Subpart A, Section 490.3 

of the Rule (see a definition of the Final Rule at the 

bottom of the page and a list of excluded vehicles 

in the sidebar). 

2. At least 20 of those LDVs are used primarily within 

any single Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) or 

Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area 

(CMSA). (A list of MSAs and CMSAs appears in 

Appendix B of this document.) 

3. Those same 20 LDVs are centrally fueled, or 

capable of being centrally fueled. LDVs are 

“centrally fueled” if they are or could be refueled at 

least 75 percent of the time at a location that is 

owned, operated, or controlled by any fleet, or 

under contract with that fleet for refueling 

purposes. This issue is discussed in detail in the 

rulemaking (published in the Federal Register, Volume 61, Number 51, pages 10627-10628). 

See also the definition of “centrally fueled” in Appendix A of this document. The Final Rule is 

also available at the Web site, www.ott.doe.gov/epact/state_fleets.html. 

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What is the Final Rule? 

The Department of Energy published a Rule, as required by the Energy Policy Act of 1992, to implement 

statutorily imposed AFV acquisition requirements for certain State government and alternative fuel provider 

vehicular fleets. The Rule interprets to whom and to what extent the requirements apply; provides procedures for 

exemptions and administrative remedies; and sets forth a program of marketable credits that rewards fleets that 

voluntarily acquire alternative fueled vehicles in excess of mandated requirements, or that acquire the AFVs before 

the requirements take effect, and that can be used to demonstrate compliance with the requirements. The Rule 

became effective April 15, 1996. 
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For Further Help at This Stage: Review the Decision Tree below, and contact the Alternative Fuel 

Transportation Program if you are still unsure about whether your fleet is covered. 

When you subtract out excluded vehicles, does your Your fleet is excluded

fleet still total 50 or more LDVs?

When you subtract out excluded vehicles, does your 

fleet still total 50 or more LDVs?

Are those same 20 vehicles centrally fueled, or capable 

of being centrally fueled?1

Are those same 20 vehicles centrally fueled, or capable 

of being centrally fueled?1

If you are not covered, you have the burden of 

notifying DOE when circumstances change and 

you will be covered.

If you are not covered, you have the burden of 

notifying DOE when circumstances change and 

you will be covered.

If still uncertain about whether you are covered, submit 

information concerning your situation to Program Manager, 

Alternative Fuel Transportation Program, Office of Energy 

Efficiency and Renewable Energy, EE-34, U.S. Dept. of Energy, 

1000 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20585, or fax 

your information to (202) 586-1610 and the Department will provide 

you with a definite answer. The number of non-excluded, lightduty vehicles in your fleet and the number of vehicles in MSAs or 

CMSAs should be included with your submissions.

If still uncertain about whether you are covered, submit 

information concerning your situation to Program Manager, 

Alternative Fuel Transportation Program, Office of Energy 

Efficiency and Renewable Energy, EE-34, U.S. Dept. of Energy, 

1000 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20585, or fax 

your information to (202) 586-1610 and the Department will provide 

you with a definite answer. The number of non-excluded, lightduty vehicles in your fleet and the number of vehicles in MSAs or 

CMSAs should be included with your submissions.

Your fleet is covered by 

the AFV acquisition 

mandate of EPAct

Your fleet is covered by 

the AFV acquisition 

mandate of EPAct

Decision Tree for State Government Fleets

YES

YES

Of those 50 LDVs, does your State government (or 

State agency) own, operate, or control 20 or more nonexcluded LDVs that are used primarily within any MSA 

or CMSA (listed in Appendix B)?

Of those 50 LDVs, does your State government (or 

State agency) own, operate, or control 20 or more nonexcluded LDVs that are used primarily within any MSA 

or CMSA (listed in Appendix B)?

YES

YES

NONO

Does your State government (or State agency) own, 

operate, or control at least 50 LDVs within the United 

States?

Does your State government (or State agency) own, 

operate, or control at least 50 LDVs within the United 

States?

When you subtract out excluded vehicles, does your Your fleet is excluded

fleet still total 50 or more LDVs?

When you subtract out excluded vehicles, does your 

fleet still total 50 or more LDVs?

Are those same 20 vehicles centrally fueled, or capable 

of being centrally fueled?1

Are those same 20 vehicles centrally fueled, or capable 

of being centrally fueled?1

If you are not covered, you have the burden of 

notifying DOE when circumstances change and 

you will be covered.

If you are not covered, you have the burden of 

notifying DOE when circumstances change and 

you will be covered.

If still uncertain about whether you are covered, submit 

information concerning your situation to Program Manager, 

Alternative Fuel Transportation Program, Office of Energy 

Efficiency and Renewable Energy, EE-34, U.S. Dept. of Energy, 

1000 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20585, or fax 

your information to (202) 586-1610 and the Department will provide 

you with a definite answer. The number of non-excluded, lightduty vehicles in your fleet and the number of vehicles in MSAs or 

CMSAs should be included with your submissions.

If still uncertain about whether you are covered, submit 

information concerning your situation to Program Manager, 

Alternative Fuel Transportation Program, Office of Energy 

Efficiency and Renewable Energy, EE-34, U.S. Dept. of Energy, 

1000 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20585, or fax 

your information to (202) 586-1610 and the Department will provide 

you with a definite answer. The number of non-excluded, lightduty vehicles in your fleet and the number of vehicles in MSAs or 

CMSAs should be included with your submissions.

Your fleet is covered by 

the AFV acquisition 

mandate of EPAct

Your fleet is covered by 

the AFV acquisition 

mandate of EPAct

Decision Tree for State Government Fleets

YES

YES

Of those 50 LDVs, does your State government (or 

State agency) own, operate, or control 20 or more nonexcluded LDVs that are used primarily within any MSA 

or CMSA (listed in Appendix B)?

Of those 50 LDVs, does your State government (or 

State agency) own, operate, or control 20 or more nonexcluded LDVs that are used primarily within any MSA 

or CMSA (listed in Appendix B)?

YES

YES

NONO

Does your State government (or State agency) own, 

operate, or control at least 50 LDVs within the United 

States?

Does your State government (or State agency) own, 

operate, or control at least 50 LDVs within the United 

States?

1

DOE determines central fueling capability by whether 75 percent of a vehicle’s total annual miles are derived from 

trips that are less than the operational range of the vehicle.
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1-2 Deciding Whether To Comply State-Wide or as Individual Fleets 

 State government fleet that is covered by EPAct has to decide whether it should comply with 

acquisition requirements for alternative fueled vehicles (AFVs) as a single entity, or allow 

individual agencies within that State government to comply on their own. 

The Department of Energy prefers that compliance be carried out by each State as a whole, but 

understands that each State is unique. Therefore, DOE allows the State to choose the way in which it 

will calculate its acquisition requirements and report its compliance. A covered State may choose 

between the following options: 

• Comply as one large fleet, counting the total number of non-excluded LDVs acquired by all its 

individual agency fleets, regardless of any agency’s location or fleet size; or

• Allow individual State fleets or groups of two or more fleets to count their vehicles and report 

their compliance separately. 

If a covered State has allowed its fleet operators to comply individually, and an individual fleet does not 

meet the size guidelines described in Subsection 1.1, that individual agency would be exempted from 

acquisition requirements, unless it is a participant in an optional Alternative State Plan that the State has 

developed. (Section 5 of this guide discusses participation in optional Alternative State Plans.) 

State agencies that join together to calculate their compliance responsiblities do not have to acquire their 

vehicles together. However, they must file their annual reports to DOE together, as one fleet. 

1-3 Reporting Changes in Fleet Status 

leet characteristics often change and a State government or State agency fleet that was once covered 

by EPAct requirements may no longer be subject to them. For example, a State agency’s fleet may 

shrink to the point that it no longer owns, operates, or controls at least 50 LDVs. Likewise, a previously 

uncovered fleet may find itself falling under the requirements because of a change in one of the 

qualifying areas, perhaps by gaining vehicles. A fleet must notify DOE at the following address when 

such changes occur: 

A

F

Program Manager

Alternative Fuel Transportation Program 

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable 

Energy, EE-34 

U.S. Department of Energy 

1000 Independence Avenue, S.W. 

Washington, D.C. 20585 
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1-4 State Acquisition Requirements 

ection 1-1 discussed how to determine if your State government or State agency fleet must meet the 

compliance requirements of EPAct, and listed the types of vehicles that are excluded from those 

requirements. This section will look at how many vehicles must be acquired by a covered State or 

State agency fleet to be in compliance. 

Calculating Vehicle Acquisitions for State Fleets

When State fleets or State agency fleets are subject to EPAct requirements (as defined in 10 CFR Part 

490), and the fleets acquire new light-duty vehicles, the following percentages of the new LDVs must be 

AFVs: 

For example, if a covered State or State agency acquires 100 new non-excluded LDVs in 2000, 50 

percent, or 50 of those newly acquired LDVs must be AFVs (unless the types of LDVs are on the list of 

excluded vehicles shown on page 1). 

The State or State agency may calculate its exact fleet-acquisition requirements, using the following 

formula: 

1. Start with the number of new LDVs that will be acquired for a fleet. 

2. Subtract any excluded vehicles. 

3. Multiply the result by the decimal equivalent of the acquisition percentage for that model 

year to get the number of vehicles that must be AFVs. 

Example

If a fleet plans to acquire 105 LDVs in Model Year 2000, and 5 of those will be excluded vehicles, then: 

Total Planned Acquisitions 105 

Excluded-Vehicle Acquisitions -5

Total Covered Acquisitions 100 

AFV Fraction in Model Year (MY) 2000 x0.5

AFV Acquisitions Required in MY 2000 50* 

*(If the fraction is 0.5 or greater, the number is rounded up to the nearest whole number. Below 0.5 it is 

rounded down.) 

S

• 10 percent for Model Year 1997 

• 15 percent for Model Year 1998 

• 25 percent for Model Year 1999 

• 50 percent for Model Year 2000 

• 75 percent for Model Year 2001 and 

thereafter
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Of the 105 vehicles to be acquired by this fleet, at least 50 must be AFVs to meet the fleet’s EPAct 

requirements. 

Use the following work sheet to determine how many of your planned LDV acquisitions must be AFVs: 

Work Sheet for Any Covered Fleet: 

Total Planned Acquisitions 

Excluded-Vehicle Acquisitions –___ 

Total Covered Acquisitions 

AFV Fraction in MY 2000 X___ 

AFV Acquisitions Required in MY 2000 

Calculating Requirements for Fleets Established and Covered after Model Year 1997

A State that owns, operates, or controls the required minimum number of LDVs for it to be classified as 

a covered fleet operator in any year after Model Year 1997 must acquire AFVs starting with the full 

model year after the State becomes a fleet operator. It must also meet the acquisition requirements for 

that model year. For example, if a State or State agency became a covered fleet operator in 1998, it 

needed to begin meeting the acquisition requirements in 1999 (25 percent that year). 

1-5 Exemptions for States 

tate and State agency fleets may apply for exemptions from EPAct’s acquisition requirements. DOE 

will grant such exemptions if warranted by individual situations. Any exemption is good for one 

year only and is not renewable. Fleets must apply for exemptions annually, presenting updated 

documentation for DOE’s consideration. Exemptions are granted on a case-by-case basis. Situations for 

which DOE will consider an exemption are discussed in the next two subsections. 

When applying for exemptions, refer first to the exemption guidance provided on the DOE Web site, 

www.ott.doe.gov/epact/pdfs/exemption_guide.pdf. When you submit your request to DOE for an 

exemption, be sure to include all of the supporting documentation specified in the guidance. If the 

documentation is incomplete, DOE will ask for additional information before considering your request. 

Applying for Exemptions for Unavailability of Suitable Alternative Fuels or Alternative 

Fueled Vehicles

You may apply for an exemption from the acquisition requirements if no alternative fuels or alternative 

fueled vehicles are available in the fleet’s territory that meet your operating requirements. For example, 

an exemption may be requested if the only AFVs available that meet your operating needs are natural 

gas vehicles, and compressed natural gas is not available in your operating area. 

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Requesting an Exemption for Financial Hardship

You may apply for an exemption from the acquisition requirements if the additional costs associated 

with AFVs pose an unreasonable financial hardship for a State. These requests will be carefully 

considered on a case-by-case basis. States requesting exemptions as a result of financial hardship must 

submit compelling evidence to DOE. 

Submitting a Request for an Exemption

Requests for an exemption may be submitted at any time, as the need arises. DOE advises States to 

submit their requests as early in the model year as possible so that fleets have time to ensure they are in 

compliance if their requests are rejected in whole or in part. DOE will issue a written determination on 

whether the State’s request for an exemption has been granted within 45 working days after receiving an 

adequate request. 

Submit your exemption request by mail or fax to the following individual: 

Remember that exemptions will be granted for one model year only. You must submit a separate 

exemption request in each subsequent model year. 

If the exemption request is denied, the State or State agency may file an appeal within 30 working days 

after notification of DOE’s determination. Send your appeal to the following office: 

You may wish to look at this office’s Web site at www.oha.doe.gov/eecases.htm, which contains its 

previous decisions on appeals for the Alternative Fuel Transportation Program. 

Program Manager

Alternative Fuel Transportation Program 

Office of Energy Efficiency and 

Renewable Energy, EE-34 

U.S. Department of Energy 

1000 Independence Avenue, S.W. 

Washington, D.C. 20585 

Office of Hearings and Appeals 

U.S. Department of Energy 

1000 Independence Avenue, S.W. 

Washington, D.C. 20585 
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1-6 Identifying Vehicles To Meet Your Acquisition Requirements 

aving determined that a State or State agency is covered under EPAct, and the percentage of its 

acquisitions that must be AFVs, the fleet manager may satisfy those requirements by one or more of 

the following methods: 

1. Purchasing or leasing new LDVs capable of operating on alternative fuels. 

Any new light-duty vehicle acquired by a covered State or State agency fleet that can operate on 

alternative fuels is counted toward the fleet’s compliance requirements. This includes LDVs that 

are on the excluded list (i.e., emergency or law enforcement vehicles) if they are acquired as 

AFV models. (A new LDV means it was not previously under the control of the State, no matter 

when the vehicle was manufactured.) If you acquire a medium- or heavy-duty alternative fueled 

vehicle, you may also apply this AFV toward your compliance requirements, or for additional 

credit if your requirements have been met. 

2. Purchasing or leasing any after-market, converted LDV (including a demonstration model) that 

was not previously under the control of the State (no matter when it was manufactured) and is 

capable of operating on alternative fuels. It should be noted that all conversions must meet the 

specifications in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Memorandum 1A (on antitampering) and appropriate emissions requirements. 

3. Purchasing or leasing any used Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), alternative fueled, 

light-duty vehicle (including a demonstration model) that was not previously under the control 

of the State (no matter when it was manufactured). 

4. Converting a new LDV to operate on alternative fuels within four months after it comes under 

the control of the State.

5. Applying AFV credits against the fleet’s acquisition requirements (see Section 3, AFV Credit 

Program).

In addition, you may purchase biodiesel for use in AFVs in blends of B20 or higher to meet up to 50 

percent of your annual requirements. This fuel must be for use in vehicles of more than 8,500 lb gross 

vehicle weight rating only. One biodiesel fuel use credit will be counted as one AFV acquisition, and 

will be awarded to fleets and covered persons for every 450 gallons of pure biodiesel fuel used in blends 

of at least 20 percent biodiesel. (B20 fuel is 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent standard diesel fuel by 

volume.) The biodiesel rule and information on this fuel are available on the Web site, 

www.ott.doe.gov/epact/biod_fuel_credits.html.

Counting LDVs Converted to AFVs That You Already Own 

You may count any vehicles that you already own or control to satisfy acquisition requirements if they 

were acquired between October 24, 1992 (the day EPAct became law) and August 31, 1996, and they 

were converted to AFVs before January 1, 1997. Since September 1, 1996 (the date mandatory 

reporting began), all conversions must be completed within four months of acquiring the LDV. Vehicles 

acquired prior to September 1, 1996, must be converted not later than January 1, 1997, in order to earn 

credits. 

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Sorting Out the Differences in Light-Duty, Alternative Fueled Vehicles

Light-duty AFVs may be classified as dedicated, dual-fuel, flexible-fuel, or bi-fuel vehicles. EPAct 

defines a dual-fuel AFV as a vehicle designed to operate on a combination of an alternative fuel and a 

conventional fuel. Subdivisions under dual-fuel AFVs are 1) flexible-fuel vehicles, which have one fuel 

tank and operate on an alternative fuel, a petroleum fuel, or a mixture of the two; and 2) bi-fuel 

vehicles, which have two separate fuel systems, one with an alternative fuel and one with a conventional 

fuel, and which may operate on one fuel at a time. However, some medium- and heavy-duty bi-fuel 

systems (called pilot-injection systems) operate using a combination of the alternative and conventional 

fuels. 

Choosing Appropriate Alternative Fuels To Satisfy Acquisition Requirements

Light-duty AFVs (whether they are dedicated, dual-fuel, flexible-fuel, or bi-fuel vehicles) must be 

designed to operate on at least one of the fuels defined as an alternative fuel in order to satisfy 

acquisition requirements. The current list of approved fuels follows. 

No other fuels are currently designated as alternative 

fuels (although DOE has received applications for 

approval of other fuel types, which are currently 

pending). RFG and diesel fuel are not alternative fuels 

under EPAct for any type of vehicle; and biodiesel 

blends do not qualify as alternative fuels for use in 

light-duty AFVs under EPAct. Any changes to the 

approved list of alternative fuels will be made by a 

Federal Register notice. 

Converting Vehicles to AFVs To Satisfy 

Acquisition Requirements

If no OEM vehicles are available from automakers that 

meet the State’s operational requirements, the State is 

not required to convert conventional vehicles to operate 

on alternative fuels. However, the State may choose to 

convert vehicles to meet its acquisition requirements, 

according to guidelines discussed in Section 6 of this 

document.

Acquiring Excluded Vehicles as AFVs To Satisfy Acquisition Requirements 

Light-duty vehicles that are on the excluded list (see Section 1-1) are not counted toward meeting your 

requirements (and earning credits) unless you acquire AFV models of these vehicles. AFV models of 

excluded vehicles will help satisfy your requirements and earn credits, unless they are non-road 

vehicles, which are never eligible to satisfy requirements. (Note: Low-speed vehicles do not satisfy 

acquisition requirements either.) 

Alternative Fuels That Satisfy 

EPAct Requirements 

• 100 percent methanol 

• Denatured ethanol, and other 

alcohols 

• Mixtures containing 85 percent or 

more by volume of methanol, 

denatured ethanol, and other 

alcohols with gasoline or other fuels

• Natural gas (compressed or 

liquefied) 

• Liquefied petroleum gas (propane) 

• Electricity (including electricity from 

solar energy) 

• Hydrogen 

• Coal-derived liquid fuels 

• Fuels (other than alcohol) derived 

from biological materials, including 

neat or 100 percent biodiesel 

• The three P-series blends 
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Reminder

A model year runs from 

September 1 of one year 

through August 31 of the 

following year

Acquiring Medium- or Heavy-Duty AFVs To Satisfy Acquisition Requirements

Since the program's primary emphasis is on light-duty AFVs, you may purchase medium- or heavy-duty 

AFVs to earn credits only after you have fulfilled your light-duty AFV percentage requirement for that 

model year. Moreover, you may apply any credits earned in this manner toward your percentage 

requirements in the following year(s). 

For example, if you fulfill your percentage requirements for 2000 by ensuring that 50 percent of your 

annual purchases of LDVs are AFVs, the acquisition of any medium- or heavy-duty AFVs in excess of 

the LDV requirements can earn credits toward acquisition requirements for Model Year 2001 and 

future model years. 

What Does Not Count in Model Year 2000-2001

The following types of vehicles may not be counted toward EPAct requirements: 

• Low speed vehicles 

• Hybrid electric vehicles that run on gasoline 

• Reformulated gasoline/clean diesel vehicles 

• Non-road AFVs like forklifts and construction equipment 

1-7 State Reporting Requirements 

ach covered fleet operator must file an annual report with DOE on the status of its compliance with 

EPAct regulations. If a State's individual agencies are tracking their compliance separately, the State 

government may choose to 

• Collect all reports and submit them to DOE at one time, or

• Have each separate agency submit its report directly to DOE, or

• Submit a report with some agencies grouped together. 

All reports must be received by DOE no later than December 31, after the 

end of any model year. For example, a report for Model Year 2000 will be 

due December 31, 2000. 

Fleets must retain copies of their acquisition records and compliance reports for three years following 

the due date. For example, materials related to a report filed on November 1, 1999, for the 1999 Model 

Year (due December 31, 1999), must be retained by the State until December 31, 2002.

E
State Fleets

A Guidebook to the U.S. Department of 12 REV. 2

Energy’s Alternative Fuel Transportation Program 

for State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets

Filing an Annual Compliance Report 

Reports may be submitted to DOE using any of the methods described below. Please do not create your 

own forms for your report; the methods below are the only ones that will be accepted when you submit 

your acquisition information to DOE: 

• Option 1: Report on-line via the Internet 

The AFV Acquisition and Credits Database can be accessed at 

www.ott.doe.gov/epact/compliance_reporting.html. Enter the requested data into the online forms and submit.

• Option 2: Complete a downloadable spreadsheet 

The Excel spreadsheet template can be downloaded from the above Internet site. Establish a 

spreadsheet file and complete the spreadsheet. Submit the completed spreadsheet to Jaycor, 

the database contractor, at AFV_credit_acct@va.jaycor.com.

Alternatively, a hard copy of the spreadsheet can be mailed or faxed, and/or a copy of the 

file on a computer diskette can be mailed to the contractor: 

• Option 3: Download and Print Form 101 (DOE/OTT/101) from the Web site. Fill it in 

by hand and mail or fax it to the contractor (address and fax number just above). 

• Option 4: Obtain a paper copy of the template from the National Alternative Fuels 

Hotline at 800-423-1363. The completed spreadsheet should be sent to the contractor by 

mail or fax (address and fax number just above). 

1-8 Alternative State Plans 

nstead of meeting its acquisition requirements on its own, a State or State agency may develop and 

seek DOE approval for a "light-duty AFV plan," under which local governments and private entities 

could voluntarily join the State in fulfilling the acquisition requirements of this program, and 

coordinate community efforts to introduce alternative fuels. Others that may wish to join in this 

voluntary effort are State fleets that are not required to comply. 

DOE strongly encourages States to consider developing their own methods for compliance. Under this 

option, States have an opportunity to be creative and formulate plans unique to their situation, involving 

the voluntary participation of local and private fleets. (Optional alternative State plans must provide for 

the acquisition of the same or a greater number of light-duty AFVs than would otherwise be required 

under EPAct.) 

I

Jaycor, AFV Project Office

11410 Isaac Newton Square North 

Suite 103 

Reston, VA 20190 

Fax: 703-397-9359 
State Fleets

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Energy’s Alternative Fuel Transportation Program 

for State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets

Writing an Optional Alternative State Plan

Each optional Alternative State Plan must include the following: 

• Certification by the Governor (or a person designated to represent the Governor) that the 

plan meets the minimum acquisition requirements of the regulation as it applies to the State 

fleet 

• Identification of State, local, and private fleets that will participate in the plan 

• The number of new AFVs to be acquired in each model year by each plan participant, either 

through conversion or acquisition 

• A written statement from each plan participant declaring the individual’s commitment 

• A statement of alternative measures to offset any failure by a participant to fulfill 

commitments

• A provision by the State to monitor and verify implementation of the plan 

• A provision certifying that (with the exception of AFVs for covered State fleets) all 

acquisitions and conversions under the plan are voluntary; all acquisitions will also conform 

with requirements of Section 247 of the Clean Air Act and all applicable safety 

requirements 

• Identification of a State contact 

Any acquisitions of light-duty AFVs or conversions of conventional LDVs to AFVs may be included in 

the plan, even if they involve vehicles in excluded categories (except non-road vehicles). Conversions 

must be made within four months of the vehicles entering a fleet. 

A State needs to submit its alternative plan no later than June 1 prior to any new model year. An original 

and two copies of the plan should be sent to the following: 

DOE has 60 days to review an optional Alternative State Plan. Until an optional plan is approved, a 

State is subject to the statutory acquisition requirements. If the optional plan is not approved, a State 

may revise and resubmit its plan to DOE within a reasonable time, but it must comply with existing 

commitments or statutory acquisition requirements until a new plan is approved. 

Monitoring the Implementation of Alternative State Plans

A State must monitor and verify the implementation of its approved optional plan. An account of this 

implementation must be included in the annual report to DOE. If a State finds it impossible to 

successfully implement its approved plan, it may at any time submit proposed modifications to the plan 

(with adequate justifications), for consideration by DOE. 

Program Manager

Alternative Fuel Transportation Program 

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, EE-34 

U.S. Department of Energy 

1000 Independence Avenue, S.W. 

Washington, D.C. 20585 
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Energy’s Alternative Fuel Transportation Program 

for State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets

Until such modifications are approved, the State must comply with its existing commitments, or the 

statutory acquisition requirements. Requests for modifications must be sent to the following: 

Program Manager

Alternative Fuel Transportation Program 

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, EE-34 

U.S. Department of Energy 

1000 Independence Avenue, S.W. 

Washington, D.C. 20585 
Alternative Fuel Providers

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Energy’s Alternative Fuel Transportation Program 

for State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets

SECTION 2—ALTERNATIVE FUEL PROVIDERS 

he Alternative Fuel Transportation Program applies also to alternative fuel providers, and the 

information in this section is addressed specifically to them. 

2-1 Defining an Alternative Fuel Provider

 fuel provider (or any “affiliate” or “business unit” under its controlsee Appendix A for 

definitions of these terms) is an alternative fuel provider if its “principal business”(see Appendix 

A) involves 

• Producing, and/or 

• Storing, and/or 

• Refining, and/or 

• Processing, and/or 

• Transporting, and/or 

• Distributing, and/or 

• Importing or selling (at wholesale or retail price) any alternative fuel (other than electricity);

or if its principal business is 

• Generating, and/or 

• Transmitting, and/or 

• Importing, and/or 

• Selling electricity (at wholesale or retail price);

or if that fuel provider 

• Produces, and/or 

• Imports, and/or 

• Produces and imports (in combination) an average of 50,000 barrels per day or more of 

petroleum; and 30 percent (a "substantial portion") or more of its gross annual revenues are 

derived from producing alternative fuels.

Exceptions

There are two types of alternative fuel providers (or affiliates or 

business units of that fuel provider) that are not covered by 

acquisition requirements: 

• A fuel provider whose principal business is that of 

transforming alternative fuel into products that are not

alternative fuels

• One whose principal business is that of using alternative 

fuel as a feedstock or fuel in the manufacture of products 

that are not alternative fuels 

T

A

Examples of Exceptions 

• A company that burns natural gas 

to make heat for a manufacturing 

operation 

• A manufacturer of windshield 

washer fluid who blends an 

alternative fuel (methanol) in 

producing windshield washer 

fluid, not an alternative fuel 
Alternative Fuel Providers

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Energy’s Alternative Fuel Transportation Program 

for State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets

Excluded Vehicles 

(as defined by EPAct)

• Law enforcement vehicles 

• Emergency motor vehicles 

• Non-road vehicles 

• Vehicles that under normal operations are parked at private residences when not in 

use 

• Vehicles used for evaluating or testing products of a motor vehicle manufacturer, 

including vehicles owned or held by a university for research purposes 

• Vehicles owned or held by a testing laboratory or other evaluation facility, solely for 

evaluating their performance for engineering, research and development, or quality 

control reasons 

• Motor vehicles acquired and used for purposes that the Secretary of Defense has 

certified to DOE must be exempted for national security reasons 

Determining Whether an "Alternative Fuel Provider" is a "Covered Person" Who 

Must Acquire AFVs

A “covered person” satisfies ALL of the folowing conditions: 

1. Owns, operates, leases, or otherwise controls 50 or more LDVs within the United States, which 

are not on the list of excluded vehicles (see sidebar below for a list of excluded vehicles). 

2. At least 20 of those LDVs are used primarily within any single MSA or CMSA (see 

Appendix B for the list of MSAs and CMSAs). 

3. Those 20 (or more) LDVs are centrally fueled, or capable of being centrally fueled. 

Vehicles that are considered to be "centrally fueled, or capable of being centrally fueled” are 

LDVs that are or could be refueled at least 75 percent of the time at a location that is owned, 

operated, or controlled by any fleet, or under contract with that fleet for refueling purposes. 

This issue is discussed in detail in the rulemaking (Federal Register, Volume 61, Number 51, 

pages 10627-10628). See also the definition of “centrally fueled” in Appendix A.

FOR HELP IN DECIDING WHETHER THE 

ALTERNATIVE FUEL TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM 

APPLIES TO YOUR COMPANY, FOLLOW THE 

BRANCHES OF THE DECISION TREE ON THE NEXT 

PAGE.
Alternative Fuel Providers

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Energy’s Alternative Fuel Transportation Program 

for State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets

Decision Tree for Fuel Provider Fleets

2-2 Calculating the Number of AFV Vehicles that Covered Alternative Fuel 

Providers Must Acquire 

nder EPAct, a certain percentage of the new LDVs acquired annually by covered fuel providers Umust be AFVs, as specified in the box below: 

• 30 percent for Model Year 1997 

• 50 percent for Model Year 1998 

• 70 percent for Model Year 1999 

• 90 percent for Model Year 2000 and thereafter 

Is your principal business that of consuming alternative 

fuels, as a feedstock or fuel, in the manufacture of a 

product that is not an alternative fuel?

Is your principal business that of consuming alternative 

fuels, as a feedstock or fuel, in the manufacture of a 

product that is not an alternative fuel?

Is your principal business that of transforming alternative 

fuels into a product that is not an alternative fuel?

Is your principal business that of transforming alternative 

fuels into a product that is not an alternative fuel?

Do you own, operate, or control at least 50 light-duty, 

non-excluded vehicles within the United States?

Do you own, operate, or control at least 50 light-duty, 

non-excluded vehicles within the United States?

Of those vehicles, do you own, operate, or control 20 or 

more non-excluded, light-duty motor vehicles that are 

used primarily within any MSA or CMSA?

Of those vehicles, do you own, operate, or control 20 or 

more non-excluded, light-duty motor vehicles that are 

used primarily within any MSA or CMSA?

Are at least 20 of those same vehicles centrally fueled, or 

capable of being centrally fueled?

Are at least 20 of those same vehicles centrally fueled, or 

capable of being centrally fueled?

If you are not covered, you have the 

burden of notifying DOE when 

circumstances change and you will be 

covered.

If you are not covered, you have the 

burden of notifying DOE when 

circumstances change and you will be 

covered.

Your fleet is covered by the 

AFV acquisition mandate of 

EPAct

Your fleet is covered by the 

AFV acquisition mandate of 

EPAct

Are alternative fuels your principal business, i.e., is the single largest 

portion of your gross annual revenue derived from alternative fuels 

(including activities involving producing, storing, refining, processing, 

transporting, distributing, importing, or selling at wholesale or retail 

any alternative fuel)?

Are alternative fuels your principal business, i.e., is the single largest 

portion of your gross annual revenue derived from alternative fuels 

(including activities involving producing, storing, refining, processing, 

transporting, distributing, importing, or selling at wholesale or retail 

any alternative fuel)?

Does your business produce, import, or 

produce and import in combination, an average 

of 50,000 barrels per day or more of petroleum?

Does your business produce, import, or 

produce and import in combination, an average 

of 50,000 barrels per day or more of petroleum?

Is 30 percent or more of your gross annual 

revenue derived from the producing and 

selling of alternative fuels?

Is 30 percent or more of your gross annual 

revenue derived from the producing and 

selling of alternative fuels?

If still uncertain about whether you are covered, submit 

information concerning your situation to: Program 

Manager, Alternative Fuel Transportation Program, 

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, EE34, U.S. Dept. of Energy, 1000 Independence Ave., 

S.W., Washington, D.C. 20585, or fax your information 

to (202) 586-1610 and the Department will provide you 

with a definite answer.

If still uncertain about whether you are covered, submit 

information concerning your situation to: Program 

Manager, Alternative Fuel Transportation Program, 

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, EE34, U.S. Dept. of Energy, 1000 Independence Ave., 

S.W., Washington, D.C. 20585, or fax your information 

to (202) 586-1610 and the Department will provide you 

with a definite answer.

If you answered YES to these two 

questions, your fleet is excluded.

If you answered YES to these two 

questions, your fleet is excluded.

YES YES YES

YES

NO

YES

YES

Is your principal business 

generating, transmitting, 

importing, or selling electricity at 

wholesale or retail?

Is your principal business that of consuming alternative 

fuels, as a feedstock or fuel, in the manufacture of a 

product that is not an alternative fuel?

Is your principal business that of consuming alternative 

fuels, as a feedstock or fuel, in the manufacture of a 

product that is not an alternative fuel?

Is your principal business that of transforming alternative 

fuels into a product that is not an alternative fuel?

Is your principal business that of transforming alternative 

fuels into a product that is not an alternative fuel?

Do you own, operate, or control at least 50 light-duty, 

non-excluded vehicles within the United States?

Do you own, operate, or control at least 50 light-duty, 

non-excluded vehicles within the United States?

Of those vehicles, do you own, operate, or control 20 or 

more non-excluded, light-duty motor vehicles that are 

used primarily within any MSA or CMSA?

Of those vehicles, do you own, operate, or control 20 or 

more non-excluded, light-duty motor vehicles that are 

used primarily within any MSA or CMSA?

Are at least 20 of those same vehicles centrally fueled, or 

capable of being centrally fueled?

Are at least 20 of those same vehicles centrally fueled, or 

capable of being centrally fueled?

If you are not covered, you have the 

burden of notifying DOE when 

circumstances change and you will be 

covered.

If you are not covered, you have the 

burden of notifying DOE when 

circumstances change and you will be 

covered.

Your fleet is covered by the 

AFV acquisition mandate of 

EPAct

Your fleet is covered by the 

AFV acquisition mandate of 

EPAct

Are alternative fuels your principal business, i.e., is the single largest 

portion of your gross annual revenue derived from alternative fuels 

(including activities involving producing, storing, refining, processing, 

transporting, distributing, importing, or selling at wholesale or retail 

any alternative fuel)?

Are alternative fuels your principal business, i.e., is the single largest 

portion of your gross annual revenue derived from alternative fuels 

(including activities involving producing, storing, refining, processing, 

transporting, distributing, importing, or selling at wholesale or retail 

any alternative fuel)?

Does your business produce, import, or 

produce and import in combination, an average 

of 50,000 barrels per day or more of petroleum?

Does your business produce, import, or 

produce and import in combination, an average 

of 50,000 barrels per day or more of petroleum?

Is 30 percent or more of your gross annual 

revenue derived from the producing and 

selling of alternative fuels?

Is 30 percent or more of your gross annual 

revenue derived from the producing and 

selling of alternative fuels?

If still uncertain about whether you are covered, submit 

information concerning your situation to: Program 

Manager, Alternative Fuel Transportation Program, 

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, EE34, U.S. Dept. of Energy, 1000 Independence Ave., 

S.W., Washington, D.C. 20585, or fax your information 

to (202) 586-1610 and the Department will provide you 

with a definite answer.

If still uncertain about whether you are covered, submit 

information concerning your situation to: Program 

Manager, Alternative Fuel Transportation Program, 

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, EE34, U.S. Dept. of Energy, 1000 Independence Ave., 

S.W., Washington, D.C. 20585, or fax your information 

to (202) 586-1610 and the Department will provide you 

with a definite answer.

If you answered YES to these two 

questions, your fleet is excluded.

If you answered YES to these two 

questions, your fleet is excluded.

YES YES YES

YES

NO

YES

YES

Is your principal business that of consuming alternative 

fuels, as a feedstock or fuel, in the manufacture of a 

product that is not an alternative fuel?

Is your principal business that of consuming alternative 

fuels, as a feedstock or fuel, in the manufacture of a 

product that is not an alternative fuel?

Is your principal business that of transforming alternative 

fuels into a product that is not an alternative fuel?

Is your principal business that of transforming alternative 

fuels into a product that is not an alternative fuel?

Do you own, operate, or control at least 50 light-duty, 

non-excluded vehicles within the United States?

Do you own, operate, or control at least 50 light-duty, 

non-excluded vehicles within the United States?

Of those vehicles, do you own, operate, or control 20 or 

more non-excluded, light-duty motor vehicles that are 

used primarily within any MSA or CMSA?

Of those vehicles, do you own, operate, or control 20 or 

more non-excluded, light-duty motor vehicles that are 

used primarily within any MSA or CMSA?

Are at least 20 of those same vehicles centrally fueled, or 

capable of being centrally fueled?

Are at least 20 of those same vehicles centrally fueled, or 

capable of being centrally fueled?

If you are not covered, you have the 

burden of notifying DOE when 

circumstances change and you will be 

covered.

If you are not covered, you have the 

burden of notifying DOE when 

circumstances change and you will be 

covered.

Your fleet is covered by the 

AFV acquisition mandate of 

EPAct

Your fleet is covered by the 

AFV acquisition mandate of 

EPAct

Are alternative fuels your principal business, i.e., is the single largest 

portion of your gross annual revenue derived from alternative fuels 

(including activities involving producing, storing, refining, processing, 

transporting, distributing, importing, or selling at wholesale or retail 

any alternative fuel)?

Are alternative fuels your principal business, i.e., is the single largest 

portion of your gross annual revenue derived from alternative fuels 

(including activities involving producing, storing, refining, processing, 

transporting, distributing, importing, or selling at wholesale or retail 

any alternative fuel)?

Does your business produce, import, or 

produce and import in combination, an average 

of 50,000 barrels per day or more of petroleum?

Does your business produce, import, or 

produce and import in combination, an average 

of 50,000 barrels per day or more of petroleum?

Is 30 percent or more of your gross annual 

revenue derived from the producing and 

selling of alternative fuels?

Is 30 percent or more of your gross annual 

revenue derived from the producing and 

selling of alternative fuels?

If still uncertain about whether you are covered, submit 

information concerning your situation to: Program 

Manager, Alternative Fuel Transportation Program, 

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, EE34, U.S. Dept. of Energy, 1000 Independence Ave., 

S.W., Washington, D.C. 20585, or fax your information 

to (202) 586-1610 and the Department will provide you 

with a definite answer.

If still uncertain about whether you are covered, submit 

information concerning your situation to: Program 

Manager, Alternative Fuel Transportation Program, 

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, EE34, U.S. Dept. of Energy, 1000 Independence Ave., 

S.W., Washington, D.C. 20585, or fax your information 

to (202) 586-1610 and the Department will provide you 

with a definite answer.

If you answered YES to these two 

questions, your fleet is excluded.

If you answered YES to these two 

questions, your fleet is excluded.

YES YES YES

YES

NO

YES

YES

Is your principal business 

generating, transmitting, 

importing, or selling electricity at 

wholesale or retail?
Alternative Fuel Providers

A Guidebook to the U.S. Department of 18 REV. 2

Energy’s Alternative Fuel Transportation Program 

for State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets

This acquisition schedule applies to all fuel providers acquiring LDVs for use within the United States, 

with the exception of utilities that took the electric utility delay option. If an electric utility notified 

DOE of its intent to acquire electric motor vehicles, the utility must acquire the following percentages 

of AFVs among its new LDVs: 

To calculate actual AFV acquisitions, a covered alternative fuel provider will use the following 

formula: 

1. Start with the number of new LDVs to be acquired for each fleet. 

2. Subtract any excluded vehicles. 

3. Multiply the result by the decimal equivalent of the acquisition percentage for that model 

year. 

For example, if an alternative fuel provider plans to acquire 105 LDVs in 2000 and 5 of these will be 

excluded vehicles, then: 

Total Planned Acquisitions 105 

Excluded-Vehicle Acquisitions –5

Total Covered Acquisitions 100 

AFV Percentage in MY 2000 x0.9

AFV Acquisitions Required in MY 2000 90* 

*(If the fraction is 0.5 or greater the number is rounded up to the nearest whole number. Below 0.5 it is 

rounded down.) Of the 105 vehicles to be acquired by this fleet, at least 90 must be AFVs to meet the 

fleet’s EPAct requirements. 

Now use the following worksheet to determine how many of your planned LDV acquisitions 

must be LDVs: 

Work Sheet for Any Covered Fleet

Total Planned Acquisitions 

Excluded-Vehicle Acquisitions –____ 

Total Covered Acquisitions 

AFV Percentage in MY 2000 X____ 

AFV Acquisitions Required in MY 2000 

• 30 percent from January 1, 1998, to August 31, 1998 

• 50 percent for Model Year 1999 

• 70 percent for Model Year 2000 

• 90 percent for Model Year 2001 and thereafter 
Alternative Fuel Providers

A Guidebook to the U.S. Department of 19 REV. 2

Energy’s Alternative Fuel Transportation Program 

for State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets

Municipal gas and electric utilities that are covered by EPAct must meet the acquisition requirements 

for fuel providers. They will not be subject to any additional local government requirements regarding 

acquisition requirements that are imposed by regulation in the future. Calculations for electric utility 

fleets should be made the same way calculations are made for any covered alternative fuel provider 

fleet, using their delayed schedule. 

Companies with multiple corporate entities in the alternative fuels business must decide how they will 

comply with this program. The company (as the covered person) may choose to comply with its 

acquisition requirements as a single entity, or any of its associated entities that are also determined to be 

covered persons may comply separately. 

An alternative fuel provider that is newly classified as a “covered person” after Model Year 1997 must 

acquire alternative fueled vehicles (AFVs) starting the next model year using the percentage in effect 

for that year. 

For example, an alternative fuel provider that becomes a covered person in MY 2000 would have to 

meet the acquisition requirements starting with MY 2001 (90 percent of vehicles must be AFVs). 

2-3 Acquiring Vehicles That Satisfy Program Requirements 

ny of the following methods may be used by covered fuel providers to satisfy their acquisition 

requirements for AFVs: 

• Purchasing or leasing a new1

 light-duty vehicle capable of operating on alternative fuels 

• Purchasing or leasing any after market-converted LDV not previously under the covered 

person's control (no matter when it was manufactured) capable of operating on alternative fuels 

• Converting a new LDV to operate on alternative fuels within four months after it comes under 

the control of the fuel provider

• Purchasing a used OEM alternative fueled vehicle 

• Applying AFV Credits (see Section 3, “AFV Credit Program”)

In addition, you may purchase biodiesel for use in AFVs in blends of B20 or higher to meet up to 50 

percent of your annual requirements for vehicles of more than 8,500 lb gross vehicle weight rating only. 

(Biodiesel fuel providers can meet 100 percent of their requirements with biodiesel credits.) One 

biodiesel fuel use credit will be counted as one AFV acquisition, and will be awarded to fleets and 

covered persons for every 450 gallons of pure biodiesel fuel used in blends of at least 20 percent 

biodiesel. B20 fuel is 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent standard diesel fuel by volume. The biodiesel 

rule and information on this fuel are available on the Web site, 

www.ott.doe.gov/epact/biod_fuel_credits.html.

The covered alternative fuel provider may choose to acquire converted vehicles to meet requirements. 

A conventional vehicle that was acquired within the period, October 24, 1992, to August 31, 1996, 

receives a credit when it is converted to an AFV, as long as it is converted before January 1, 1997. 

Since September 1, 1996, a conventional vehicle must be converted to an AFV within four months of 

its date of acquisition to receive a credit. Credits are assigned to the model year in which the 

 

1

 Here, new means it was not previously under the control of the fuel provider, no matter when the vehicle was 

manufactured. 

A
Alternative Fuel Providers

A Guidebook to the U.S. Department of 20 REV. 2

Energy’s Alternative Fuel Transportation Program 

for State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets

Alternative Fuels That Satisfy EPAct 

Requirements 

• 100 percent methanol 

• Denatured ethanol, and other alcohols

• Mixtures containing 85 percent or more 

by volume of methanol, denatured 

ethanol, and other alcohols with 

gasoline or other fuels 

• Natural gas (compressed or liquefied) 

• Liquefied petroleum gas (propane) 

• Electricity (including electricity from 

solar energy) 

• Hydrogen 

• Coal-derived liquid fuels 

• Fuels (other than alcohol) derived from 

biological materials, including neat or 

100 percent biodiesel 

• The three P-series blends

conversion is made. A vehicle acquired on July 1, 2000, and converted on October 1, 2000, counts as a 

2001 acquisition for credit purposes. All conversions must meet the specifications in the U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency Memorandum 1A (on anti-tampering) and appropriate emissions 

requirements. 

The covered alternative fuel provider may also choose to acquire any vehicles that appear on the list of 

excluded vehicles to satisfy acquisition requirements (or earn credits) if they are LDVs and they are not 

non-road vehicles. Non-road vehicles are never eligible for meeting acquisition requirements. (You are 

not required to count vehicle types from the excluded list in making your calculations, and you do not 

have to acquire vehicles from the excluded list to meet your requirements.)

A covered alternative fuel provider may acquire medium- or heavy-duty AFVs to satisfy acquisition 

requirements. Since the program's focus is on light-duty AFVs, a covered alternative fuel provider may 

purchase medium- or heavy-duty AFVs to earn credits only after the provider has fulfilled the lightduty AFV percentage requirements for that model year. Then, any credits earned in this manner may be 

applied toward the fuel provider’s percentage requirements for the following year(s). 

For Example: If a covered alternative fuel provider fulfills acquisition requirements for Model Year 

2000 by acquiring light-duty alternative fueled vehicles equaling 90 percent of the provider’s annual 

purchases of light-duty vehicles (LDVs), the acquisition of any medium- or heavy-duty AFVs in excess 

of the LDV requirements may earn credits toward acquisition requirements for MY01 and future model 

years. 

2-4 Choosing Alternative Fuels To Satisfy Acquisition Requirements 

Light-duty AFVs, whether they are dual-fuel, flexiblefuel, or bi-fuel vehicles (as defined in Section 1, 

Subsection 1.6, under “Sorting Out the Differences in 

Light-Duty, Alternative Fueled Vehicles”) must be 

designed to operate on at least one of the alternative 

fuels in order to satisfy acquisition requirements.

No other fuels are currently designated as alternative 

fuels (although DOE has received applications for 

approval of other fuel types, which are currently 

pending). RFG, diesel fuel, and biodiesel blends do not 

qualify as alternative fuels for use in light-duty AFVs 

under EPAct. Any changes to the approved list of 

alternative fuels will be made by a Federal Register

notice. EPAct requires covered alternative fuel 

providers to always use alternative fuels in their 

AFVs, except where and when the fuel is 

unavailable. A fuel provider who purchases a dual-fuel 

vehicle in an area where no refueling infrastructure 

exists for the alternative fuel, will not receive a credit 
Alternative Fuel Providers

A Guidebook to the U.S. Department of 21 REV. 2

Energy’s Alternative Fuel Transportation Program 

for State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets

for the vehicle since this supposes there was no intent to use an alternative fuel. Moreover, an 

alternative fuel provider who acquires dual-fuel AFVs for which no alternative fuel is available in the 

fleet’s operating area may be considered in violation of the fuel use requirements of the rule. However, 

the fuel provider may request an exemption if it is impossible to purchase both an AFV and alternative 

fuel appropriate to the fleet’s needs in the geographic area. 

2-5 Dealing with Mergers, Acquisitions, and Divestitures 

f two alternative fuel provider companies merge, or a company breaks up and its fleet splits into 

several fleets, covered or uncovered, they may report either separately or jointly for that model year. 

The fleets should notify DOE of the merger or split at the time it takes place, indicating how they will 

report for the current model year and who the new contact person will be for reporting compliance. The 

fleets should also indicate what they will do with any credits banked for either company or what they 

plan to do if either entity is out of compliance. 

Provide this information in writing to the Program Manager, Alternative Fuel Transportation Program 

(see Appendix C for complete address), and send a copy to Jaycor, AFV Project Office, 11410 Isaac 

Newton Square, North, Suite 103, Reston, VA 20190; fax: 703-397-9359.

2-6 Exemptions from Acquisition Requirements for Alternative Fuel Providers 

fuel provider may apply to DOE for an exemption from meeting EPAct’s acquisition requirements 

if warranted by an individual situation. Exemptions are granted on a case-by-case basis, and 

requests for exemptions may be submitted whenever the need arises. Before applying for an exemption, 

refer to the guidance provided on the Web site, www.ott.doe.gov/epact/pdfs/exemption_guide.pdf. All of 

the supporting information specified in this guidance must be included when you submit your request to 

DOE. If the documentation is incomplete, your request will not be considered. 

An exemption is good for one model year only and is not renewable. Fleets must submit exemption 

requests annually, presenting updated documentation for DOE’s consideration. 

Applying for Exemptions for Unavailability of Suitable Alternative Fuels 

An alternative fuel provider may be granted an exemption from the acquisition requirements by DOE if 

appropriate alternative fueled vehicles or refueling infrastructure cannot be located in the fleet’s 

territory. For example, if the only AFVs currently available to meet a particular operating function are 

natural gas vehicles, and compressed natural gas is not available for refueling the fuel provider’s 

vehicles, an exemption may be granted (in whole or in part, depending on the circumstances). 

Submitting Exemption Requests

Exemption requests and supporting information should be submitted by letter or fax to the Program 

Manager of the Alternative Fuel Transportation Program at the U.S. Department of Energy (see 

Appendix C for the complete address and the fax number). DOE will issue a written determination on 

whether the fuel provider's request for an exemption has been granted within 45 working days after 

receiving a complete and adequate request. If the request for an exemption is denied, the fuel provider 

I

A
Alternative Fuel Providers

A Guidebook to the U.S. Department of 22 REV. 2

Energy’s Alternative Fuel Transportation Program 

for State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets

Office of Hearings and Appeals 

U.S. Department of Energy 

1000 Independence Avenue, S.W. 

Washington, D.C. 20585 

may appeal the decision. The appeal must be filed within 30 working days of notification of denial, to 

the following: 

Information on the Office of Hearings and Appeals’ previous decisions concerning the Alternative Fuel 

Transportation Program is provided at http://www.oha.doe.gov/eecases.htm. 

2-7 Alternative Fuel Provider Reporting Requirements

eports on fleet compliance must be filed with the Department of Energy by December 31 of the 

close of the model year for which you are reporting. For example, a report for Model Year 2000 

will be due December 31, 2000. (MY 2000 runs from September 1, 1999, through August 31, 2000.) 

Filing an Annual Compliance Report 

Reports may be submitted to DOE using any of the methods described below. Please do not create your 

own forms for your report. The methods below are the only ones that will be accepted when you submit 

your acquisition information to DOE. 

• Option 1: Report on-line via the Internet 

The AFV Acquisition and Credits Database can be accessed at 

http://www.ott.doe.gov/epact/compliance_reporting.html. Enter the requested data into the 

on-line forms and submit.

• Option 2: Complete a downloadable spreadsheet 

The Excel spreadsheet template can be downloaded from the above Internet site. Establish a 

spreadsheet file and complete the spreadsheet. Submit the completed spreadsheet to Jaycor, 

the database contractor, at AFV_credit_acct@va.jaycor.com.

Alternatively, a hard copy of the spreadsheet can be mailed or faxed, and/or a copy of the 

file on a computer diskette can be mailed to the contractor: 

• Option 3: Download and Print Form 101 (DOE/OTT/101) from the Web site. Fill it in 

by hand and mail or fax to the contractor:

R 

Jaycor, AFV Project Office

11410 Isaac Newton Square North 

Suite 103 

Reston, VA 20190 

Fax: 703-397-9359 
Alternative Fuel Providers

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• Option 4: Obtain a paper copy of the template.

Contact the National Alternative Fuels Hotline at 800-423-1363. The completed 

spreadsheet should be sent to the contractor by mail or fax (address and fax number just 

above).

The fuel provider must keep copies of all acquisition and compliance records for three years. 
Alternative Fuel Providers

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for State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets
AFV Credit Program

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Energy’s Alternative Fuel Transportation Program 

for State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets

SECTION 3—AFV CREDIT PROGRAM 

he credit program was established to allow State fleet operators and alternative fuel providers some 

flexiblity in meeting their requirements without sacrificing the program's national energy security 

goals. Fleets that exceed EPAct requirements in acquiring AFVs are rewarded by credits, while 

those that are unable to meet the requirements by acquiring AFVs may purchase or otherwise acquire 

credits from those holding them. 

3-1 Earning Credits under This Program 

tates and fuel providers may earn credits by 

• Acquiring AFVs in greater numbers than required in any model year (including 

by acquiring vehicles of more than 8,500 lb gross vehicle weight rating after light-duty vehicle 

acquisition requirements are met), or 

• Acquiring AFVs earlier than required. 

DOE will allocate one credit for each AFV a covered State or fuel provider fleet acquires beyond the 

acquisition requirements for any model year. 

If an AFV was acquired by a State or fuel provider fleet before Model Year 1997, or the first model 

year for which requirements apply, DOE will allocate one credit per AFV for each year the AFV was 

acquired before acquisition requirements began. However, DOE will only allocate these early 

acquisition credits for AFVs acquired after October 24, 1992 (the date EPAct became law).The 

schedule for early acquisition credits appears in the following table:1

EARLY ACQUISITION CREDITS 

Fleet Type 

MODEL 

YEAR State 

Fuel 

Provider 

Electric 

Delay 

1992 NA NA 6 

1993 4 4 5 

1994 3 3 4 

1995 2 2 3 

1996 1 1 2 

1997 1 1 1 

1998 1 1 1 

1999 1 1 1 

 

 1 Credits for State and Fuel Provider fleets are based on the model year, 

 e.g., September 1, 1995, to August 31, 1996, constitutes Model Year 1996; 

 Electric Delay Fleet credits are based on the calendar year through 1998. 

 The 1992 calendar year runs from October 24 to December 31. All credits 

 from 1999 are based on the calendar year. 

T

S
AFV Credit Program

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for State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets

ATTN: Program Manager

Alternative Fuel Transportation Program, EE-34 

U.S. Department of Energy 

1000 Independence Avenue, S.W. 

Washington, D.C. 20585

3-2 Transferring Earned Credits 

redits may be transferred to 

• Any State fleet that must acquire AFVs, and

• Any fuel provider. A State that transfers a credit to a fuel provider must provide certification 

that the credit represents a vehicle that operates solely on alternative fuel whenever available. 

Credits may be bought, sold, given away, or traded. If you buy, sell, or transfer credits, you must 

provide proof of their transfer on a form provided by DOE at 

www.ott.doe.gov/epact/credit_trading.html. The form must include dated signatures of both parties 

involved. This documentation should be received by DOE within 30 days of the transfer date at the 

following address: 

DOE will establish a credit account for each fleet that obtains an AFV credit, and will send an annual 

credit account statement to each fleet submitting a report on its credit activity. A copy of the credit 

transfer request should also be sent to Jaycor at the following address: 

C

Jaycor

AFV Project Office 

11410 Isaac Newton Square North

Reston, VA 20190 

Fax: 703-397-9359 
Requests for Interpretive Rulings

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SECTION 4—REQUESTS FOR INTERPRETIVE RULINGS AND PETITIONS 

n interpretive ruling is used to obtain a determination from the Department of 

Energy on how the regulation applies to certain facts. Any organization that is or 

that could be subject to the regulation has the right to request an interpretive ruling from 

the Department. DOE may or may not provide public notice of the request, and may or 

may not request public comments upon it. DOE may also conduct an investigation to 

make its determination. DOE’s determination is limited to the requestor only although 

DOE may rely upon previous interpretive rulings when making its determination. In 

addition, DOE’s determination is solely conditioned upon the specific facts and 

circumstances as included in the request. (Details for how to file a request are included 

in 10 CFR Part 490, Section 490.4.) 

The request for interpretive ruling differs from the petition for generally applicable 

rulemaking. The petition is specifically used to request a modification of the regulations, 

rather than an interpretation under them (although it may also request that clarification is 

specifically added to the regulation). Under the petition, the full procedures for 

rulemaking are invoked (public notice, opportunity for comments, and possibly 

hearings). In addition, once DOE has made its determination, it is applicable to all 

relevant parties, not just the requestor, and therefore must be published in the Federal 

Register. 

Any person who is or may be subject to the Rule (see the definition of the Final Rule on 

page 1) has the right to file a request for an interpretive ruling on how the regulations 

apply to a particular set of facts and circumstances. An interpretive ruling only applies to 

the party who requested it. 

Submit requests for interpretive rulings to the following: 

Program Manager

Alternative Fuel Transportation Program 

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, 

EE-34 

U.S. Department of Energy 

1000 Independence Avenue, S.W. 

Washington, D.C. 20585 

For more information on interpretive rulings, see 10 CFR Part 490, Subpart A, Section 490.5. 

A
Requests for Interpretive Rulings

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Enforcement

A Guidebook to the U.S. Department of 29 REV. 2

Energy’s Alternative Fuel Transportation Program 

for State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets

Office of Hearings and Appeals 

U.S. Department of Energy 

1000 Independence Avenue, S.W. 

Washington, D.C. 20585 

Section 5—Enforcement 

ongress granted enforcement authority to DOE under EPAct. Fleets that violate the requirements of 

the program may incur the following penalties and fines: 

1. Whoever violates applicable sections of the Rule will be subject to a civil penalty of not 

more than $5,000 for each violation. 

2. Whoever willfully violates applicable sections of the Rule will pay a criminal fine of not 

more than $10,000 for each violation. 

3. Any person who knowingly and willfully violates applicable sections of the Rule, after 

having been subjected to a civil penalty for a prior violation, will pay a criminal fine of not 

more than $50,000 for each violation. 

Except for repeated violations or other unusual circumstances, DOE will notify individuals at least 90 

days in advance of the Department’s intention to bring an enforcement action. This will provide time to 

negotiate a settlement, if appropriate. 

Refer to the Rule (Subpart G, Investigations and Enforcement) for details on Assessments, Orders to 

Pay, Hearings, General or Special Orders, and Appeals. 

Use the following address for submitting appeals of DOE’s interpretive rulings and denials of 

exemptions: 

Appendix C provides additional sources of helpful information concerning alternative fuels, alternative 

fueled vehicles, and the Alternative Fuel Transportation Program. 

C
Enforcement

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Appendix A—Glossary of Terms and Acronyms

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Appendix A—Glossary of Terms and Acronyms 

Acquire. To take a vehicle into possession or control, such as through purchase or lease. 

Act. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-486) and any amendments thereto. 

Affiliate. A person who, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common 

ownership or control of the subject person. 

Alternative Fuel Transportation Program. A program of the U.S. Department of Energy that is 

concerned with accelerating the introduction of alternative fueled vehicles into public and private fleets, 

and in interpreting the regulations covering alternative fuel requirements for fleets, at 10 CFR Part 490. 

AFV. Alternative fueled vehicle. Includes dedicated and dual-fuel technologies.

After-Market Converted Vehicle. An original equipment manufacturer’s vehicle that is reconfigured 

by a conversion company. The vehicle is not under contract to the original equipment manufacturer to 

operate on an alternative fuel, and its conversion kit components are under warranty of the conversion 

company. (This applies to both dedicated and dual-fuel vehicles.) 

Alternative Fuel. Methanol, denatured ethanol, and other alcohols; mixtures containing 85 percent or 

more by volume of methanol, denatured ethanol, and other alcohols with gasoline or other fuels; natural 

gas; liquefied petroleum gas; hydrogen; coal-derived liquid fuels; fuels (other than alcohol) derived 

from biological materials (including neat biodiesel); Pure Fuel Corporation P-series blends of 60 

percent or more non-petroleum components; and electricity (including electricity from solar energy). 

Alternative Fuels Business. Activities undertaken to derive revenue from (1) producing, storing, 

refining, processing, transporting, distributing, importing, or selling at wholesale or retail any 

alternative fuel other than electricity; or (2) generating, transmitting, importing, or selling electricity at 

wholesale or retail prices. 

Alternative Fueled Vehicle. A dedicated vehicle or a dual-fueled vehicle (including a flexible-fuel 

vehicle). 

Assistant Secretary. The Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy or any 

other DOE official to whom the Assistant Secretary's duties under this part may be delegated by the 

Secretary. 

Automobile. A four-wheeled vehicle propelled by conventional fuel, or by alternative fuel, 

manufactured primarily for use on public streets, roads, and highways, and rated at (1) not more than 

6,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, or (2) more than 6,000, but less than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle 

weight, if the Secretary of Transportation has decided, by rule, that the vehicle meets the criteria in 

section 501 (1) of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act, as amended, 49 U.S.C. 32901 

(a)(3). 

B20. A mixture of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent standard diesel fuel by volume. Fleets may use 

biodiesel fuel in blends of B20 or higher to meet up to 50 percent of their annual compliance 

requirements in vehicles with a gross vehicle rating of greater than 8,500 pounds. 
Appendix A—Glossary of Terms and Acronyms

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Bi-Fuel Vehicles. Vehicles that have two fuel systems, one with an alternative fuel and one with a 

conventional fuel, and which may operate on one fuel at a time, or, in some medium- and heavy-duty 

systems, on a combination of the alternative and conventional fuels. 

Biodiesel Fuel. A nontoxic, biodegradable replacement for petroleum diesel, made from vegetable oil, 

recycled cooking oil, and tallow. The Btu content of Biodiesel is similar to that of petroleum diesel, but 

is cleaner-burning. Neat biodiesel (B100 or 100% biodiesel) is recognized as an alternative fuel for 

meeting the mandated programs of the Clean Air Act Amendments and EPAct for credit toward a 

covered vehicle’s annual EPAct requirement for AFV use. Covered fleets that use B100 or a blend of 

biodiesel (e.g., B20 [20%biodiesel/80% diesel]or higher blends) in medium- and heavy-duty vehicles 

may earn credits toward their annual AFV acquisition requirements. Each 450 gallons of biodiesel will 

equal one AFV credit, but credits obtained in this manner may not be carried forward of the year in 

which they are earned. 

Business Unit. A semi-autonomous major grouping of activities for administrative purposes and 

organizational structure within a business entity, and which is controlled by or is under the control of 

the subject person. 

Centrally Fueled or Capable of Being Centrally Fueled. A vehicle that can be refueled at least 75 

percent of the time at a location that is owned, operated, or controlled by the fleet or covered person, or 

is under contract with the fleet or covered person for refueling purposes. In addition, DOE defines 

centrally fueled by whether 75 percent of a vehicle’s total annual miles traveled are derived from trips 

that are less than the operational range of the vehicle. 

CFR. Code of Federal Regulations 

CMSA. Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area. 

Control. When "control" is used in the context of determining whether one person controls another or 

whether two persons are under common control, it means any one or a combination of the following: 

(1) A third person or firm has equity ownership of 51 percent or more in each of two firms; or (2) two 

or more firms have common corporate officers, in whole or in substantial part, who are responsible for 

the day-to-day operation of the companies; or (3) one firm leases, operates, supervises, or in 51 percent 

or greater part owns equipment and/or facilities used by another person or firm, or has equity ownership 

of 51 percent or more of another firm. When "control" is used to refer to the management of vehicles, it 

means a person has the authority to decide who may operate a particular vehicle, and the purposes for 

which the vehicle may be operated. When "control" is used to refer to the management of people, it 

means a person has the authority to direct the activities of another person or employee in a precise 

situation, such as the workplace. 

Covered Person. A person that owns, operates, leases, or otherwise controls at least 50 LDVs within 

the United States. A fleet, as defined by EPAct, is a group of light-duty motor vehicles that contains at 

least 20 LDVs that are centrally fueled or capable of being centrally fueled, and are used primarily 

within a metropolitan statistical area or a consolidated metropolitan statistical area, as established by the 

Bureau of the Census, with a 1980 population of 250,000 or more, or in a Federal Register notice; and 

that contains at least 50 light-duty motor vehicles, within the United States. 

Dealer Demonstration Vehicle. Any vehicle that is operated by a motor vehicle dealer solely for the 

purpose of promoting motor vehicle sales, either on the sales lot or through other marketing or sales 
Appendix A—Glossary of Terms and Acronyms

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promotions, or for permitting potential purchasers to drive the vehicle for pre-purchase or pre-lease 

evaluation. 

Dedicated Vehicle. An automobile that operates solely on an alternative fuel, or a motor vehicle, other 

than an automobile, that operates solely on an alternative fuel. 

Division. A major administrative unit of an enterprise comprising at least several enterprise units or 

constituting a complete integrated unit for a specific purpose, and that is controlled by or is under the 

control of the subject person. 

DOE. U.S. Department of Energy. 

DOT. U.S. Department of Transportation. 

Dual-Fuel Vehicle. (1) An automobile that meets the criteria for a dual-fuel automobile as that term is 

defined in section 513(h)(1)(C) of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act, 49 U.S.C. 

32901 (a) (8); or (2) a motor vehicle, other than an automobile, that is capable of operating on 

alternative fuel or on gasoline or diesel fuel; or (3) a flexible-fuel vehicle. 

EE. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (in the U.S. Department of Energy). 

Electric-Hybrid Vehicle. A vehicle primarily powered by an electric motor that draws current from 

rechargeable storage batteries, fuel cells, or other sources of electric current and also relies on a nonelectric source of power. 

Electric Motor Vehicle. A motor vehicle primarily powered by an electric motor that draws current 

from rechargeable storage batteries, fuel cells, photovoltaic arrays, or other sources of electric current 

and that may include an electric-hybrid vehicle. 

Emergency Motor Vehicle. Any vehicle that is legally authorized by a government authority to 

exceed the speed limit to transport people and equipment to and from situations in which speed is 

required to save lives or property, such as a rescue vehicle, fire truck, or ambulance. 

EPAct. Energy Policy Act of 1992. 

EV. Electric vehicle. 

Fleet. Except as provided by section 490.3 of EPAct, a group of 20 or more light-duty motor vehicles, 

used primarily in a Metropolitan Statistical Area or Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area, as 

established by the Bureau of the Census as of December 31, 1992, with a 1980 Census population of 

more than 250,000 (listed in Appendix B), which are centrally fueled or capable of being centrally 

fueled, and are owned, operated, leased, or otherwise controlled by (1) a person who owns, operates, 

leases, or otherwise controls 50 or more light-duty motor vehicles within the United States and its 

possessions and territories; (2) any person who controls such a person; (3) any person controlled by 

such a person; and (4) any person under common control with such a person. 

Flexible-Fuel Vehicle. Any motor vehicle engineered and designed to be operated on an alternative 

fuel, a petroleum fuel, or on a broad mixture of the two. 
Appendix A—Glossary of Terms and Acronyms

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Energy’s Alternative Fuel Transportation Program 

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Law Enforcement Motor Vehicle. Any vehicle that is primarily operated by a civilian or military 

police officer or sheriff, or by personnel of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement 

Administration, or other agencies of the Federal Government, or by State highway patrols, municipal 

law enforcement, or other similar enforcement agencies, and which is used for the purpose of law 

enforcement activities including, but not limited to, chase, apprehension, surveillance, or patrol of 

people engaged in or potentially engaged in unlawful activities. 

Lease. The use and control of a motor vehicle for transportation purposes pursuant to a rental contract 

or similar arrangement with a term of 120 days or more. 

Light-Duty Motor Vehicle (LDV). A light-duty truck or light-duty vehicle, as such terms are defined 

under section 216(7) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. §7550(7)), having a gross vehicle weight rating of 

8,500 pounds or less, prior to any aftermarket conversion. 

Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs). These vehicles are limited to a top speed of 25 mph, and are not required 

to meet all the safety regulations of full-scale passenger vehicles. They are certified for use in only 

about a dozen jurisdictions throughout the country, and never on highways. 

Model Year. The period from September 1 of the previous calendar year through August 31. 

Motor Vehicle. A self-propelled vehicle, other than a non-road vehicle, designed for transporting 

persons or property on a street or highway. 

MSA. Metropolitan Statistical Area. 

New. A new LDV means the vehicle was not previously under the control of the fuel provider, no 

matter when the vehicle was manufactured. 

Non-road Vehicle. A vehicle used principally for industrial, farming, or commercial use, for rail 

transportation, at an airport, or for marine purposes, and other vehicles not licensed for on-road use. 

Normal Requirements and Practices. The operating business practices and required conditions under 

which the principal business of the covered person operates. 

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Vehicle. A vehicle engineered, designed, produced, and 

warranted by an original equipment manufacturer. 

OTT. Office of Transportation Technologies (under the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable 

Energy within the U.S. Department of Energy). 

Person. Any individual, partnership, corporation, voluntary association, joint stock company, business 

trust, governmental entity, or other legal entity in the United States except United States Government 

entities. 

Principal Business. The sales-related activity that produces the greatest revenue. 

P-Series Blends. P-series blends (manufactured by Pure-Energy Corporation) consist of ethanol and 

methyltetrahydrofuran (MTHF) and have at least 60 percent non-petroleum components. They were 

designated as alternative fuels in a final rulemaking on May 17, 1999. For more information on P-series 
Appendix A—Glossary of Terms and Acronyms

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for State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets

blends, refer to 64 F.R. 26822, and the Pure-Energy Web site, www.pureenergy.com/products/pseries.html. 

RFG. Reformulated gasoline. 

The Rule. In this document, this term refers to 10 CFR Part 490, implementing statutorily imposed 

AFV acquisition requirements for certain State agency and alternative fuel provider fleets. 

State. Any of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and any other 

territory or possession of the United States. 

Substantial Portion. At least 30 percent of the annual gross revenue of a covered person is derived 

from the sale of alternative fuels. 

Substantially Engaged. A covered person, or affiliate, division, or other business unit thereof 

regularly derives sales-related gross revenue from an alternative fuels business. 

Used Primarily. A majority of a vehicle's total annual miles are accumulated within a covered 

metropolitan or consolidated metropolitan statistical area. 
Appendix A—Glossary of Terms and Acronyms

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Appendix B—MSAs and CMSAs

A Guidebook to the U.S. Department of 37 REV. 2

Energy’s Alternative Fuel Transportation Program 

for State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets

Appendix B—Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) and 

Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Areas (CMSAs) 

with 1980 Populations of 250,000 or More

(from 10 CFR Part 490) 

AREA STATES ENCOMPASSED

 Albany-Schenectady-Troy MSA NY 

 Albuquerque MSA NM 

 Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton MSA PA 

 Appleton-Oshkosh-Neenah MSA WI 

 Atlanta MSA GA 

 Augusta-Aiken MSA GA-SC 

 Austin-San Marcos MSA TX 

 Bakersfield MSA CA 

 Baton Rouge MSA LA 

 Beaumont-Port Arthur MSA TX 

 Binghamton MSA NY 

 Birmingham MSA AL 

 Boise City MSA ID 

 Boston-Worcester-Lawrence CMSA MA-NH-ME-CT 

 Buffalo-Niagara Falls MSA NY 

 Canton-Massillon MSA OH 

 Charleston MSA SC 

 Charleston MSA WV 

 Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill MSA NC-SC 

 Chattanooga MSA TN-GA 

 Chicago-Gary-Kenosha CMSA IL-IN-WI 

 Cincinnati-Hamilton CMSA OH-KY-IN 

 Cleveland-Akron CMSA OH 

 Colorado Springs MSA CO 

 Columbia MSA SC 

 Columbus MSA OH 

 Columbus MSA GA-AL 

 Corpus Christi MSA TX 

 Dallas-Fort Worth CMSA TX 

 Davenport-Moline-Rock Island MSA IA-IL 

 Dayton-Springfield MSA OH 

 Daytona Beach MSA FL 

 Denver-Boulder-Greeley CMSA CO 

 Des Moines MSA IA 

 Detroit-Ann Arbor-Flint CMSA MI 

 Duluth-Superior MSA MN-WI 

 El Paso, MSA TX 

 Erie MSA PA 

 Eugene-Springfield MSA OR
Appendix B—MSAs and CMSAs

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 Evansville-Henderson MSA IN-KY 

 Fort Wayne MSA IN 

 Fresno MSA CA 

 Grand Rapids-Muskegon-Holland MSA MI 

 Greensboro-Winston Salem-High Point MSA NC 

 Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson MSA SC 

 Harrisburg-Lebanon-Carlisle MSA PA 

 Hartford MSA CT 

 Hickory-Morgantown MSA NC 

 Honolulu MSA HI 

 Houston-Galveston-Brazoria CMSA TX 

 Huntington-Ashland MSA WV-KY-OH 

 Indianapolis MSA IN 

 Jackson MSA MS 

 Jacksonville MSA FL 

 Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol MSA TN-VA 

 Johnstown MSA PA 

 Kalamazoo-Battle Creek MSA MI 

 Kansas City MSA MO-KS 

 Knoxville MSA TN 

 Lakeland-Winter Haven MSA FL 

 Lancaster MSA PA 

 Lansing-East Lansing MSA MI 

 Las Vegas MSA NV-AZ 

 Lexington MSA KY 

 Little Rock-N. Little Rock MSA AR 

 Los Angeles-Riverside-Orange County CMSA CA 

 Louisville MSA KY-IN 

 Macon MSA GA 

 Madison MSA WI 

 McAllen-Edinburg-Mission MSA TX 

 Melbourne-Titusville-Paim Bay MSA FL 

 Memphis MSA TN-AR-MS 

 Miami-Fort Lauderdale CMSA FL 

 Milwaukee-Racine CMSA WI 

 Minneapolis-St. Paul MSA MN-WI 

 Mobile MSA AL 

 Modesto MSA CA 

 Montgomery MSA AL 

 Nashville MSA TN 

 New London-Norwich MSA CT-RI 

 New Orleans MSA LA 

 New York-N. New Jersey-Long Island CMSA NY-NJ-CT-PA 

 Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News- MSA VA-NC 

 Oklahoma City MSA OK 

 Omaha MSA NE-IA 

 Orlando MSA FL
Appendix B—MSAs and CMSAs

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Energy’s Alternative Fuel Transportation Program 

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 Pensacola MSA FL 

 Peoria-Pekin MSA IL 

 Philadelphia-Wilmington-Atlantic City CMSA PA-NJ DE-MD 

 Phoenix-Mesa MSA AZ 

 Pittsburgh MSA PA 

 Portland-Salem CMSA OR-WA 

 Providence-Fall River-Warwick MSA RI-MA 

 Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill MSA NC 

 Reading MSA PA 

 Richmond-Petersburg MSA VA 

 Rochester MSA NY 

 Rockford MSA IL 

 Sacramento-Yolo CMSA CA 

 Saginaw-Bay City-Midland MSA MI 

 St. Louis MSA MO-IL 

 Salinas MSA CA 

 Salt Lake City-Ogden MSA UT 

 San Antonio MSA TX 

 San Diego MSA CA 

 San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose CMSA CA 

 San Juan-Caguas-Arecibo MSA PR 

 Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Lompoc MSA CA 

 Scranton-Wilkes Barre-Hazleton MSA PA 

 Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton CMSA WA 

 Shreveport-Bossier City MSA LA 

 Spokane MSA WA 

 Springfield MSA MA 

 Stockton-Lodi MSA CA 

 Syracuse MSA NY 

 Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater MSA FL 

 Toledo MSA OH 

 Tucson MSA AZ 

 Tulsa MSA OK 

 Utica-Rome MSA NY 

 Washington-Baltimore CMSA DC-MD-VA-WV 

 West Palm Beach-Boca Raton MSA FL 

 Wichita MSA KS 

 York MSA PA 

 Youngstown-Warren MSA OH 
Appendix B—MSAs and CMSAs

A Guidebook to the U.S. Department of 40 REV. 2

Energy’s Alternative Fuel Transportation Program 

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Appendix C —Additional Information

A Guidebook to the U.S. Department of 41 REV. 2

Energy’s Alternative Fuel Transportation Program 

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APPENDIX C—Additional Sources of Information about Alternative Fuels, 

Alternative Fueled Vehicles, and 

DOE’s Alternative Fuel Transportation Program

Resource 

Type of Information 

Available How to Contact 

National Alternative Fuels Hotline 

and Data Center 

Information without charge on 

alternative transportation fuels 

Phone: 1-800-423-1 DOE 

Web site: www.afdc.doe.gov

Alternative Fuel Vehicle Fleet 

Buyer’s Guide (Clean Cities 

Program) 

Information on alternative 

fueled vehicles and refueling 

and recharging sites 

Web site: www.fleets.doe.gov 

The Alternative Fuel Transportation 

Program 

General information on DOE’s 

Alternative Fuel 

Transportation Program 

Web site: www.ott.doe.gov/epact

Phone: (202) 586-9171 

Fax: (202) 586-1610 

e-mail: 

regulatory_info@afdc.nrel.gov 

Program Manager, Alternative Fuel 

Transportation Program 

For general correspondence 

concerning DOE’s Alternative 

Fuel Transportation Program 

ATTN: Program Manager 

Alternative Fuel Transportation 

Program 

Office of Energy 

Efficiency and 

Renewable Energy, 

EE-34 

U.S. Department of Energy 

1000 Independence Avenue, S.W. 

Washington, D.C. 20585 

Clean Cities Hotline Information on Clean Cities, a 

voluntary Federal program 

designed to accelerate and 

expand the use of AFVs in 

urban communities and to 

provide refueling and 

maintenance facilities for their 

operation. 

Phone: 1-800-CCITIES 

Web site: www.ccities.doe.gov 
DISCLAIMER

This publication is intended as a guide for familiarizing interested parties with

the requirements of the Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuel Transportation

Program, 10 CFR Part 490, adopted pursuant to sections 501, 507(o), 508, 511,

512, and 513 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992. It is not intended as a complete

representation of the regulation nor the complete information necessary for compliance with the regulation. In the event of any discrepancy, real or perceived

between the language of this publication and that of the regulation, the language

of the regulation should be considered as governing.

Copies of this document are available from the National Alternative Fuels Hotline 

by calling 1-800-423-1363 or electronically through the Office of Transportation

Technologies Web site at www.ott.doe.gov/epact/state_fleets.html.

February 2001 DOE/GO-102001-1134

Printed on paper containing at least 50% wastepaper, including 20% postconsumer waste.