In addition to significant environmental benefits, the use of alternative fuels enhances our national security by reducing our dependence on imported petroleum products. Currently, the United States imports more than 50 percent of its petroleum requirements. If current trends continue, this reliance could grow to more than 70 percent in the next 20 years. These numbers will increase when three additional refueling sites for flexible-fuel vehicles come on line later this year in the Washington, D.C. area. This station will help federal agencies meet the goals of President Clinton's executive order signed on Earth Day 2000.
Agencies have numerous options for developing a strategy to meet the petroleum reduction levels.
The Department of Defense will use alternative fuels as the cornerstone of its plan to meet the 20 percent reduction requirement.