§13251 Mandate for Alternative Fuel Providers

Summary

The Secretary must issue rules by January 1, 1994 that make certain companies buy a set share of new light-duty vehicles that run on alternative fuels. The targets are 30% for model year 1996, 50% for model year 1997, 70% for model year 1998, and 90% for model year 1999 and later. Covered persons are: companies mainly making, moving, or selling alternative fuels (not electricity); non-Federal companies mainly making or selling electricity; and companies that produce or import an average of 50,000 barrels per day or more of petroleum and that do a substantial amount of alternative fuels business. Vehicles bought must use alternative fuels except when the right fuel is not available where they operate. The Secretary must allow a quick, simple exemption if a company shows suitable alternative-fuel vehicles or fuels aren’t reasonably available. For model years 1997 and later, the Secretary may lower the targets but never below 20% and may delay the schedule up to 2 model years. Within 1 year after October 24, 1992, the Secretary must also set rules delaying the requirement for electric vehicles for electric utilities until after December 31, 1997; any such utility planning to buy electric vehicles must notify the Secretary before January 1, 1996. The Secretary must report to Congress before January 1, 1998 on actions taken, progress, and problems.