§13251 Mandate for Alternative Fuel Providers

Summary

Requires certain companies to buy a rising share of new light-duty vehicles that run on alternative fuels. The Secretary must issue rules by January 1, 1994 requiring covered companies to make 30% of new vehicle purchases alternative-fueled for model year 1996, 50% for 1997, 70% for 1998, and 90% for 1999 and later. Those vehicles must be run only on alternative fuels unless the right fuel is not available where they operate. If a company has many parts, only the units mainly doing alternative-fuel business are covered. Units that mainly convert or use alternative fuels to make non-fuel products are not covered. The Secretary must allow a quick, simple exemption if a company shows suitable alternative-fueled vehicles or the needed fuels are not reasonably available. The law names three types of covered companies in one line each: companies whose main business is producing or selling alternative fuels (not electricity); companies whose main business is generating or selling electricity; and very large petroleum producers or importers that also do a lot of alternative fuels. For model years 1997 and later the Secretary may lower the percentages but never below 20% and may delay compliance up to 2 model years. The Secretary must also issue rules within 1 year after October 24, 1992 to delay application for electric vehicles of electricity companies until after December 31, 1997, and those planning to buy electric vehicles must notify the Secretary before January 1, 1996. A report to Congress is due before January 1, 1998.