What are alternative fuels?

Alternative fuels are substantially non-petroleum based fuels and include the following: Ethanol; LPG (Propane); Biodiesel; Electricity; Hydrogen; and P-series fuels. These fuels generally are environmentally preferable to petroleum based fuels such as gasoline and diesel fuel.

What are the benefits of alternative fuels?

Use of alternative fuels can contribute to a cleaner environment, reduce pollution and reliance on foreign oil, and contribute to the stability of rural farm economy by creating commercial markets for crops such as soybeans, a feedstock for biodiesel, and corn, a feedstock for ethanol.

I am an agency fleet manager. Do I have to buy or lease AFVs and use alternative fuel?

Yes. EPAct mandates Federal agencies to acquire 75% of their annual light duty vehicle acquisitions as AFVs where 20 or more vehicles located in Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) are capable of being centrally fueled.

Are there different types of AFVs?

Yes, there are three different types:

1. Bi-Fuel AFVs have two separate gas tanks; e.g., Natural Gas/Gasoline.
2. Flex-Fuel AFVs can fill up with either alternative fuel or gasoline without any modifications to the single fuel tank. Most vehicles that use ethanol are flex-fuel.
3. Dedicated AFVs use an alternative fuel exclusively.

I have fuel tanks at my facility. How do I buy ethanol or biodiesel?

You would contact the The Defense Energy Support Center (DESC) at 1.800.286.763 or http://www.desc.dla.mil. The DESC mission is to provide the Department of Defense and other government agencies with comprehensive energy solutions in the most effective and economical manner possible.

How do I find out what commercial stations in my area sell alternative fuels?

To find out what commercial stations in your area sells alternative fuels please see the "AFV Resources and Tools" link information to determine the specific type of alternative fuel and location of the fueling facility.