SUBCHAPTER II—ALTERNATIVE FUELS—NON-FEDERAL PROGRAMS

§13231. Public information program

The Secretary, in consultation with appropriate Federal agencies and individuals and organizations with practical experience in the production and use of alternative fuels and alternative fueled vehicles, shall, for the purposes of promoting the use of alternative fuels and alternative fueled vehicles, establish a public information program on the benefits and costs of the use of alternative fuels in motor vehicles. Within 18 months after October 24, 1992, the Secretary shall produce and make available an information package for consumers to assist them in choosing among alternative fuels and alternative fueled vehicles. Such information package shall provide relevant and objective information on motor vehicle characteristics and fuel characteristics as compared to gasoline, on a life cycle basis, including environmental performance, energy efficiency, domestic content, cost, maintenance requirements, reliability, and safety. Such information package shall also include information with respect to the conversion of conventional motor vehicles to alternative fueled vehicles. The Secretary shall include such other information as the Secretary determines is reasonable and necessary to help promote the use of alternative fuels in motor vehicles. Such information package shall be updated annually to reflect the most recent available information.

(Pub. L. 102–486, title IV, §405, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 2880.)

§13232. Labeling requirements

(a) Establishment of requirements

The Federal Trade Commission, in consultation with the Secretary, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Secretary of Transportation, shall, within 18 months after October 24, 1992, issue a notice of proposed rulemaking for a rule to establish uniform labeling requirements, to the greatest extent practicable, for alternative fuels and alternative fueled vehicles, including requirements for appropriate information with respect to costs and benefits, so as to reasonably enable the consumer to make choices and comparisons. Required labeling under the rule shall be simple and, where appropriate, consolidated with other labels providing information to the consumer. In formulating the rule, the Federal Trade Commission shall give consideration to the problems associated with developing and publishing useful and timely cost and benefit information, taking into account lead time, costs, the frequency of changes in costs and benefits that may occur, and other relevant factors. The Commission shall obtain the views of affected industries, consumer organizations, Federal and State agencies, and others in formulating the rule. A final rule shall be issued within 1 year after the notice of proposed rulemaking is issued. Such rule shall be updated periodically to reflect the most recent available information.

(b) Technical assistance and coordination

The Secretary shall provide technical assistance to the Federal Trade Commission in developing labeling requirements under subsection (a). The Secretary shall coordinate activities under this section with activities under section 13231 of this title.

(Pub. L. 102–486, title IV, §406, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 2880.)

§13233. Data acquisition program

(a) Not later than one year after October 24, 1992, the Secretary, through the Energy Information Administration, and in cooperation with appropriate State, regional, and local authorities, shall establish a data collection program to be conducted in at least 5 geographically and climatically diverse regions of the United States for the purpose of collecting data which would be useful to persons seeking to manufacture, convert, sell, own, or operate alternative fueled vehicles or alternative fueling facilities. Such data shall include—

(1) identification of the number and types of motor vehicle trips made daily and miles driven per trip, including commuting, business, and recreational trips;

(2) the projections of the Secretary as to the most likely combination of alternative fueled vehicle use and other forms of transit, including rail and other forms of mass transit;

(3) cost, performance, environmental, energy, and safety data on alternative fuels and alternative fueled vehicles; and

(4) other appropriate demographic information and consumer preferences.

(b) The Secretary shall consult with interested parties, including other appropriate Federal agencies, manufacturers, public utilities, owners and operators of fleets of light duty motor vehicles, and State or local governmental entities, to determine the types of data to be collected and analyzed under subsection (a).

(Pub. L. 102–486, title IV, §407, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 2881.)

§13234. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission authority to approve recovery of certain expenses in advance

(a) Natural gas motor vehicles

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission may, under section 717c of title 15, allow recovery of expenses in advance by natural-gas companies for research, development, and demonstration activities by the Gas Research Institute for projects on the use of natural gas, including fuels derived from natural gas, for transportation, and projects on the use of natural gas to control pollutants and to control emissions from the combustion of other fuels, if the Commission finds that the benefits, including environmental benefits, to existing and future ratepayers resulting from such activities exceed all direct costs to existing and future ratepayers. To the maximum extent practicable, through the establishment of cofunding requirements applicable to such projects, the Commission shall ensure that the costs of such activities shall be provided in part, through contributions of cash, personnel, services, equipment, and other resources, by sources other than the recovery of expenses pursuant to this section.

(b) Electric motor vehicles

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission may, under section 824d of title 16, allow recovery of expenses in advance by electric utilities for research, development, and demonstration activities by the Electric Power Research Institute for projects on electric motor vehicles, if the Commission finds that the benefits, including environmental benefits, to existing and future ratepayers resulting from such activities exceed all direct costs to existing and future ratepayers. To the maximum extent practicable, through the establishment of cofunding requirements applicable to each project, the costs of such activities shall be provided, in part, through contributions of cash, personnel, services, equipment, and other resources, by sources other than the recovery of expenses pursuant to this section.

(Pub. L. 102–486, title IV, §408, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 2881.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section is comprised of section 408 of Pub. L. 102–486. Subsec. (c) of section 408 of Pub. L. 102–486 repealed provisions of title III of Pub. L. 102–104, formerly set out as a note under section 717c of Title 15, Commerce and Trade.

§13235. State and local incentives programs

(a) Establishment of program

(1) The Secretary shall, within one year after October 24, 1992, issue regulations establishing guidelines for comprehensive State alternative fuels and alternative fueled vehicle incentives and program plans designed to accelerate the introduction and use of such fuels and vehicles. Such guideline ¹ shall address the development, modification, and implementation of such State plans and shall describe those program elements, as described in paragraph (3), to be addressed in such plans.

(2) The Secretary, after consultation with the Secretary of Transportation and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall invite the Governor of each State to submit to the Secretary a State plan within one year after the effective date of the regulations issued under paragraph (1). Such plan shall include—

(A) provisions designed to result in scheduled progress toward, and achievement of, the goal of introducing substantial numbers of alternative fueled vehicles in such State by the year 2000; and

(B) a detailed description of the requirements, including the estimated cost of implementation, of such plan.

(3) Each proposed State plan, in order to be eligible for Federal assistance under this section, shall describe the manner in which coordination shall be achieved with Federal and local governmental entities in implementing such plan, and shall include an examination of—

(A) exemption from State sales tax or other State or local taxes or surcharges (other than such taxes or surcharges which are dedicated for transportation purposes) with respect to alternative fueled vehicles, alternative fuels, or alternative fueling facilities;

(B) the introduction of alternative fueled vehicles into State-owned or operated motor vehicle fleets;

(C) special parking at public buildings and airport and transportation facilities;

(D) programs of public education to promote the use of alternative fueled vehicles;

(E) the treatment of sales of alternative fuels for use in alternative fueled vehicles;

(F) methods by which State and local governments might facilitate—

(i) the availability of alternative fuels; and

(ii) the ability to recharge electric motor vehicles at public locations;

(G) allowing public utilities to include in rates the incremental cost of—

(i) new alternative fueled vehicles;

(ii) converting conventional vehicles to operate on alternative fuels; and

(iii) installing alternative fuel fueling facilities,

but only to the extent that the inclusion of such costs in rates would not create competitive disadvantages for other market participants, and taking into consideration the effect inclusion of such costs would have on rates, service, and reliability to other utility customers;

(H) such other programs and incentives as the State may describe;

(I) whether accomplishing any of the goals in this subsection would require amendment to State law or regulation, including traffic safety prohibitions;

(J) services provided by municipal, county, and regional transit authorities; and

(K) effects of such plan on programs authorized by the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 and amendments made by that Act.

(b) Federal assistance to States

(1) Upon request of the Governor of any State with a plan approved under this section, the Secretary may provide to such State—

(A) information and technical assistance, including model State laws and proposed regulations relating to alternative fueled vehicles;

(B) grants of Federal financial assistance for the purpose of assisting such State in the implementation of such plan or any part thereof; and

(C) grants of Federal financial assistance for the acquisition of alternative fueled vehicles.

(2) In determining whether to approve a State plan submitted under subsection (a), and in determining the amount of Federal financial assistance, if any, to be provided to any State under this subsection, the Secretary shall take into account—

(A) the energy-related and environmental-related impacts, on a life cycle basis, of the introduction and use of alternative fueled vehicles included in the plan compared to conventional motor vehicles;

(B) the number of alternative fueled vehicles likely to be introduced by the year 2000, as a result of successful implementation of the plan; and

(C) such other factors as the Secretary considers appropriate.

(3) The Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of General Services, shall provide assistance to States in procuring alternative fueled vehicles, including coordination with Federal procurements of such vehicles.

(4) The Secretary may not approve a State plan submitted under subsection (a) unless the State agrees to provide at least 20 percent of the cost of activities for which assistance is provided under paragraph (1).

(c) General provisions

(1) In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of Transportation on matters relating to transportation and with other appropriate Federal and State departments and agencies.

(2) The Secretary shall report annually to the President and the Congress, and shall furnish copies of such report to the Governor of each State participating in the program, on the operation of the program under this section. Such report shall include—

(A) an estimate of the number of alternative fueled vehicles in use in each State;

(B) the degree of each State's participation in the program;

(C) a description of Federal, State, and local programs undertaken in the various States, whether pursuant to a State plan under this section or not, to provide incentives for introduction of alternative fueled vehicles;

(D) an estimate of the energy and environmental benefits of the program; and

(E) the recommendations of the Secretary, if any, for additional action by the Federal Government.

(d) Definitions

For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) Governor

The term "Governor" means the chief executive of a State.

(2) State

The term "State" means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other Commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States.

(e) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated for carrying out this section, $10,000,000 for each of the 5 fiscal years beginning after October 24, 1992.

(Pub. L. 102–486, title IV, §409, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 2882.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, referred to in subsec. (a)(3)(K), is Pub. L. 102–240, Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 1914. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1991 Amendment note set out under section 101 of Title 49, Transportation, and Tables.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions in subsec. (c)(2) of this section relating to annual reports to Congress, see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and the 8th item on page 86 of House Document No. 103–7.

¹ So in original. Probably should be "guidelines".

§13236. Alternative fuel bus program

(a) Cooperative agreements and joint ventures

(1) The Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary, may enter into cooperative agreements and joint ventures proposed by any municipal, county, or regional transit authority in an urban area with a population over 100,000 (according to latest available census information) to demonstrate the feasibility of commercial application, including safety of specific vehicle design, of using alternative fuels for urban buses and other motor vehicles used for mass transit.

(2) The cooperative agreements and joint ventures under paragraph (1) may include interested or affected private firms willing to provide assistance in cash, or in kind, for any such demonstration.

(3) Federal assistance provided under cooperative agreements and joint ventures entered into under paragraph (1) to demonstrate the feasibility of commercial application of using alternative fuels for urban buses shall be in addition to Federal assistance provided under any other law for such purpose.

(b) Limitations

(1) The Secretary of Transportation may not enter into cooperative agreement or joint venture under subsection (a) with any municipal, county, or regional transit authority, unless such government body agrees to provide 20 percent of the costs of such demonstration.

(2) The Secretary of Transportation may grant such priority under this section to any entity that demonstrates that the use of alternative fuels for transportation would have a significant beneficial effect on the environment.

(c) School buses

The Secretary of Transportation may also provide, in accordance with such rules as he may prescribe, financial assistance to any agency, municipality, or political subdivision in an urban area referred to in subsection (a), of any State or the District of Columbia for the purpose of meeting the incremental costs of school buses that are dedicated vehicles and used regularly for such transportation during the school term. Such costs may include the purchase and installation of alternative fuel refueling facilities to be used for school bus refueling, and the conversion of school buses to dedicated vehicles. The Secretary of Transportation may provide such assistance directly to a person who is a contractor of such agency, municipality, or political subdivision, upon the request of the agency, municipality, or political subdivision, and who, under such contract, provides for such transportation. Any conversion under this subsection shall comply with the warranty and safety requirements for alternative fuel conversions contained in section 7587 ¹ of this title.

(d) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated not more than $30,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1993, 1994, and 1995 for purposes of this section.

(Pub. L. 102–486, title IV, §410, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 2884.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 7587 of this title, referred to in subsec. (c), was in the original "section 247 of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990", Pub. L. 101–549, and was translated as reading "section 247 of the Clean Air Act", meaning section 247 of act July 14, 1955, ch. 360, title II, as added Nov. 15, 1990, Pub. L. 101–549, title II, §229(a), 104 Stat. 2523, to reflect the probable intent of Congress, because the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 does not contain a section 247, and section 247 of the Clean Air Act relates to alternate fuel conversions for vehicles.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§13237. Certification of training programs

The Secretary shall ensure that the Federal Government establishes and carries out a program for the certification of training programs for technicians who are responsible for motor vehicle installation of equipment that converts gasoline or diesel-fueled motor vehicles into dedicated vehicles or dual fueled vehicles, and for the maintenance of such converted motor vehicles. A training program shall not be certified under the program established under this section unless it provides technicians with instruction on the proper and safe installation procedures and techniques, adherence to specifications (including original equipment manufacturer specifications), motor vehicle operating procedures, emissions testing, and other appropriate mechanical concerns applicable to these motor vehicle conversions. The Secretary shall ensure that, in the development of the program required under this section, original equipment manufacturers, fuel suppliers, companies that convert conventional vehicles to use alternative fuels, and other affected persons are consulted.

(Pub. L. 102–486, title IV, §411, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 2885.)

§13238. Alternative fuel use in nonroad vehicles and engines

(a) Nonroad vehicles and engines

(1) The Secretary shall conduct a study to determine whether the use of alternative fuels in nonroad vehicles and engines would contribute substantially to reduced reliance on imported energy sources. Such study shall be completed, and the results thereof reported to Congress, within 2 years after October 24, 1992.

(2) The study shall assess the potential of nonroad vehicles and engines to run on alternative fuels. Taking into account the nonroad vehicles and engines for which running on alternative fuels is feasible, the study shall assess the potential reduction in reliance on foreign energy sources that could be achieved if such vehicles were to run on alternative fuels.

(3) The report required under paragraph (1) may include the Secretary's recommendations for encouraging or requiring nonroad vehicles and engines which can feasibly be run on alternative fuels, to utilize such alternative fuels.

(b) Definition of nonroad vehicles and engines

Nonroad vehicles and engines, for purposes of this section, shall include nonroad vehicles and engines used for surface transportation or principally for industrial or commercial purposes, vehicles used for rail transportation, vehicles used at airports, vehicles or engines used for marine purposes, and other vehicles or engines at the discretion of the Secretary.

(c) Designation

Upon completion of the study required pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary may designate such vehicles and engines as qualifying for loans pursuant to section 13239 of this title.

(Pub. L. 102–486, title IV, §412, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 2886.)

§13239. Low interest loan program

(a) Establishment

Within 1 year after October 24, 1992, the Secretary shall establish a program for making low interest loans, giving preference to small businesses that own or operate fleets, for—

(1) the conversion of motor vehicles to operation on alternative fuels;

(2) covering the incremental costs of the purchase of motor vehicles which operate on alternative fuels, when compared with purchase costs of comparable conventionally fueled motor vehicles; or

(3) covering the incremental costs of purchase of non-road vehicles and engines designated by the Secretary pursuant to section 13238(c) of this title.

(b) Loan terms

The Secretary, to the extent practicable, shall establish reasonable terms for loans made under this subsection, with preference given to repayment schedules that enable such loans to be repaid by the borrower from the cost differential between gasoline and the alternative fuel on which the motor vehicle operates.

(c) Criteria

In deciding to whom loans shall be made under this subsection, the Secretary shall consider—

(1) the financial need of the applicant;

(2) the goal of assisting the greatest number of applicants; and

(3) the ability of an applicant to repay the loan, taking into account the fuel cost savings likely to accrue to the applicant.

(d) Priorities

Priority shall be given under this section to fleets where the use of alternative fuels would have a significant beneficial effect on energy security and the environment.

(e) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for carrying out this section, $25,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1993, 1994, and 1995.

(Pub. L. 102–486, title IV, §414, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 2886.)