Alternative Fuels
Last Updated: 08/06/24
Alternative fuels are derived from sources other than petroleum, such as ethanol, electricity, or biodiesel. Review the additional guidance for more information.
Product Details
To the maximum extent practicable, federal agencies are required to buy sustainable products, which are products that meet the purchasing program(s) listed below.
If there is more than one program listed below, agencies are directed to prioritize multi-attribute products, which meet statutory purchasing program requirements (
) and one or more required Environmental Protection Agency purchasing programs.
Review our frequently asked questions for more information.
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Legal Requirements
Lists federal requirements related to the purchase of this item, including applicable Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requirements
Additional Guidance
Alternative Fuels
Federal agencies are mandated by the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) and the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) to purchase alternative fuel vehicles, increase consumption of alternative fuels, and reduce petroleum consumption.
The following fuels are defined or designated as alternative fuels:
- Methanol, denatured ethanol, and other alcohols
- Mixtures of 85% or more of methanol (M85), denatured ethanol (E85), and other alcohols with gasoline or other fuels
- Natural gas and liquid fuels domestically produced from natural gas (e.g., compressed natural gas [CNG] and liquefied natural gas [LNG])
- Liquefied petroleum gas (i.e., LPG or propane)
- Coal-derived liquid fuels
- Electricity (including electricity from solar energy)
- Biodiesel (B100)
- Fuels (other than alcohol) derived from biological materials
- Hydrogen
- P-Series fuels. P-Series fuels are clear liquid fuels with octane ratings between 89 and 93, designed for use in flexible fuel vehicles and containing 35% natural gas liquids, 45% ethanol, and 25% biomass-derived fuel. See 64 FR 26822
(May 17, 1999).
Visit DOE's Alternative Fueling Station Locator to find your nearest fueling station.
FEMP Resources
FEMP's Sustainable Federal Fleets website provides guidance and assistance to help implement Federal legislative and regulatory requirements mandating reduced petroleum consumption and increased alternative fuel use. FEMP's efforts include assisting agencies with implementing and managing energy-efficient and alternative fuel vehicles and facilitating a coordinated effort to reduce petroleum consumption and increase alternative fuel use annually.
Buying and Leasing Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFV)
Agencies wishing to buy AFVs may submit an order through GSA's AutoChoice online ordering tool. Visit the GSA Vehicle Purchasing site for more information on purchasing vehicles, and GSA Fleet for information on vehicle leasing. Agencies interested in leasing AFVs and wanting more information should contact their servicing GSA Fleet office, call (703) 605-5630, or e-mail AFVteam@gsa.gov.