Screenshot of the Alternative Fuels Data Center

What are the top 10 resources for reliable and unbiased information about alternative fuels, advanced vehicles, and other petroleum reduction strategies?

1

Alternative Fuels Data Center

The Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) is a comprehensive clearinghouse of data, publications, tools, and information related to alternative fuels, advanced vehicles, idle reduction, fuel economy, and other petroleum reduction strategies. The AFDC Tools page is a one-stop-shop for links to tools, database searches, calculators, and interactive maps available through the AFDC, including the Vehicle Cost Calculator, Alternative Fueling Station Locator, Vehicle Searches, and Laws and Incentives Search.

2

Clean Cities

The national Clean Cities website includes links to relevant news, events, and publications; program and coalition contacts; financial opportunities; and Coordinator Toolbox resources.

3

FuelEconomy.gov

FuelEconomy.gov allows users to search for fuel economy information for light-duty vehicle models through the Find and Compare Cars tool. In addition, the website includes a search tool for cars that don’t use gasoline, verified gas mileage tips, and the My MPG fuel economy tracking tool.

4

EIA’s Alternative Fuel Vehicle Data

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) collects, analyzes, and disseminates information about energy production and use in the United States. On an annual basis, EIA updates their Alternative Fuel Vehicle Data, which includes data on the number of alternative fuel vehicles supplied and in use, and the amount of alternative fuel consumed. The website also includes brief highlights on alternative fuel use for the current year. Please note that the data published is generally two-years delayed; 2012 data will be available in the spring of 2014. EIA also publishes data on conventional fuel prices and production, as well as other topics of interest.

5

DOE’s Energy Policy Act (EPAct) Information

The following U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) websites provide information about Energy Policy Act (EPAct) regulatory activities:

  • EPAct Transportation Regulatory Activities
    This website provides information on vehicle and fuel use requirements for state government and alternative fuel provider fleets, as well as the EPAct definition of an “alternative fuel.”
  • Sustainable Federal Fleets
    This website provides information about federal fleet requirements under EPAct and other regulations.

6

DOE National Laboratories

The DOE national labs perform research, implement programs, and publish documents related to alternative fuels and advanced vehicles. A full list of labs and technology centers is available on the DOE website. The labs involved with Clean Cities include Argonne National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, the National Energy Technology Laboratory, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

7

Clean Cities Coalitions

Coalitions around the country are deploying alternative fuels and advanced vehicles, educating their stakeholders and the public, and engaging their communities. The coalition websites and coordinator contact information listed on DOE’s Clean Cities website are great resources for information and case studies.

8

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administers a number of different programs aimed at reducing vehicle emissions. For example, the EPA website features information on the following:

9

Other Federal Government Agencies

Several other federal government agencies implement programs and regulations related to alternative fuels and advanced vehicles. These agencies include the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; U.S. Department of Agriculture; and U.S. Internal Revenue Service. The AFDC Laws and Incentives Search provides information and links for additional information about federal incentives, laws, regulations, and programs by agency.

10

State and Local Government Agencies

State and local government agencies are great resources for information about regulations and programs in your area. The National Association of State Energy Officials maintains a list of state and territory energy office websites and contacts. Likewise, the EPA posts a list of state and territorial environmental agency websites. In addition, many state agency contacts are listed on the AFDC State Laws and Incentives Search.

Industry associations and nonprofit organizations can also provide useful information specific to certain fuel or technology types or issue areas. For example, NAFA Fleet Management Association and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability can be helpful resources.