Alternative Fuel Vehicle Acquisition Requirements

At least 10% of new vehicles purchased by institutions under the control of the state fleet director, including the Iowa Department of Transportation, Board of Directors of Community Colleges, Board of Regents, Commission for the Blind, and Department of Corrections must be capable of operating on alternative fuels. Alternative fuels include E85, B20, natural gas, propane, solar energy, and electricity. Vehicles and trucks purchased and directly used for law enforcement and off-road maintenance work are exempt from this requirement.

The state fleet shall purchase motor vehicles and light trucks so that the average fuel efficiency of new vehicles purchased that year equals or exceeds the average fuel economy standard for the model year as established under 15 U.S.C. §2002. Motor vehicles operating using gasoline or diesel fuel shall use the highest possible classification of ethanol or biodiesel. Exemptions apply. Vehicles that use biodiesel and ethanol blends must display a brightly colored, highly visible renewable fuel sticker. Beginning July 1, 2023, and annually thereafter, the Iowa Department of Administrative Services must submit a report detailing the use of ethanol and biodiesel blends in state fleet vehicles to the governor and Iowa General Assembly.

(Reference Iowa Code 8A.360, 8A.362, 8A.368, 216B.3, 260C.19A, 262.25A, 307.21 and 904.312A)