Campus policy prohibits purchase of 15 passenger vans due to these vehicles' high rollover risk per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA) warning advisory.
Compliance With Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Government Mandates
Departments, when purchasing vehicles, must consider alternative fuel vehicles (AFV). Section 303 of the National Energy Policy Act (EPAC) requires that 75 percent of all acquired light duty vehicles (vehicles under 8,500 lbs.GVWR) must be alternative fuel for agency fleets of 50 or more light duty vehicles - which applies to Binghamton University.
New York State Executive Order 111 mandates that by the year 2005 at least 50% of new light-duty vehicles acquired by state agencies shall be alternative fuel; by year 2010, that number rises to 100%.
While AFV vehicles currently cost more than conventional vehicles ($3,000 to $5,000 depending on vehicle), failure to meet the mandates may result in larger fines and penalties. Each year the University is required to report to the Department of Energy what percentage of light vehicles acquired is AFV. Vehicles acquired that are not alternate fuel are charged 'negative credits' by EPAC. There is also a possible $10,000 penalty that may be issued by the Department of Energy for failure to comply with the legislation.
Departments should be able to select alternative fuel vehicles from a wide range of model types such as cutaways, compact sedans, pickups, cargo vans, passenger vans, sport utility, station wagons and midsize sedans. Fuel types that should be considered are: dedicated compressed natural gas, bifuel and flex fuel vehicles.
NOTE: IF A DEPARTMENT PURCHASES A NONALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLE, THE COST OF OBTAINING AN AFV CREDIT (TO RELIEVE THE NEGATIVE CREDIT INCURRED AS A RESULT OF THE NON-AFV PURCHASE) WILL BE CHARGED TO THAT DEPARTMENT. THE COST OF OBTAINING AN AFV CREDIT IS NEGOTIABLE; CURRENT MARKET VALUE RANGES FROM $500 TO $1,000 PER CREDIT.
