Virginia law authorizes the state's Board to establish standards for fleets using clean alternative fuels, aiming to reduce air pollution. These standards apply to certain fleets of ten or more vehicles, excluding specific types like rental or emergency vehicles. The law also outlines conditions under which these standards and programs become effective, including federal EPA approval.
Clean alternative fuels include methanol, ethanol, reformulated gasoline, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen, electricity, and other sources that meet federal standards for clean vehicles.
Fleets of ten or more motor vehicles owned or operated by a single entity are covered, excluding rental, sale, manufacturer testing, emergency, or nonroad vehicles.
The standards can be adopted starting with model year 1998 or the next practicable model year, contingent on federal EPA approval.
Yes, if the federal EPA approves an equivalent air pollution reduction program, the Virginia regulations and standards may not become effective.