Summary

Orders two neutral studies to compare costs and emissions for common options to replace light‑duty gasoline cars in the federal fleet. It requires the Comptroller General to estimate the full costs of switching to battery electric (including plug‑in hybrids) and to E85 flex‑fuel vehicles, covering nationwide charging or fueling infrastructure, and to publish results online within one year. It also requires the Secretary of Energy to use Argonne National Laboratory’s GREET model to compare lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions for a conventional gasoline car, an E85 flex‑fuel car, and a battery electric car, and to deliver a written report to Congress within one year. The bill defines E85, “federal fleet,” and “light‑duty vehicle.”

Key Points

• Requires GAO to publish, within 1 year, cost estimates for replacing light‑duty federal cars with EVs (including plug‑in hybrids) and with E85 flex‑fuel vehicles.
• Cost studies must include nationwide infrastructure costs for charging or E85 fueling to support federal operations.
• Directs DOE to use the GREET model to compare lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of gasoline, E85 flex‑fuel, and battery electric vehicles.
• DOE must submit the GREET analysis report to two congressional committees within 1 year.
• Defines E85, federal fleet, and light‑duty vehicle for clarity and consistency.
• Does not mandate any vehicle purchases or set emissions targets; it informs future policy and procurement decisions.
• No appropriations, tax code changes, or state/local mandates are included.
• Creates comparable, model‑based information on both costs and emissions to evaluate fleet transition options.

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