Transportation
Passenger Vehicles

Alternative Fuel Purchases

A state agency that operates a fleet of more than 15 vehicles may not purchase or lease a motor vehicle unless the vehicle is capable of using an alternative fuel.

The purchase or lease requirement does not apply to:

• Law enforcement vehicles
• Emergency vehicles
• Vehicles acquired by the Texas Transportation Institute for the purpose of performing crash tests and related research
• The Railroad Commission of Texas, except for the purchase or lease of a motor vehicle for use in a nonattainment area designated under Section 107(d) of the Federal Clean Air Act
• A state agency that demonstrates it will incur net costs in meeting the requirements

Percentage Requirements

A state agency that operates a fleet of more than 15 motor vehicles must have a fleet of which at least 50 percent use an alternative fuel.

A state agency may meet the percentage requirements through the purchase of new vehicles or the conversion of existing vehicles, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Under certain conditions, the Comptroller’s Statewide Procurement Division (SPD) Office of Vehicle Fleet Management may reduce the percentage or waive the requirement.

The percentage requirement does not apply to:

• Law enforcement vehicles
• Emergency vehicles
• Vehicles acquired by the Texas Transportation Institute for the purpose of performing crash tests and related research
• A state agency that demonstrates it will incur net costs in meeting the requirements.

A state agency, including an institution of higher education, required to meet the percentage requirements may expend the funds appropriated by the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for meeting those requirements only if the agency purchases or converts a vehicle that uses the most cost-effective, fuel efficient and mechanically efficient alternative fuel source.

Commuting to Work in a State-Owned Vehicle

An officer or employee of a state agency may not use a state-owned or state-leased motor vehicle except on official state business. A state agency may not use appropriated money to compensate an individual who violates this policy.

Exceptions

The administrative head of a state agency may authorize an officer or employee to use a state-owned or state-leased motor vehicle to commute to and from work when the administrative head determines it may be necessary to ensure that vital agency functions are performed. The name and job title of each individual authorized an exception and the reasons for the authorization must be included in the report required by Texas Government Accounting Procedures.

Documentation Requirements

1. A state agency must retain documentation in its files showing the agency’s compliance with the alternative fuel requirements of the State Purchasing and General Services Act.
2. A state agency must retain documentation in its files that states the use and providing a description of each vehicle purchased by the agency so it can be determined if the vehicle is exempt.
3. Comptroller object 7371 must be used when an exempt vehicle is purchased.
4. Comptroller object 7372 must be used when a vehicle other than an exempt vehicle is purchased.

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