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<br /> Message Page 2 of <br /> • A mandate that GSA must spread the incremental cost of alternative fuel vehicles purchased by a <br /> federal fleet over all the vehicles purchased by that fleet. <br /> • For EPAct: <br /> - For purposes of EPAct compliance, purchasing a dedicated medium duty vehicle now provides two <br /> vehicle credits. The purchase of a dedicated heavy-duty vehicle provides three vehicle credits. <br /> - An optional compliance program that gives covered fleets much more flexibility but eliminates most <br /> current loopholes. <br /> - EPAct credits for investment in fueling infrastructure. <br /> - A requirement that, within 6 months, DOE prepare a comprehensive report on EPAct, including <br /> recommendations for Congressional changes in the program. <br /> • A requirement that EPA prepare a comprehensive report on mobile-to-stationary emissions trading whic <br /> could lead to the national implementation of a such a program (which would provide financial incentives t <br /> NGV owners). <br /> • The CAFE benefits to automakers for producing bi-fuel vehicles is extended until 2008. <br /> Clearly, there much to be excited about in this legislation. Our lobbying team is to be congratulated for their <br /> tireless efforts. Tremendous thanks go to our Chairman, Andrew Littlefair, and his Chairman, Boone Pickens, for <br /> the support they provided. They opened doors and helped us deliver our message about energy security and a <br /> clean environment. This legislation firmly puts the federal government behind policies to reduce the use of oil in <br /> transportation and that is very good for our industry. Never before has the Congress committed such <br /> unprecedented levels of incentives, grants and support for alternative fuels. <br /> Our biggest disappointment, of course, is not securing the credit for the retail sale of alternative fuels. As of ten <br /> minutes prior to completion of the conference committee work, we had support to add the credit to the bill from <br /> almost every major political power involved in the conference. Unfortunately, we could not gain the support of all <br /> the conferees. <br /> Notwithstanding this disappointment, we will continue the effort. We have been encouraged by Congressional <br /> staff not to abandon the effort. There will be other tax measures, especially related to the reauthorization of the <br /> Highway Bill that funds the massive highway trust fund. The energy conference process actually resulted in <br /> increased support for what we seek. We believe that we are in a much better position now to achieve success. <br /> Our opponents would love to know our strategy, so we won't detail it here. Suffice it to say, we have no intention <br /> of leaving behind the last five years of hard work without ultimately obtaining what we seek. We have a seasoned <br /> and very capable team. I am confident and you should be too! <br /> Attached for your information is a more detailed summary of the NGV provisions in the Energy bill. We will be <br /> preparing a more extensive analysis of all the provisions in the Bill that affects the NGV industry, either directly or <br /> indirectly, and will provide that to you when it is available. <br /> In the meantime, if you have any question, please do not hesitate to contact me (202/824-7366) or Paul <br /> kerkhoven (202/824-7363 or pkerkhovenCc~ngvc.org). <br /> 12/23/03 <br /> <br />