In the last 16 years, the federal government has mandated and built, with billions of dollars, a fleet of 112,000 alternative-fuel vehicles that can run on gasoline or E85. The general idea was that it would shift America away from its dependence on foreign energy.
Well, the general idea usually isn’t the best idea.
Since E85 isn’t exactly conveniently available, these vehicles were usually filled with old-fashioned gasoline instead. Despite the addition of E85 capable vehicles, 92 percent of the fuel used by the fed’s fleet was still gasoline.
Also, fleet managers searching for the most affordable vehicles that would meet the EPAct requirements discovered that big, SUV-sized flex-fuels got the most bang for the buck. These mammoths were big, fed gas, and weren’t fuel-efficient.
The U.S. Postal Service estimates that 1.5 million additional gallons of gas was guzzled by its 37,000 newer alternative-fuel delivery vehicles, and we’re not stopping there. The schlemiels running the Postal Service are seeking to add more alternative-fuel vehicles to its fleet.
Our take? So we waste more gas. Great. At least it’s a cheap waste now.
via Environmental Leader