Bill Summary

• Eliminates the "reasonably available at similar costs" requirement for state agencies purchasing cleaner fuel-powered vehicles, requiring purchase of vehicles capable of cleaner fuels, electricity, or combination power if they meet performance needs.

• Removes specific 2010 and 2015 gasoline and diesel reduction targets from SmartFleet requirements and replaces them with ongoing department requirements to purchase qualifying vehicles whenever legally, technically, and economically feasible.

• Changes SmartFleet Committee reporting requirement from December 2006 to February 1 of each odd-numbered year and adds Department of Natural Resources and Transportation to committee membership.

• Modifies state procurement language to remove the 10 percent price premium cap for electric vehicles, replacing it with a total life-cycle cost comparison standard for purchases of electric, plug-in hybrid, and neighborhood electric vehicles.

• Requires Department of Commerce study on electric charging station availability at multiunit housing facilities, analyzing costs, barriers, and legislative solutions by March 1, 2015, and establishes 18-member Biomethane Task Force to develop biomethane adoption strategies with findings due December 1, 2016.