Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, United States

Lead Author: Robyn Kenney (other articles)
Article Topics: Environmental policy and Energy policy
This article has been reviewed and approved by the following Topic Editor: Cutler J. Cleveland (other articles)
Last Updated: October 8, 2008

The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 was enacted for the purpose of serving the nation’s energy demands and promoting conservation methods when feasibly obtainable. In 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed the Act, mandating vehicle fuel economy standards, extending oil price controls to 1979, and directing the creation of a strategic petroleum reserves.

The Alternative Fuels Act of 1988 amends a portion of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to pursue the use of alternative fuels. This amendment encourages the development, production, and demonstration of alternative motor fuels and alternative-fuel vehicles. The Act specifies alternative fuel as any fuel not derived from petroleum, including; ethanol, methanol, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen, and electricity.

Congress directed the Secretary of Energy to ensure an economically practical number of federal fleet to be: (1) alcohol-powered vehicles; (2) dual energy vehicles; (3) natural gas-powered vehicles; or (4) natural gas dual-energy vehicles. The Secretary of Energy is also directed under this amendment to report feasibility and progress reports to the Congress detailing pursued programs, research, and projects relating to alternative fuels.

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Citation
Kenney, Robyn (Lead Author); Cutler J. Cleveland (Topic Editor). 2008. "Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, United States." In: Encyclopedia of Earth. Eds. Cutler J. Cleveland (Washington, D.C.: Environmental Information Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment). [First published in the Encyclopedia of Earth August 29, 2006; Last revised October 8, 2008; Retrieved February 9, 2010]. <http://www.eoearth.org/article/Energy_Policy_and_Conservation_Act_of_1975,_United_States>
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