State and Alternative Fuel Provider Standard Compliance: Exemptions
Under Standard Compliance, covered fleets may apply for exemptions from their alternative fuel vehicle (AFV)-acquisition requirements.
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) approval of a covered fleet's exemption request is based on an existing lack of available alternative fuels and/or AFVs. In addition, state government entities may request an exemption on the basis of unreasonable financial hardship.
Covered fleets must apply to DOE to receive exemptions, and DOE reviews these requests on a case-by-case basis. The opportunity to request exemptions serves as administrative relief of the last resort, so fleets should only apply for exemptions if they are unable to satisfy their AFV-acquisition requirements through the normally available compliance alternatives.
These alternatives include:
- Acquiring the requisite number of AFVs
- Using biodiesel to the maximum extent allowed
- Applying banked credits, andÂ
- Acquiring banked credits from other fleets in the program.
If all alternatives have been explored and a fleet still cannot meet its Standard Compliance requirements, it may submit to DOE an exemption request.
Options to Submit an Exemption Request
Fleets have two options to submit an exemption request: the Online Exemption Request Tool or manually assembled exemption requests.
Online Exemption Request Tool
Although DOE accepts manually assembled exemption requests, DOE strongly recommends fleets pursuing exemptions use the Online Exemption Request Tool (OERT) to ensure requests include required information and are easy to read.
OERT saves fleets time and effort, and it helps DOE give fleets decisions sooner. The easy-to-use tool loads pertinent information automatically from a fleet's identification and annual report records already in the database, eliminating labor-intensive steps associated with manually assembled exemption requests. The tool automatically creates an electronic copy of each fleet's request that fleets then save, print, and send to DOE.
Use the Online Exemption Request Tool.
Manually Assembled Exemption Requests
DOE accepts manually assembled exemption requests for fleets that choose not to use the Online Exemption Request Tool. For information on how to assemble an exemption request manually, view DOE's Sample Exemption Request Under Standard Compliance.
NOTE: DOE expects fleets to continue to minimize their need for exemptions as DOE develops and implements alternatives to complying with AFV-acquisition requirements. DOE offers several helpful Standard Compliance Resources and operates a Regulatory Information Line (202-586-9171) to assist covered fleets in complying with program requirements.