Mandated fleet conversions to alternative clean transportation fuels: environmental policy considerations

Southern California´s heavy reliance on fossil-fueled automotive transportation has resulted in significant air pollution problems that stem directly from this near total dependence on petroleum. To deal with this pressing issue, recently enacted state legislation has proposed mandatory introduction of clean alternative fuels into transportation fleets operating within this area-a mandate that will require preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The author discusses the implications of the interrelated environmental and deployment issues that will determine the relative accuracy of this EIR and, consequently, the likely effectiveness of the proposed mandate to improve regional air quality