The General Accounting Office has concluded that the Energy Policy Act of 1992's goals to replace at least 10 percent of petroleum fuel with alternative fuels in 2000 and 30 percent in 2010 will not be achieved under current economic conditions. According to GAO, to date only 3.6 percent of all highway gasoline use has been replaced by alternative fuels.
GAO cites "significant economic disadvantages" of alternative fuel vehicles compared to conventional gasoline vehicles as the principal reason the fuel replacement goals are not being met. These impediments include the relatively low price of gasoline, lack of refueling stations for alternative fuels, and the additional cost to purchase these vehicles. GAO points out that the Act's approach does not directly address its goal of replacing petroleum fuels for it mandates alternative fuel vehicle purchases rather than establishes targets for alternative fuel use. As a result, some vehicles acquired under the law are being fueled by gasoline.
