Bill Summary
The "Comparison of Sustainable Transportation Act" (COST Act) is a legislative proposal aimed at assessing the financial implications of transitioning light-duty vehicles in the federal fleet from gasoline to electric and flex-fuel ethanol vehicles.
Key components of the legislation include:
1. **Cost Analysis**: The Comptroller General of the United States is tasked with conducting a comprehensive cost analysis to evaluate the expenses associated with replacing gasoline-powered light-duty vehicles in the federal fleet with electric vehicles (including plug-in hybrids) and flex-fuel ethanol vehicles. This analysis will also consider the necessary infrastructure for supporting these vehicle types.
2. **Lifecycle Emissions Study**: The Secretary of Energy is instructed to perform a lifecycle analysis of greenhouse gas emissions for three vehicle types: conventional gasoline vehicles, E85 capable flex-fuel vehicles, and battery electric vehicles. This analysis will utilize the latest GREET model developed by Argonne National Laboratory.
3. **Reporting Requirements**: Both the cost analyses and the lifecycle emissions report must be published and submitted to relevant congressional committees within one year of the Act's enactment.
4. **Definitions**: The Act provides specific definitions for terms such as "E85" (a fuel blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline), "Federal fleet" (federally owned or operated vehicles), and "light-duty vehicle" (vehicles weighing 8,500 pounds or less).
Overall, the COST Act aims to facilitate informed decision-making regarding sustainable transportation options within the federal government.
Possible Impacts
The "Comparison of Sustainable Transportation Act" (COST Act) could affect people in several ways. Here are three examples:
1. **Promotion of Electric Vehicle Adoption**: By requiring a cost analysis of converting the federal fleet to electric vehicles, the legislation could lead to increased investments and incentives for electric vehicle infrastructure. This could result in more electric vehicles being available on the market, thereby encouraging individuals and businesses to consider electric options. As a result, consumers may benefit from lower fuel and maintenance costs associated with electric vehicles over time.
2. **Environmental Awareness and Action**: The lifecycle emissions analysis mandated by the Secretary of Energy could provide valuable data on the environmental impact of different vehicle types. This information could raise public awareness about greenhouse gas emissions and encourage environmentally conscious choices among consumers. As people become more informed about the benefits of electric and flex-fuel vehicles, they may be more motivated to support policies and practices that reduce their carbon footprint.
3. **Economic Implications for Jobs and Industries**: The focus on electric and flex-fuel vehicles may lead to a shift in job opportunities and economic activities. Industries related to electric vehicle manufacturing, battery production, and renewable energy could see growth, potentially creating new job opportunities for workers in these sectors. Conversely, there could be challenges for traditional automotive jobs tied to gasoline vehicle production. Workers may need to adapt through retraining or transitioning to new roles in the emerging green economy.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 2188 Introduced in House (IH)]
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119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2188
To require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct an
analysis of the costs of converting light-duty vehicles in the Federal
fleet to electric vehicles, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 18, 2025
Mr. Feenstra (for himself, Mr. Finstad, Mrs. Miller-Meeks, and Mr. Nunn
of Iowa) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently
determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct an
analysis of the costs of converting light-duty vehicles in the Federal
fleet to electric vehicles, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Comparison of Sustainable
Transportation Act'' or the ``COST Act''.
SEC. 2. COST ANALYSIS OF CONVERTING FEDERAL FLEET TO ELECTRIC VEHICLES.
(a) Cost Analysis.--The Comptroller General of the United States
shall conduct--
(1) an analysis of the costs of replacing the light-duty
vehicles in the Federal fleet that are fueled by gasoline with
electric vehicles, including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles;
and
(2) an analysis of the costs of replacing the light-duty
vehicles in the Federal fleet that are fueled by gasoline with
flex-fuel ethanol vehicles.
(b) Inclusions.--Each analysis conducted under subsection (a) shall
include the costs necessary for deployment of infrastructure for each
applicable type of electric vehicle or flex-fuel ethanol vehicle that
it is feasible to be used in the Federal fleet nationwide.
(c) Publication.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall publish online the cost
analyses conducted under subsection (a).
SEC. 3. ANALYSIS OF LIFECYCLE EMISSIONS OF E85 CAPABLE FLEX-FUEL AND
ELECTRIC VEHICLES.
(a) Analysis.--The Secretary of Energy, utilizing the most recent
Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Transportation
model (commonly referred to as the ``GREET model'') developed by
Argonne National Laboratory, shall conduct a lifecycle analysis of
greenhouse gas emissions from each of the following types of vehicles:
(1) A conventional gasoline vehicle.
(2) An E85 capable flex-fuel vehicle.
(3) A battery electric vehicle.
(b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of Energy shall submit to the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives, and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a
report on the lifecycle analyses conducted under subsection (a).
SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) E85.--The term ``E85'' means a fuel containing 85
percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.
(2) Federal fleet.--The term ``Federal fleet'' means the
fleet of federally owned or operated motor vehicles as reported
in the most recent Federal Fleet Report of the General Services
Administration.
(3) Light-duty vehicle.--The term ``light-duty vehicle''
means a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than
or equal to 8,500 pounds.
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