State and local governments can support reduced petroleum use by implementing policies and programs that promote the use of alternative fuel vehicles and minimize vehicle miles traveled, both of which will also decrease the dependence on foreign oil and improve energy security.

Alternative fuel vehicles use fuel types other than petroleum and include fuels such as electricity, ethanol, biodiesel, natural gas, hydrogen, and propane. Compared to petroleum, these alternatives often produce less harmful emissions and contribute to a reduction in petroleum dependence. Federal agencies and certain state governments are required to acquire alternative fuel vehicles as part of the Energy Policy Act of 1992, though they are also entitled to choose a petroleum reduction path as an alternative to the mandate. Find resources on:

Transportation efficiency reduces travel demand as measured by vehicle miles traveled (VMT). While transportation efficiency policies are often implemented under local governments, national and state programs can play supportive roles in reducing VMT. Find resources on: