Until then, here’s your weekly collection of the top alternative fuel news headlines:

• The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has issued its annual alternative fuel vehicle data set…for 2011. Better late than never? Natural gas, ethanol and propane autogas were the top three most-consumed alternative fuels.

• Williamson County, Texas, is saving $73,000 annually operating 36 fleet vehicles on autogas. Their story is part of the Fueling Texas campaign from the Propane Council of Texas to educate fleets across the state about the benefits of operating on autogas.

• A New York school district is considering adding Blue Bird propane-powered buses to its fleet.

• The Chicago Tribune offers a few simple fuel economy tips for drivers.

• Is turning cow manure into natural gas the future of clean energy?

• A local FedEx Ground delivery fleet in South Carolina is running on autogas.

• Affordable electric vehicles are still not a reality.

• The Monticello Police Department in Iowa is considering the switch to propane autogas.

• TransEnergy Solutions and the Propane Education & Research Council are hosting a Green Transportation Conference in Denver April 30.

Follow us on Twitter or like our page on Facebook for the latest news affecting your fleet or the alternative fuel industry.

• As we blogged about earlier this week, Alliance AutoGas launched a new video series to educate America’s fleets about the benefits of operating on clean, affordable propane autogas.

• President Obama has proposed diverting $2 billion in revenue from federal oil and gas royalties over the next decade to pay for advanced technology vehicle research.

• Things are heating up a bit in Oregon this week as the Senate hears arguments both for and against extending the “sunset clause” on the Clean Fuels Program.

• A Sustainable Energy Conference is coming to Raleigh, N.C. this April.

• Some see “short-term pain but long-term gain” in running fleets on natural gas.

• A new report from the EPA cites significant gains in fuel economy for 2012.

• The Denver Auto Show is being held this week. This article explores natural gas vehicle use by fleets vs. consumers.

• AAA will offer a roadside charging service for electric vehicles in Washington state.

Follow us on Twitter or like our page on Facebook for the latest news affecting your fleet or the alternative fuel industry.

“In a few short months, Autogas for America has grown to over 90 stakeholders, including ROUSH,” says Autogas for America Chairman Stuart Weidie. “It’s fitting that one of our key supporters is standing up, loudly saying that now is the time for our legislators to accept Autogas as a viable alternative fuel, and that our industry doesn’t accept Washington politicians picking favorites.”

In yesterday’s press release, ROUSH Enterprises CEO Jack Roush is quoted as saying, “Propane Autogas historically costs around 30 percent less than gasoline, and is as clean as natural gas, but without the harmful methane emissions. Propane is available ‘right here, right now,’ and I feel that any alternative fuel legislation would do our country an injustice if it were to pass into law without including propane Autogas, and for that matter, all alternative fuels, in the legislation.”

In the same release, ROUSH CleanTech President Joe Thompson is quoted as saying, “As outlined by some of our country’s energy leaders, including T. Boone Pickens, in order for our country to meet the national energy policy goals that have been set, all domestic sources of energy must be considered when creating new government incentives for alternative fuel adoption. Modifying this legislation to include propane Autogas and other alternative fuels would broaden the impact of the legislation.”

Thompson added, “The government should not be in the business of picking the winners when it comes to alternative motor fuels. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid made this point earlier this year at his own Las Vegas Energy Summit. I implore Senator Reid to follow his own advice when evaluating these narrowly-defined pieces of legislation.”

“Autogas for America applauds the efforts of ROUSH in urging legislators to give fair and equitable consideration of each alternative fuel that has a proven track record of safety, reliability and emissions reductions,” Weidie said. “Autogas is the world’s most widely used alternative fuel, and it deserves proper recognition.”

Autogas for America is encouraging stakeholders and any other interested organizations or individuals to submit a letter their U.S. Senators encouraging the inclusion of propane Autogas in U.S. Senate Bills S. 3815 and S. 3495. The resources to do so are available at www.autogasforamerica.org.

As the unified voice of the U.S. Autogas market, Autogas for America is working toward a clean break from foreign oil. To learn more about Autogas for America and help drive energy independence, visit www.autogasforamerica.org.

Click here to view Roush Press Release.