(a)      The Secretary of Agriculture shall study the effectiveness of an ethanol and gasoline mixture, known as gasohol, as an alternative fuel for motor vehicles. The Secretary of Agriculture shall initiate a 1-year program of tests using gasohol for fuel in eight presently owned State motor vehicles according to the provisions of this section. The purposes of the gasohol testing program are:

            (1)      To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of gasohol as an alternative fuel for motor vehicles;

            (2)      To evaluate the performance of gasohol as an alternative fuel for motor vehicles;

            (3)      To compare the performance of gasohol in a new motor vehicle with its performance in a used motor vehicle;

            (4)      To determine the negative effects, if any, from using gasohol in a motor vehicle for an extended period of time; and

            (5)      To investigate and review the feasibility of establishing a local source of supply for methanol or ethanol utilizing State agricultural produce.

      (b)      The motor vehicles used in the gasohol testing program shall consist of the following:

            (1)      Four motor vehicles currently in use with the Department of General Services which have been in use for 1 year before the tests begin; and

            (2)      Four new motor vehicles of the Department of General Services may be used for the test.

      (c)      The costs of the gasohol testing program shall be paid from funds appropriated in the State budget.

      (d)      The gasohol testing program shall include, but is not limited to, at least one member from each of the following:

            (1)      The Department of Agriculture;

            (2)      The Department of General Services;

            (3)      The Department of the Environment; and

            (4)      The Department of Natural Resources.

      (e)      The gasohol testing program shall conduct the testing program according to the following procedures:

            (1)      Locate gasohol suppliers and contract with a supplier, according to the procurement procedures of this subtitle, to provide a sufficient amount of gasohol for the testing program;

            (2)      The test motor vehicles shall be operated by Department of General Services personnel in the Department's routine operations;

            (3)      It shall provide for regular evaluation of the test vehicles during the course of the testing program;

            (4)      The test vehicles shall be operated throughout the State to provide as many diverse operating conditions as are practicable;

            (5)      It shall prepare a final report of the testing program which includes:

                  (i)      A critical evaluation of the performance of gasohol;

                  (ii)      A breakdown of the costs incurred in the operation of the test vehicles using gasohol; and

                  (iii)      Recommendations for future use of gasohol in State motor vehicles; and

            (6)      The gasohol testing program shall be submitted no later than January 1, 1980 to the Legislative Policy Committee.

      (f)      The Legislative Policy Committee shall make a report of its recommendations to the Governor and to the General Assembly no later than January 31, 1980.