Alternative Fuels

What are alternative fuels?

Most cars run on gasoline or diesel fuel. But there are a number of other types of fuels that can be used to power a motor vehicle. These are known as alternative fuels. They include electricity, ethanol, hydrogen, methanol, natural gas and propane.

Renewable vs. Non-renewable Energy

Oil is a type of fossil fuel. Fossil fuels, which also include coal and natural gas, are found within the rocks of the Earth's surface, and they were formed millions of years ago from the remains of plants and animals. Once fossil fuels are used, they cannot be replaced. According to Science Online, it is thought that the world's current supply of fossil fuels will last for about another 70 years.

Alternative fuels such as ethanol, hydrogen and methanol are types of renewable energies, which means they can replenish themselves naturally over time.

Why Alternative Fuels?

• When gasoline and diesel are used, the main by-product is carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas that pollutes the atmosphere and is believed to contribute to climate change, including global warming. On the other hand, many renewable energy sources do not emit dangerous pollutants, such as carbon dioxide.
• According to the U.S. Department of Energy, "America currently imports more than half of the oil we consume, and transportation accounts for 69% of the nation's oil use...Unless highway vehicles become more efficient and suited for alternative fuels, the historical trend toward increasing dependence on foreign oil will continue."
• Proponents of alternative fuels argue that "most alternative fuels in the U.S. are produced here, and that increasing their use could mean more jobs for Americans, a better balance of trade and less dependence on foreign oil."

The Energy Policy Act

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, in 1992, Congress passed the Energy Policy Act (EPAct). This act was passed "to reduce America's reliance on foreign oil and to improve air quality. EPAct includes provisions that address all aspects of energy supply and demand. Several parts of the law were designed to encourage the use of alternative fuels that could help reduce dependence on imported oil in transportation."

Sources: U.S. Department of Energy, Science Online, CNN.com