Alternative and Renewable Fuels: Experience and Prognosis

The need for alternative and renewable transportation fuels continues to be high on the nation's agenda. Substituting these fuels for petroleum can reduce dependence on foreign oil imports, improve air quality. and mitigate global greenhouse gases. Today's use of alternative fuels has largely been driven by legislative action such as the Clean Air Act Amendments and the Energy Policy Act. Theviability of alternative fuels can be enhanced by improving the economics, reducing the alternative fuel options, and by further development of the fueling infrastructure. Renewable fuels are the hope for the future with the promise of large quantities of inexhaustible fuels that virtually eliminate global greenhouse gases and reduce air emissions. The future of alternative and renewable fuelsis not certain, but they are necessary to provide future transportation fuels.