Alternative Fuel

Alternative fuel is one that is not produced using crude oil. Alternative fuels are in vogue due to the increase in gas prices. They reduce pollution and burn fuel more efficiently. It is anticipated that it will replace gas as the fuel to feed our vehicles. The U.S. Congress passed the Clean Air Act in 1990 to encourage alternative fuel research and development.

The act better defined the makeup of alternative fuel with the Energy Policy Act (EP Act) of 1993. U.S. officially recognized the following as alternative fuels: gave a more in-depth definition of what they consider to be alternative fuels.

Mixtures containing 85% or more by volume of alcohol fuel, including methanol and denatured ethanol Natural gas (compressed or liquefied) Liquefied petroleum gas (propane) Hydrogen Fuels derived from biological materials 100% Biodiesel (B100) Coal-derived liquid fuels Electricity (including electricity from solar energy)

Low-level biodiesel blends are not considered alternative fuels however companies can earn one EP Act credit for every 450 gallons of B100 purchased for use of 20% biodiesel or higher.

Alternative fuels basically include methane, propane, ethanol, and compressed gas. Alternative fuels do not fall into specific categories either. They are simple options to using gasoline.

Just think how interesting it is that you can run your car on used vegetable oils (french fries), animal fats and even wood. It's kind of weird how Hollywood's future movies are eerily coming true. Like "Back to the Future" where Doc would power his DeLorean time machine using garbage as fuel.

Learn more about alternative fuels.