Alternative Fuels and Technologies FAQs

The alternative fuels and technologies FAQ page is designed to assist you in researching questions you may encounter as you transform your fleet into the environmentally sustainable, economically efficient, and domestically-fueled means of transportation you'll need to succeed in the 21st century! Click on each of the questions below to find out more!

Q: Why should my fleet use alternative fuels & technologies?
Q: What are my options?
Q: What industry resources are available to help me?
Q: What funding could I qualify for?
Q: What standards and regulations are commonly referenced?
Q: What infrastructure is available?
Q: What engines & vehicles are available?
Q: What technical support and training opportunities are available?

Have a question that isn't answered here? Please contact us for more information!

Q: Why should my fleet use alternative fuels & technologies?
Answer: There is a growing concensus that it is in our long-term best interests to shift the transportation sector to alternative fuels and advanced technologies. However, the reasons that are given and the fuels/technologies that are advocated often varies from person to person, and group to group. Below are links to different ways of answering this question, grouped by their general priority areas:

Environmental Perspectives

• "Automobiles & the Environment" ~GreenCars.org
• "Clean Vehicles" portal of the Union of Concerned Scientists
• "Full Fuel Cycle Assessment: Well to Wheels Energy Inputs, Emissions, & Water Impacts" ~Tiax Consullting prepared for the California Energy Commission
• "Transportation and Climate Change Clearinghouse" portal page ~U.S. Department of Transportation

Economic Development Perspectives

• "Energizing Appalachia: A Regional Blueprint for Economic and Energy Development" ~ Appalachian Regional Commission
• "Green, Local, and Growing: Findings from a Survey of Green Businesses in California" ~University of California, Berkley
• "Texas Renewable Energy Assessment 2008" ~ Published by the Texas State Energy Conservation Office
• "Transportation Fuels for the Future" ~Western Governor's Association
• "U.S. Metro Economies: Current and Potential Green Jobs in the U.S. Economy" ~ Prepared by Global Insight for the United State Coference of Mayors and the Mayors Climate Protection Center

Energy Constraints & National Security Perspectives

• Association for the Study of Peak Oil & Natural Gas
• "Crude Oil: Uncertainty About Future Oil Supply Makes It Important to Develop a Strategy for Addressing a Peak and Decline in Oil Production" ~ Published by the Government Accountability Office
• "Energy Trends and Their Implications for for U.S. Army Installations" ~ Published by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• "Powering America's Defense: Energy & The Risks to National Security" ~A study by the Center for Naval Analysis
• "Reenergizing America's Defense" ~A study by the Pew Charitable Trust
• "2008 World Energy Outlook" ~Published by the International Energy Agency

Q: What are my options?
Answer: There are a number of general alternative fuel information resources that can help you sift through the available options for your fleet. The U.S. DOE's Alternative Fuel & Advanced Vehicles Data Center has a complete, easy-to-understand overview of a variety of transportation options, broken out by alternative fuel/technology type and fleet type. It's one of the best resources out there and if you're just starting your search, we suggest you begin there. Other good resources include the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute and EPA's idle-reduction verified technology page.

Q: What industry resources are available to help me?
Answer: Each type of alternative fuel/technology typically has its own trade groups and advocates that can help provide more detailed information to you on your fuel/technology of choice. Listed below are just a few of the major organizations you may want to become involved with:

Biodiesel Coalition of Texas
Diesel Technology Forum
Electric Drive Transporatation Association
Greater Houston Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance
Growth Energy (Ethanol)
Hybrid Truck User's Forum
National Biodiesel Board
Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition
Propane Education & Research Council
Propane Council of Texas
Texas H2 Coalition

Q: What funding could I qualify for?
Answer: The availability of funding is changing all the time, so this is one of the more difficult questions to answer. However, we have a dedicated funding resources page that is updated regularly where you can find the latest information!

Q: What standards and regulations are commonly referenced?
Answer: With regards to engine emission standards, the most complete, user-friendly website is by far DieselNet's "Standards" portal.We recommend you begin with this if you are not at all familiar with engine emission standards.

Engine-by-engine certification data is available from the California Air Resources Board. Reviewing the introductory information describing how the information is organized will benefit you greatly as you search through their archives. The U.S. EPA has certification data listed here; however, their page is not updated as frequently and you will usually be able to find what you are looking for on CARB's page more easily.

The U.S. EPA oversees the Renewable Fuel Standards, which sets minimum requirements for the volume of renewable fuels required to be blended into the U.S. transportation fuel supply. This primarily impacts gasoline, diesel, biodiesel, and ethanol users.

Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards apply to light-duty cars and trucks. The regulations are overseen by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and they have provided an FAQ-overview of the regulations here.

Users of biodiesel blends in the greater Houston region should be aware that they are subject to Texas Low-Emission Diesel regulations. This is to ensure that biodiesel utilized in this region does not increase nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and contribute to ozone problems.

Fleets utilizing biodiesel should look for fuels that are handled by BQ-9000 accredited producers and distributors. This accreditation requires the biodiesel to meet ASTM D6751 standards and other requirements to ensure that high-quality fuel is delivered to the end user.

Natural gas and propane users are typically subject to special permitting/licensing requirements to ensure that all safety regulations are met. Regulatory information is available from the Railroad Commission of Texas.

Q: What infrastructure is available?
Answer: The U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuel Station Locator provides up-to-date nationwide station listings and maps, as well as a route planner.

Mapquest also has a search engine for traditional and alternative fueling stations. Find out if there's alternative fuels available in your area!

The Railroad Commission of Texas has a directory of propane refueling locations searchable by company, city, and county.

Q: What engines & vehicles are available?
Answer: The engines and vehicles options available for alternative fuel usage are always changing. However, a number of resources have been created to assist fleet managers in identifying the options.

Light-duty vehicle guides are available through the U.S. EPA's Green Vehicle Guide and the U.S. DOE's Fuel Economy comparison website.Vehicle information is also compiled for both light and heavy-duty vehicles in the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute's Buyer's Guide. The U.S. DOE's Alternative Fuel & Vehicle Data Center has search engines for both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles, and recently published a new medium and heavy-duty alternative fuel vehicle guide available here. The Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition maintains a listing of available CNG/LNG-powered engine and conversion kits for all vehicle classes.

Q: What technical support and traning opportunities are available?
Answer: A variety of courses are available through the National Alternative Fuel Training Center. Developed by West Virginia Unviersity, courses are taught through a network of community college providers throughout the United States.

The Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute provides technical support and training in the form of workshops, fleet analysis, and webinars on all types of fuels/technologies. The Natural Gas Vehicle Institute provides similar support for CNG and LNG users.

The Railroad Commission of Texas hosts training classes on propane safety and handling as part of its licensing requirements.

The National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation also has a limited number of alternative fuel training programs located in California, Connecticut, and Ohio.

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