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

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
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

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.

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.