These fuels are defined as
alternative fuels by the
Energy Policy Act of 1992 and
are currently, or have been,
commercially available for vehicles.
Using
these alternative fuels in vehicles
can generally reduce harmful
pollutants and exhaust emissions. In
addition, most of these fuels can be
domestically produced and derived
from renewable sources. Explore this
site to learn more about the fuels,
their benefits, and how they can be
used in personal and fleet vehicles.
Fuel-Related Topics of Interest
For more information on
alternative and advanced fuels, go
to the following pages:
Thinking of
converting your vehicle? Check out
the
Conversions
section of U.S. Department of Energy
first.
Where do I find
CNG, Propane, Ethanol, Biodiesel,
etc?
Utah Clean Cities is actively
working with fuel providers, alt fuel
users and government entities to
increase the number of alt fuel
refueling sites in Utah. If you are
interested in increasing the number
of refueling opportunities, we
welcome your input!
Refueling locations
in Utah (for all types of AFV
refueling in Utah)
All existing and
planned alternative fuel stations across the United
States
Recent CNG Certifications
Benefits of alternative fuels
When the U.S. Congress passed the
Energy Policy Act in 1992, following
the first Gulf War, the goal was to
reduce America's dependence on
imported petroleum by encouraging the
use of domestically produced fuels,
such as natural gas, propane and
biomass fuels. In 1990 America was
importing about 40 percent of its
transportation fuel. Today, the U.S.
imports close to 60 percent. Many
experts believe this continued
foreign dependence puts our nation at
risk.
In addition to being
"American-made" fuels,
alternative fuels burn cleaner than
traditional petroleum fuels, in some
cases up to 90 percent cleaner.
Alternative fuels help reduce such
emissions as carbon monoxide, organic
compounds, nitrogen oxide, sulfur and
particulate matter. Alternative fuels
along with better engineered engines,
have helped bring down pollution
levels in most urban communities over
the past 10 years. But with ever
increasing numbers of vehicles, and
with those vehicles going ever
increasing numbers of miles on our
highways, vehicle emissions levels
stay high. The Utah Division of Air
Quality reports that more than 50
percent of Utah's air pollution comes
from mobile sources. Those sources
are everything from lawnmowers to
trucks to train engines.
Each alternative fuel has
advantages and challenges. Compressed
natural gas, while it burns very
clean can add to the initial cost of
the vehicle. In many cases, though,
the fuel costs less, maintenance is
cheaper and engines last longer.
Propane also burns cleaner and has
additional startup costs. The price
of the fuel is close to that of
petroleum, but fluctuates seasonally.
Maintenance costs tend to be low for
propane and the engines have been
known to run for several hundred
thousand miles. Natural gas and
propane are readily available in
Utah.
Both of the biomass fuels, ethanol
and biodiesel, are 100 percent
renewable, are "made in
America," cleaner burning than
petroleum and can displace petroleum
up to 100 percent. The availability
and price for E-85 and biodiesel,
however, fluctuate and historically
have been dependent on government
subsidies. As a non-agricultural
state, Utah has no local group to
lobby and push for the use of the
fuel, such as soybean or corn
growers. Therefore, these fuels have
limited availability in Utah.
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