Low-blends mean mixing a small amount of a biofuel with either gasoline or diesel. Utah County, Utah, until recently required winter gasoline to contain up to 10 percent (E10) of an alcohol fuel, such as ethanol. The additive increases the heat the burns the fuel, which means less pollution. A "low"-blend of diesel would be two percent bio (B2) or ten percent (B10.) A blend of 20 percent biofuel (B20) with diesel is considered an alternative fuel, and therefore is not a "low"-blend. "Low"-blends are a good way to introduce a biomass fuel to the public. And, if the practice became wide spread, a "low"-blend could make a major contribution to both air quality and petroleum displacement.

Fuel economy typically is thought of as "miles per gallon (mpg)." Cars are chosen because they have a high mpg. The U.S. Environmental Agency provides drivers with "Drive Wise" suggestions. EPA also encourages motorists to shop around when looking for a new car and to consider fuel economy. Other useful sites are: EPA's Consumer Tips and the Utah Division of Air Quality's new program.

Hybrids Strategy refers to hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) such as Honda's Insight, the Honda Civic, and Toyota's Prius. For more than 10 years the sell of pickups, vans and "SUVs," has dominated auto sales. These medium-sized vehicles are not considered "light-duty" the same as the passenger car. They get lower fuel economy than cars and are allowed to emit more tailpipe emissions. Therefore, the recent enthusiasm of Americans consumers for hybrid electrics has been both a surprise and a relief. Their high fuel economy also means these vehicles emit less pollution. With additional makes and models of hybrids, both our air and our oil import costs should improve. But congestion on our roads and highways will continue to suffer if people still choose to travel "one-car, one-person."

Idle Reduction Strategy Typically when we think of "idling," we think of a big diesel truck left running … through the night … in order to keep the fuel from gelling or thickening. Few people think school buses idling, or train locomotive idling, or even waiting for the next drive-up teller at the bank. Well, those days are past. All of those examples show idling. Also, what we know is that it's harmful for school buses to idle where children are waiting to get onboard. We know that extensive idling will shorten the useful life of a diesel engine. We know that diesel fuel does not have to gel. And on-board auxiliary power equipment is available to power a long-haul trucker's TV, refrigerator, and heater. Old habits are hard to change, but Clean Cities is working on this important energy saving initiative, too.