Alternative Fuel Sources in the U.S.

Alternative forms of fuel are popping up all over the United States. Fuels considered alternative are not made from petroleum. Some of these fuels are made in the United States, so that Americans can lessen their dependence on foreign oil, and some of them are made from renewable sources. An important factor about using alternative fuels is that they produce much less pollution than traditional gas or diesel.

Biodiesel

• Biodiesel is an alternative fuel that is renewable and produced from animal fats and vegetable oils. Many biodiesels are made from restaurant greases that have been recycled, and they produce fewer pollutants in the air. Biodiesel is made for a typical diesel engine. Make sure you never put any kind of grease or vegetable oil in your vehicle if the grease or oil has not been made into biodiesel. Your engine will suffer damage.

Ethanol

• Ethanol is made from corn and is a fuel that is alcohol-based. Flex-fuel vehicles use ethanol, and depending on where you live, ethanol can be cheaper than gasoline. Because it's produced domestically, ethanol makes the United States less dependent on foreign oil. Ethanol is available in more than 2,000 gas stations nationally.

Natural Gas

• Domestically produced, natural gas is very accessible. Vehicles that use natural gas produce a significantly less amount of harmful emissions. Natural gas vehicles are in short supply, and natural gas stations are not readily available. Natural gas is less expensive than regular gasoline, and can produce 30 to 40 percent less greenhouse gases.

Propane

• Propane, also known as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), is an extremely clean alternative fuel. Typically, propane is cheaper than gasoline and contributes to less air pollution. Vehicles can be easily converted to run on propane, but you do need to have a separate fuel system. Because propane is produced domestically, it makes the U.S. less dependent on foreign oil.