What are the benefits of alternative fuels?

Lower emissions and fewer toxic contaminants than gasoline and diesel vehicles. Alternative fuel vehicles have inherently lower harmful emissions, including toxic contaminants, compared to gasoline and diesel vehicles. In particular, evaporative and start emissions are significantly reduced. As a result, alternative fuel vehicles reduce impacts on air quality, global warming, the environment and public health. The fact that the transportation sector is the fastest growing source of harmful emissions makes the use of alternative fuel vehicles all the more critical to Washington State’s environmental and public health.

Provide air quality benefits at reasonable cost. Existing regulatory tools have focused on traditional, industrial sources of air pollution.  The relatively small fraction of air pollution contributed by these sources, coupled with current strict regulation, means that attempts to further address industrial and other similar sources will result in only minimal decreases in pollution at significant costs to industry and the economy.  In contrast, alternative fuel vehicles have the potential to provide significant air quality benefits at lower costs.  

Reduce dependence on imported oil.  Alternative fuels can be extracted and produced domestically, reducing our dependence on a finite supply of imported oil which can be subject to fluctuations in price and supply. In addition, the development of domestic fuel sources and the alternative fuels market contributes to domestic economic growth.

Renewable fuel source.  Many alternative fuels come from renewable sources of energy, providing greater energy efficiency in the development of fuels and reducing dependence on finite sources of energy. For example, ethanol is created through the fermentation of corn or other high starch content grains or biomass. Biodiesel is the result of processing vegetable oils. In addition, ethanol and biodiesel can be made from recycled products, eliminating waste and using an almost infinite supply of raw materials.

Reduced spill hazard.  In general, alternative fuels provide safety and environmental benefits when compared to gasoline and diesel fuels. For example, natural gas is lighter than air, which results in the gas dissipating quickly in the unlikely event of a leak. Thus, any potential leaks of natural gas will not contaminate soil and water, unlike spills of gasoline and diesel or leaking underground storage tanks. In addition, the risk of combustion is reduced due to the higher ignition point of natural gas compared to petroleum fuels. Biodiesel provides another example of reduced spill hazard, as it is biodegradable and nontoxic. If spilled, neat biodiesel does not pose the soil and water contamination concerns associated with gasoline and diesel fuels.

New Jobs and Commercial Opportunities  Servicing AFVs, developing new technologies and products, increasing crop (feedstock) production, in-state production of alternative fuels and constructing and operating AFV fuel stations create commercial opportunities, new businesses, and new jobs.

What's in it for you?

Versatility. Alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) are suitable for a variety of applications. Successful implementations include: fleet passenger vehicles and trucks, delivery service vehicles, police vehicles, taxi cabs and shuttle services, transit and school buses, refuse haulers, street sweepers, and long-haul trucking.

Vehicle Availability. A variety of alternative fuel vehicles are commercially available from automobile manufacturers and many vehicles can be converted to operate on alternative fuels. Available vehicle models range from passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks and vans to buses and heavy-duty trucks. These vehicles and fuels are proven technologies and the vehicles must meet the same rigid quality and safety requirements of standard gasoline and diesel vehicles. (More information on available vehicles)

Cost Savings. Many of these vehicles are less expensive to operate and maintain than gasoline and diesel vehicles. For example, using natural gas can save 30 to 40 percent on fuel costs. In addition, because of the relatively clean burning nature of alternative fuels, vehicles require less frequent oil and spark plug changes and overall engine life is increased.

Incentives. Federal incentives include income tax deductions and credits for the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles and the development of refueling and recharging facilities. Vehicle purchase incentives range from $2,000 to $50,000 depending on vehicle size and fuel type. Infrastructure development incentives can be as much as $100,000.

Washington State provides a variety of incentives for alternative fuels and vehicles. The Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition is also working with the state legislature to development additional incentives in Washington State. 

Grant funding. Numerous grant opportunities are available to help pay for AFVs, fueling stations and other projects, including funds which are dedicated to Clean Cities organizations and their stakeholders.

Mandates. The federal government, through the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct), has established mandates for alternative fuel vehicle purchases by federal, state and fuel provider fleets. EPAct also gives the U.S. Department of Energy the authority to establish mandates for local governments and private fleets. 

Public Image. Using alternative fuel vehicles identifies businesses and agencies as environmentally friendly and active in addressing environmental concerns.

Safety. Alternative fuels have excellent safety records and, in fact, may be safer than gasoline and diesel fuels. For example: Natural gas is lighter than air so it rises and dissipates rapidly in the unlikely chance of a leakage. Natural gas is also harder to ignite than gasoline and diesel. And the closed fuel system and heavy-duty tanks used in natural gas vehicles can withstand crashes and heat far better than standard fuel tanks. (More information on the safety of natural gas.)

Reduced potential of environmental damage liability. The use of alternative fuels may reduce the threat of soil and water contamination that can result from a gasoline or diesel spill or leaking underground storage tanks. The potential for environmental damage liability and clean up costs may therefore be significantly reduced. For example: Biodiesel is biodegradable and nontoxic, thus posing minimal concerns if spilled. And, as noted above, natural gas will dissipate in the air quickly without damage to soil or water.