Why Do We Need Alternative Fuel Vehicles?

There are over 200 million gasoline and diesel motor vehicles registered in the United States. Emissions from these vehicles are the largest source of the nation’s air quality and greenhouse gas concerns. These vehicles also account for almost two-thirds of the oil consumed in the United States, with the majority of oil coming from imported sources. Motor vehicles operating on petroleum fuels thus pose a significant threat to public health, the environment and economic vitality.

Alternative fuel vehicles operate on a fuel source other than petroleum-based gasoline and diesel, such as natural gas, propane and ethanol, or on alternative forms of energy, such as electricity. Emissions and releases of toxic contaminants from these vehicles are significantly reduced compared to those of gasoline and diesel vehicles. These vehicles also reduce our nation’s dependence on imported oil, as alternative fuels come from domestic sources or are domestically produced, thereby improving energy security. Learn more about the benefits of alternative fuel vehicles.

 
Motor Vehicle Emissions
Emissions from gasoline and diesel motor vehicles:
Degrade air quality and impair visibility. The combustion of petroleum fuels produces emissions composed of hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. These compounds react to form ozone and acid rain, degrading air quality and impairing visibility. Gasoline and diesel vehicle emissions account for over half of all regulated emissions, both nationally and in Washington State. Several urban regions in the state are increasingly close to violating air quality standards established under the federal Clean Air Act. In Puget Sound, ozone air quality monitoring data shows that the region is likely to violate the standards by exceeding allowances on only two days. The margins of safety for air quality standards throughout the state and the country are equally narrow.
Contribute to global climate change. The combustion of petroleum fuels results in the emission of carbon dioxide, a significant contributor to global climate change. The transportation sector is currently responsible for approximately 60% of total carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, both nationally and in Washington State. Specific local threats include increased temperatures, rising sea levels, increased flooding, reduced snow pack and water availability, reduced crop production and degradation of forests.
Contain toxic contaminants. Petroleum fuels contain and release chemicals, many of which are listed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as toxic contaminants and known carcinogens. These toxic emissions threaten public health and the environment. In 1999, the State of California identified diesel emissions as carcinogenic and a serious public health risk. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Air Toxics Assessment, the Central Puget Sound Region has some of the highest levels of fuel-related toxics such as benzene, formaldehyde and diesel particulate. These high levels are directly linked to the region’s use of gasoline and diesel fuels. Health effects include impacts on respiratory and cardiac functions, cancer and premature death. Fish, wildlife, and plants are also negatively affected.

Emissions from gasoline and diesel powered vehicles are being reduced with the introduction of new technologies and the provisions of the 1990 Clean Air Act and other new regulations. These measures include much cleaner gasoline and diesel fuels, tighter exhaust emissions standards, improved control of evaporative emissions, and computerized diagnostic systems that identify malfunctioning emissions controls. These efforts, however, are not enough to address the impacts of vehicle emissions, particularly in the short-term. Emissions impacts will continue to increase in the interim period until new federal standards and new technologies are implemented and until older vehicles are replaced with the newer, cleaner vehicles.

Addressing motor vehicle emissions is further necessitated by the expected population increase in the state and the fact that vehicle miles traveled are expected to increase as fast as, if not faster than, population. These trends threaten to cancel out air quality gains made in recent years.

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 sources will result in only minimal decreases in pollution at significant costs to industry and our economy.

To make any real progress to improve our air quality, motor vehicle emissions must be addressed. Unless significant steps are taken, the potential of air quality violations will intensify, as will threats to the state’s economic vitality, environment and public health.

Learn more about motor vehicle emissions.

Dependence on Gasoline and Diesel Fuels
The more than 200 million vehicles in the United States use more than 4,000 gallons of gasoline every second, accounting for 65% of U.S. oil consumption. The United States currently imports more than 60% of its oil, at a cost of more than $2 billion per week.

This dependence on imported sources of oil exposes the country and Washington State to an uncertain and volatile global petroleum market. The rise in crude oil prices in recent years has forced citizens and businesses to pay an increasing amount for transportation fuels, heating oil, and other petroleum products. As the global balance between petroleum production and demand continues to shift, fuel price volatility and the potential for supply disruptions will increase.

Given that the United States imports the majority of its oil and that the transportation sector accounts for the highest percentage of United States’ oil consumption, achieving energy security requires the development of alternative, domestic sources of motor vehicle fuels.

The Consequences of Failing to Act
The consequences of failing to reduce vehicle emissions and dependence on imported oil are significant:
Increased Public Health Impacts. Typical health effects of vehicle emissions and exposure to toxic contaminants include breathing difficulties, lung tissue damage, respiratory disease, chest pain in heart patients, headaches, reduced mental alertness, cancer and premature death. The financial cost of these public health impacts amounts to over $2 billion in Washington State.
Air Quality Non-Attainment Status. Several urban regions in Washington State are precipitously close to violating the CAA standards. Regions violating the Clean Air Act (CAA) standards are designated as non-attainment areas. These regions are subject to significant command and control regulations, as well as the potential of strict sanctions. Action plans that demonstrate the region’s ability to meet air quality standards must be developed. Failure to plan or to demonstrate progress in improving air quality within the designated time schedule results in significant sanctions.  
Loss of Federal Transportation Funding. Failure to make sufficient progress to clean up the air can result in the loss of federal funds, including Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds and transit funds. This amounts to over $254 million per year in Washington State (based on projects funded for FY2001).
Economic Development Impacts. Regulatory sanctions for non-attainment areas under the Clean Air Act include limiting the ability of businesses to obtain air permits and requiring the installation of expensive emissions control equipment. Economic growth could be further impacted by companies choosing to locate elsewhere, since companies make decisions on where to locate based in large part on the cost of doing business and quality of life in the area. Tourism will also be affected. Continued dependence on petroleum fuels, particularly imported sources, will likely result in increased costs for transportation and subject citizens and businesses to potential supply fluctuations.

Picture Credits: Photos 1 and 3 by Warren Gretz