Alternative transportation fuels issues seized the spotlight last week in Washington.
Reps. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) and Jerry Lewis (R-Calif.) announced a Clean Air Act amendment to require automakers to build 1 million alternative fuel vehicles-using methanol, ethanol, natural gas, or electricity-for the nation's smoggiest cities. The House is due to take up the Clean Air bill this month.
At the same time, the Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association released a survey showing U.S. consumers are reluctant to buy alternative fuel vehicles until problems are resolved.
MVMA said the survey of 900 adults in six cities found 83% hesitant to buy alternative fuel vehicles due to inconveniences and refueling difficulties, and 72% were reluctant to buy them if they cost more than regular vehicles.
The poll found 56% would buy an alternative fuel vehicle if problems were worked out first, but 83% thought government and large businesses should test the vehicles in their own fleets first, and 87% think the country should reformulate gasoline first.
GASOHOL SMOG PROBLEM?
Then the American Petroleum Institute released a Sierra Research report that urban smog would worsen if Congress mandates the use of ethanol-gasoline blends.
The Senate CAA bill sets gasoline standards for cities with severe smog problems, standards that only ethanol-gasoline blends can meet.
The study said gasoline containing 10% ethanol would have 50% more hydrocarbon emissions and result in a 6% increase in smog formation.
The Renewable Fuels Association immediately called a press conference to contradict the Sierra study. It claimed numerous environmental studies "have consistently shown the benefits of ethanol use in reducing environmental pollution and the dangers of ozone."
RFA president Eric Vaughn said, "Clearly the oil companies are trying to shift the focus of public debate away from Congressional proposals requiring them to share in the burden of pollution. And they have good reason for concern.
"Oil companies today are selling toxic and environmentally damaging fuels to an unsuspecting public. Over the past 20 years, as automobiles have become cleaner, gasoline has become dirtier."
OTHER ACTION
Rounding out the week, the U.S. Alternative Fuels Council held its first meeting. It is an advisory body to the Interagency Commission on Alternative Motor fuels.
The 1988 Alternative Motor Fuels Act mandated both groups to promote the development and commercialization of alternative fuels and establish a national policy by late 1992.
And Ethyl Corp. asked the Environmental Protection Agency to approve its manganese based "Hi TEK 3000" gasoline additive.
Ethyl said the additive, which has been used in Canada for a decade, reduces tailpipe and nitrogen oxide emissions, permits refiners to lower the toxic aromatic content of gasoline, and would save more than 50,000 b/d of crude oil.
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