by William Sheaffer
The U.S. transportation system is second only to power plants in the production of harmful emissions. In fact, 97 percent of America’s transportation system is powered by petroleum fuel. Fossil fuel emissions are associated with acid deposition, urban air pollution and global climate change, as well various health and quality of life issues. Dependence on petroleum as a single source of fuel also makes us vulnerable to unstable pricing and supply from the worldwide petroleum industry.
Combined, these factors create a compelling need for a more sustainable and responsible transportation system.
We still have a long way to go, but progress is being made and examples of a cleaner and more sustainable model are already being seen right here in Arizona.
Cities around the state are now using natural gas-powered heavy and mid-duty trucks, and our mass transportation vehicles from city and school buses to the Valley’s light rail system are using cleaner fuel options. Local taxi companies utilize fleets of hybrid and ethanol -powered vehicles, and families across Arizona are switching over to cars that run on electricity and alternative fuels. The green transportation movement is exploding in popularity.
And that’s a good thing. More green vehicles on the road will help reduce fuel costs, minimize pollution and increase energy security for the U.S.
So, if you’re ready to join the movement, your list of choices is a lot longer today than it was a decade ago. That’s good too. Happy green car shopping!
Personal Vehicles
Choices for more responsible alternative fuel vehicles have exploded. A decade ago there were only two primary choices of alternative fuel vehicles for consumers. This year there are 157 models available, with options ranging from all-electric and hybrid to biodiesel and natural gas. These choices afford the buyer the opportunity to select the vehicle and fuel that fits their personal needs.
View the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities 2014 Vehicle Buyer’s Guide for more information:
afdc.energy.gov/uploads/publication/60448.pdf
William Sheaffer is the Executive Director of the Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition
