This study examined the feasibility of the widespread use of alternative fuels for transportation purposes in the United States. The emphasis in this examination with respect to alternative transportation fuels was on methanol, alcohol gasoline mixtures, and liquid natural gas. Feasibility was assessed within the context of environmental concerns and associated government regulations that are driving technology to meet demands related to air pollution control that may be able to be met though the use of alternative fuels for transportation purposes. Literature relative to this problem is reviewed in this chapter. Additionally, literature relative to the methodological analysis of this problem are reviewed in this chapter.
The findings of the review of literature are presented separately with respect to problem and method. The problem presentation precedes that of the method.
Literature Relevant to the Problem Investigated in This Study
Two research questions were investigated through the conduct of this study. These questions were as follows:
1. Is the widespread use of alternative fuels (methanol, alcohol gasoline mix, or liquid natural gas) for transportation purposes by the year 2010 feasible within the context of the environmental concerns and associated governmental
regulations that are driving technology to seek effective and acceptable solutions to the problem of air pollution?
2. Will an energy environment characterized by the widespread use of liquid natural gas as a transportation fuel provide profitable opportunities for independent brokers who currently specialize in petroleum based fuels?
With deadlines for reducing carbon monoxide and smog coming ever nearer, debates on the merits of alternative fuels (methanol, alcohol gasoline mix, liquid natural gas, propane, and solar power) have intensified (Hass, 1993, p. 50). The South Point Alternative Fuel Project is designed to compare the mer...