Alternative fuels are the talk of the nation these days, but few people know where to access them or if their vehicle is compatible with these fuels. Even before the technical questions arise, however, we must wonder: are alternative fuels the way out of our energy crisis?

The answer is that they are very much a critical part of the solution. While it is true that alternative fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel have been undergoing an evolutionary process to improve their viability and economics (just as oil did a century ago), they have now reached the mainstream through advanced refining technologies and the pioneering efforts of courageous consumers and companies.

It is also true that ethanol and biodiesel can only hope to replace a portion of our ever-growing thirst for petroleum. However, even replacing 10% of our petroleum consumption could displace most of our reliance on Persian Gulf oil. In fact we are behind the times. For example, Brazil is now largely energy independent, producing virtually all of their energy needs from agricultural products, domestic oil reserves and energy conservation techniques.

Only with passionate commitment from consumers, auto manufacturers, energy suppliers and government we can accomplish this essential and patriotic goal. Our energy independence is within the following deliverables:

· Consumers and voters will drive our country’s success. We must each do our part by utilizing alternative fuels and supporting energy conservation.

· As the first major industry to move towards energy security, the auto industry must continue the production of creative alternatives to petroleum-powered automobiles and trucks.

· Energy companies are conduits for renewable fuels. They must take up the banner and transform their gas stations into renewable fueling stations.

· Past and present administrations have valiantly defended our interests in foreign oil. We can choose to blame the government but, in reality, each time we buy a gallon of gasoline we are contributing to the crisis. We must change and government can put its’ resources into building infrastructure at home for renewable fuels and energy conservation.

There are 8 million alternative fuel automobiles (AFA’s) on the road in the U.S., with 269,444 in Pennsylvania. There are sixty different models that are either currently available to the public or in production for the next model year. They run on fuels such as biodiesel, ethanol, hydrogen, fuel cells, natural gas and gas/electric hybrid technology. Government at all levels is off to a good start, offering various incentives for those who purchase AFAs. But while state and federal policymakers are encouraging consumers to drive AFAs, they must remove the existing barriers that are holding back the auto industry from bringing additional models to the public more quickly.

Currently automakers face regulations that prohibit them from reaching their full potential for creative design and production of energy saving vehicles. The auto industry is forging ahead with the effort to change and lawmakers can make that easier by reevaluating current regulations in light of the amazing new technologies that exist and removing barriers.

There are critics of alternative fuels—and constructive criticism is welcome—but inevitably the end of the petroleum age looms.

When I look into the eyes of my eleven-month-old child I am reminded of why we are willing to take the risk and make the investment in alternative fuels. While I believe we can all make a difference, even in the near term, it is truly the next generation for which we need to commit ourselves. We created the energy crisis – it should not be their burden to bear.

To find out more information about alternative fuels, where to get them, and the vehicles which they power, go to: www.biodiesel.org , www.e85fuel.com or www.discoveralternatives.org .

Seth Obetz is with the firm of Worley & Obetz, a Lancaster County-based business offering a wide variety of energy services including bio-based home heating oil, diesel and other fuel products and services.

8/11/2006