Alternative Transportation Fuels: An Environmental and Energy Solution [Hardcover]

Daniel Sperling (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 25, 1989 | ISBN-10: 0899304079 | ISBN-13: 978-0899304076

Throughout the 1970s and the 1980s, energy policy has been a hotly debated topic. Governments around the world have struggled to respond to a changing energy market. Yet the policy-making process is all too often distorted by self-interest groups who are informed by narrow, technical research. The question addressed by this volume is one of the most timely and critical of the energy-related questions: How much longer can we rely on petroleum as a transportation fuel? This book, which includes a subset of papers commissioned for an unusual symposium ("Alternative Transportation Fuels of the 1990s and Beyond," July 17-19, 1988), addresses the broader issues of transportation-fuel policy in regard to energy security, economic growth, and environmental quality. While many conferences have addressed the subject of alternative fuels, their scope has been intensive and narrow, focusing on a few specific areas in the spectrum of possibilities. This conference was the first in many years to offer such a broad exploration of alternative fuels. Presenters included influential executives and administrators from the Department of Energy, and the motor vehicle and energy industries; federal, state, and local governments; environmental groups as well as leading researchers in the fields of air quality analysis, motor vehicle technology, and energy policy. In addition to an introduction and conclusion by Daniel Sperling, a total of 17 papers are presented in this volume. What is most exceptional and exciting about this collection is the presentation of contrasting views and the sharing of this wealth of information with a broader audience. Examined here are global fuel strategy, ethanol fuels in Brazil, alternative fuels as a solution to the air quality problem, Chevron's view of the future of oil, and the role of government in promoting alternative transportation fuels. Methanol, compressed natural gas, and hydrogen-powered and electric vehicles are also discussed. In addition to the analytical papers, the volume also includes a short article representing the viewpoint of an environmentally minded citizen. This book should appeal to any individual involved or interested in this important area. Researchers will appreciate the opportunity to consider so many well-researched but varying perspectives. It will be essential--and perhaps should be required reading--for policy makers, providing them with an overview of the issues and helping them make more intelligent, effective, and strategic choices. For the general public--those who are affected by energy and transportation policies--it is a unique opportunity to gain a broad understanding of our transportation fuel options and their environmental and economic consequences.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“It is possible to characterize the North American transportation response to energy matters as profligacy in the use of universally available oil-based fuels before 1974, followed by conservation until about 1980, with efforts to develop or promote the use of alternative fuels ever since then. This discussion deals with the last phase in Canada, particularly as regards propane and compressed natural gas (CNG). Special attention is focused on the evolving use of these gaseous fuels from the perspective of the vehicle owner or operator. It is argued that the issue must be viewed at two levels, the material and the psychological. With regard to the latter, it is asserted here that, at the currently low levels of crude oil prices and consumption taxes, gas prices to Canadians (and probably Americans as well) are so low that most motorists do not even consider alternative fuels, no matter how economical they may be in fact.”–Sage

“Paula Berinstein's handbook is an excellent resource with a myriad of uses. This guide acts as a quick, ready reference for specialists in physics and alternative energies, but it also doubles as a thorough overview of alternative energies for the novice....This handy guide would be suitable for any science collection, whether in an academic library, public library, or high school media center. It is a very easily employed resource that would serve many reference collections well.”–E-Streams

“The transportation sector is the largest and fastest growing consumer of petroleum, therefore it bears the burden of a transition away from petroleum fuels. Papers on clean burning alternative transportation fuels policies and strategies are by a wide mix of participants (from an oil executive who argues oil is here to stay to an environmentalist stressing ecological urgency). Topics addressed: specific alternative fuels (AF) and technologies (natural gas, methanol, compressed natural gas, synthetic fuels, hydrogen, electric vehicles) and their economic and environmental impacts; global governmental AF policy issues; and transition to AF. Important questions: Which AF are most attractive? How and when could the transition occur? What roles will public and private organizations play? What are the implications of pursuing other options, including increased fuel efficiency in vehicles?”–Energy Books Quarterly

About the Author

DANIEL SPERLING is Associate Professor of Transportation, Engineering and Environmental Studies at the University of California at Davis.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 342 pages
• Publisher: Quorum Books (October 25, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0899304079
• ISBN-13: 978-0899304076
• Product Dimensions: 13.2 x 10 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,536,582 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)