Alternative Fuels
These fuels are defined as alternative fuels by the Energy Policy Act of 1992 and are currently, or have been, commercially available for vehicles.
Using these alternative fuels in vehicles can reduce harmful pollutants and exhaust emissions. In addition, most of these fuels are domestically produced and derived from renewable sources. Explore this site to learn more about the fuels, their benefits, and how they can be used in personal and fleet vehicles.
Fuel-Related Topics of Interest
For more information on alternative and advanced fuels, go to the following pages:
Thinking of converting your vehicle? Check out the Conversions section of U.S. Department of Energy first.
Where do I find CNG, Propane, Ethanol, Biodiesel, etc?
Utah Clean Cities is actively working with fuel providers, alt fuel users and government entities to increase the number of alt fuel refueling sites in Utah. If you are interested in increasing the number of refueling opportunities, we welcome your input!
Refueling locations in Utah (for all types of AFV refueling in Utah)
All existing and planned alternative fuel stations across the United States
Public access to state of Utah CNG stations (U of U, etc.):
CNG user vehicle worksheet
Public CNG user agreement
State refueling FAQ
Recent CNG Certifications
Benefits of alternative fuels
When the U.S. Congress passed the Energy Policy Act in 1992, following the first Gulf War, the goal was to reduce America's dependence on imported petroleum by encouraging the use of domestically produced fuels, such as natural gas, propane and biomass fuels. In 1990 America was importing about 40 percent of its transportation fuel. Today, the U.S. imports close to 60 percent. Many experts believe this continued foreign dependence puts our nation at risk.
In addition to being "American-made" fuels, alternative fuels burn cleaner than traditional petroleum fuels, in some cases up to 90 percent cleaner. Alternative fuels help reduce such emissions as carbon monoxide, organic compounds, nitrogen oxide, sulfur and particulate matter. Alternative fuels along with better engineered engines, have helped bring down pollution levels in most urban communities over the past 10 years. But with ever increasing numbers of vehicles, and with those vehicles going ever increasing numbers of miles on our highways, vehicle emissions levels stay high. The Utah Division of Air Quality reports that more than 50 percent of Utah's air pollution comes from mobile sources. Those sources are everything from lawnmowers to trucks to train engines.
Each alternative fuel has advantages and challenges. Compressed natural gas, while it burns very clean can add to the initial cost of the vehicle. In many cases, though, the fuel costs less, maintenance is cheaper and engines last longer. Propane also burns cleaner and has additional startup costs. The price of the fuel is close to that of petroleum, but fluctuates seasonally. Maintenance costs tend to be low for propane and the engines have been known to run for several hundred thousand miles. Natural gas and propane are readily available in Utah.
Both of the biomass fuels, ethanol and biodiesel, are 100 percent renewable, are "made in America," cleaner burning than petroleum and can displace petroleum up to 100 percent. Ethanol is now included in all gasoline. Biodiesel is on sale again in the state, from companies such as Cardwell Distributing and Washakie Renewables.