ALTERNATIVE FUELS IN WESTERN PA - AN OVERVIEW
Electricity can be used to power all-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles directly from the power grid, with power stored in the vehicle’s batteries. Vehicles that run solely on electricity produce no tailpipe emissions. Electricity fueling costs for electric vehicles are reasonable compared to gasoline, especially with off-peak rates. Newer models now feature increased range and charging infrastructure is quickly growing. Learn more
Local Fleets: City of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Regional Transit, Duquesne Light, Penn State
University
2023 Pricing: 16.51 cents per kilowatt hour
Ethanol is a renewable fuel made from various plant materials, collectively called “biomass.” Nearly half of U.S. gasoline contains ethanol in a low-level blend to oxygenate the fuel and reduce air pollution. Ethanol is also increasingly available in E85, an alternative fuel that can be used in flexible fuel vehicles. Studies estimate that ethanol and other biofuels could replace 30% or more of U.S. gasoline demand by 2030. Learn more
Local Fleets: Allegheny County, NETL, Sheetz
2023 Pricing: $3.05/gallon
Hydrogen has revolutionary potential for transportation and energy. Hydrogen can be produced from fossil fuels, biomass or by electrolyzing water. Producing hydrogen with renewable energy and using it in fuel cell vehicles promises virtually pollution free transportation and independence from imported petroleum. Major R&D efforts are aimed at making hydrogen vehicles practical for widespread use.
Local Fleets: n/a
2023 Pricing: n/a
Biodiesel is a renewable alternative fuel produced from a wide range of vegetable oils and animal fats and is a cleaner-burning replacement for petroleum-based diesel fuel. Pure biodiesel or biodiesel blended with petroleum diesel can be used to fuel diesel vehicles, providing energy security and emissions and safety benefits. It is non-toxic, biodegradable and has physical properties similar to those of petroleum diesel. Learn more
Local Fleets: Global Links, Optimus Technologies
2023 Pricing: B20 - $4.42/gallon; B99-B100-$4.86/gallon
Natural gas is a domestically produced alternative fuel, readily available to end users. It produces significantly fewer harmful emissions than gasoline or diesel. It offers a high octane rating; is non-toxic, non-corrosive and non-carcinogenic; and presents no threat to soil, surface water or groundwater. Due to its nature, natural gas must be stored onboard a vehicle in either a compressed gaseous (CNG) or liquefied (LNG) state. Learn more
Local Fleets: City of Pittsburgh, Columbia Gas, Giant Eagle, Peoples Gas, UPMC
2023 Pricing: CNG-$2.85/GGE; LNG-$3.92/DGE
Propane, or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), is used by many fleets in the U.S. and propane fueling infrastructure is widespread. Propane is produced as a by-product of natural gas processing and crude oil refining. Its high energy density provides for good driving range. Propane offers a high octane rating; is non-toxic and presents no threat to soil, surface water, or groundwater. Learn more
Local Fleets: Allegheny County, Bluebird of Pittsburgh, Mlaker Transportation, Progas,
University of Pittsburgh
2023 Pricing: $3.29/gallon
Biodeisel
Electricity
Ethanol
Hydrogen
Natural Gas
Propane
WHY CHOOSE AN ALTERNATIVE FUEL?
Making a Case for Clean Fuels
The U.S. consumes 20 million barrels of petroleum per day. Three-fourths are used for transportation. Choose alternative fuels to reduce petroleum’s negative impacts on human life, planet and climate while gaining:
Better Health:
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Gasoline exhaust can cause asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, lung and heart problems
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Outdoor and household air pollution is linked with 7 million premature deaths annually
Cost Savings:
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Clean fuels create new business and economic development opportunities
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Fleets that switch to clean fuels gain a strong ROI while benefitting from:
o Reduced energy and transportation costs;
o Improved affordability, accessibility, efficiency, reliability and safety of mobility access
Pollutant Reductions:
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At 28%, transportation creates the largest share of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs)
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Clean fuels help strategically meet local, regional and state climate action plans
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Clean fuels support the U.S. Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization’s calls for:
o Carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035
o Net zero emissions no later than 2050
