An Evaluation of Alternative Fuels Usage by Public Transit Agencies
Gwen Goodwin and Ronald Goodwin, Texas Southern University, December 2009, 60 pp. (167321-1)
The oil crisis of the 1970s forced Americans to reconsider using fossil fuels as a primary energy source. In the public transit arena, private transit companies found themselves unable to compete in the urban environment as rapidly rising oil prices negatively affected the economy and personal mobility. In response to the growing energy crises, the American government initiated policies designed to reduce the dependence on foreign oil. These new policies were implemented to reduce pollution, maintain fuel efficiency, and develop alternative fuels for use by private auto owners, governmental entities, and transit companies. This study offers a historical examination of the key legislation passed during the period of the 1970s – 2000s, provides a discussion of the types of alternative fuels developed and examines how transit agencies applied those technologies to try to meet the spirit of the legislation.
Keywords: Alternative Fuels, Transit Agency Alternative Fuel Use, Alternative Fuel Legislation
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