Fuel Options for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Motor Vehicles

This report assesses the potential of substitutes for gasoline to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) by automobiles and light-duty trucks. The report also assesses the cost-effectiveness of replacing gasoline with varied fuels as a strategy for reducing GHG emissions, and concludes that promoting alternative fuels would be a costly strategy for reducing emissions. The study also briefly surveys other concerns that are likely to arise in making a transition from near-exclusive reliance on gasoline to widespread production and use of any alternative fuel. These concerns include potential health and safety consequences, developing the infrastructure required to support commercial-scale production and distribution of gasoline substitutes, and producing adequate supplies of feedstocks required to refine certain fuels.