Alternative Fuels in the United States

Alternative fuels continue to gain attention in America as global temperatures and oil prices rise. Many environmental groups and the agriculture community historically have been advocates of alternative fuels, yet they haven't been successful in gaining much support until recently. Federal and state incentives have increased support for alternative fuels over recent years, which is adding momentum to the alternative fuel bandwagon. Many conservative organizations argue that alternative fuels are too heavily influenced by political issues, rather than market realities. Such opponents argue alternative fuels will not be able to compete with fossil fuels without heavy government subsidies. Their lack of clairvoyance into the realities of issues such as peak oil, global climate change, and the impact of staying reliant on a finite fuel source are greatly hindering progress towards a sustainable future. Regardless of the independent interests of both sides, the instability of global energy markets, along with compounding global concern about greenhouse gas emissions, and the high price of gasoline at the pump is increasing the allure of alternative fuels in America. The government and people of the United States must accept that the development of domestically produced alternative fuels is essential if the citizens are to carry on their current way of life during the 21st century.