Search

The article focuses on an increased effort to develop domestic substitutes foreign oil. The author reviews how entrepreneurs and government officials have begun focusing on producing fuels from coals. The negative environmental impact of coal fuel production is discussed. The work of the research-and-development company Rentech Inc. is reviewed. The future of coal as a transportation fuel is discussed.

The article reports on the study conducted by the United Nation's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change which indicates that burning fuel particles can damage the climate more than previously estimated.

California on Thursday ordered the 2,000 big ships calling on its ports every year to switch to low-sulfur fuel whenever they were within 24 miles of the coast, in what state officials said was the world's strictest emissions standards for marine diesels. The rule, promulgated by the California Air Resources Board, would require switching to a fuel with 97 percent less sulfur. Sulfur in diesel fuel combines with other pollutants to make tiny particles that are linked to cancer and other illnesses. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

ANOTHER FUEL THREAT The storms and floods that swept through the Midwest last month, severely damaging America's corn crop, have raised a new concern about the costs of future crop failures. Despite the floods, farmers found an extra 1.3 million acres of land for corn, which might slow the upward trend in commodity prices. [A17.] [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Reports on the release of a controversial study by federal auto regulators that asserts that reducing vehicle weights would cost lives. Further report that lightening very large vehicles would save lives; Findings that minivans and four-door sedans were the safest vehicles; Exploration of possible effects of changes to the fuel economy system; Expectation of proposals for government-issued fuel economy regulations for light trucks; Other reports on weight and safety.

Reports on a study which indicates that buses powered by compressed natural gas are no better for the environment that those powered by a combination of diesel and electricity. How natural gas has long been viewed as the cleaner of the alternatives; Potential effects of this study for vehicle fleets nationwide; The debate over cleaner buses; Outlook.

States that liquid hydrogen went on sale to German motorist with the opening of the first filling station in Europe to offer it as auto fuel. Potential of hydrogen as alternative fuel for gas and petroleum.