Support
There are many ways to support the Alternative Fuels Program. The following pages discuss the genesis and future of our program and how you can be a part in the shaping the development and the future of our transportation program.
Why Alternative Fuel?
Why is there a need for alternative fuel and why do we need your support? Please take a moment and go back in history with us and allow us to lead you into the future of alternative fuel.
- In 1973, OPEC (the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries), which controls a critical portion of the world's oil, reduced the supply of oil and raised prices. During this United States oil crisis, the American public began buying diesel-powered vehicles. These vehicles were more efficient and economical than gas powered automobiles. Diesel automobiles accounted for 85% of Peugeot's sales, 70% of Mercedes Benz's sales, 60% of General Motors sales, 58% of Isuzu's sales, and 50% Volkswagen's sales.
- In 1980, gas prices returned to normal and the surge of diesel sales in America ended. Diesel use in passenger vehicles in other countries continued to grow, however.
- In 2003, The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) dedicated $23 million dollars for the development of renewable biomass fuels in an effort to increase America 's domestic energy security.
- July 8, 2004 by the U.S. Department of Energy, “It is now essential, for the large-scale implementation of renewable energy, to develop an educational program that promotes science literacy and facilitates the development of the next generation of scientists and engineers.”
- October 22, 2004 , President George W. Bush signed into law H.R. 4520, a bill containing the first federal biodiesel tax credit.
- August 2005, gas prices skyrocketed, reaching an all time high, and America is once again looking for alternative fuel vehicles.
- The June 14, 2005, The British Petroleum's Statistical Review of World Energy estimated the amount of oil accessible to drilling to be 1,000 billion barrels, which at current consumption rates translates into a depletion of the global oil reserves within the next forty years.
Ninety percent of the World’s vehicles operate on petroleum-derived fuels. This includes construction equipment, commercial farm equipment, and all forms of transportation for importing and exporting goods. The loss of fossil fuels will result in dramatic changes to our everyday lives if an alternative fuel source can not be found.
A major hurdle in finding an alternative energy source for transportation is the difficulty in adapting the fuel distribution infrastructure and replacing current automobiles and automotive manufacturing technology. Biodiesel presents an attractive alternative fuel source for the transportation industry because it is compatible with the existing infrastructure.
JMU Alt Fuel Program Genesis
The faculty and students in the JMU Integrated Science and Technology (ISAT) Fuels Diversification Program were already thinking ahead because in 2001, biodiesel use was being researched. A one year pilot project was initiated to run the JMU Facilities Management recycling trucks on B20 (80% diesel - 20% alternative oil). During the course of this project, faculty and students educated City Transit officials and the general public about the experiment. This study ultimately gave the rise to the adoption of biodiesel in JMU’s entire diesel fleet.
Our Education and Outreach Mission
In accordance with the July 2004 statement released by the U.S. Department of Energy, JMU has developed an educational outreach program geared toward alternative energy. We travel to local schools, organizations, festivals, and host campus visits, to educate children and adults about the need for energy efficient practices and the transition to alternative energy sources. We offer our program at no charge and so far, more than 2500 individuals have been educated with our Alternative Energy Outreach Program.
