This report describes the technical, environmental and economic considerations that shape the potential for methanol-powered vehicles to displace conventionally-powered cars and buses. It also identifies Federal policies which affect methanol vehicle development, fuel use and fuel production. The major proposals to encourage methanol vehicle use, including H.R. 4855 (Sharp) and H.R. 5075 (Broyhill), are examined; and their policy options are discussed.
Abstract -- Introduction -- Background. Current Use of Methanol for Transportation ; Potential for Methanol Vehicles; Experience with Methanol Cars ; Environmental Advantages ; Environmental Disadvantages ; Sources of Methanol Fuel Production ; Methanol Fuel Industry ; Economics of Fuel Use Production ; Consumer Fuel Costs ; Costs of Producing Methanol from Coal ; Employment Impact of Coal-to-Methanol Plant ; Methanol Imports May Compete with Methanol From Domestic Coal ; Other Alternatives to Gasoline-Powered Vehicles ; Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) ; Synthetic Gasoline ; Ethanol ; Electric Cars -- Federal Program and Policies. Methaol Vehicle and Fuel Use Policy; Department of Transportation ; Environmental Protection Agency ; White House Methanol Policy Group; Methanol Fuel Production Policy -- Barriers to Commercialization -- Summary and Analysis of Policy Options for Congressional Action. (1) Federal Passenger Car Pilot Program ; (2) Federal Bus Pilot Program ; (3) Executive Agency Car Acquisition Program ; (4) State and Local Bus Purchases with Federal Funds ; (5) Passenger Car Tax Credits ; (6) Interagency Methanol Commission ; (7) Methanol Energy Equivalency ; (8) Methanol Fuel Tax Exemption for Natural Gas ; (9) Allocation of Highway Revenue ; (10) Emission Test Procedures ; (11) Turbine and Boiler Studies and Demonstrations ; (12) Pipeline Transport Study -- Concluding Observations
Fred J. Sissine, Analyst in Science and Technology, Science Policy Research Division.
CRS 84-621 SPR
"May 1, 1984."
SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3
