New petroleum discoveries are expected to extend that horizon by another twenty-five years. Considering unconventional sources such as oil from shale and tar sands, our petroleum supply could easily glide into the twenty- second century. World oil reserves, boost these numbers significantly higher. The oil industry's argument against alternative fuel as opposed to continued use of conventional fuel seems quite reasonable until the fundamental, underlying issues surrounding this debate are considered. Current efforts are directed at improving air quality as well as increasing domestic energy security.
Conventional gasoline is a major contributor to air pollution.
It is responsible for most air toxics and low level ozone produced from mobile sources. Gasoline combustion also produces approximately twenty percent of the United States' total carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon dioxide is a large contributor to greenhouse gases, which lead directly to global warming. Through the use of alternative fuels, the progress of these pollutants can be moderated. National security is also a motive behind the Federal government's mandate of alternative fuels.