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. In the wake of the Persian Gulf conflict, the U.S. has become very concerned with the consequences of import stoppages by either Middle Eastern or South American countries. Its supply would not last for more than a few months. Such a dependence on foreign oil has sparked great interest in alternative fuels that could be manufactured domestically.