Alternative fuel ideas are being batted around throughout the United States and the rest of the world that is dependent upon fossil fuels.  The exception to that statement is that there are a few countries – mainly in the Middle East – that are sitting pretty atop most of the oil being produced.

The state of Pennsylvania has created a $5.3 million annual grant program to help accelerate the production and use of biofuels. The biofuels would be produced in the state and diminish the use of and dependence upon foreign oil.

“Pennsylvania’s alternative energy industry continues to grow through the development and deployment of a new generation of power sources and fuels and smart energy policies,” said acting Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger about Pennsylvania’s Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program. “Alternative fuels made from Pennsylvania’s crops are cleaner and invest millions of dollars into our economy by supporting our rural, agriculture-based communities.”

Since July, developers of fuel in Pennsylvania are required to put a percentage of ethanol or biodiesel into every gallon of gasoline or diesel fuel, respectively.  The governor of Pennsylvania, Ed. Rendell, put the legislation in force to encourage production of alternative fuels in the state.  The legislation allows for up to 10% of ethanol every gallon of gasoline and 20% of biodiesel in every gallon of diesel fuel.
 
The legislation which is called the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program, will give 75 cents per gallon to eligible applicants, with a cap of $1.9 million annually per single producer. Up to $5.3 million annually will be available under the program through fiscal year 2010-2011.

Eligibility for the monthly incentives for producing alternative fuel, is dependent on applicants  producing and selling 25,000 gallons or more per month of qualified biomass-based diesel in Pennsylvania for transportation or home heating purposes.

Applications are available from DEP and will initially cover reimbursement requests for biodiesel produced and sold in Pennsylvania from July 1 through Sept. 30.  Applications must be postmarked or received by Nov. 14.   You can find information at www.depwe.state.pa.us, keyword: Alternative Fuels.

As we look at the rush toward finding the best alternative fuels and the best ways to distribute them and provide choices for the American people and people in countries around the world, some things that may not be as obvious to us besides creating independence from fossil fuels are the additional benefits of this quest.

Of course, alternative fuel will cut or eliminate our dependence on foreign oil.  We also know that there are benefits to the environment for various reasons, especially lower or no emissions and more self-containment.

In addition, there are plusses for the economy and employment, which are inextricably linked.  With the economy in the shape it is in, some good news about economical improvement and more jobs is music to the ears of politicians and just plain everyday people.

Before we get too over-the-top excited, it is important to remember that this is not an overnight fix.  Though there are many organizations, corporations, cities, states and the federal government working diligently to find ways to develop fuel alternatives and some have already started their work – it will take time for the migration from fossil fuels to the “greener” alternatives to take place. 

Researchers estimate that it can take up to 2.5 to 3 decades for the transition to be complete, but along the way, at least 4.2 million jobs will be created, new training opportunities will exist, and additional jobs will be added along the way.  Jobs can involve every area from working on wind turbines for energy to creating alternative fuel – and everything in between.

In all, it is agreed by lawmakers and corporate executives alike that a concerted effort to use various forms of alternative fuel and energy and continue working hard to do this sooner rather than later will make a positive contribution to the environment, the economy and employment prospects from here forward.

T. Boone Pickens, longtime oil man and entrepreneur unveiled his proposed energy plan two days ago.  With Congressmen such as Joseph Lieberman supporting him, Pickens stated that it was essential and critical that the United States break away from the stranglehold that dependence on foreign oil has on the country.

Pickens stated that if the United States does not create change immediately, the country will be getting 80% of its oil from countries who hate us.  As it is, the U.S. is getting over 40% of its oil from foreign countries, and many of those countries find it in their best interests to keep prices high and quantities under strict control so they can control both the fuel – and indirectly, the economy – of the United States and other “western” countries.

Pickens has suggested a plan that includes using wind power for electricity and possibly using natural gas for transportation.  He would also entertain drilling in the Alaskan and Arctic wilderness.  All of this would be in an effort to drastically reduce U.S. dependence upon foreign controlled oil.

Opponents of the plan feel that natural gas is not a workable solution for many reasons, the main one being that Russia and other countries who are not United States supporters control the lion’s share of the world’s natural gas and, as a result, the U.S. could very well be trading dependence upon one type of foreign controlled fuel for another type of foreign controlled fuel, which could lead to a similar crisis in the near future.

Regardless of what path is taken or what combination of steps can be used, most people are in agreement with Pickens that something needs to be done now to reverse this country’s dependence on foreign oil. 

Pickens’ plan may be right for the country or it may need some changes.  Those ideas can be and will be hashed out over the coming weeks and months.  The main point, however, which can be agreed upon by most of us who are tired of being held hostage to foreign oil companies, is that we need a solution to this problem and we need to act now.