The United States and other nations are experiencing an energy crisis that is affecting many parts of our economy -- from jobs to housing and food. Increasing fuel prices are impacting most people's budgets, and our nation is sending billions of dollars a year to foreign countries to purchase the energy needed to keep our economy running.

This energy crunch has renewed interest in more fuel-efficient vehicles and vehicles that use fuel other than gasoline. Alternative fuels have been around for a long time, but they have not been used in significant quantities because of abundant gasoline supplies. Also, it is expensive to install the infrastructure to support fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG), methanol and hydrogen. Thus, without a demand for these fuels, only a small number of alternative fuel stations are available to the general public.

To assist those considering the purchase of an alternative-fueled vehicle, here are links to some Web sites that contain a more information on the subject:
 

• The U.S. Department of Energy (www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/fuels/index.html) provides information on the various alternative fuels available in today's market; directions to stations that provide these fuels; and available state and federal incentives.
• Another DOE site (www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/vehicles/index.html) provides basic information about the various types of alternatively fueled vehicles; the general availability of such vehicles; and state and federal incentives available to those who purchase these vehicles.
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (www.epa.gov/smartway) provides basic information on Smartway (Green) cars, trucks, and SUVs; fuel options for Smartway vehicles; and where to purchase such vehicles.
• Another EPA site (www.fueleconomy.gov) provides basic information about the various types of alternatively fueled vehicles, with more detailed information on Flex Fuel, Hybrid and Fuel Cell vehicles.