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MAIN: SCIENCE REPORTSBODY AND BRAINEARTH AND ENVIRONMENTSPACETECHNOLOGYVIDEOARCHIVEFOR TEACHERS
Alternative FuelsTechnology
Carmakers are looking to alternative fuels such as ethanol, natural gas and hydrogen to improve fuel economy, decrease greenhouse gas emissions and transition from foreign to domestically produced fuels.
IN THE NEWS

Chevy Volt prototype: Photo Wikimedia commons
As Oil Prices Rise, Car Companies Look to Electric Future
June 25, 2008
REPORT
Rising oil prices and improvements in battery technology are fueling new interest in electric cars. Many car companies -- including industry giant General Motors and small start-up Tesla Motors -- are planning to release new vehicles in the next two years. Tonight on the NewsHour, Spencer Michels looks at the future of the electric car.

Extended Interviews: Watch interviews with General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner, Tesla Motors Chairman Elon Musk.
Extended Interviews: Read transcripts of interviews with Wagoner, Musk, and California Air Resources Board head Mary Nichols.
KEY FEATURES
How Does Your Car Stack Up?
INTERACTIVE
How do alternative fuels such as ethanol, hydrogen and biodiesel affect carbon emissions and your wallet? Find your car and compare its carbon dioxide output and fuel costs to the closest comparable alternative fuel vehicles.

E85 pump. Photo Credit: Environmental Protection Agency
Corn vs. Cattle in Energy Bill Proposals
UPDATE
The House and Senate passed versions of energy bills last summer and will attempt to send a final bill to President Bush's desk this fall. But those negotiating the renewable energy portions of the legislation will have to strike a balance between competing interest groups, ranging from farmers to ranchers to environmentalists.

U.S. Capitol
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
  Main: Alternative Fuels
REPORTS
  Ethanol: Questions Loom
  Case Study:
  The Switch to Unleaded Gas
RESOURCES
  Interactive: How Does
  Your Car Stack Up?
  Archive
FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS
  Classroom Activity
  Ethanol Worksheet Questions
  Lesson Plan
  Car Choices and Alternative Fuels
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Fuel cell Interactive: Learn how a fuel cell converts hydrogen into energy to power a car.
Car of the Future
Prototype car NOVA investigates a new breed of cleaner, more efficient vehicles.
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