President's Message: Alternative energy sources and AAA


Tony DeNovellis
President and CEO

During this spring and early summer, as gasoline prices rose dramatically, AAA Colorado members voiced their concerns. Members also frequently express their interest and concern regarding alternative automotive fuel sources and new vehicle technologies that may support their use.

While AAA is known for its strong advocacy on traffic safety issues, it also is a supporter of sound and responsible energy policies and initiatives. In fact, AAA's official national policy on this topic states, in part: "The federal government should adopt a national energy policy which combines increased fuel production, the efficient use of traditional and alternative fuels, and the elimination of lengthy administrative and legal roadblocks to development of new sources of energy."

AAA Colorado believes that its primary role is to be an objective source of information so members can make intelligent and educated decisions. While our specific focus is on energy issues relevant to motorists, this is a topic with broader implications for our entire society.

In that regard, articles are periodically run in EnCompass. Recent examples include: "The apples and oranges of hybrid vehicles," "Ultra-low sulfur diesel offers a cleaner fuel alternative," (both in Jan./Feb. 07); a Mini Tour that included the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (Mini Tour, Jan./Feb. 07); "Gasoline octane levels in Colorado," (March/April 07); and this issue's "The E85 basics."

Additionally, AAA Colorado provides a central location for fuel-related topics at www.aaa.com/gasprices. This site includes a weekly fuel cost update, national gasoline price averages, a fuel cost calculator, automotive tips on maximizing gas mileage, a fuel price finder and the 2007 edition of "Your Driving Costs."

It is critical that AAA Colorado stay abreast of energy-related issues so that it can continually provide useful information to members.

Toward that goal, AAA Colorado staff members recently toured the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). What we found was both informative and fascinating.

NREL is the only national laboratory that is dedicated to developing EERE—Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Renewable energy sources fall into six categories: solar, biomass, wind, ocean, geothermal and hydro. When it comes to transportation, NREL is conducting major research into fuel cells for use in hydrogen-powered cars, which emit water vapor as their only byproduct. There are still challenges in creating mass-market hydrogen-powered cars; however, the concept appears to be a viable alternative energy source.

Overall, NREL's visitors center displays are creative and enlightening, and I recommend that anyone interested in energy issues visit the facility (15013 Denver West Parkway, Golden; 303-384-6565, www.nrel.gov). And stay tuned for future articles on NREL and energy-related issues.

If you would like to share your thoughts on the subject, please write to EnCompass, 4100 E. Arkansas Ave., Denver, CO 80222 or send an email to president@colorado.aaa.com.

Tony DeNovellis
President and CEO