Concerns for the rise in gas prices, dependence on foreign oil and the condition of the environment, have lead to a search for alternative fuel sources. Scientists are researching alternatives varying from windmill and solar power to biochemical production.

Of the alternatives being considered, biomass is widely supported by the Bush administration. Biomass is a renewable fuel produced from plants that are common across the world. It is also created using environment-friendly technology.

Ethanol is an example of a biofuel made from biomass. It is a clear, colorless liquid that is usually mixed in with diesel oil that is showing up at the pumps as E-85 or E-10. The difference between the two is that E-85 is used in FFVs (Flexi Fuel Vehicles) that use multiple fuel sources. Ethanol can be made from grains, sugar, starch and corn, primarily in America. The problem with using corn is that it takes away from the food supply.

“We can’t depend totally on biomass because it is taking away from food, and the floods in the Midwest are wiping out crops,” said scientist Jim Delange at Penn State University. He and a few colleagues recently took a course on alternative energy sources in the Applied Science department of the University.

Another alternative cellulosic ethanol feedstock, besides using crops, is switch grass. Even though switch grass can be difficult to convert into a diesel due to the complexities of its polymers, it is a domestically-grown product that is not used for consumption.

Electricity and battery usage are also in the mix of the possible future fuels. Electricity will work with hybrid plug-in and battery run cars. Electricity would increase the electric bills for many Americans.

The search for a new alternative fuel affects the upcoming presidential elections. Republican candidate John McCain has presented a proposal to the government stating that an award of $300 million should be given to anyone who can develop a battery strong enough to power a vehicle.

“On that one point McCain scored a point,” said Dick Taber, 76, lives in Centre County, Pa.

Taber has been voting since he was of age and has voted in many elections. He plans to vote for Democratic candidate Barack Obama in this election.

“I don’t think nuclear energy is the right way to go,” Taber said. Both candidates are advocating research in nuclear power.

In 2007 at Saint Anselm College McCain said, "Nuclear power is safe, nuclear power is green--does not emit greenhouse gases.”

Although nuclear power does not emit greenhouse gases it leaves behind radioactive wastes that can lead to cancer to near-by inhabitants. After such events as the Chernobyl disaster in 1986 and the Three Mile Island accident in March 1979, safety is an extremely important issue.

In a Democratic primary debate at Dartmouth College on Sept. 6, 2007, Obama said, “I don't think that we can take nuclear power off the table. What we have to make sure of is that we have the capacity to store waste properly and safely, and that we reduce whatever threats might come from terrorism. And if we can do that in a technologically-sound way, then we should pursue it. If we can't, we should not. But there is no magic bullet on energy. We're going to have to look at all the various options.”