
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, February 3, 1991                   TAG: 9102040278
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: F-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

NEW FUELS/ UTILITIES VS. BIG OIL?

ONE POTENTIALLY good side effect of the Gulf war is renewed interest in alternative fuels. California utilities are reportedly investing in a new General Motors truck design that would be fueled with compressed natural gas (CNG). They plan to put millions into making CNG outlets available at ordinary service stations. CNG emissions are far cleaner than gasoline emissions.

Meanwhile, the city of Los Angeles is subsidizing development of electric cars. The state of California also plans to invest $200 million to expand development of methanol-fueled cars and to spread acceptance of CNG. With governments, and now utilities, moving against uniform dependence on petroleum and its pollution and uncertainties, oil companies' monopoly control over vehicle fuel may be weakening.

by CNB