This indicator is part of Sustainable energy.

Indicator description:

This indicator presents the number of alternative fuel stations available to the public in Albuquerque in 2008, compared with alternative fuel stations in peer Southwest communities. Private fleet fueling sites are not included in this data. Alternative fueling stations serve vehicles using alternative fuels, including E85, Biodiesel, Compressed Natural Gas, and/or Liquefied Petroleum Gas (propane). A citizen survey, conducted in 2007 (before the 2008 run up in vehicle fuel prices), determined the likelihood of Albuquerque citizens using alternative fuels in their vehicles and how much more they might pay for those types of fuels, if anything.

Why is this indicator relevant?

In order to impact this condition, fueling infrastructures for alternatively fueled vehicles must exist. This combination of vehicles and infrastructure is an important means of reducing dependence on foreign oil, transferring fewer dollars to other countries, and lessening transportation-based impacts on air quality (localized pollutants and CO2). Of the alternatively fueled vehicle types, E85 fueled vehicles have the most models offered at 31; 16 hybrid electric models are available in 2008. Light-duty vehicles account for approximately 40 percent of all U.S. oil consumption. They contribute about 20 percent of all U.S. carbon dioxide emissions. In Albuquerque in 2008, there is currently only one station that offers E85 and Biodiesel fuels. Without a significant alternative fueling infrastructure, the benefits of alternative fuels can not be optimized.

Data Sources:
US Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Alternative Fuels Data Center, 2008; Albuquerque Citizen Perception of Community Conditions Survey, 2007

What can we tell from the data?

• Albuquerque has five alternative fueling stations. This is the fewest number of public access stations within any of the peer Southwest communities.
• In 2007, eighty one percent (81%) of citizens were very likely or somewhat likely to use alternative fuels in their vehicles. There was strong support for alternative fuels among all age groups.
• Thirty-five percent (35%) of Albuquerque citizens were willing to pay more per gallon for alternative fuels. Citizens less than 35 years of age had the largest percentage of those willing to pay more (almost 50%).

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