Fossil fuels are a nonrenewable energy resource. This means “these resources are being used much faster than they can be produced and the amount of these materials is finite” (Eldon D. Enger). The use of fossil fuels is growing each year across the world at an alarming rate and most of this growth is attributed to consumption by automobiles. Between 1999 and 2001 the total world demand rose from 74.7 million barrels per day to 78 million barrels per day (Eldon D. Enger). Consumption of fossil fuels at this rate will eventually cause this resource to be depleted. This stresses the need for an alternate energy source to power automobiles, and the redesign of the combustion engine to use this new energy source.

Pollution of the air from fossil fuels is a problem that society has been aware of for quite some time. The Environmental Protection Agency reports �

Many companies are beginning to look into hydrogen-powered automobiles as a solution to both energy and clean air concerns. One major factor affecting the widespread use and implementation of this new technology is a sort of “chicken and egg” quandary for major companies. Creation of hydrogen service stations on a grand scale will not happen until hydrogen cars are widely used, but nobody will buy hydrogen cars if there are no refueling stations in existence. This serves as a major hurdle for the start of a hydrogen electric civilization.

�carbon monoxide results from incomplete combustion of fuel and is emitted directly from vehicle tailpipes.” The EPA also states “nationwide, two-thirds of the carbon monoxide emissions come from transportation sources, with the largest contribution coming from highway motor vehicles. In urban areas, the motor vehicle contribution to carbon monoxide pollution can exceed 90 percent.” This shows a direct correlation between the burning of fossil fuels by vehicles and pollution of our environment.

Currently, the United States government is taking action to aid in resolving this problem, and other problems related to this issue. In February of 2003, President Bush introduced his $1.5 billion hydrogen development plan. President Bush has high hopes of making the United States less dependent on fossil fuels by enabling the widespread use of hydrogen vehicles. “Bush wants to double federal research money to develop hydrogen, map out a fuel distribution system and help auto companies overcome some of the remaining barriers to making affordable cars powered by hydrogen fuel cells” (Associated Press).

The United States government has taken some action to control this problem by implementing The Clean Air Act in 1970. This act gives primary responsibility for mobile source pollution control to the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA has made considerable success during the last thirty years in reducing carbon monoxide emissions. Currently “Cars are capable of emitting 90 percent less carbon monoxide over their lifetimes than their uncontrolled counterparts of the 1960

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