This report describes the technical, environmental and economic considerations that shape the potential for methanol-powered vehicles to displace conventionally-powered cars and buses. It also identifies Federal policies which affect methanol vehicle development, fuel use and fuel production. The major proposals to encourage methanol vehicle use, including H.R. 4855 (Sharp) and H.R. 5075 (Broyhill), are examined; and their policy options are discussed.,Abstract -- Introduction -- Background. Current Use of Methanol for Transportation ; Potential for Methanol Vehicles; Experience with Methanol Cars ; Environmental Advantages ; Environmental Disadvantages ; Sources of Methanol Fuel Production ; Methanol Fuel Industry ; Economics of Fuel Use Production ; Consumer Fuel Costs ; Costs of Producing Methanol from Coal ; Employment Impact of Coal-to-Methanol Plants ; Methanol Imports May Compete with Methanol From Domestic Coal ; Other Alternatives to Gasoline-Powered Vehicles ; Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) ; Synthetic Gasoline ; Ethanol ; Electric Cars -- Federal Program and Policies. Methaol Vehicle and Fuel Use Policy; Department of Transportation ; Environmental Protection Agency ; White House Methanol Policy Group; Methanol Fuel Production Policy -- Barriers to Commercialization -- Summary and Analysis of Policy Options for Congressional Action. (1) Federal Passenger Car Pilot Program ; (2) Federal Bus Pilot Program ; (3) Executive Agency Car Acquisition Program ; (4) State and Local Bus Purchases with Federal Funds ; (5) Passenger Car Tax Credits ; (6) Interagency Methanol Commission ; (7) Methanol Energy Equivalency ; (8) Methanol Fuel Tax Exemption for Natural Gas ; (9) Allocation of Highway Revenue ; (10) Emission Test Procedures ; (11) Turbine and Boiler Studies and Demonstrations ; (12) Pipeline Transport Study -- Concluding Observations,CRS 84-621 SPR,"May 1, 1984.",SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3

This report examines the impact of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, on the FY86 budget of selected research and development (R&D) programs. The analysis of the report focuses on the likely scope of reprogramming, and its potential impact on each program or agency in general. The qualitative program analysis also tried to determine what research areas were likely to suffer most under Gramm-Rudman-Hollings and if the different R&D agencies planned to cut the number of research grans or the size of each grant and how either action might affect their programs.,Abstract -- Introduction -- Department of Commerce. National Bureau of Standards ; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ; Office of Productivity, Technology and Innovation -- Department of Energy. Energy Supply Research and Development Activities ; Nuclear Fission ; Nuclear Waste Disposal Fund ; Basic Energy Sciences ; Energy Conservation Programs ; Electric Energy Systems and Energy Storage ; DOE Solar and Renewables ; Magnetic Fusion Energy ; Uranium Enrichment Activities ; General Science and Research Activities ; Fossil Energy Research and Development ; Expected Impact of Gramm-Rudman-Hollings -- Department of Interior. Bureau of Mines ; Minerals and Materials Research, Information, and Analysis -- Department of Transportation. Research Development ; FAA Research, Engineering and Development-Trust Fund -- Environmental Protection Agency. Research and Development Programs -- Federal Emergency Management Agency. United States Fire Administration ; National Fire Academy ; National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program -- National Aeronautics and Space Administration -- National Science Foundation.,CRS 86-538 SPR,"January 31, 1986.",SuDoc# 14. 18/3