Energy Literacy Curriculum

About Alternative Fuels in Transportation Curriculum

Vision

To provide citizens the knowledge and tools to make informed transportation decisions.

Purpose

To provide teachers (formal and informal), non-profit leaders and community leaders with relevant, accurate and accessible educational materials to teach alternative transportation fuels and vehicle technologies.

Why

The transportation sector accounts for 67 percent of total U.S. petroleum use, which amounts to 27 percent of the total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases and other pollutants, which contribute to climate change and air pollution. Alternative fuels and vehicles reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy security. Air pollution is scientifically linked to several health problems such as aggravation of respiratory and cardiovascular disease and decreased lung function. With increasing access to cleaner fuels, more efficient technologies and effective conservation strategies to reduce petroleum use, this curriculum serves as an impartial advocate to provide communities the education necessary for citizens to make informed transportation decisions. This curriculum was partially funded through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Education Grant. The Environmental Education Grants Program, sponsored by EPA’s Office of Environmental Education (OEE), provides financial support for projects which design, demonstrate and/or disseminate environmental education practices, methods and/or techniques. The purpose of the Environmental Education Grants Program is to increase public awareness and knowledge about environmental issues, enhance critical-thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills when considering environmental issues, provide the public with the skills needed to weigh various sides of an environmental issue and take responsible actions.