Is Propane a Dirty Fuel?
I recently heard someone claim that propane is as dirty as gasoline or diesel.
The chemical composition of a propane molecule is C3H8 (three parts carbon to eight parts hydrogen). Gasoline’s makeup is approximately C8H18. Simple math tells us that even with a 20 percent correction factor for BTU content, propane is far cleaner from a carbon standpoint.
The numbers speak for themselves with regard to propane’s clean-burning properties. To say otherwise is just playing dirty.
Fueling with propane autogas leads to significant reductions in exhaust emissions with up to 25 percent less greenhouse gases, 20 percent less nitrogen oxide and up to 60 percent less carbon monoxide than gasoline-powered vehicles.And, when compared to conventional diesel, propane autogas emits significantly fewer smog-producing hydrocarbons and eliminates particulate matter by virtually 100 percent.
Every year, propane autogas cuts fleet carbon footprints across the country. Thereare5 million fewer pounds of greenhouse gases in the skies of Arizona because Mesa Public Schools operates 90 school buses fueled by propane autogas. And, Washington’s King County has eliminated 120,000 pounds of carbon dioxide in the Puget Sound region with 20 propane autogas trucks and vans.
Non-toxic, non-carcinogenic and non-corrosive propane autogas poses no harm to soil or groundwater. I hardly call that dirty.
Let’s join together to win the domestic alternative fuels race instead of making false claims. We are, in fact, all working toward three common goals: to reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil; to save costs on fuel and maintenance; and to drive down harmful environmental emissions.
