Alternative fuels are still in its early stages. They are past the embryonic stage, but that doesn't mean it has matured yet. There are many things to consider with alternative fuels and, such is the case with any new technology, there are pros and cons to alternative fuel.

The pros are obvious, save money and save environment. But are the pros and cons of alternative fuel really that black and white? Proponents of both sides could probably go on for days about why alternative fuel is either good or bad.

Here are important benefits of alternative fuels.

- It burns cleaner fuels. With cleaner emissons comes cleaner air. It is also a way to reduce global warming. There will be less CO2 in the air, thus eliminating the green-house effect gases.

- Alternative fuels burn more efficiently. This means better mileage for your tank, which everyone knows translates into saved money. By using alternative fuels, the miles your car has to go before you need to fill up will take longer and longer. Depending on the vehicle, you can get anywhere from 10 to 50 percent better gas mileage.

- Using alternative fuels will eliminate the Unites States' dependency on foreign oil. This relationship has led to wars, criminal behavior and deaths. The United States can only gain by getting rid of the dependency.

Anytime you argue pros and cons of alternative fuel, you can't forget the disadvantages just because the advantages are so great. There are still drawbacks to alternative fuel vehicles, which is probably a reason why they aren't widespread yet. However, there are more and more commercials for greener vehicles popping up on television everyday.

- Alternative fuels vehicles are more expensive than their gasoline counterparts. Right now, it would take a few years to recoup the money in gas that you paid extra for your green vehicle. In some cases, such as SUV hybrids, it may take over five years. While you are saving at the gas pump, you shelled out the extra money to have a cleaner, more efficient vehicle.

- Alternative fuel options aren't readily available. Hybrids are coming onto the market quicker and there are more E85 vehicles (85 percent ethanol, 15 percent gasoline), but the options drop off from there. As much as there is talk of biodiesels and other methods, the cars aren't easily available. And, if you do own an E85 vehicle, gas stations aren't easy to come by. Some people have to go out of their way just to get fuel.

- Because the technology is still new, there aren't many places to service the vehicle if something should go wrong. In addition, classes and training will have to be done for more people to learn about it. That is going to take an unlimited amount of time.

The debate of pros and cons of alternative fuel will go on forever. The most important thing about alternative fuels is that it is helping the environment. Saving money or waiting to make it back is just a secondary effect.