Why is Senator Haltings looking for a non-polluting alternative to gasoline?

From the text:

Senator Haltings: Of course, we all have great hope for a nonpolluting, inexpensive alternative to gasoline. But my big concern, Mr. Fitzman, is what will happen when your man-made ergonyms mix with the natural environment. How will they affect plant and animal life? And ultimately human life? We just don’t know.