Gov't Programs Can't Accelerate Weak Demand For Nongas Cars; One federal effort has just $10 mil to promote alt fuels for city fleets.(A)

Byline: PETER BENESH

Seth Seaberg wants the government more involved in his business.

As co-owner of EvoLimo, a Los Angeles luxury car service, Seaberg has three vehicles that run on alternative fuel -- compressed natural gas.

His clients include Hollywood stars who want to be environmentally friendly, Seaberg says.

Seaberg's biggest complaint: not enough leadership from government for alternative fuels. Without that, he says, there's not enough demand to warrant production of cars that don't use gasoline.

While there are several state and local programs around the country that aim to increase use of alternative vehicle fuels, efforts seem to have sputtered at the federal level.

In San Francisco, Rick Ruvolo manages the city's Clean Air Program and heads its Clean Cities Coalition. Many cities have such coalitions under the auspices of the Energy Department.