Released in 2014, Pump exposed the oil industry’s influence in limiting fuel options for consumers, arguing that both oil companies and the U.S. government have suppressed alternatives like ethanol, methanol, and natural gas. The documentary highlighted these fuels as cleaner, more affordable, and domestically sourced solutions. Pump used Brazil’s transition to alternative fuels as a model for U.S. policy, advocating for consumer choice at the pump.

The film had a significant impact on public discourse, sparking conversations about oil dependency, energy security, and the environmental benefits of alternatives. It contributed to growing support for alternative fuels in the U.S., where ethanol production grew by 8% in the year following the film’s release, with over 15 billion gallons produced annually by 2015. The film also encouraged grassroots advocacy, with several local initiatives and legislative pushes aiming to increase alternative fuel availability at gas stations. Pump inspired actions such as multi-fuel vehicle conversions, which helped increase the use of alternative fuels, reducing fuel costs for consumers and expanding the domestic energy market.