By Jim Matheson
Published on January 15, 2013
The Hill

Natural gas has long been a key part of America’s energy supply. But recent technological advances in recovering it, and converting it to energy are transforming its use as an option for how we power more aspects of the economy.

Compared to other forms of energy, natural gas is clean and cheap. As the supply in this country has increased, prices have fallen-- the International Energy Agency says prices recently hit a 10-year low. Utah and nearby states have abundant reserves, making it a “locally grown” fueling option.  Right now, in Utah, owners of natural gas-powered vehicles are filling their tanks for about $1.49 per gallon.

Utah has been a leader in natural gas vehicle (NGV) use for more than 30 years. Questar, the state’s natural gas company which serves the residential and commercial heating market, converted its first vehicles to run on natural gas in 1981. In the 1990s, carmakers Ford, General Motors and Chrysler all started manufacturing NGVs. Initially, vehicle fleet operators, including state and local government, led the purchasing. Questar Gas had a few stations for refueling, but as the price of oil and a gallon of gasoline increased, so did drivers’ interest in the NGV alternative. In response, Questar now operates 27 compressed natural gas (CNG) stations throughout the state, located along Utah’s main north-south interstate corridor – I-15—as well as on college campuses and rural towns.  Five CNG stations owned by the state of Utah, and five privately-owned stations are also open to the public. Utah currently leads the nation (per capita) in the number of CNG fueling stations. Our success has attracted attention of fleet operators nationally. As a result, Questar has created a new company that will now design, construct, maintain and commercially operate NGV fueling stations beyond Utah’s borders.

Low-cost energy from natural gas is clearly an economic advantage for Utah businesses and consumers. It’s also a plus for local efforts to improve air quality and lower carbon emissions. Since 2006, no other developed country has reduced national carbon dioxide emissions as much as the U.S., primarily from an increase in gas-fired electrical generation. Because natural gas emits half the pollutants of gasoline engines, state air quality officials and the Salt Lake Area Chamber of Commerce are partnering with businesses large and small on an initiative to encourage adoption of “best practices” in energy use.  Governor Gary Herbert has announced a policy of acquiring more CNG vehicles for the state’s fleet. The Chamber, responding to questions from the prospective businesses about Utah’s air quality plans, highlights examples of companies such as Rio Tinto, whose fleet conversion is saving money and contributing to cleaner air.  

In 2000, there were approximately 2 million NGVs on the road. At the end of 2011, there were more than 14 million worldwide.  Nowhere is there more opportunity to boost that number than right here in North America. Already 30 percent of all transit bus purchases are natural-gas powered. As manufacturers have boosted the horsepower in medium-duty engines, the heavy-duty truck industry is turning to CNG.  In Utah, thanks to the investment in fueling stations and gas prices in the $3-$4 a gallon range, consumer interest in NGVs is steadily growing.  Today, Utah commuters can purchase a natural-gas-powered Honda Civic from two Utah Honda dealers.  They can order a GM truck or Dodge truck from the dealers, or they can purchase a Ford CNB truck already prepped for an NGV conversion mechanic to install equipment. There are also many approved NGV conversion kits on the market that can be installed in existing vehicles. Natural gas vehicles are similar to gasoline or diesel vehicles with regard to power, acceleration and cruising speed.  The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named the Civic Natural Gas a “2012 Top Safety Pick.”

Every president since Gerald Ford has called for the U.S. to become more energy independent. Thanks to technological advances and the bonanza of domestic natural gas, there has never been a better opportunity for America to achieve energy independence. An important public policy step would be to pass legislation such as the Natural Gas Act of 2011, which creates tax incentives to encourage manufacturers to build heavy-duty CNG-powered trucks, as well as incentives to truck-stop owners who install fueling stations.  It’s a win-win-win –more jobs, more economic growth, and more environmental progress.  Utah is showing the country how it can be achieved.