Natural gas vehicles are lacking in North America
The US Congress has overwhelming voted for a bill authorizing $150 million (USD) for the US Energy Department to conduct a 5-year research program on natural gas vehicles (“NGV”). According to reports the program will be for “the continued improvement and development of new, cleaner, more efficient light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty natural gas vehicle engines.” The first $30 million will be available in the 2010 budget.
The overwhelming support for the bill (393 For vs. 35 Against) is further evidence that the US Congress recognizes the benefits of natural gas and is moving towards increasing the use of natural gas to reduce dependence on foreign oil and reduce carbon emissions. It is becoming increasingly obvious that the demand for natural gas will be going up in the US not only from an improving economy, but from its increasing share of the energy mix. And it should. It is abundant, clean and proven as a reliable source of energy in electricity generation and in motor vehicles.
Natural gas has been on quite a role in the last couple weeks. Earlier this month, the Natural Gas Act (“NatGas Act”) was introduced by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and Sens. Orrin Hatch, and Robert Menendez along with the deep support of Texas billionaire T. Boone Pickens. (See HRN: “More tax incentives for natural gas vehicles in the United States” ) The NatGas Act would increase tax credits for buying a natural gas vehicle from $5,000 to $12,500; increase grants to create additional natural gas filling stations and natural gas engine development.
Shale gas discoveries in the Horn River basin of northern British Columbia and US have provided an amazing opportunity for North America to become more energy self sufficient, and reduce carbon emissions by using more natural gas in the transport network and electricity generation.
