With domestic natural gas production “at an all-time high” – driven by the Marcellus Shale – this clean-burning, homegrown fuel is creating broad-based benefits for us all. In fact, Dr. Daniel Yergin – a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and leading expert on global energy trends – said this week that without hydraulic fracturing, the United States would “be looking at an oil crisis.”

America’s energy revolution is allowing us to meet more of our growing energy needs, rather than relying on often unstable regions of the world. And this is absolutely clear as it relates to powering our vehicles with natural gas. According to a new Navigant Consulting report, compressed natural gas (CNG) powered vehicles offer “a significant advantage” to American consumers, businesses of all sizes, schools and municipal transit authorities – all while enhancing air quality and bolstering U.S. energy security.

Here’s what they’re saying about CNG-related benefits and opportunities across our region and the nation:

  • Western Pa. Transit Authority: “We Have Gas for the Long Run”: By next fall, buses operating on natural gas will begin making the rounds in the Valley. Bob Smith, operations manager for the Mid Mon Valley Transit Authority, said the price of CNG is more stable … “Natural gas is more predictable and we sit on a natural gas field,” Smith said. “It’s cheaper to operate with natural gas.” … “Going forward, we plan to make the entire fleet CNG,” Smith said. … “We’re sitting on available Marcellus Shale and available natural gas,” Smith said. “We have gas for the long run … it’s environmentally cleaner for these buses.” (Tribune-Review, 7/16/14)
  • Columbus to Open Ohio’s Biggest Public CNG Station: Columbus is preparing to open its second CNG fueling station and says it will be the biggest such facility open to the public in Ohio. … Companies and municipalities like Columbus steadily have been building CNG stations in the state. … CNG is cleaner and cheaper. … Compressed natural gas will sell for $2.18 at the station, compared to average Columbus prices of $3.33 for regular gasoline and $3.86 for diesel. Natural gas prices are low, largely because of availability from domestic shale drilling. Columbus will have 440 CNG vehicles in its fleet by 2020. (Columbus Business Journal, 7/15/14)
  • Another Clean-Burning CNG Station Breaks Ground: The city of Hamilton is moving along with construction of the CNG station slated to open in October 2014. … “The biggest news right now is that we are developing a whole in-depth business plan,” [Hamilton Utilities Director Doug] Childs said. … “This plan is being developed to help promote the station, promote the benefits of CNG as a fuel, and increase the use of CNG vehicles,” he said. He cited working with local car dealerships and truck manufacturers to promote the sale of CNG-powered vehicles, working with companies that convert vehicle fuel systems to operate on CNG, and making sure the city’s station site is pinned to all available CNG station websites. … CNG is lighter and cheaper. (Journal-News, 7/7/14)
  • “Environmentally Friendly” CNG Facility to “Save Millions of Dollars”: A $3 million CNG facility will allow CityBus to bring in new buses and save millions of dollars. Six CNG buses have been ordered and are scheduled to be delivered in March. The buses are more environmentally friendly than the hybrid buses and are also cheaper to maintain. … General Manager Martin Sennett said the buses will allow them to save nearly $10 million over the next 10 years. … “We’re not having a lot of growth in our normal revenue streams, so in order to pay the bills, we have to find savings,” Sennett said. (WLFI-TV, 7/15/14)
  • CNG Will Save Transit Authority $5.3 Million: CityBus plans to have a CNG fueling station in place and a half dozen buses running on the affordable, environmentally friendly alternative fuel. … “We will be the first transit system in Indiana to have CNG,” Sennett said. … Unrest in the Middle East continues to create volatility in the petroleum market, while the price of CNG produced in the United States is steadier, according to the U.S. EIA. … “With CNG, we think that’s an important step because that is our second- or third-highest cost factor in our budget.” … By using CNG, CityBus will save nearly $5.3 million in fuel costs over a 10-year period. (Journal and Courier, 7/15/14)
  • “Environmentally-Friendly” CNG Station Slated for Nashville: The new CNG station is the company’s 10th overall and their second fueling station in Nashville. Piedmont Chief Financial Officer, Karl Newlin, joined by Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, celebrated the opening of the environmentally-friendly CNG fueling station at an event held today at the site of the station. … The new Piedmont CNG facility is open to the public. The present CNG fuel price is $2.19 per gallon. (WZTV, 7/15/14)
  • Natural Gas Engines Provide “Excellent Fuel Economy”: Kenworth Truck Company announced today that its industry-leading, fuel-efficient Kenworth T680 is now available for order with a natural gas powered engine. … “The new, natural-gas powered Kenworth T680 especially appeals to truck fleets and operators interested in low cost of operation opportunities from the effective combination of the T680’s fuel-saving aerodynamics and cost-efficient natural gas fuel,” said Andy Douglas, Kenworth national sales manager. (Release, 7/15/14)
  • CNG “Makes Economic, Environmental Sense”: Tyler’s first public CNG fueling station opened Wednesday morning. First Alt Fuel President Jamal Moharer says the project makes economic and environmental sense for the community. “Serving the transportation industry in Tyler is important, and the fact that [the natural gas] is domestically produced is so much better,” Moharer said. With the opening of the new fueling station, Tyler will be able to serve a rising population of CNG vehicle users both in the city and passing through. … “We’re finding different ways to retain and attract businesses,” Texas DOT commissioner Jeff Austin said. … As for the environmental component of using CNG, natural gas emits less carbon … “[The fueling station] will have a positive impact on the air we breathe,” Judge Joel Baker said. (KLTV, 7/9/14)