President Obama Calls for Passage of NAT GAS Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 30, 2010 -- NGVAmerica, the trade association that represents the U.S. natural gas vehicle industry, hailed President Obama's call today for the passage of the NAT GAS Act as part of his new federal energy blueprint. In his written remarks today, the President said:

Last year, more than 150 Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle proposed legislation providing incentives to use clean-burning natural gas in our vehicles instead of oil. They were even joined by T. Boone Pickens, a businessman who made his fortune on oil. So I ask them to keep at it.

"We commend the President for recognizing the important role that natural gas vehicles must play – and will play -- to move the country off of its dependence on foreign oil, and do it quickly, and, importantly, for his calling for passage of the NAT GAS Act" said Douglas Clark, chairman of the association and president of the Municipal Utility District of Omaha, Nebraska.

"As the President said, we have huge resources of natural gas right here in America," said Clark. "Increased use of natural gas will not only reduce our dependence on foreign oil while also reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution. At the same time, it will save consumers and fleets money. Last year, natural gas vehicles displaced 360 million gallons of petroleum in the U.S. With encouragement and incentives from the federal government, this could grow to 1.6 billion gallons by 2015."

The NAT GAS Act, which was introduced in the last Congress, would provide incentives for using natural gas in vehicles, purchasing NGVs, installing natural gas refueling stations and producing natural gas vehicles in America. U.S. Rep. John Sullivan (R-OK) announced today that the NATGAS Act of 2011 will be introduced in the current Congress on April 6.

"We hope that Congress takes up the President's call by passing the legislation as soon as possible," said Clark.
Among other NGV-related initiatives called for by the President are:

* "Leading by Example With the Federal Fleet" by calling directing agencies to ensure that, by 2015, all new vehicles purchased for the federal government fleet of 600,000 will be alternative fuel vehicles. The natural gas vehicle industry already produces a wide – and growing -- variety of vehicles powered by natural gas for the U.S. market, from a Honda Civic to 18-wheeler tractors. "NGVs can serve virtually every non-military vehicle need of the federal govenment, and we stand ready to help the government meet its goal," said Clark.

* "Developing Alternatives to Oil, Including Biofuels and Natural Gas": With the proper federal support, the availability of renewable natural gas (or biomethane) -- produced from landfill gas, sewage and animal, crop and industrial waste – could grow quickly here in America. Biomethane use is rapidly expanding around the world, and has been shown to be the most economic of all biofuels for vehicles.

NGVAmerica is a national organization dedicated to the development of a growing, sustainable and profitable market for vehicles powered by natural gas or biomethane. NGVAmerica represents more than 120 companies interested in the promotion and use of natural gas and biomethane as transportation fuels, including: engine, vehicle and equipment manufacturers; fleet operators and service providers; natural gas companies; and environmental groups and government organizations. For more information about NGVAmerica, visit our website at www.ngvamerica.org