July 9
Sens. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Robert Menendez, D-N.J., have introduced
legislation to encourage the use of natural-gas vehicles.
Natural gas is a clean source of fuel, which in most cases is less expensive
than gasoline per mile driven, Hatch said.
While alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles have enjoyed increased popularity
because of provisions in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Congress needs to do
more to encourage the use of natural gas vehicles, Hatch said.
"I believe strongly an extra push is needed to spur the greater use of
natural gas and to get more natural gas vehicles on our roads," he said.
The Menendez/Hatch Natural Gas Act, formally known as Senate Bill 1408,
would extend the life of existing tax credits for natural-gas vehicles,
natural-gas filling infrastructure and for the use of natural gas in
vehicles. The bill also would create a new incentive to manufacture
natural-gas vehicles and trucks.
"Utah has been a leader in the nation in pushing the use of natural-gas
vehicles," Hatch said. "But there has been a shortage of natural-gas
vehicles that are commercially available.ö
Robin Erickson, director of the Utah Clean Cities Coalition, endorsed the
bill.
"Natural gas emits practically no pollution, is more affordable and, most
important, is a domestic fuel found in Utah and other states," Erickson
said.
Contact Waste & Recycling News senior reporter Bruce Geiselman at
330-865-6172 or bgeiselman@crain.com
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