There is little argument about the economic and environmental superiority of natural gas as a transportation fuel, just as there is little debate about the disastrous consequences of importing USD 1 billion per day of foreign oil, and therefore likely funding both sides of the war on terror. But sadly, we still wait on the federal government to pass an energy plan to address our nation's serious energy, economic, national security and environmental challenges.

   Without question, the best way to start breaking our foreign oil addiction is to pass the NAT GAS Act (HR 1835). This bill, co-sponsored by Oklahoma U.S. Reps. John Sullivan and Dan Boren, has languished in Congress for 16 months.

   But Oklahoma moved ahead with its own plan. Under the leadership of Speaker Chris Benge, the state enacted policies last year promoting the building of compressed natural gas fueling stations, and the private sector took it from there.

   In the next few months, 11 CNG fueling stations will open in nine Oklahoma cities, bringing the number statewide to more than 60. How do we do it? Simple — build strategic alliances. At Chesapeake, we engaged with several Oklahoma fuel retailers who, like us, recognize the enormous potential of natural gas — now, not later.

   By working with On-Cue Express, Love's Travel Stops and Country Stores and Hutchinson Oil, CNG stations in Arkoma, Edmond, Elk City, El Reno, Kingfisher, Lindsay, Oklahoma City, Waynoka, Weatherford and Wilburton will soon offer CNG to the public approximately 30 percent to 40 percent cheaper than gasoline and diesel.

   Chesapeake applauds these fuel retailers for their leadership in making Oklahoma-produced natural gas available to a significantly larger number of Oklahomans. The new CNG stations make it possible for companies such as Chesapeake, Apache, AT&T, UPS, Verizon, Airport Express, Total Environment and others to convert their fleets to natural gas.

   Fueling our trucks with natural gas instead of carbon-heavy gasoline or diesel is better for America's economy, energy security and environment. It also is better for Oklahoma, since approximately 25 percent of the state's tax base is tied to natural gas.

   I drive a Chevy Tahoe that runs on natural gas. It feels great to refuel my vehicle with a clean fuel that is made in Oklahoma, creates Oklahoma jobs and costs almost half as much as gasoline. Working together, I hope more Oklahomans will have a similar opportunity sooner rather than later.

   Oklahoma is doing it right. Now is the time to advance long-term national policies to accelerate this transition before gasoline and diesel prices skyrocket again. We should immediately begin the transition to a transportation system led by natural gas, as many nations have already done. Every state should do this, even Arizona!

   There is no doubt natural gas is ready to fuel America's future. Please encourage our leaders in Washington to embrace American natural gas as the best alternative to imported oil by supporting the NAT GAS Act.

By Aubrey McClendon,

CEO of Oklahoma City-based Chesapeake Energy Corp.

September 24, 2010