Grant would fuel use of natural gas in state
By Mark Jaffe
The Denver Post
Posted: 07/03/2009 01:00:00 AM MDT


Steve Wadle, a ramp serviceman for United Airlines, fuels his tarmac tractor at a natural-gas pumping station at DIA. Colorado is seeking $10 million in federal funds to add stations. (Aaron Montoya, The Denver Post)Colorado is angling for $10 million in federal funds to expand the use of compressed natural gas as a vehicle fuel.

The grant from the U.S. Department of Energy would be part of a $27.6 million project to add five fueling stations and 68 natural gas-powered buses and trash trucks in the state.

"The biggest challenge in promoting compressed natural gas is getting enough infrastructure in place and enough vehicles to increase the volume of the fuel being consumed," said Stacey Simms, project manager in the Governor's Energy Office.

The grant request was made by the office in partnership with local governments and businesses — including the Colorado Oil and Gas Association and Clean Energy Inc., the country's largest supplier

The Governor's Energy Office put in a request for stimulus money to install natural gas pump stations along the I-70 corridor. Aaron Montoya, The Denver Post (THE DENVER POST | Aaron Montoya)of natural gas as a vehicle fuel.
"With gasoline and diesel prices once again on the rise, clean natural gas is quickly becoming a low-cost, low-emission alternative," said Meg Collins, president of the association.

Natural-gas vehicles emit about 30 percent less carbon dioxide and cut other pollution emissions, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Natural gas is selling for the equivalent of about 80 cents a gallon in Colorado, the Governor's Energy Office said.

The 68 vehicles would replace diesel trash trucks and buses.

One challenge is the cost of fueling stations, which run $1 million or more, said Jim Orsulak, clean-fuel manager for the Rocky Mountain region.

"They are very expensive, and it is often the most difficult hurdle," Orsulak said.

The project would build five fueling sites, primarily linked to waste-disposal fleets. But two of the fueling stations — one on Interstate 70 and one on I-25 — would be open to the public, Simms said.

She said the state should learn in August whether it will receive the grant.


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