Natural gas possible solution for energy needs
April 19, 2009

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Gas prices are starting their summer creep upward, proving again the volatility of the oil market.



Meanwhile, geologists tells us we have more natural gas in the Haynesville Shale than we know what to do with.

And American-made cars need some kind of shot in the arm.

Does this sound like opportunity to anyone else?

To energy companies and lawmakers the solution to our energy woes lies in compressed natural gas.

The alternative fuel takes the same natural gas that fires your stove and squeezes it to pressures of about 3,100 pounds per square inch. Then it can be used to power your car — or truck or school bus — for about $1.25 to $1.75 per gasoline equivalent.

Worldwide, about 10 million natural gas vehicles were in use in 2008, up 38 percent over 2007.

Both federal and state representatives are working on bills that would encourage the use of CNG.

U.S. Rep. Dan Boren, D-Okla., has introduced a bill (HR 1835) that would give tax credits for buying natural gas vehicles, building fueling stations and manufacturing natural gas and bi-fuel vehicles.

State Rep. Jane Smith, R-Bossier, sees nothing but great opportunity for northwest Louisiana in the technology. Her bill (HB 110) focusses on consumers and fuel stations. It would give tax credits for buying vehicles that run on compressed natural gas, converting existing vehicles to compressed natural gas and establishing businesses that deliver it.

With a multipronged approach, these bills should stimulate both supply and demand of the alternative fuel and bring some stabilization to the price as a consistent market is established.

"This is our opportunity to do a great thing," Smith said.

She hopes to bolster the fledgling industry centered around the Haynesville Shale, while creating new jobs and providing more access to a clean, cheap fuel.

While we're dreaming, we could even envision a section of Shreveport's General Motors plant devoted to converting existing cars. Or, in an ironic twist for the H3 plant, why not make some of those cars right here? GM already makes several natural gas powered vehicles, which it sells in Europe. But the only bi-fuel vehicle available in the United States is made by Honda.

CNG advocates say it meets all the challenges — price, supply and origin — that we have faced with oil.

Since the Haynesville Shale is said to be the largest in the country, Louisiana should take the lead in promoting its use.


Buck