Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by P.G. on November 19, 2008 at 4:45

What good is making a car without an available source to refuel it?
Catch 22!

If the government would get behind getting refueling stations set up, we could see the big three make a solid turn around and taxpayer money lent to them could turn into a good investment.
Don't hold your breath though.

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Permalink Reply by The_Baron on November 19, 2008 at 5:07

The hope is that commuters could buy one for in town driving, and fuel at home. As demand for fueling stations went up, existing stations would offer cng fueling. Of course, government incentives would help. Maybe a combo of incentives to drivers who buy cng cars, and incentives to stations who offer the option.

Combined by an effort by the long haul trucking industry to phase out desiel and have fueling stations on the interstate hwys, and we might even have a chance.

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Permalink Reply by Skip Peel - Mineral Consultant on November 19, 2008 at 5:11

Might I suggest to the members who are interested in supporting CNG as vehicle fuel that we get behind a lobby effort to make the Shreveport-Bossier Metro area a "demonstration project" for the advantages and practical viability of CNG.

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Permalink Reply by P.G. on November 19, 2008 at 5:18

I think getting the trucking fleets and truck stops converted would be the quickest way to get the ball rolling. Traveling folks who own CNG cars could stop at the truck stops for a fill up. The free market would drive the convenience stores to install NG service when there becomes enough personal autos using it. The trucking industry would use a quantity to make it commercially feasible.
I don't think it would cost the tax payers all that much to get it going. Right now it's the NG companies staring at the consumers and like wise, just waiting for the other to make the first move!

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Permalink Reply by Grice on November 19, 2008 at 6:01

I respectfully disagree. The more localized stations would yield greater results. I believe we need to work on the trickle-up theory. Provide more fueling stations in local communities, increase the availability of commuter NGV's, and let the industry take note of the progress. Once it is realized that there is a demand, more widespread activity will follow. While the trucking industry may consume more fuel, it is also a harder "sell" to get them to make the change. We, as concerned citizens, can lead by example.

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Permalink Reply by P.G. on November 19, 2008 at 6:15

What would the costs to the taxpayers be of one over the other?

Incentives to trucking companies or to consumers?
Placing fueling stations at relatively few truck stops or all over our cities?

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Permalink Reply by Grice on November 19, 2008 at 6:36

A typical fueling station cost between $650 to $700,000 to construct. The cost is not the concern, at least not for me, but more about the consumption ratio of the NG. If all the stations were located at truck stops, and most of those truck stops are positioned along major highways, then the local consumer (taxpayer) would be concerned with supporting such an effort. Add in the lack of fleet consumption, and you basically create a dormant fueling station. if I were to buy a NGV (and I will in due time), then what incentive would I have, if I have to travel several miles to refuel my vehicle. I would be more prone to change, if I could refuel within my local community.

Please do not confuse my words. I think, under ideal conditions, your idea would work just as well. I just see things in a different light, and mean no disrespect to your ideas.

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Permalink Reply by The_Baron on November 19, 2008 at 7:03

I agree with you in many respects, It shouldn't be too cost prohibitive for an existing station to add another cng "pump" alonside the existing gasoline ones. All the need is a Compressors, Tank, and a sales line with sufficient capacity.

I have asked before, but not gotten a good answer (not just from this site, but others) if existing gas distrubution systems in cities could handle the demand.

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Permalink Reply by The_Baron on November 19, 2008 at 6:20

If the price of desiel remains high, the trucking industry may have no other choice but to convert.

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Permalink Reply by intrepid on November 19, 2008 at 7:29

Many cities have CNG vehicles in their fleets. The State of Texas has many CNG vehicles. Why can't the fueling stations these vehicles already use be made available to the public in some way? That would be a start.

Thre should be a two prong approach. Making it available at truck stops as well as in local communities. The free market wiil eventually take over but it needs a 'push' right now.

How is the best way to get lawmakers to take this seriously?

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Permalink Reply by The_Baron on November 19, 2008 at 8:27

Does T. Boones Hedge fund have any money left? lol

That being said, I think it will take another spike in desiel prices to get this going.

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Permalink Reply by The_Baron on November 19, 2008 at 8:47

I'm not saying that Boone dosn't have the money.

In my not so humble opinion, I don't think he will do anything unless he makes plenty of money for doing it.

Sure, he dosn't need the money,

I think its more of the thrill of the chase.

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