UNDATED (KTHV) -- CNG vehicles are an emerging clean energy product nationally. Arkansas is a major producer of natural gas and benefits directly from the growth of CNG applications.

This week Arkansans, are paying on average four cents more for a gallon of gas than they paid last week, and 24 cents more then they paid a month ago. At this rate, many people are looking for alternatives to gasoline. Tuesday, the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce partnered with Crain Automotive unveiled a new option.

Industry experts say it's cleaner and cheaper than gasoline. Just recently the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce and Southwestern Energy have compressed natural gas powered vehicles.

"We see it primarily as a way to send a message to promote compressed natural gas as a fuel source and to demonstrate for people that it's good business for Arkansas," says Brad Lacy, president and CEO of Conway Area Chamber of Commerce.

"When it comes to powering vehicles, it's environmentally friendly, it's cheaper to run a vehicle on natural gas than it is on gasoline, we're sitting right on top of a world class natural gas resource which is the Fayetteville Shale," says George Sheffer, vice president E&P Services SWN.

Technicians estimate it costs at least $6,000 to convert a car to CNG. Crain Automotive in Conway says it's the first and only one in the state with the technology. "We're really excited about it we've spent a lot of hours training, we've spent a lot of money getting set up," says Crain General Manager Jay Meyers.

With the increase in gas prices, supporters say CNG conversion pays for itself. It is reportedly half the cost of gasoline, and doubles the life of vehicles.


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