      |
|
“Low-Cost” Natural Gas Boosts Utah Demand for Natural Gas Vehicles Since January 2007, sales of natural gas-powered vehicles have increased over 400 percent, reports Utah-based utility Questar Corp.
Questar estimates that at least 6000 vehicles in Utah are running on natural gas. The Utah Clean Cities Coalition, a nonprofit, puts the number closer to 20,000.
With gas costing about 87 cents compared to the equivalent power from a $4 gallon of gasoline, home conversions are on the rise. Home conversions are not regulated by the state, though, and officials are worried about the safety of the home-made systems as well as their effect on the region’s air.
Incorrectly installed tanks or old equipment could cause explosions, Clean Cities Director Robin Erickson told the Salt Lake Tribune.
Some local governments are acting to help prevent higher emissions and improve safety by requiring compressed-gas vehicles to have certification from the EPA and/or the mechanics performing the changes. Uncertified cars won’t earn tax credits for their owners. A $3.50 tax has been proposed on all vehicle registrations in the state, to help expand safety inspections to include compressed gas vehicles and to promote natural-gas fueling stations. Return to September 2008 Western Energy News To sponsor Western Energy News , please contact WEI at 503 231-1994.
Copyright © 2008. Reuse of this publication or its contents is allowed with credit to Western Energy Institute. WEI - 827 NE Oregon Street, Portland, Oregon 97232-2172
|
September 2008
Upcoming Events
2009 Dates
|
