Connection Spring 2014 | Page 29

EVENTS mayor of El Campo; Philip Spenrath, county judge; Jason Isaac, state representative of District 45; and Phil Stephenson, state representative of District 85. Attendees were able to look at CNG vehicles and ask any questions they might have. Vehicles on display included cars and trucks. The event was ended by a railroad commission representative fueling her vehicle at one of the new CNG pumps. Those with CNG vehicles can now enjoy fuel at nearly half the cost of regular gasoline. This benefit is coupled with lower vehicle maintenance costs and lower emissions levels. Natural gas is growing in popularity, and the trend is predicted to continue. Currently, there are more than 15.2 million natural gas-fueled vehicles worldwide, according to NGVAmerica. NGV Global predicts that number will grow to more than 50 million vehicles in the next 10 years, accounting for nearly 10 percent of the world’s transportation fleets. SUPPLY There are about 135,000 NGVs on U.S. roads. There are about 1,300 NGV fueling stations in the U.S., and refueling appliances are available for home use. In the U.S., about 50 different manufacturers produce 100 models of light, medium, and heavy duty vehicles and engines. Natural gas currently costs from $1.50 to $2.00 less per gasoline gallon equivalent. source: www.ngvc.org 29