Jul 11, 2008

McCain Backs Natural Gas

While campaigning in tony Santa Barbara, Calif., Sen. John McCain pledged to promote the use of alternative-fuel vehicles, including those powered by natural gas. Though very few automobiles are now capable of using natural gas, the conversion of a conventional vehicle to the use of the relatively abundant fuel is not as expensive as creating hybrid power trains.

“Every year the federal government buys upwards of 60,000 cars and other vehicles, not including military or law enforcement vehicles,” McCain said as he campaigned with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. “From now on, we’re going to make those civilian vehicles flex-fuel capable, plug-in hybrid or cars fueled by clean natural gas.”

On a per-gallon-of-gasoline equivalency basis, natural gas in most areas is now significantly cheaper than gasoline. As one might expect, McCain’s sentiments were applauded by those in the natural-gas industry.

“We commend the Senator’s ambitious plan for federal government vehicles, as it will dramatically improve the country’s air quality and reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” said Andrew J. Littlefair, president and CEO, Clean Energy Fuels, a company that specializes in natural gas for transportation uses. “Natural gas as a vehicle fuel is cleaner and cheaper than gasoline and diesel fuel, and natural gas is primarily produced in North America.”