(Senate Bill 3281 - Inhofe) Drive America on Natural Gas Act of 2008

[Clean Energy - CO]

Senator Inhofe has introduced a new NGV bill, very cool indeed.

http://inhofe.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressRoom.PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=32cee86f-802a-23ad-4e25-8ceb2615ebae&Region_id=&Issue_id=

[pennyworthodiff]

Re: New NGV Legislation introduced, very cool.

I'm underwhelmed. He wants CNG to be considered a renewable fuel, broaden the tax credit on alternative fuelled vehicles to include bifueled cars, form a program to research and develop natural gas engines, and to streamline the EPA approval process. The first two, in particular, strike me as bad ideas. It may be possible to find ways to harvest methane from landfills on a large scale, but most natural gas doesn't come from renewable sources. Broadening the tax credit for vehicles that can manage very happily without ever using any alternative fuel at all doesn't really encourage people to make a fundamental change in the fuel they're using.

I appreciate that Inhofe is trying to increase the number of CNG cars in order to goose the market into providing more of a fuelling infrastructure, but I like Rahm Emmanuel's idea of tax credits towards actually building the stations.

What's most annoying is that both Inhofe and Emmanuel tout the virtues of home fuelling using the Phill. How about an explicit push for a US-built, long-lived, less-expensive alternative?

[freedml]

Re: New NGV Legislation introduced, very cool.

Natural Gas IS a renewable fuel (landfill gas, digester gas, etc). It's just being used to make electricity (or being flared off) rather than for transportation. It would be much more efficient to use it for transportation as we bring online other sources of electricity (wind, solar, nuclear).

Unfortunately, he didn't make that point too strongly on the web page.

[Clean Energy - CO]

Re: New NGV Legislation introduced, very cool.

I'm underwhelmed. He wants CNG to be considered a renewable fuel, broaden the tax credit on alternative fuelled vehicles to include bifueled cars, form a program to research and develop natural gas engines, and to streamline the EPA approval process. The first two, in particular, strike me as bad ideas. It may be possible to find ways to harvest methane from landfills on a large scale, but most natural gas doesn't come from renewable sources. Broadening the tax credit for vehicles that can manage very happily without ever using any alternative fuel at all doesn't really encourage people to make a fundamental change in the fuel they're using.

I appreciate that Inhofe is trying to increase the number of CNG cars in order to goose the market into providing more of a fuelling infrastructure, but I like Rahm Emmanuel's idea of tax credits towards actually building the stations.

What's most annoying is that both Inhofe and Emmanuel tout the virtues of home fuelling using the Phill. How about an explicit push for a US-built, long-lived, less-expensive alternative?

On the bifuel tax credit argument. I used to agree with you that offering tax incentives for bifuel vehicles is a bad idea. However, I'm no longer in that camp. The price difference between the fuels is now large enough, and the cost of conversion is high enough, that you will not have a problem with people claiming incentives just to convert a vehicle they will continue to fuel with gasoline. This strategy has proven successful in Europe, especially Germany. People are looking for solutions to high fuel prices, we are now at a point when people will actively seek out and use cheaper forms of fuel. So I support this now.

Offering both dedicated and bi fuels vehicles allows consumers to get over the "I will get stranded" mindset. It helps them over the mental hump and I personally think offering both and offering incentives (high incentives if unit is dedicated).

On the biogas discussion, you are underestimating the potential of biomethane production. Europe is proposing a plan to completely eliminate its NG imports from Russia though generating methane from their wastewater treatment facilities. If properly developed, it will be extremley beneficial to US energy policy. I doubt we will ever be off fossil fuel natural gas, but these project can be brought on at a local level with very reasonable upfront investment. They are great when you inject them into the utility network and on the vehicle side, a large landfill can generate 5,000 -10,000 diesel gallon equivalents or more per day. That will fuel 100 - 200 trash trucks every day (or thousands of commuter cars), that's solid fuel production from renewable sources. And one thing about humans, we love to produce crap and waste, so lets put it to good use.

[younkin]

[Merged] Drive America on Natural Gas Act of 2008 (Senate Bill - Inhofe)

Link: http://inhofe.senate.gov/public/inde...5-8ceb2615ebae

Inhofe Introduces Drive America on Natural Gas Act


July 17, 2008

WASHINGTON, DC - Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, today introduced the Drive America on Natural Gas Act to promote the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) vehicles. Inhofe also introduced the American Affordable Fuels Act to relieve pain at the pump.
"As Americans continue to suffer from high gas prices, we need to take advantage of our abundant domestic supply of natural gas for use as a transportation fuel," Senator Inhofe said. "The Drive America on Natural Gas Act adds flexibility to the current Renewable Fuels Standard mandates by adding natural gas. It encourages the use of a proven alternative fuel and sends a market signal to manufacturers to consider compressed natural gas as a cost competitive alternative. Natural gas is domestic, plentiful, affordable, and clean. The promise of natural gas as a mainstream transportation fuel is achievable today -- not 15 or 20 years from now.

"Today, the largest hurdle facing the natural gas vehicle industry is the lack of refueling stations available to the public. By encouraging the production of bi-fuel natural gas vehicles, my bill overcomes this key difficulty. Coupled with a home refueling unit (the Phill), consumers will be comfortable purchasing bi-fuel natural gas vehicles knowing that their vehicle can also run on conventional gasoline for that occasional long distance trip from home. Installed in one's garage, the Phill is connected to a home's natural gas line. Once plugged into a CNG vehicle, the Phill slowly compresses natural gas into the car's tank. Similar to the idea of plug-in hybrids, the Phill allows consumers to re-fuel at home. Unlike plug-in hybrids, this technology is not a few years away -- it is here today.

"As the nation's number two producer in natural gas production, Oklahomans have a strong appreciation for the versatility of natural gas. In fact, Oklahoma alone annually produces nearly one-tenth of total U.S. natural gas production.

"Just last month I was pleased to visit Tom Sewall of Tulsa Natural Gas Technologies, Inc. As a small business owner who installs NGV refueling stations, he is one of the most knowledgeable and vocal leaders in this growing industry. In my hometown of Tulsa, OK, a person can refuel their CNG powered cars for just 90 cents per gallon. Regular currently costs $3.95. That's a savings of more than $3 per gallon.
"The Drive America on Natural Gas Act will allow natural gas to compete on its own merits; it does not dictate that consumers, businesses, or states must use natural gas as a transportation fuel. The bill encourages auto manufacturers to produce bi-fuel vehicles, streamlines EPA's emissions certifications, and establishes a natural gas vehicle research program. Americans can ultimately choose whether natural gas powered vehicles are right for their own individual and business needs."
About the Drive America on Natural Gas Act:

Expands RFS Definitions: Expands the definition in the Renewable Fuels Standard to allow the use of CNG and LNG fuels to meet the mandates. By broadening the scope of the Renewable Fuels Standard to include natural gas, we encourage the use of a proven domestic, clean, and economical alternative fuel and also make the current RFS mandates achievable. Additionally, it sends a signal to the nation's automakers and fuels industries that natural gas is a competitive option as a mainstream transportation fuel.

Broadens Alternative Vehicle Tax Credit: Broadens the Alternative Vehicle Tax Credit to include bi-fuel vehicles. Currently only "dedicated" vehicles or vehicles which solely run on natural gas qualify for this credit. This narrow definition actually discourages the sale of bi-fuel vehicles - those which can run on both conventional fuels and natural gas fuels.

Establishes a Natural Gas Vehicle Research, Development, and Demonstration program: Several years ago, the Department of Energy had a robust Natural Gas Vehicle Research Development and Demonstration program. This bill once again establishes that program to research, improve, and develop the use of natural gas engines and vehicles. The program will assist manufacturers in emissions certification, will develop and improve nationally recognized safety codes and standards, will examine and improve the reliability and efficiency of natural gas fueling station infrastructure, and will study the use of natural gas engines in hybrid vehicles. Additionally, it requires the Department of Energy and the EPA to coordinate with the private sector to carry out the program.

Streamlines Emissions Certifications and Regulations: Directs the EPA to establish a state demonstration program to streamline the regulations and certifications currently required for the conversion of vehicles to natural gas. Today's regulatory burdens are daunting for those in the business of converting vehicles to run on CNG or LNG. Currently, EPA imposes virtually the same certification requirements on NGV aftermarket conversion systems as they require on automakers

[Andy-Paul]

Re: Must Read: Drive America on Natural Gas Act

I realize that it isn't law yet, but pages 10-13 read like a winning powerball ticket!

Everybody write hard copy letters to all of your congressmen in both houses without regard to their party affiliation and ask them to back it. I am signing off immediately for that precise purpose.

[scottfetsh]

Re: Must Read: Drive America on Natural Gas Act

i agree we need this site to rally behind this act. if someone will produce a form letter and a list of addresses to send them for each state and sticky it on top.

[younkin]

Re: Must Read: Drive America on Natural Gas Act

A link to the Bill its self is at the bottom of this page, Jim

http://inhofe.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressRoom.PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=32cee86f-802a-23ad-4e25-8ceb2615ebae

[WiseGas]

Drive America on Natural Gas Act of 2008

Attached find the Drive America on Natural Gas Act of 2008 bill....WE NEED TO SUPPORT IT!!!!! Spread the word.

[Oceanside-GX-Guy]

Re: Drive America on Natural Gas Act of 2008

I would suggest the most effective means of supporting this bill is to contact your Congressional Representative and express your support for this bill. You can do so by clicking on this link:

https://forms.house.gov/wyr/welcome.shtml

While this bill has a bit more support for bi-fuel vehicles than I would prefer it is very much a step in the right direction. Those of us in CA should try to help generate bi-partisan support for this bill.

[younkin]

Re: Must Read: Drive America on Natural Gas Act

Here some very exciting aspects of the bill:

‘‘(7) SMALL VOLUME MANUFACTURER.—
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘small volume manufacturer’ means a manufacturer of vehicles described in section 86.001–1(e) of title
40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation) that is approved and certified in accordance with part 86 of subchapter C of chapter I of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations
(or successor regulations).
‘‘(B) INCLUSION.—The term ‘small volume manufacturer’ includes a manufacturer of kits or equipment used to convert vehicles.
‘‘(b) PROGRAM.—
‘‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—For the period of fiscal years 2009 through 2013,
the Administrator shall establish and carry out a demonstration program to
assist States in facilitating the development of alternative-fueled vehicles.
‘‘(2) APPLICATION.—A State may participate in the program by submitting to the Administrator an application at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the Administrator shall specify.
‘‘(3) BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO PARTICIPATING SMALL VOLUME MANUFACTURERS.—Under the program, with respect to small volume manufacturers located in States participating in the program, the
Administrator shall, by regulation—
‘‘(A) waive all fees applicable to small volume manufacturers for the certification and conversion of alternative-fueled vehicles;
‘‘(B) waive requirements for recertification of kits for the conversion of vehicles in any case in which, as determined by the Administrator—
‘‘(i) the kit has been previously certified for the model of vehicle to be
converted; and
‘‘(ii) neither the kit nor the design and specifications of the model of vehicle
to be converted have substantially changed;
‘‘(C) modify such regulatory requirements relating to OBD systems as the Administrator determines to be appropriate to provide flexibility to small volume manufacturers in reprogramming OBD systems to be compatible
with the use of alternative fuel;
‘‘(D) permit small volume manufacturers to include more vehicles and engines in a single engine category to improve the cost-efficiency of emission testing of converted vehicles;
‘‘(E) waive the liability of small volume manufacturers, in the case of a bi-fueled vehicle capable of operating on gasoline or compressed natural gas, for the compliance of the gasoline system of the bi-fueled vehicle with applicable emission requirements;
‘‘(F) provide additional guidance to small volume manufacturers with respect to the conversion of older models of vehicles; and
‘‘(G) revise and streamline certification requirements applicable to small volume manufacturers.
‘‘(4) STATE RESPONSIBILITY.—As a conditionof participating in the program, during the period of fiscal years 2009 through 2013, a State shall—
‘‘(A) develop regulations for (as compared to Federal requirements in effect as of the date of enactment of this section) an equally effective but less burdensome system of certifying and verifying emissions of alternative-fueled vehicles and equipment used for conversions; and
‘‘(B) not later than December 31, 2012,
submit the proposed regulations of the State to the Administrator for review.

[Gabby]

Re: Drive America on Natural Gas Act of 2008

As we all know there are now two new measures in Congress just introduced this past week that will help CNG along. Some may not agree with the time table on one and with some of the elements of one but this is what government is all about. The best thing we can do right now is move both along and tell our Congressman and Senators our thoughts on these two measures. The best way I have found to do this is by fax to the DC offices.

Any bill needs to be assigned to a committee after it has been read twice. For the Senate Bill it should be assigned to Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works once it has it Bill number. The chair has much power of putting on the agenda and so does Senate Leadership. So you chat members from California and Nevada can really help this Senate bill out from the start. Afvman sent me form letter for the Senate bill if anyone wants it. I will post the letter. I think Afvman writes a great letter.

For my input, I still think Congress, both houses, could add incentives for more fueling stations as I am in Ohio where there are only 3 in the entire state. I do want to encourage the domestic car manufacturers to make CNG cars. And yes we all want it yesterday!




Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works


Members:
Boxer, Barbara (CA) , Chairman
Baucus, Max (MT)
Lieberman, Joseph I. (CT)
Carper, Thomas R. (DE)
Clinton, Hillary Rodham (NY)
Lautenberg, Frank R. (NJ)
Cardin, Benjamin L. (MD)
Sanders, Bernard (VT)
Klobuchar, Amy (MN)
Whitehouse, Sheldon (RI)
Inhofe, James M. (OK), Ranking Member
Warner, John (VA)
Voinovich, George V. (OH)
Isakson, Johnny (GA)
Vitter, David (LA)
Barrasso, John (WY)
Craig, Larry E. (ID)
Alexander, Lamar (TN)
Bond, Christopher S. (MO)

[Adrian]

Re: Drive America on Natural Gas Act of 2008

So you chat members from California and Nevada can really help this Senate bill out from the start. Afvman sent me form letter for the Senate bill if anyone wants it. I will post the letter. I think Afvman writes a great letter.

Please post the form letter , I plan to write Ms Boxer since I live in CA.

Thanks,

[greenstreetgarage]

Re: New NGV Legislation introduced, very cool.

Broadening the tax credit for vehicles that can manage very happily without ever using any alternative fuel at all doesn't really encourage people to make a fundamental change in the fuel they're using.

I also disagree. I've been here in Arizona as the state has slowly stripped the benefits from bifuel vehicles, tacitly accusing me of buying one solely for the tax breaks and HOV access. And it makes me angry. Even when gasoline was only a quarter more per gallon than CNG, why would I pay an extra quarter to use foreign fuel that adds to that brown cloud over Phoenix? When people will drive to Costco for gas, because theirs is $.02 less per gallon, why wouldn't I ALWAYS use CNG? Now, my local CNG station is exactly $2 less per gallon than its nearest gas station. Instead, they're giving the HOV lane to $#%! Priuses (Prii?), who are using solely gasoline.

Arizona thinks bifuel drivers are stupid, and maybe a little deceptive. Washington is echoing their sentiment. Why? Is there any basis for that? Do I have nothing better to spend my money on than a more expensive bifuel vehicle, then fill it with gasoline?

I promise I'm not stupid or deceptive. Please let me use the HOV lane, America. Please give timid Americans some incentives to drive vehicles that ACTUALLY use alternative fuels.

[John Mitton]

Got all the threads together, whew!

Good catch younkin, WiseGas and Clean Energy - CO
Got all three threads merged as well as the two that were going on Rep. Emanuel's bill in the House. Let's all support these legislative initiatives