Help with understanding the lay of the land in NY

[mattamhop]

Here is what I understand: NY has one of largest infrastructures for CNG with stations just about everywhere. Our state has invested heavily in infrastructure and insisted that state agencies drive NGVs. The vast majority of these stations are not open to the public. A lack of access to pumps is the primary reason why so many folks don't drive NGVs. The biggest hinderance to the private development of new stations is a lack of NGV drivers.

Here is what I don't understand: Why does NY not open its pumps to the public. Are we not the ones they serve? Are we not the primary users of vehicles in the state? Is it not in the public interest to get more and more New Yorkers driving NGVs? It is not also in the public interest for the state to generate some income out of these stations by opening them up to the public and selling fuel at a reasonable profit (to help cover the cost of running the stations at the very least)? Opening up these pumps to the public would increase NGV use, which would spur private station development, these seems like a no brainer...what am I missing?

[freedml]

Re: Help with understanding the lay of the land in NY

It's the water. Great for making pizza. Lousy for installing credit card readers.

[nttrainer]

Re: Help with understanding the lay of the land in NY

We were fortunate in Utah that the state opened up six of their fueling facilities to the general public. Here is a link to the bill introduced here. It may be something to show your state legislator to see what you can get started.

http://le.utah.gov/~2008/bills/hbillint/hb0103.pdf

A possible upside of opening up those stations is that maybe we wouldn't see all those "rust buckets" CNG vehicles making their way out West. Hopefully there would be enough demand for the cars (and trucks) that they could sell them locally. That's a mighty powerful salt mixture that they use to clear the roads in New York.

[mattamhop]

Re: Help with understanding the lay of the land in NY

We were fortunate in Utah that the state opened up six of their fueling facilities to the general public. Here is a link to the bill introduced here. It may be something to show your state legislator to see what you can get started.

http://le.utah.gov/~2008/bills/hbillint/hb0103.pdf

A possible upside of opening up those stations is that maybe we wouldn't see all those "rust buckets" CNG vehicles making their way out West. Hopefully there would be enough demand for the cars (and trucks) that they could sell them locally. That's a mighty powerful salt mixture that they use to clear the roads in New York.

nttrainer- Great link, very helpful. After making this post and before seeing your reply I talked to folks at our Office of Alternative Fuels and they said that the legislature was standing in the way and that their office had tried this road before. It was great to read your post and then forward the link to them with a "if they can do it, so can we" word...except of course we will add some hefty road salt to the mix.