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Objectives Describe how natural gas may help

improve public health Describe the benefits natural gas offers

to the environment Explain how natural gas may help

stimulate the economy Describe what energy security is and

how using natural gas can help attain it Explain the future of natural gas Explain the suggested actions to support

natural gas

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Fewer emissions than conventional fuels

Established distribution network Pipeline and trucks used for transport

Produced domestically Often less expensive than gasoline

Why Consider Natural Gas?

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Advantages of Natural Gas Both CNG and LNG available through

established distribution networks Most natural gas produced

domestically CNG often costs less than gasoline

where available Natural gas vehicle engines often last

longer and require less frequent service than conventional vehicles

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Figure 1: Natural gas compared to conventional gasoline. Source: AFDC.

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Additional Points to Consider 112,000 natural gas vehicles on U.S.

roads 13 million worldwide Just over 1,000 natural gas vehicle

fueling stations in the U.S. – obstacle to overcome

Natural gas has a lower energy density when compared to conventional gasoline

NGV purchase price tends to be higher than conventional vehicles

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There are many benefits of using natural gas to fuel vehicles: Betterment of health and

environment Benefits to the U.S. economy National energy security Reduce dependence on foreign oil

Natural Gas Benefits

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Nontoxic Significantly lower amounts of

harmful emissions such as: Oxides of nitrogen (NOx) Particulate matter Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Fewer health concerns through reduced emissions Asthma, emphysema, bronchitis all linked

to smog

Health Benefits

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Cleanest of all hydrocarbon fuels Natural gas vehicles may reduce

carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 25%, oxides of nitrogen(NOx) emissions by 17% to 80%

Other fossil fuels associated with global warming, smog, and acid rain Natural gas produces fewer emissions

that contribute to these events

Environmental Benefits

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Compared to traditional diesel vehicles, NGVs have reductions in carbon monoxide (CO) emissions of 75-95%, reductions in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of 25%, and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions can be reduced by 17-80%.

Source: AFDC, 2011.

Did You Know?

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Most natural gas in the U.S. is produced domestically

Natural gas generally costs less than gasoline Gasoline = average $3.37 per gallon Natural gas = $2.13 per gallon equivalent

Natural gas industry supports U.S. job market, supplying 622,000 jobs in 2008 – expected to add 2.2 million jobs

Economic Benefits

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87% of the natural gas used in the U.S. is produced domestically

Could alleviate dependence on foreign oil to meet transportation demand

Natural gas production is expected to increase 2.2 trillion cubic feet (tcf) in 2008 12.2 trillion cubic feet (tcf) in 2035

Biogas – domestic source of renewable natural gas

Energy Security Benefits

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Did You Know?

Natural gas is primarily a domestic energy source. In 2010, 87% of the natural gas consumed in the U.S. was produced domestically. The remaining gas supply came from Canada (11%), with 2% imported as liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Source: American Gas Association, 2011.

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Natural gas is a promising alternative fuel that can lessen dependence on foreign oil Around half of the petroleum used in the U.S. is

imported 87% of natural gas is produced domestically

Currently fuels over 112,000 vehicles in the U.S. Powers more than 13 million vehicles worldwide

Accounts for nearly 25% of the total energy used in the U.S. Residential and commercial usage – 34% Industrial usage – 27% Electric power production – 31% Vehicle fuel – <1%

Natural Gas – Today and Tomorrow

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Figure 2 : Natural gas consumption by end user. Source: EIA.

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Figure 3: Natural gas pipeline system. Source: EIA.

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The Future of Natural Gas Natural gas is a critical element in

energy strategy for the U.S. Advances in exploration and

production technologies have led to new sources of natural gas in U.S. Combined application of horizontal

drilling and hydraulic fracturing techniques that have made the country's vast shale gas resources accessible

Helps reduce dependence on foreign oil Promotes job growth

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Figure 4: Global natural gas supply – conventional gas reserves vs. recoverable shale-gas reserves. Source: EIA Annual Energy Review.

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Natural gas for vehicle use nearly doubled between 2003 and 2009

In 2010, natural gas displaced more than 350 million gasoline gallon equivalents (GGE)

Transit buses now account for around 62% of all vehicular natural gas use

In 2009, around 18% of transit buses ran on natural gas Figure 5: Transit bus fleets throughout the

country have made the shift to natural gas. Source: NAFTC.

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Suggested Actions The federal government, state governments

and even regional and local governments have implemented incentives to encourage the purchase and use of NGVs Incentives include tax deductions/credits,

reduced license fees, reduced vehicle sale taxes, and lower registration fees

Some states also permit certain alternative fuel vehicles to operate in high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes during peak rush-hour periods

Individuals encouraged to use public transportation systems that support the growth and use of natural gas in these systems

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Upon completing this material, can you: Describe how natural gas may help

improve public health? Describe the benefits to the environment? Explain how natural gas may help

stimulate the economy? Describe what energy security is and how

using natural gas can help attain it? Explain the future of natural gas? Explain the suggested actions to support

natural gas?

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1. Give an example of a natural gas vehicle that is successfully reducing carbon emissions.

2. True or False: An extensive natural gas pipeline and distribution network already exists.

3. What is one of the biggest challenges for encouraging the use of NGVs and their increasing demand?

4. True or False: There are many tax incentives for alternative fuel vehicles, but none for CNG.

Test Your Knowledge