Clean-burning domestically produced natural gas has been left out of the federal government's proposed rule to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency in commercial vehicles,
in spite of the fact that natural gas is widely used and environmentally sound, said NGV America, a trade group that promotes use of the fuel.

The Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Transportation's proposed rules for medium- and heavy duty trucks includes incentives for electric, hybrid and fuel cell vehicles, but not for natural gas vehicles. The rules will begin taking effect in 2014.

NGV America noted that natural gas already fuels fleets across the country, and public policy should continue to encourage use of the domestically produced fuel.

"It is unfortunate and disappointing that this Administration has not included incentives for natural gas-powered trucks," said Richard Kolodziej, president of NGVAmerica. "The rules are designed to address the urgent and closely intertwined challenges of dependence on oil, energy security and global climate changes, and natural gas vehicles do just that and more.

"These vehicles are capable today of delivering greenhouse gas reductions of more than 20 percent compared to petroleum fueled vehicles. And every new dedicated natural gas vehicle that is put into service displaces 100% of the petroleum that would otherwise be used."

Unlike other fuel choices, natural gas powered vehicles are readily available today for many medium and heavy-duty vehicle applications. Waste collection and transfer vehicles, for example, now account for about 11 percent of total vehicular natural gas use, are the fastest growing natural gas vehicle segment.

"In the weeks ahead, NGV America will be working with its members and others in the natural gas industry to ensure that EPA is aware of the benefits of natural gas trucks and includes a stronger role for them in its final rule," said Kolodziej.

EPA and DOT have set January 3, 2011 as the deadline for comments on the proposed rule.

NGV America represents more than 100 companies interested in the promotion and use of natural gas and biomethane as transportation fuels, including engine, vehicle and equipment manufacturers; fleet operators and service providers; natural gas companies; and environmental groups and government organizations. More information about the group is at www.ngvamerica.org.