Introduction:
Compressed natural gas (CNG) is, arguably, a cleaner transportation fuel than traditional gasoline or diesel; lately in Texas, it has also proven to be a more desirable one. High upfront capital and uncertainties in the competing petroleum market have stifled the development of a large-scale, sustainable CNG infrastructure. The most appealing aspects of this reform are the abundance of domestic natural gas wells, reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions upon fuel combustion, and the potential for the growth of Texas jobs, spanning the entire spectrum of the industry.
Oil prices have been known to be economically unstable; this possibility was first realized during the 1970s when the United States’ oil supplies experienced a number of import interruptions from the Middle East, causing fuel shortages and price spikes. An abundance of domestic natural gas wells can help stabilized fuel prices and availability. Recent advances in technologies, specifically hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, have made natural gas extraction from shale formations economically feasible. Environmentally, CNG vehicles emit fewer greenhouse gases (GHG) upon fuel combustion. Most importantly natural gas emits less carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere in comparison to other fossil fuels, a compound commonly linked to climate change that resides in the atmosphere for the longest amount of time. A CNG infrastructure, predicated on a successful University and public transit partnership, could lead to an improvement in public and private transportation provision.
Ongoing reform in the CNG transportation infrastructure in Texas is extremely important. Funding and successful CNG partnership projects are essential for the support of a sustainable public and private infrastructure. Universities are often centers for research and development, receive government funding to do so, and have, historically, been at the forefront of social change. Public transportation provides a valuable service that is primarily limited by operating cost. A University and public transportation partnership is the key element in order to transition from petroleum to a natural gas.
This chapter is intended to focus on the impacts of different fossil fuels used for transportation and the harmful effects of associated greenhouse gases, the effects of continued petroleum use, and economic factors that support a transition to natural gas. Lastly, it offers several recommendations essential to moving towards accomplishing a full-scale sustainable CNG transportation infrastructure in Texas. Results are based on a combination of facility tours, personal interviews, and research.
Compressed natural gas (CNG) is, arguably, a cleaner transportation fuel than traditional gasoline or diesel; lately in Texas, it has also proven to be a more desirable one. High upfront capital and uncertainties in the competing petroleum market have stifled the development of a large-scale, sustainable CNG infrastructure. The most appealing aspects of this reform are the abundance of domestic natural gas wells, reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions upon fuel combustion, and the potential for the growth of Texas jobs, spanning the entire spectrum of the industry.
Oil prices have been known to be economically unstable; this possibility was first realized during the 1970s when the United States’ oil supplies experienced a number of import interruptions from the Middle East, causing fuel shortages and price spikes. An abundance of domestic natural gas wells can help stabilized fuel prices and availability. Recent advances in technologies, specifically hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, have made natural gas extraction from shale formations economically feasible. Environmentally, CNG vehicles emit fewer greenhouse gases (GHG) upon fuel combustion. Most importantly natural gas emits less carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere in comparison to other fossil fuels, a compound commonly linked to climate change that resides in the atmosphere for the longest amount of time. A CNG infrastructure, predicated on a successful University and public transit partnership, could lead to an improvement in public and private transportation provision.
Ongoing reform in the CNG transportation infrastructure in Texas is extremely important. Funding and successful CNG partnership projects are essential for the support of a sustainable public and private infrastructure. Universities are often centers for research and development, receive government funding to do so, and have, historically, been at the forefront of social change. Public transportation provides a valuable service that is primarily limited by operating cost. A University and public transportation partnership is the key element in order to transition from petroleum to a natural gas.
This chapter is intended to focus on the impacts of different fossil fuels used for transportation and the harmful effects of associated greenhouse gases, the effects of continued petroleum use, and economic factors that support a transition to natural gas. Lastly, it offers several recommendations essential to moving towards accomplishing a full-scale sustainable CNG transportation infrastructure in Texas. Results are based on a combination of facility tours, personal interviews, and research.