(Image: GHNGVA)
Legislation has been filed in the U.S. State of Texas to continue natural gas vehicle and station funding under the Texas Emission Reduction Plan (TERP). Senate Bill 26 (SB 26), lodged 18 January, includes the Governmental Alternative Fuel Fleet Grant Program encouraging state fleets with more than 15 vehicles to purchase new alternative fuel vehicles.
Furthermore, SB 26 expands the Clean Transportation Triangle into the Clean Transportation Zone, providing funding opportunities for the San Antonio-Laredo- Corpus Christi region. Finally, SB 26 continues the funding opportunities as outlined in TERP including the reintroduction of the Light Duty Vehicle Purchase/ Lease Incentive Program.
The Greater Houston Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance (GHNGVA) commends Senator Craig Estes for filing the legislation. GHNGVA, a non-profit corporation, was formed in 2009 by Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, Apache Corporation, Southwestern Energy and CenterPoint Energy, in partnership with the University of Houston to focus on developing new and expanding natural gas transportation markets and refueling stations in the Greater Houston area.
Funding through programs like the TERP is an important catalyst for the State of Texas. TERP assists private and public fleets with the purchase of newer clean burning vehicles that help with the State’s air quality issues. Through TERP, these fleets obtain a faster return on their investment while their community receives the clean air benefit. Replacing just one 2006 Class 8 heavy duty diesel truck with an equivalent 2016 CNG truck results in 92% reduction in Nitrogen Oxides (NOx).
Natural gas vehicles provide a clean, domestically produced alternative to conventional gasoline and diesel vehicles. Natural gas vehicles are the fastest growing alternative fuel market in Texas. More than 9,200 vehicles travel the roads of Texas utilizing nearly 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) stations.
(Source: Greater Houston Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance)
