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Can Natural Gas Become the New Gasoline?

CNBC -- Natural gas is abundant, clean and far cheaper than diesel. That has the U.S. transportation and auto industries looking for ways to kick their dependence on dirtier fossil fuels.

After years of debating how to tap domestic energy sources, new innovations in the sector have created a boom in U.S. energy production. And natural gas is now being viewed as something of a panacea for much of what ails the world's largest economy — cheaper energy could make U.S. manufacturing globally competitive again.

Indeed, natural gas was the buzz of CERAWeek, an energy conference in Houston that explores hot topics in the energy sector.

Using the fuel in conventional transportation is one avenue that appears to hold vast potential.This week, BNSF Railway, one of the largest consumers of U.S. dies

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Submitted Mar 10, 2013 By: NHLiveFree

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remay Champion Author Houston Posts:6,978 Points:2,119,565 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2013 8:37:04 AM Ignore remay Report Abuse "This week, BNSF Railway, one of the largest consumers of U.S. diesel fuel and a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, announced a natural gas pilot program for its fleet of locomotives." Yes, makes sense to do it in heavy equipment and fleets.
jethro5000 Champion Author Kentucky Posts:1,892 Points:393,560 Joined:Jun 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2013 7:07:05 AM Ignore jethro5000 Report Abuse As I said the last time I read this story, it is doubtful!
wegman Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:7,822 Points:2,091,475 Joined:Jun 2001	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2013 6:30:28 AM Ignore wegman Report Abuse A major downside for natural gas to gasoline is energy density. By weight, natural gas is better. But by volume gasoline is MUCH, MUCH more efficient. That is why we have liquified and compressed natural gas for vehicles.
Amplion Champion Author Oregon Posts:6,780 Points:1,867,945 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2013 12:23:42 AM Ignore Amplion Report Abuse PROVEN TO BE UNSAFE !!!!
bell013 All-Star Author Atlanta Posts:516 Points:100,150 Joined:Feb 2013	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 10:24:55 PM Ignore bell013 Report Abuse Why wouldn't it work?
bell05 Champion Author Atlanta Posts:9,270 Points:1,879,535 Joined:Jun 2005	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 10:18:24 PM Ignore bell05 Report Abuse Ought to be able to make it work.
PDQBlues Champion Author San Diego Posts:7,084 Points:1,450,275 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 9:45:14 PM Ignore PDQBlues Report Abuse Natural gas may be one of several alternatives to gasoline. But I doubt it will ever reach the levels that gasoline has.
BigTruc All-Star Author Memphis Posts:966 Points:783,345 Joined:Jul 2004	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 8:12:59 PM Ignore BigTruc Report Abuse I hope so.
Bearcat500 Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:9,732 Points:1,633,145 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 4:59:59 PM Ignore Bearcat500 Report Abuse I think so.
Night Owl Champion Author Toronto Posts:7,565 Points:1,789,525 Joined:Jul 2004	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 3:52:47 PM Ignore Night Owl Report Abuse Yes, let's use more of America's and Canada's plentiful supplies of natural gas.
NHLiveFree Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:11,113 Points:1,625,315 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 3:49:59 PM Ignore NHLiveFree Report Abuse Nice alternative to diesel, but, of course, you can be assured the current lower prices will certainly rise with more use. The distribution is already widespread, so upgrading gasoline stations to real multi-fueling stations would be relatively simple. It makes a great step in the transition to our energy future.
Double_Golden Champion Author San Francisco Posts:2,575 Points:608,310 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 2:18:55 PM Ignore Double_Golden Report Abuse if we have enough stations like gasoline, and cheaper...
335d1 Champion Author Virginia Posts:2,391 Points:760,995 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 1:02:16 PM Ignore 335d1 Report Abuse Diversify, makes sense.
jjjleblanc Champion Author Rochester Posts:5,888 Points:1,521,775 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 12:51:31 PM Ignore jjjleblanc Report Abuse Let's start with the new diesel for transports.
gvan Champion Author Chicago Posts:21,557 Points:2,839,215 Joined:Dec 2004	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 12:48:44 PM Ignore gvan Report Abuse "There are too few NG car choices." Probably because the price differential between a gasoline model and a CNG model is about $7,500.
vrossi46 Champion Author San Jose Posts:2,682 Points:806,870 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 12:39:14 PM Ignore vrossi46 Report Abuse lets hope so
bigsranch Champion Author Houston Posts:3,156 Points:1,008,180 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 12:25:29 PM Ignore bigsranch Report Abuse CNG and LNG. Yes.
Jayburt All-Star Author Toledo Posts:529 Points:131,890 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 12:22:36 PM Ignore Jayburt Report Abuse AND it is available right here at home..in the good old USA so our money isn't going to countries that hate us and people who were walking in camel dung just 50 yrs. ago
tclbbs All-Star Author Columbus Posts:661 Points:1,093,895 Joined:Jan 2002	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 12:20:23 PM Ignore tclbbs Report Abuse NG helps keep those aluminum engine blocks cool, and the tanks they use will stop most debris from damaging it. Drove cab back in the 90's and my car ran on NG. LOVED IT! Cheaper and the mileage was about the same
berniMI Champion Author Flint Posts:7,701 Points:1,108,730 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 12:11:08 PM Ignore berniMI Report Abuse i DOUBT IT. BUT THEN WHO KNOWS?
Norm10 Champion Author British Columbia Posts:3,342 Points:163,050 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 12:09:16 PM Ignore Norm10 Report Abuse Yes!
hamdriver Champion Author Lansing Posts:3,479 Points:1,380,125 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 11:59:33 AM Ignore hamdriver Report Abuse I'd hope so.
RBob Champion Author Portland Posts:3,389 Points:2,350,800 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 11:59:28 AM Ignore RBob Report Abuse Choices are good and utilization of what works is the best way to go. I think it is neat the railroads are exploring CNG as an option.
ScottTee Champion Author Detroit Posts:4,401 Points:1,065,645 Joined:Mar 2010	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 11:58:58 AM Ignore ScottTee Report Abuse it will never "replace" gasoline, but it could be an excellent alternative & a transitional, transportation fuel as we hopefully advance to some type of "renewable" source.
Diesel_Ram Champion Author Dallas Posts:6,517 Points:1,521,385 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 11:57:22 AM Ignore Diesel_Ram Report Abuse It's making a lot of progress in that direction.
PetroCrap Sophomore Author Toronto Posts:200 Points:108,650 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 11:57:14 AM Ignore PetroCrap Report Abuse Yes it can and we'll be crying over the price of it soon enough because you know there will suddenly be more demand than supply and they will be able to ship more to China and India and they will have to do some sort of maintenance and there is always the weather and I'm sure there will be a conflict somewhere that will affect the supply, oh and don't forget all those taxes that will have to be added on. Wonder what will happen to NG for heating homes, better start stocking up on firewood.
ScottTee Champion Author Detroit Posts:4,401 Points:1,065,645 Joined:Mar 2010	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 11:56:47 AM Ignore ScottTee Report Abuse its time to get heavy transportation converted over to CNG, then we can work on passenger cars
LanguageMan1 Champion Author Tampa Posts:11,738 Points:1,664,715 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 11:55:38 AM Ignore LanguageMan1 Report Abuse It COULD but likely won't.
WestMichigan Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:2,488 Points:557,790 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 11:55:36 AM Ignore WestMichigan Report Abuse The possibility is there, but it probably won't happen.
Valricoslash Champion Author Tampa Posts:6,709 Points:1,356,150 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 11:55:35 AM Ignore Valricoslash Report Abuse Why not? At least make it a cost effective alternative. the problem is developing a network of refueling stations.
williamcabot Champion Author San Diego Posts:1,779 Points:319,125 Joined:Mar 2010	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 11:55:02 AM Ignore williamcabot Report Abuse Another reason to raise gas prices.
VetteFan Champion Author Indiana Posts:9,754 Points:2,031,405 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 11:54:55 AM Ignore VetteFan Report Abuse It's possible, but is it a good idea. Probably not. It's still a fossil fuel which means it pollutes the atmosphere like gasoline. The world is going to demand we reduce pollution or pay for the damage. We need to be responsible and accept our role. The price of fuel is just going to go up no matter what we use or its abundance in America.
joekool1 Champion Author Toledo Posts:1,099 Points:131,280 Joined:Sep 2012	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 11:54:29 AM Ignore joekool1 Report Abuse if it does our heating bills will double or triple i think
papou Champion Author Tampa Posts:10,894 Points:1,909,035 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 11:54:05 AM Ignore papou Report Abuse it would make Boone Pickens happy he is spending millions to make it happen .
SUSANCK Champion Author Chicago Posts:3,657 Points:710,630 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 11:53:16 AM Ignore SUSANCK Report Abuse Anything but oil.
Rick52 Champion Author Milwaukee Posts:12,046 Points:1,201,570 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 11:52:14 AM Ignore Rick52 Report Abuse Possibly Yes !!! If it is not all Exported.. For $$$
rbrowdersr Champion Author Detroit Posts:5,730 Points:1,820,915 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 11:51:46 AM Ignore rbrowdersr Report Abuse I really doubt it.
atdinut Champion Author California Posts:1,608 Points:353,985 Joined:Apr 2012	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 11:51:07 AM Ignore atdinut Report Abuse CNG has a fuel for autos and other equipment for decades!!!
prcoqui Champion Author Maryland Posts:3,960 Points:1,675,900 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 11:50:21 AM Ignore prcoqui Report Abuse Have to take care of the infrastructure.
infinititom Champion Author Dallas Posts:1,009 Points:520,305 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 11:48:38 AM Ignore infinititom Report Abuse It really sounds promising
craigsf38 Champion Author Rochester Posts:5,728 Points:1,513,180 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 11:47:26 AM Ignore craigsf38 Report Abuse Yes
zimowski Champion Author San Jose Posts:6,683 Points:1,587,330 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 11:47:20 AM Ignore zimowski Report Abuse There are too few NG car choices.
tndirtydawg Champion Author Memphis Posts:1,173 Points:651,740 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 11:47:13 AM Ignore tndirtydawg Report Abuse Yes, although probably not in my lifetime.
Kaiyne Champion Author Chicago Posts:2,354 Points:475,740 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 11:46:38 AM Ignore Kaiyne Report Abuse Sure.
YodaON Champion Author Ottawa Posts:2,942 Points:781,985 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 11:46:05 AM Ignore YodaON Report Abuse they have been talking for years
gsipper Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:1,098 Points:659,025 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 11:45:41 AM Ignore gsipper Report Abuse Yes.
MJIOWA Champion Author Iowa Posts:4,838 Points:1,080,870 Joined:Nov 2009	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 11:45:16 AM Ignore MJIOWA Report Abuse they will raise the price
Grinch09 Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:1,623 Points:79,100 Joined:Dec 2009	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 11:44:41 AM Ignore Grinch09 Report Abuse sumday!
CptnCanada Champion Author Saskatoon Posts:7,012 Points:915,300 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 11:44:22 AM Ignore CptnCanada Report Abuse if it does just watch the price of home heating SKYROCKET.
LuckyD43 Champion Author Long Island Posts:32,050 Points:2,170,020 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2013 11:44:21 AM Ignore LuckyD43 Report Abuse Natural Gas could very definitely become the gasoline of the future. Or at least, it SHOULD be However, before that can even happen, a large nation-wide infrastructure MUST be established to support it. I mean, after all, what good is having a CNG vehicle if there no place to fuel up.