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Read up on the latest research findings, technology advancements,
legislative developments and alternative-fuel news. As our archive,
we’ll give you online access to past as well as current
articles.
August 2003
Although natural
gas is the fastest growing alternate fuel in California, it still represents
only about 1/2 of 1% of the of the gasoline/diesel transportation fuels
market in California.
Natural gas is the fastest growing alternate fuel in CA
June 06, 2003
Reducing California’s Petroleum Dependence
California’s growing appetite for transportation fuels presents
policy makers with a number of critical challenges. Agressive steps,
initiated in this decade and spanning the next several decades,
are needed to curtail California’s petroleum dependence. To
address this issue, the California Energy Commission and California
Air Resources Board have recently released a draft strategy on reducing
California’s dependence on petroleum...
Reducing
California’s
Petroleum Dependence
August 26, 2002
Yet Again, NGVs Outperform Diesel
Washington, D.C. (August 26, 2002) – Preliminary test data
from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) shows, yet again,
that today’s natural gas-powered transit buses are better
for the environment than comparable diesel-powered buses ...
Yet Again, NGVs Outperform Diesel
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The studies prove it: factory-built NGVs greatly reduce harmful
emissions compared to similar gasoline vehicles. NGVs produce:
98% lower smog-forming volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) — One of the main health hazards associated
with vehicle emissions is ground-level ozone. VOCs react with NOx
to form ground-level ozone, a major component of smog.
90% lower carbon monoxide (CO) — Carbon
Monoxide is a toxic gas formed by the incomplete combustion of
fuels. At high concentrations, CO can pose an acute health threat.
Lower doses of CO commonly found in cities during traffic congestion
may impair perception and reflexes.
50% lower
nitrogen
oxides (NOx)
—
Not only
is NOx play
essential
in causing
ozone and
smog, it
also contributes
to acid
rain. Nitrous
oxide is
also a greenhouse
gas and
the build
up of greenhouse
gases in
the upper
environment
contributes
to global
warming.
60% lower particulate matter (PM)— PM
is a microscopic component of air pollution that penetrates deeply
into the lungs. According to a recent U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency report, PMs are more harmful than originally
suspected, increasing respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
97% lower sulfur dioxide (SO2) — Natural gas contains
very little sulfur and therefore NGVs will have very low sulfur
dioxide emissions. Sulfur dioxide contributes to air pollution
and
acid rain.
Lower NMHC emissions — Natural
gas is inherently lower in NMHC Non-Methane Hydrocarbons than other
fuel types. Hydrocarbon emissions consist of a mixture
of VOCs which are highly reactive. The purpose of limiting total
hydrocarbon emissions is to limit VOCs. Emissions standards specify
limits only on Non-Methane Hydrocarbons (NMHC).
Zero Benzene emissions — Natural gas contains no benzene.
Benzene is a common constituent of gasoline and gasoline engine
exhaust. It is a well-known carcinogen and considered a toxic air
contaminant.
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