Adoption of compressed natural gas as a fuel choice must be accompanied by the construction of new CNG fueling facilities. To date, the United States has 811 CNG fueling facilities throughout the country, according to data from the U.S. Department of Energy as of February 25, 2015. CNG is gaining additional allies pushing for the construction of more fueling stations. The support is coming from state governments.
The opening of state legislative sessions this winter has seen numerous bills and proposals introduced to help provide financial support for new CNG stations. North Dakota lawmakers are considering a bill that would set aside $1 million for cost sharing for the construction of CNG fueling stations, according to a report from the Bismarck Tribune. The legislation also proposes $3 million in cost sharing for converting gasoline or fuel vehicles into CNG vehicles. Under the bill, the state would provide up to $250,000 per retail location for equipment and installation, the Tribune reports.
CNG Retail Fueling, Bristol, PA
In Pennsylvania, officials are supporting CNG facility construction through that state’s Alternative and Clean Energy Program. The program has awarded a $642,894 grant to the Pennsylvania community of College Township that will be applied toward the construction of a new CNG fueling facility. The next closest CNG filling station is more than 30 miles away, according to a report on the grant from Penn Business Daily. When complete, the station will be open to the public.
Meanwhile, in Utah one lawmaker is pushing for CNG as part of a school bus modernization plan to replace buses built before 2002. The bill would help school districts buy CNG buses and install CNG fueling stations, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. The legislation also pledges for $20 million to pay for the bus upgrades, funds that will come from Utah’s education fund.
There is growing state support throughout the country for new CNG facilities that will serve both public and private fleets. To learn more about the support that may be available in your region, contact us.
