Bumski

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  • New Gas Discoveries a Boon for U.S. Energy Sector
    "General Motors Corp. (GM) already makes 18 models of cars and trucks that use compressed natural gas [CNG], and more could follow." Can anyone out there tell me ONE CNG that GM is making. The ONLY manufacture that is still make a CNG car is HONDA (the Civic). If GM is making any CNG cars it is only for fleets etc. and not for the general public. I drive a CNG car (one of the best investments I have ever made) but they are hard to find anymore, the waiting list is forever to get a new Honda Civic. I just called the local Honda dealer (so I could be more definitive here) and there is a 12 month wait and 350 people ahead of me (and I'm in little old Utah). I confirmed again that Honda is the only manufacture making new CNG vehicles. As far as infrastructure... yes... there is a big problem with too few pumps. However, most people do not realize they can purchase a home refueling station (small comperssor) to refuel their own cars. Bi-Fuel is another option for conversions. Its probably the best way to go for most people. We need to look at all forms of fuels to reduce our dependency on foreign but most of the US is ill informed about CNG vehicles. With the right education I think it is a fairly simple short term solution for many people.
    Aug 28 15:20 pm |Rating: 0 0 |Link to Comment |View article
  • Implementing Pickens' Plan for Public Energy Policy
    I appreciate the comments here. As a Nat Gas vehicle owner, I want to add my comments. I believe that Nat Gas vehicles offers the most sensible stop-gap measure. However, there are a yet a number of other issues to consider over and above the substantial price differential. I live in Utah... we just had a price increase on our Nat Gas and now I am paying $.85 per gal (I believe this is well below the nat'l avg). A gallon nets me approximately 35 miles. I have not noticed much power difference between gasoline and nat gas but I have understood it is an issue on bigger loads. My vehicle (Honda Civic) is a dedicated Nat Gas. Many of the vehicles are bi fuel which would probably be the best solution for most individuals. The biggest challenge that I see is:
    1) There are too few Nat Gas stations. This is a big problem but could be resolved fairly quickly for most locations as demand increases since many areas already support an infrastructure of Nat Gas. I am primarily limited to driving around town or I have to make sure in advance there are stations in the areas that I am driving too. This is a hassle.
    2) The range on most Nat Gas vehicles is substantially less than gasoline. The maximum that I am able to drive is about 175 miles on a full tank. Its not too bad but can be a problem when there is a substantial distance between pump stations.

    All in all, I would buy another Nat Gas vehicle but I would probably buy a bi fuel. The cost savings is significant. In my situation (I mostly commute to and from work) I am saving about $250 to $300 per month. The cost of gasoline in my area is $4.15.

    Most cars could be converted without too much difficulty although the present cost seems to be from $5K to $7K which is significant. The conversion cost could be reduced as more shops are certified for conversions. Most auto manufacturers have stopped producing Nat Gas vehicles. I believe that Honda is still producing the Civic Nat Gas. Longer term, we need to look for other alternatives but I believe that Nat Gas could offer the best short term viable solution... all things considered. Even though we have all heard of this alternative, most don't understand the advantages/disadvantag... of this option. Until we become priced out of gasoline we will not undertake the effort to become educated.
    Jul 16 15:27 pm |Rating: 0 0 |Link to Comment |View article
  • Ag Stocks Could Have Steep Pullbacks
    Any thoughts on TNH and TRA? I am long on TNH. Thanks.
    Apr 26 08:49 am |Rating: 0 0 |Link to Comment |View article

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