A Pennsylvania Point Of View

Jim Runk, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association, expresses his point of view in the Cameron County Endeavor:

NATURAL GAS CAN POWER TRUCKS

New technologies enabling natural gas to be extracted from a number of shale layers under Pennsylvania have the potential to be a game changer for our industry.

The price of gasoline affects all Americans. It especially (and disproportionately) impacts the trucking industry. As our fuel costs rise, the cost of transporting goods to market gets more expensive. Those costs are then passed on directly to consumers. Higher prices at the pump for us translates into higher prices on store shelves for you and your family.

Natural gas often costs 30 to 50 percent less than diesel fuel. Over the lifetime of one of our rigs, our member companies can save hundreds of thousands of dollars in fuel costs alone. That's more money to buy new trucks, hire new workers and grow their business.

Natural gas, when used as a transportation fuel alternative to gasoline and diesel, provides better fuel efficiency and significantly reduced emissions. Natural gas emits less carbon dioxide and reduces smog-producing nitrogen oxide pollutants.

Natural gas is the only fuel alternative that can power heavy duty vehicles like 18-wheelers. While many companies have already begun switching their fleets to natural gas, rising gas prices make the case for switching even stronger.

One critical problem that exists, however, is the lack of essential infrastructure. Pennsylvania has a strong start, with 39 CNG refueling stations across the state and several more in the planning or construction phase. However, more must be done. If we work together, we can ensure enough refueling infrastructure to revolutionize transportation across the Keystone State.

With the passage of Act 13, the state has set aside $20 million to help Pennsylvania companies and organizations convert their vehicle fleets to compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, or bi-fuel vehicles.

It's imperative we continue to drive awareness and education for the benefits of natural gas when used as a fuel source. To that end, our state government and the natural gas industry (producers, distributors, station owners, vehicle and engine manufactures) are holding natural gas vehicle education events all over the state.

The trucking industry literally moves our economy, and I want to see a vibrant and prosperous industry drive change across Pennsylvania. Cleaner, cheaper natural gas can revitalize and transform the transportation industry.

We're truckers, so you know we are in it for the long haul, but the sooner we get started on transforming our energy future, the better off we'll be.