Fuels Fix - Fall 2017

The autumn issue of Fuels Fix is available now.

Natural gas as a bridge fuel: Has its time finally come?

Tim Rynott, a petroleum geologist, owner of Ridge Resources, LLC and president-elect of the Four Corners Geological Society, addresses the quantity and quality of natural gas available from sources around the world.

Why Some Fleets Still Like Natural Gas

There essentially have been three types of buyers (with a lot of overlap) for natural gas trucks: Those that are required to do so by clean-air rules, those that need or desire to be perceived as environmentally friendly, and those that are looking to save money over diesel. "Fleets still involved [in natural gas technology] are those that made an earlier investment in natural gas vehicles and infrastructure or long-term fuel contracts and are still leveraging that investment, as well as those who see natural gas as a way to meet corporate carbon footprint or other green commitments," said Scott Perry, Ryder System’s chief technology and procurement officer.

Open Letter to America’s Governors

T. Boone Pickens says that the $2.7 billion that the states will receive from the Volkswagen settlement should not be used to favor electric vehicles; rather, states should avoid favoritism for any one particular fuel to lower NOx emissions.

Alternative Fuels Aid Response to Hurricanes and Natural Disasters

In a number of cities and states, alternative fuel vehicles are playing a big role in responding to natural disasters and improving emergency preparedness.

1. Natural gas is supplied by underground pipelines that can survive hurricanes.
2. Mass transit systems that rely on CNG did not suffer a shortage of fuel.
3. Fleets of bi-fuel vehicles can switch from gasoline to CNG when gasoline is in short supply.
4. Hybrid-electric utility vehicles can use battery power while parked, rather than idling a gasoline engine.
5. Diverse fueling options reduce recovery times after a natural disaster