The number of natural gas pumps in the state could double if Oklahoma’s speaker of the House of Representatives has his way.

Chris Benge, R-Tulsa, announced Sept. 2 the first phase of his energy plan, which is intended to make alternative fuel cars more affordable for Oklahomans.

Benge wants to decrease the demand for foreign oil, according to a press release.

In the legislature’s next session, in February, Benge will present his complete energy plan to double the number of available compressed natural gas stations in Oklahoma in the next five years, said Jennifer Monies, Benge’s press secretary.

Benge’s plan to increase the number of natural gas stations includes establishing financial incentives for private businesses to expand into the natural gas market and expanding low-rate loan programs to help offset conversion costs.

Monies said the goal of the plan is to encourage more gas stations to include compressed natural gas pumps.

“What I think is really interesting about CNG is the fact that gas lines already run all over the place, so implementing refilling stations wouldn’t be as difficult,” said John Woodson, chemical engineering senior. “Also, with companies like Devon and particularly Chesapeake here in the Oklahoma City area, Oklahoma seems like a prime area to test how effective CNG vehicles would be.”

Monies said because Oklahoma is a strong natural gas-producing state, it has the potential to become a leader in alternative energy.

Bill Blakley, a salesman at Eskridge Honda in Oklahoma City, said the biggest problem with compressed natural gas vehicles is that they are inconvenient to fill up.

Natural gas pumps aren’t widely available, Blakley said.

Blakley said Oklahoma City and Tulsa are home to the only two Honda dealerships that carry the Honda GX compressed natural gas vehicles. Blakley said the dealership receives about 10 alternative fuel vehicles a year, and those vehicles sell quickly.

There are 8 million natural gas-powered vehicles worldwide, but only 100,000 of these are in the U.S., the release states.

“I have been very excited about the new inventions and innovations towards hybrid and more fuel efficient vehicles,” Woodson said. “I think that anything we can do to reduce our reliance on foreign oil is a good thing.”

At the OU Board of Regents meeting on Wednesday, OU President David L. Boren announced that OU is expanding use of compressed natural gas vehicles.

OU has 21 natural gas vehicles. The new Transportation Operations Center, which is scheduled to open in November, will maintain the expanding fleet.

“I was very excited to hear President Boren talk about the refilling stations and vehicles the University is implementing. I think these are all good steps in the direction of diversifying our energy portfolio,” Woodson said.

Woodson said the high cost of natural gas-powered vehicles is one deterrent.

Convenience and affordability are the main barriers preventing the purchase of alternative fuel cars, but Benge’s plan also includes avenues to make alternative fuel cars financially affordable for Oklahomans, such as extending state tax credits for the purchase of a natural gas vehicle, the release states.

Currently, natural gas is priced at $1.14 a gallon, so it is be significantly cheaper than petroleum gas, according to Monies.

Amber Hendricks, mechanical engineering graduate student, said she thinks alternative fuel-powered vehicles could help boost the economy.

If Benge’s plan becomes reality, Oklahoma alternative fuel companies will prosper because they would be able to do more business locally, the release states.

More on natural gas

What are the pros?

• 87 percent of gas used in the U.S. is produced domestically.

• It has 60 to 90 percent less smog-producing pollutants.

• It lets off 30-40 percent less greenhouse gas emissions.

• It is less expensive than gasoline.

What are the cons?

• Natural gas vehicles are limited in availability.

• The gas is less readily available than gasoline and diesel.

• Cars go fewer miles on a tank of fuel.

Source: www.fueleconomy.gov