December 16, 2015

Columbus Natural Gas Use Underscores Need for Pipeline Infrastructure

Earlier this week, an article in Columbus Business First reported on the anticipated construction of a compressed natural gas station in the city of Columbus, Ohio. The City Council will soon begin taking bids and construction is expected to begin in the spring. The compressed natural gas stations in Columbus are open to the public.

Although the majority of passenger vehicles don’t use compressed natural gas, the piece mentions that Columbus has begun transitioning many of its vehicles to use natural gas:

“The city is increasingly converting its large vehicle fleet to consume compressed natural gas, which is better for the environment and typically cheaper than diesel. Diesel prices are low, buoyed by falling oil prices. In Ohio diesel is averaging $2.39 a gallon compared with $2.13 for CNG. But Bush doesn’t expect that to continue long-term. A year ago diesel cost $3.60 a gallon.”

This project undertaken by Columbus demonstrates the wide range of uses for natural gas. By converting its vehicles to natural gas, the city will save taxpayers’ money through the use of a cheaper fuel source. Additionally, Columbus will create a smaller environmental impact thanks to cleaner-burning natural gas. Projects like the one underway in Columbus highlight the need for increased natural gas infrastructure – without pipelines to transport gas, communities will be unable to enact projects using natural gas that would otherwise create concrete benefits for residents. The Coalition for the Expansion of Pipeline Infrastructure fully supports these undertakings as well as the pipeline construction needed to ensure their success.

Click here to read the complete story in the Columbus Business First.