[The Vector] Autogas and the Energy Bill

A group of fuel advocates is pushing the Senate to include their Autogas in the tax break provisions of the upcoming Energy Bill expected for natural gas vehicles and infrastructure. Propane Autogas is derived from the refining of natural gas. Autogas is an alternative fuel used by private fleet vehicles and some public vehicles.

The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) and Autogas for America have asked their members and industry to flood Senator Reid’s offices with letters in favor of Autogas for the Energy Bill. “Senator Reid is moving this [Energy Bill] along so quickly that we’re afraid they may not include Autogas,” said Rick Roidan, president of NPGA. “It will be a tremendous oversight by the Senate…”

“The majority of propane Autogas is derived from the refining of natural gas,” states Stuart Weidie, director of Autogas for America. “Autogas has similar environmental benefits to natural gas and about 90% of it is produced here in America. There is no logical reason this bill should exclude propane Autogas but include natural gas.” (PR Newswire, July 27, 2010.)

What is Autogas? Propane or liquefied petroleum gas is called Autogas when used as a motor fuel. It’s an alternative vehicle fuel that reduces harmful emissions, costs less than gasoline and is almost entirely domestically produced. It’s actually the third most widely used vehicle fuel in the world, says Autogas for America, with over 14.6 million Autogas-powered vehicles globally – but the U.S is far behind other countries in adopting Autogas. Benefits include that it is a domestic resource, creates domestic jobs and helps energy security (as opposed to importing other fuels).