The conversion of diesel trucks to natural gas is spreading across the country. In Utah City, Utah, ten trash trucks were converted to natural gas (CNG) vehicles after entering into a $2 million lease/purchase agreement that, according to city finance manager John Arrington, is expected to save the city an estimated $89,000 each year.

The city of North Little Rock, Arkansas also plans to convert a fleet of diesel trucks to CNG, with the help of a $207,000 grant issued by the state.  The funding will also provide a public CNG fueling station that will lead to natural gas being available for public use as a transportation fuel.

Officials in both cities say that they hope to continue the conversion of the rest of their fleets to CNG over time. Industry leaders are beginning to understand the benefits of using natural gas vehicles.  The amount that these cities will save on an annual basis in reduced fuel prices makes the transition worthwhile, several times over.

The bill that is currently being discussed in the House (H.R. 1835) and in the Senate (S. 1408) offers several tax incentives to those who produce and purchase natural gas vehicles, as well as provides grant for the development of natural gas vehicles and engines. Businesses and government fleets such as the ones in Utah City and North Little Rock are being rewarded for their willingness to convert their vehicles to the cleaner, more efficient and readily available natural gas.

As the natural gas option gains recognition and the prospect of new, good-paying jobs becomes increasingly more critical, the NAT GAS Act is quickly becoming America’s most relevant energy plan. Its accessibility is extremely important, as we do not yet have the technology to move on several other, more ambitious energy options.

The decision to make the switch from foreign oil to natural gas in these two cities is just another example of a larger trend that is becoming increasingly popular all over the nation.  In March, AT&T announced their plans to replace about 8,000 gasoline-powered service vehicles with vehicles powered by domestically available CNG during the next five years.  Not only do these CNG vehicles emit substantially fewer toxins, making them a cleaner choice, but their fuel costs are substantially lower, making them the smart choice.