Fuel prices force U.S. lawmakers to address natural gas alternatives

Gas prices have skyrocketed in the past few months as a result of unrest in Libya. For years, American automobile makers have been designing and creating green options to cut down on the country's dependence on gasoline and diesel.

In an effort to cut down on the use of diesel, trucking companies are seeking ways to use other types of fuel to help lower costs, Fleet Owner reports.

Many state legislators are considering a bill that would support natural gas as a transportation fuel. Wyoming's Departments of Transportation and Administration and Information are appropriating $200,000 to retrofit or acquire vehicles in their fleets capable of using the fuel.

"What is driving [the demand for natural gas] now is the experience with oil price spikes - the realization that oil is traded as a commodity, with pricing set by the global market and subject to surges not directly related to pure supply and demand factors," Denise McCourt, director of communications for NGVAmerica, told the news source.

Safety directors can enroll their employees in online truck driver training courses to educate them on which are the best routes to drive to conserve fuel. Moreover, these sessions can keep operators up-to-date on current events that affect their industry.

According to the Department of Energy, diesel prices are currently at $3.87 per gallon, which is almost a full dollar more than last year's total.

By Anna Byrne

Fuel prices force U.S. lawmakers to address natural gas alternatives

Tuesday, March 15th, 2011