By ELISA BALL
Natural gas vehicles may be the transportation choice for the future.
Daniel Fairbanks, BYU associate professor of botany, has been driving in his natural gas powered vehicle toward a cleaner environment for the last three years.
For some people, natural gas is fast becoming the preferred alternative to gasoline. It is an environmentally friendly, inexpensive gas that is capable of powering automobiles, heaters, air conditioners, appliances and industrial equipment.
Fairbanks said he made the choice to convert his vehicle after discovering the positive impacts natural gas has on the environment. Pollutants emitted by vehicles account for half of all air pollution. Natural gas vehicles reduce air pollution from automobiles by up to 95 percent.
'Mountain Fuel Supply Co. is very willing to educate the consumer on natural gas alternatives. They converted my pick-up to natural gas in less than 2 days and have been very accommodating with my vehicle maintenance,' Fairbanks said.
Natural gas is a cleaner burning fuel that is easier on the car's engine. It reduces maintenance costs, frequent oil changes and tune-ups. Fairbanks said when he changes his oil 'it is just as clean as when I put it in.'
Darrin Sheppard, a Mountain Fuel representative, said he knows a cab driver with a natural gas vehicle who changes his oil every 10-15,000 miles with no problems.
The United States is virtually self sufficient in natural gas supplies which is not effected by foreign price increases and supply shortages. An equivalent gallon of natural gas costs between 50 and 80 cents. According to Mountain Fuel, customers may save up to $500 annually on fuel expenses. Vehicles can be converted to natural gas easily for $2,500 to $5,500, which is compensated in about 5 years from fuel savings. A $2,000 federal tax deduction and a $500 state income tax credit is available for those who make the conversion.
Honda and Ford currently manufacture natural gas vehicles with factory warranties. Coca-Cola, Geneva Steel, Mountain Fuel, the Salt Lake Airport and BYU have commercial fleet cars which use the alternate fuel.
'Mountain Fuel and Environment Conversion Inc. will convert car owners' vehicles to natural gas in about one day with no significant alterations to the engine or the vehicle,' Sheppard said.
Small fueling compressors are available that connect to any homes gas pipeline. Compressors will refuel vehicles overnight in your garage. Vehicle fueling expenses are then added to residents' monthly gas bills. Those that do not own compressors can fill their vehicles at one of 19 public natural gas stations in Utah, two of which are in the Provo/Orem area.
For complete information on natural gas vehicle costs, benefits, conversions and fueling stations, contact Mountain Fuel's Natural Gas Vehicle Hotline at 1-800-359-7648.