Lydia Meigs Dave McCurdy Discusses NGV Legislation

Posted on April 11, 2011 by Lydia Meigs | 1 Comment


Natural Gas is Setting the Foundation for America’s Energy Future

During today’s E&E TV OnPoint interview, Dave McCurdy, president and CEO of the American Gas Association, discussed the U.S. House of Representative’s recently proposed NAT GAS Act and talked about the prospects for a clean energy standard. He explained that the political climate is primed right now for capitalizing on the growth of natural gas production due to the increased domestic demand coupled with the global concern about our country’s reliance on foreign fuel supplies.

So, let’s start with the transportation sector.

The NAT GAS Act will help reduce America’s reliance on foreign energy supplies by encouraging the use of abundant, domestic natural gas as a transportation fuel. There are immense opportunities for the development of the natural gas market as the bill focuses on the use of natural gas-powered alternatives for traditionally fueled fleet vehicles,which will have a significant and positive environmental impact. This is an initiative already seeing success in many cities, including Washington, DC.

AGA is proud to support the use of American natural gas resources to encourage cleaner, more efficient transportation options and enhanced energy security. Click here to hear Dave’s entire interview on E&E TV.

Posted in energy, Natural Gas | 1 Comment

Lydia Meigs Driving America’s Energy Future

Posted on April 7, 2011 by Lydia Meigs | Comments Off


Jerry Norcia, President of DTE Energy Is Driving Natural Gas

This is what we know. Lead by example, actions speak louder than words, and often times seeing is believing.

Well, scroll below and feast your eyes on what America’s transportation future looks like.

Jerry Norcia, president of MichCon, DTE Energy’s natural gas utility, put his money where his mouth is and converted his Harley Davidson edition Ford F-150 to run on natural gas. The current natural gas “gasoline gallon equivalent” price is $1.95, which means that his one of a kind NGV will cost him roughly half the cost to operate. Norcia purchased this vehicle, personally, to demonstrate the practicality of natural gas as an alternative transportation fuel.

Yes, Norcia’s wallet is enjoying the scenic route now that his popular gasoline-guzzler is running on clean natural gas. This fuel switch is symbolic of our own country’s shifting energy priorities – we need secure, affordable energy to power our way of life whether we are heating our home or driving to work. It is critical then, at this point and time, to be developing and capitalizing on the vast supply of clean natural gas we have right here.

My only regret is that I have to inform you that the F-150 is not being produced to run on natural gas yet, but perhaps it is a sign of things to come. Norcia worked with the Suburban Ford dealership that receives vehicles from Ford Motor Co. that are factory-prepped for conversion. The dealership then uses a third party specialist and then delivers a fully operational NGV to the customer.

Norcia is leading by example and we are delighted to be highlighting his story.

harley nat gas truck 500 Driving America’s Energy Future

Harley Davidson Ford F-150 Natural Gas Truck. Photo Credit: DTE Energy

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Lydia Meigs Can You Dig It?

Posted on April 1, 2011 by Lydia Meigs | Comments Off


Join the American Gas Association This Month in Raising Awareness for Safe Digging Practices

As you prepare to tackle all that yard work that has been waiting for spring to arrive, whether it’s digging drainage trenches or putting in a new tree, you have to ask yourself, can you dig it?

The answer is simple. Smart digging always means calling 811 before each job. Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer planning a weekend project or a professional excavator contracted for a home improvement job, one phone call to 811 will get your underground utility lines marked for free.

The 811 hotline is free a service that allows people to obtain information about what may be buried beneath the excavation surface area, including natural gas pipelines, electric power lines and other infrastructure. Homeowners and professionals may not always be aware of the importance of marking utility lines before excavation, but calling before a digging job – even small projects such as planting trees and shrubs – can help prevent undesired consequences.

April is Safe Digging Month and we hope you’ll help us spread the word and remind your friends and neighbors to be smart and Call 811 Before You Dig!

 

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Chris McGill Natural Gas Market Indicators

Posted on March 31, 2011 by Chris McGill and Richard Meyer | Comments Off


As is usually the case in late March and early April, natural gas demand can’t decide whether it is spring or still winter. Total daily demand can swing 15 Bcf per day from week to week depending on temperature conditions – which we saw in colors last week as demand rose from 60 Bcf on March 18 to over 76 Bcf on March 24, driven largely by colder temperatures sweeping the continent.

Working gas in storage is supplying much of the swing as demand volumes (including Mexican exports) during the last two weeks of March have been as low as 62 Bcf per day or as high as 79 Bcf per day, according to Bentek Energy, LLC.

Visit this link to download the full Natural Gas Market Indicators. Topics covered include: Reported Prices, Weather, Working Gas in Underground Storage, Natural Gas Production, Rig Counts, Pipeline Imports and Exports, and LNG Markets.

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