Natural Gas

Natural gas is primarily used for electrical power plants, residential and commercial properties, and as a fuel type for transportation. Although natural gas is a proven clean fuel type (due to reduced tailpipe emissions when compared to diesel vehicles), its overall use as a fuel type for transportation purposes is relatively low. Natural gas can be produced in multiple ways. Natural gas produced in a conventional way is considered to be a fossil fuel, like gasoline or diesel. However, natural gas can also be produced from renewable sources like biogas, which is a byproduct from landfills, livestock operations, wastewater treatment plants, and more. Natural gas used in vehicles is available in various fuel types including compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and renewable natural gas (RNG). Natural gas can be used in light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicle types.

For more about natural gas production, distribution, and use, visit the Alternative Fuels Data Center.

BENEFITS OF NATURAL GAS

Natural gas is domestically produced gaseous fuel that is used in many applications due to the existing natural gas pipeline system.

Benefits to using natural gas as an energy source include the A natural gas vehicle with longhorns on the hood following.

Decreased tailpipe emissions
Primarily domestically produced
Existing pipeline distribution system and refueling stations
in place
Can be produced from renewable sources
Range similar to conventional fuel types
Fast refueling time

For more resources on natural gas, see the Department of Energy’s
Natural Gas Vehicle Research and Development webpage.

NATURAL GAS IN NORTH TEXAS

Texas has long been a leader in energy production. In 2023, Texas was the leading state in natural gas production accounting for over one-fourth of the nation’s natural gas withdrawals.

In North Texas, several fleets have been using compressed and renewable natural gas for over a decade. Since 2009, data compiled from DFWCC’s Annual Report shows that local fleets utilizing compressed and renewable natural gas has accounted for over half of the total gallons of gasoline equivalent (GGE) reduced, with nearly 182 million GGE reduced in the region from natural gas applications alone.

DFW Clean Cities continues to support fleets in the adoption of natural gas and showcase natural gas applications through the following success stories and analyses.

NGV UP-TIME Analysis
The Natural Gas Updated Performance Tracking Integrating Maintenance Expenses Report evaluates the differences in maintenance frequency and costs between various heavy-duty natural gas engines and current diesel engines.

Natural Gas Case Study: DFW Airport
DFW Clean Cities completed a case study to highlight the compressed and renewable natural gas vehicle applications at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in 2020.

NATURAL GAS IN TEXAS

Alternative Fuel Corridor Designations
TxDOT and NCTCOG have participated in almost every nomination cycle under the FHWA Alternative Fuels Corridor Program.

Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP)
TERP is a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality program that offers grants for people and businesses to purchase or upgrade their vehicles/equipment to newer, cleaner technology. Funding for natural gas vehicles and infrastructure is available under all but one of the TERP programs.

Natural Gas Vehicle Grant Program (TNGVGP)
The TNGVGP funds the replacement or repower of eligible medium-duty or heavy-duty motor vehicles with a vehicle or engine powered by natural gas. Eligible natural gas fuels include compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The program also funds the purchase and installation of the natural gas fueling system and tanks.

NATURAL GAS AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL

Natural Gas Vehicle Research Roadmap
In October of 2015, the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) released the 2015 Natural Gas Vehicle Research Roadmap for the California Energy Commission to guide investments made by the Energy Commission in natural gas vehicle research and development in California. The Roadmap suggests various ways to accelerate commercialization of natural gas vehicle technologies in the market.

FIND A NATURAL GAS REFUELING STATION