Natural gas is called the "clean" fuel because it is less environmentally damaging than other forms of fuel. Although the jury is still out, compressed natural gas is touted as an alternative to gasoline. Compressed natural gas is also known as "CNG."

Natural gas companies are taking into account that the US does not have the infrastructure to completely change over to CNG vehicles. The Honda Civic GX is a CNG vehicle available in the US. In Europe, there is more acceptance for CNG vehicles and more choices in cars that use this fuel.

1. In evaluating depleting energy resources and their costs, compressed natural gas is a possible alternative to gasoline.

2. Compressed natural gas, compared to liquefied natural gas, requires much more storage space—which is one of the drawbacks to this form of energy.

3. The federal government offers tax incentives for car owners and companies who work with compressed natural gas.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get knowledgeable about compressed natural gas

Compressed natural gas and natural gas production will only continue to expand because of the need for alternative energy and fuel. Understanding more about CNG will give you the information to make your own decisions about this fuel.

I recommend: California's Consumer Energy Center discusses the fuel aspects of natural gas, the vehicles that use it and how it is produced. The Energy Information Administration gives a full run-down of natural gas production in the US. It gives up-to-date info on natural gas price and natural gas cost.

Look at natural gas companies for info on gas exploration

Natural gas exploration is driven by the need for alternative forms of energy. Find out which companies are investing capital for gas exploration.

I recommend: Crown Exploration out of Texas is excavating natural gas from shales in Texas and Montana. Apache is excavating natural gas from locations all over the globe.

Consider that natural gas will be fueling our cars

Compressed natural gas may be the alternative fuel for vehicles, even though there may be not enough 'natural gas stations' in the US to support this. Also, natural gas storage is a problem.

I recommend: Gas2.org, a zine based on biofuels and transportation, has an excellent article on the possibility of using compressed natural gas for cars. Check out the Honda Civic GX, the natural gas car sold in the US.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Europeans are using compressed natural gas for more cars than we do. But that is probably due to the fact that the infrastructures of those countries are much smaller than ours.