Unlike liquefied natural gas, which is condensed to 1/600th of its size, compressed natural gas (CNG) is reduced to 1/200th of its size. Currently CGN fueling stations pepper the country and home refueling appliances are gaining popularity to tap into your domestic natural-gas and electrical lines to slowly refuel your vehicle over the course of the night.

CGN is easy on your engine. It can give you longer service life as well as lower maintenance costs. Other than electricity, CNG is the least expensive alternative fuel. It also yields vehicles that show an average reduction of 80 percent in ozone-forming emissions compared to that of gasoline vehicles.

To make the most of compressed natural gas information:

1. Find out CNG basic facts like where it comes from and that it is one of the cleanest burning alternative fuels.

2. Check out government resources on the subject of compressed natural gas. Find distributors, providers, and CNG stations by state. Consider buying company vehicles that use compressed natural gas.

3. Look for compressed natural gas equipment like compressors for those in the industry.

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

Start with basic CNG information

Look for basic industry information, compressed natural gas provider locations as well as inspection data.

I recommend: Look to the California Energy Commission for information on CNG and how it can be used as a transportation fuel. Learn about CNG vehicle inspection information from the Clean Vehicle Education Foundation. Find compressed natural gas providers in Oklahoma from ONEOK.

Locate compressed natural gas distributors and products

Find a compressed natural gas provider and buy vehicles that use CNG for your business. Plan your trip or routes based on CNG stations around the country.

I recommend: Find CNG fuel stations at MapMuse or the U.S. Department of Energy. Check out compressed natural gas vehicles/hybrid cars from HybridCars.com. Consider purchasing a Honda Civic natural gas vehicle.

Find compressed natural gas equipment

Purchase compressors for your CNG needs. Make a compressed natural gas list of suppliers and price them out while looking at service and quality.

I recommend: Hitachi America's Industrial Systems Division manufactures CNG compressors. Purchase a GNG compressor from Universal Air Products. PDC Machines also sells compressors. Check out the LX SERIESTM Low-Pressure Gas Compressors from Hydro-Pac.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  CNG is considered an alternative fuel source under the Energy Policy Act of 1992.
• •  Like the petroleum industry, CNG prices can fluctuate and spike, so plan your trips to the suppliers carefully.
• •  Using company vehicles that function on CNG sets your business apart from your competitors.