Toyota unveils CNG Camry Hybrid concept ahead of L.A. Auto Show
November 18, 2008: MotorAuthority.com
Toyota has revealed its compressed natural gas (CNG) Camry Hybrid concept ahead of the car’s debut at this week’s Los Angeles Auto Show. Rising fuel costs have made CNG a much more attractive option for consumers, and Toyota is hoping to add the cheaper fuel to its "portfolio of alternative fuels".
A company spokesman has stated that Toyota predicts peak oil will be reached by 2010, and that CNG could take its place as a primary fuel source. However, there are currently no plans to put this concept into production.
Most CNG applications provide worse mileage than petrol as well as slower acceleration, but considering the price of petrol these will be of little concern to potential customers. Because of the huge reserves of CNG and the dwindling supply of petrol, CNG's cheap price of around $2.50 per gallon is expected to easily offset any mileage issues that potential motorists may face.
The latest concept car can carry roughly the equivalent of eight gallons of petrol in natural gas and has a range of about 250 miles. Another benefit of burning CNG is cleaner emissions, with lower CO2 levels than both petrol and diesel.
Toyota has tried to sell CNG vehicles previously. In 1999 the company marketed a CNG-powered four-cylinder Camry to fleet customers in California. However, in an era of relatively cheap gasoline, customers were not attracted to a vehicle that required special refueling techniques and a limited refueling infrastructure and the program was discontinued a year later. Currently, there are only about 1,000 CNG refueling stations nationwide, with less than half of these open to the public.
The benefits of CNG are currently being amplified by rapidly changing market conditions and an increase in consumer environmental awareness. At the same time its drawbacks are being mitigated by a growing awareness that advanced technologies will require investment in appropriate infrastructure. The U.S. CNG pipeline system is an approximately 1.8 million mile network and expanding, but a greater amount of infrastructure would be needed to make CNG broadly appealing.
Boost seen for natgas under Obama; setback for oil
November 5, 2008: Reuters
The election of Democratic Sen. Barack Obama to the presidency should be a boon to natural gas producers, but the forecast is turning dark for oil and coal industries already coping with falling prices.
The potential regulation of carbon dioxide emissions and the threat of a "windfall profits" tax on oil majors such as Exxon Mobil, Chevron Corp and ConocoPhillips have been two major themes of the Obama campaign. Both moves could erode the massive profits those companies have posted on the back of high crude oil prices, industry experts said.
High oil prices usually benefit companies such as Exxon, which last week set a U.S. record by posting quarterly operating profit of $13.4 billion, but Obama's proposals have prompted some analysts to warn investors away from the sector.
"We believe that some of the Obama policies, such as a windfall tax on energy and full CO2 auctions, may lead to a negative result for the industry if (he is) elected," analysts at Sanford Bernstein said in a pre-election note to investors.
Obama, who became the president-elect in Tuesday's vote, campaigned on a platform of increasing fuel efficiency in the U.S. auto fleet and reducing crude oil imports that make up about three-quarters of the nation's supply.
The Illinois senator, like his vanquished Republican rival Sen. John McCain, supports a trading system that would set prices for companies to emit carbon dioxide. That policy would hurt Massey Energy, Peabody Energy, Arch Coal and other producers of coal, long one of the cheapest forms of energy in the United States and the source of half the nation's electricity.
That could be an opening for the natural gas industry to boost its 20 percent share in the nation's power generation portfolio and even move into the automobile markets.
As a result, natural gas producers like Chesapeake Energy had viewed an Obama presidency with optimism.
"This administration will be very favorably inclined to try to do something about introducing natural gas into the transportation network in a more aggressive way than what has happened in the past four to eight years," Chesapeake Chief Executive Aubrey McClendon told analysts last week.
While the major oil companies also produce substantial amounts of natural gas, others, such as Devon Energy, Apache Corp and Canada's EnCana Corp, are more focused on the fuel.
Although substantial hurdles stand in the way of boosting the role of natural gas as an automobile fuel, its emissions are half those of crude oil and coal.
Obama has endorsed cleaner coal technology that would remove pollutants such as carbon dioxide and allow them to be stored, but that technology has not been tested on a commercial scale, and widespread deployment remains years away. Congress earlier this year canceled a planned test power station because of soaring costs to build it.
Palin outlines GOP energy agenda in speech at Ohio solar plant
October 29, 2008: Greenwire
Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin called for increased domestic oil and gas production in an energy policy speech today, saying the recent drop in oil prices was no reason to forgo boosting supplies.
"When our economy recovers, and growth once again creates new demand, we could run into the same brick wall of rising oil and gasoline prices -- and now is the time to make sure that doesn't happen," the Alaska governor said. "In Washington, we can view this period of lower oil prices as just one more chance to make excuses -- and on the problem of energy security, we've heard enough excuses. Or we can view it as an opportunity to finally confront the problem."
"Volatile oil prices are just the most immediate consequence when foreign powers control our energy supplies," Palin said. "They are an economic symptom of a strategic problem. And prices will stabilize only when we have reached the great goal of energy security for America. Achieving this objective will require a clean break not just from the energy policies of the current administration, but from 30 years' worth of failed policies in Washington."
Philippines Energy Project Includes CNG-Fueled Engines
October 9, 2008: Manila Standard Today
Republic of the Philippines President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, on October 8, approved the Philippine Energy Efficiency Project, including the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) engines, to replace oil imports with local fuel.
According to the Manila Standard Today, the project will save the government an estimated $120 million per year in energy costs.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita announced President Arroyo’s decision to green-light the project, saying, “The Philippine Energy Efficiency Project seeks to give form and substance to the policy of energy efficiency, including switching to fluorescent from incandescent bulbs …” and also includes the switch to the use of CNG to fuel transportation engines.
While the United States Congress continues to debate a variety of energy proposals, the Philippines move toward the use of local fuel – particularly compressed natural gas – is being hailed locally as part of landmark efforts in the Republic to reduce its dependency on imported energy, to protect the environment and to preserve its energy security.
“It demonstrates the political will of this Congress to set aside politics and work as one in helping solve the problems besetting our nation,” said Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel Macapagal-Arroyo, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy.
Presidential Candidates Call for Energy Independence
September 26, 2008: Presidential Debate
In a presidential debate dominated by the financial crisis and foreign policy issues, both Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama issued calls for America to become independent from foreign energy sources.
Speaking on Friday, September 26 from Oxford, Miss., each of the two candidates made brief, but specific, statements regarding the nation’s energy policy.
Obama:
“We have to have energy independence, so I’ve put forward a plan to make sure that, in ten years’ time, we have freed ourselves from dependence on Middle Eastern oil by increasing production at home, but most importantly by starting to invest in alternative energy—solar, wind, biodiesel—making sure that we’re developing the fuel-efficient cars of the future right here in the United States, in Ohio and Michigan, instead of Japan and South Korea.”
McCain:
“Look, we are sending $700 billion a year overseas to countries that don’t like us very much. Some of that money ends up in the hands of terrorist organizations. We have to have wind, tide, solar, natural gas, flex-fuel cars and all that, but we also have to have offshore drilling and we also have to have nuclear power.”
Wall Street Woes Throw Roadblock to Natural Gas
September 22, 2008: The Wall Street Journal
Just as natural gas was beginning to garner the attention of policy makers on Capitol Hill, particularly as a transportation fuel, America’s growing financial crisis appears to have become a roadblock to congressional action on natural gas.
As reported in The Wall Street Journal (9/22/08), the “big hurdle for natural gas vehicles” is the lack of an infrastructure – such as ample fueling stations – nationwide. Support for that infrastructure appeared to be growing in Congress, with both Republican and Democratic members sponsoring legislation to provide incentives for using natural gas as a transportation fuel and for building the necessary infrastructure. In fact, one such measure was included in energy legislation adopted by the House last week.
In this, the final week of work in the Senate prior to the November elections, similar energy legislation was expected to be the major issue to reach the floor. And it does appear that the Senate may consider some energy-related bills, although adoption of a measure as broad as that recently passed in the House seems unlikely.
As the Journal reported, “The big hurdle for natural gas vehicles is that somebody will need to invest substantial sums in a consumer refueling infrastructure. The gas industry was hoping that somebody would be Uncle Sam. Unfortunately, Congress just found out last week it may have to spend $700 billion salvaging the global financial system. That could put big federal subsidies for natural gas cars – and a lot of other worthy ideas – on the back burner.”
“Gang of 10” Energy Legislation on Hold in Senate
September 20, 2008: The New York Times, August 2008: The Wall Street Journal
As the nation’s financial crisis continues to dominate the political landscape, the so-called “Gang of 10” energy legislation in the U.S. Senate has been put “on hold” until after the November elections.
The legislation, forged by a bi-partisan group of senators, attempted to strike a compromise by including measures liked – and disliked – by leaders in both political parties. It would allow oil and natural gas drilling in some offshore areas that are currently prohibited – a move opposed by many democratic leaders. It would also raise $84 billion for various alternative energy and conservation measures, partly by removing some tax deductions from oil companies – opposed by many Republicans.
The “Gang of 10,” which had doubled in the number of supporting senators, believed the proposal resembled the views of most Americans. A Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll indicated that a majority of Americans harbor strong support for the development of alternative fuels and also believe expanding offshore drilling for oil and natural gas is a step in the right direction.
However, as U.S. senator and co-sponsor of the legislation, Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) announced Friday, Sept. 19, the bill has been put on hold until after the elections. This comes in the wake of House passage last week of a measure to open some areas to offshore drilling. The House bill also included legislation sponsored by Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.) to encourage the use of natural gas as a transportation fuel.
With Congress set to conclude its session at the end of this week, major action on energy legislation appears unlikely at best, ensuring that energy will remain a hot campaign issue.
Heard on the Campaign Trail
“Let me tell you, I know a little bit about energy. That’s gonna be my baby when I get to Washington, D.C.”
– Gov. Sarah Palin, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Sept. 17, 2008
House Adopts Energy Bill to Promote Natural Gas Vehicles
September 16, 2008: The New York Times
Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation that, in addition to easing restrictions on offshore drilling, promotes the use of natural gas as a transportation fuel.
“It represents a critical turning point. Today is the day we begin to open our domestic opportunities,” said Congressman Dan Boren (D-Okla.), who praised the measure for its provisions encouraging the use of natural gas. Boren and Congressman Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.), this past July, had introduced a measure to provide incentives for installing natural gas fueling stations across the country. The provisions of the Boren-Emanuel bill were included in the energy package adopted by the House last night.
Specifically, the bill would extend and expand the existing income tax credit for installing natural gas fueling stations; create energy security bonds for grants and low-interest loans for natural gas fueling stations at retail outlets; and mandate that each retail fueling station owned by a major oil company have at least one natural gas fuel pump by the year 2018.
In addition to its natural gas provisions, the House measure opens federal waters beyond 50 miles from shore along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts to oil and natural gas drilling; rolls back tax incentives for some of the largest oil companies; releases 70 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; and provides tax credits for wind and solar energy industries.
The measure was approved by a 236-189 vote. Republican leaders in the House called the bill a “political gimmick,” accusing Democrats of attempting to take the drilling issue off the table of presidential campaign politics by passing a measure unlikely to be adopted by the Senate and signed into law.
Emanuel, chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, applauded the vote, saying, “This is a classic case where, in the interests of doing good politics, we also did good policy.”
Ban on Offshore Drilling Lifted … Temporarily
September 16, 2008: The New York Times
Rather than risk a showdown with the White House and Republican members of Congress, House Democrats have decided to allow the ban on offshore drilling to expire, at least temporarily.
Earlier this year, President Bush lifted the moratorium by executive order, but that executive order did not affect the congressional ban that had been in effect since the 1980s. In the face of rising energy prices, increased political pressure to lift the ban and the two major presidential candidates indicating support for some offshore oil and natural gas drilling, leadership in the U.S. House decided yesterday to allow the ban to expire and virtually ensure that the issue will be decided by the next president.
“At least temporarily, the moratorium is lifted,” said Rep. David R. Obey (D-Wis.), chairman of the House appropriations committee. “This next election will decide what our drilling policy is going to be.”
Palin, McCain Agree on Energy as Veep Priority
September 15, 2008: The Washington Post
Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, if elected, will focus on the energy issue as one of her top priorities, according to veteran Washington Post political reporter Juliet Eilperin.
At a campaign stop in Golden, Colo., Palin revealed that she and Sen. John McCain had agreed on three areas where she would focus, if elected – energy, government reform and supporting families with special needs.
Palin is no stranger to the energy issue, nor to the potential of America’s natural gas reserves. As governor of Alaska, Palin launched the nation’s largest public works project in history, a $40 billion pipeline to deliver Alaska’s natural gas to the rest of the country.
The revelation that Palin, as vice president, would focus on energy issues comes as both the U.S. House and Senate begin heated debates this week on a number of energy-related measures, including legislation to expand domestic drilling for oil and natural gas.
MCCAIN, OBAMA IN DEAD HEAT … ENERGY POLLED AS CRITICAL ISSUE
September 9, 2008
The latest Washington Post-ABC News poll, released today, shows a virtual dead heat between presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama. Among both “registered voters” and “likely voters,” the two candidates appear essentially even.
And the energy issue continues to play a potentially pivotal role in this year’s election. Voters were asked, “Regardless of whom you may support, whom do you trust more to handle energy policy?” 45 percent sided with Obama, a decrease of four percentage points since the conclusion of the two national party conventions. On the same question, 43percent sided with McCain, a gain of 1percent since the conventions.
Obama’s slight decline in polling on the energy question, coupled with McCain’s slight rise, may be indicative of the effect vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin – governor of a large energy production state – may be having on the race. In late August,there were large shifts of support for McCain among white women in response towhom these voters trust on social issues, international affairs, energy, values and consistency in issues’ positions.”
MCCAIN CALLS ON NATURAL GAS IN PLAN TO REDUCE FOREIGN ENERGY DEPENDENCE
September 4, 2008: Republican National Convention
In accepting his party’s nomination for president last night, U.S. Senator John McCain continued his call to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil and pointed to natural gas as part of a comprehensive strategy to accomplish that goal.
During his acceptance speech, McCain said:
“My fellow Americans, when I’m president, we’re going to embark on the most ambitious national project in decades. We’re going to stop sending $700 billion a year to countries that don’t like us very much …
“We’ll attack the problem on every front. We’ll produce more energy at home. We will drill new wells offshore, and we’ll drill them now. We’ll drill them now.
“My friends, we’ll build more nuclear power plants. We’ll develop clean-coal technology. We’ll increase the use of wind, tide, solar and natural gas. We’ll encourage the development and use of flex-fuel, hybrid and electric automobiles.”
McCain’s remarks followed the previous night’s speech by vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, who also called for increased production of American natural gas as an alternative to dependency on foreign energy.
For further information about Senator McCain’s energy plan, visit www.johnmccain.com.
Palin Pumps Natural Gas for "Energy Independence"
September 3, 2008: Republican National Convention
Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin, speaking at the Republican National Convention last night, called for increased production of American natural gas as a critical step toward “energy independence.”
As Governor of the largest energy producing state in the nation, Palin brought her energy position into clear view of her audience:
“I fought to bring about the largest private-sector infrastructure project in North American history. And when that deal was struck, we began a nearly forty billion dollar natural gas pipeline to help lead America to energy independence.
That pipeline, when the last section is laid and its valves are opened, will lead America one step farther away from dependence on dangerous foreign powers that do not have our interests at heart.
The stakes for our nation could not be higher.
When a hurricane strikes in the Gulf of Mexico, this country should not be so dependent on imported oil that we are forced to draw from our Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
And families cannot throw away more and more of their paychecks on gas and heating oil.
With Russia wanting to control a vital pipeline in the Caucasus, and to divide and intimidate our European allies by using energy as a weapon, we cannot leave ourselves at the mercy of foreign suppliers.
To confront the threat that Iran might seek to cut off nearly a fifth of world energy supplies … or that terrorists might strike again at the Abqaiq facility in Saudi Arabia … or that Venezuela might shut off its oil deliveries … we Americans need to produce more of our own oil and gas.
And take it from a gal who knows the North Slope of Alaska: we’ve got lots of both.
Our opponents say, again and again, that drilling will not solve all of America’s energy problems – as if we all didn’t know that already.
But the fact that drilling won’t solve every problem is no excuse to do nothing at all.
Starting in January, in a McCain-Palin administration, we’re going to lay more pipelines … build more nuclear plants … create jobs with clean coal … and move forward on solar, wind, geothermal and other alternative sources.
We need American energy resources, brought to you by American ingenuity, and produced by American workers.”
Palin’s remarks sent a clear signal that energy will be among the most important issues facing voters in November. As one convention delegate noted to an NBC reporter, moments after hearing Palin’s speech, “Energy is THE issue in this election.”
PALIN CITES NATURAL GAS IN FIRST SPEECH AS VEEP CANDIDATE
August 29, 2008: Dayton, Ohio
Sarah Palin, the Alaskan Governor tapped to serve as Senator John McCain’s Vice Presidential running mate, cited natural gas a success story in her state. In accepting the nomination as the first woman vice presidential candidate in GOP history, Palin said the following in her speech from Dayton, Ohio:
“I was then appointed ethics commissioner and chairman of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, and when I found corruption there, I fought it hard and I held the offender to account. Along with fellow reformers in the great state of Alaska, as Governor, I’ve stood up to the old politics as usual, to the special interests, to the lobbyists, the Big Oil companies and the “good old boy” network.
When oil and gas prices went up so dramatically and the state revenues followed with that increase, I sent a large share of that revenue directly back to the people of Alaska – and we are now – we’re now embarking on a $40 billion natural gas pipeline to help lead America to energy independence.”
For additional information about Governor Palin, as well as about Senator McCain’s energy proposal, visit www.johnmccain.com.
Obama Highlights Natural Gas in Acceptance Speech
August 28, 2008: Democratic National Convention
From Denver’s Mile High Stadium this past Thursday night, Senator Barack Obama accepted the Democratic nomination for President and, during his speech, outlined an energy policy that includes increased reliance on America’s natural gas.
“As President, I will tap our natural gas reserves,” Obama said during the speech. “I’ll help our auto companies re-tool, so that the fuel-efficient cars of the future are built right here in America.”
For the full text of Obama’s acceptance speech, and to read his entire energy proposal, please visit www.barackobama.com. This is what Obama said about energy during his acceptance speech from Denver:
"And for the sake of our economy, our security, and the future of our planet, I will set a clear goal as president: In 10 years, we will finally end our dependence on oil from the Middle East. Washington's been talking about our oil addiction for the last 30 years and John McCain has been there for 26 of them.
In that time, he's said no to higher fuel-efficiency standards for cars, no to investments in renewable energy, no to renewable fuels. And today, we import triple the amount of oil than we had on the day that Senator McCain took office.
Now is the time to end this addiction and to understand that drilling is a stop-gap measure, not a long-term solution, not even close.
As president, I will tap our natural gas reserves, invest in clean coal technology, and find ways to safely harness nuclear power. I’ll help our auto companies re-tool, so that the fuel-efficient cars of the future are built right here in America. I’ll make it easier for the American people to afford these new cars.
And I’ll invest $150 billion over the next decade in affordable, renewable sources of energy – wind power, and solar power, and the next generation of biofuels – an investment that will lead to new industries and 5 million new jobs that pay well and can’t be outsourced.”
PELOSI OPEN TO HOUSE VOTE ON ENERGY PACKAGE
August 11, 2008: Larry King Live
U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told CNN’s Larry King that she would consider scheduling a congressional vote to allow offshore drilling, if it were part of a larger energy package.
Appearing on “Larry King Live” on Monday, August 11, Pelosi expressed concern over the high cost of fuel and its effect on Americans across the country. “The American people are suffering,” she said. “We have to do what is best for them.”
The Speaker told King that lower prices at the pump could be accomplished, not just by lifting the moratorium on offshore drilling, but through a comprehensive approach. Pelosi indicated her support for a package that included releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, encouraging energy companies to drill in currently permitted areas within the lower 48 states, curbing oil speculators and investing in renewable energy resources.
“And then use natural gas,” Pelosi said. “Natural gas is so plentiful. It’s better for the environment, and it is cheaper.”
Pelosi told King that she welcomed debate on the energy issue and was hopeful that congressional action on an energy package could be accomplished before December. Two weeks later, Pelosi appeared on Meet The Press and had this to say about natural gas and our nations's energy challenge.
“You could have a transition with natural gas that is cheap, abundant and clean compared to fossil fuels.”
“I believe in natural gas as a clean, cheap alternative to fossil fuels. The fact is the supply of natural gas is so big, and you do need a transition if you’re going to go from fossil fuels.”
“This is the challenge of our generation. It’s a national security issue, it’s an economic issue, it’s an environmental health issue, and it is a moral issue to protect this environment.”
–House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
August 24, 2008 on Meet The Press
"Gang of 10" Pushing Energy
The energy issue - including proposals on allowing more drilling for oil and natural gas as well as to encourage the use of natural gas for transportation - is poised to potentially dominate this year’s presidential election.
A plan put forward by the “Gang of 10” Democratic and Republican U.S. Senators may come up for debate in the Senate as soon as next month. As that proposal gains momentum – and six more Senators signed off on it this week – and as the debate heats up, both presidential candidates will be forced to take a position on the measure.
The plan attempts to strike a compromise by including measure liked, and disliked, by leaders in both political parties. It would allow oil and natural gas drilling in some offshore areas that are currently prohibited – a move opposed by many Democratic leaders. It would also raise $84 billion for various alternative energy and conservation measures, partly by removing some tax deductions from oil companies – opposed by many Republicans.
The “Gang of 10” believes the proposal resembles the views of most Americans. A recent Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll indicated that a majority of Americans harbor strong support for the development of alternative energy sources and also believe expanding offshore drilling is a step in the right direction.
Natural Gas on the Radar
Earlier this year, Congressman Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) and Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) introduced legislation aimed at increasing the use of natural gas as a transportation fuel. And recent studies demonstrate that enough natural gas exists here in America to fuel our energy needs for more than 100 years. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in a recent appearance on CNN’s “Larry King Live,” expressed her support for natural gas as a cleaner, cheaper alternative fuel.
Between now and the November elections, American energy will be one of the most important issues of the election. And American natural gas, as a transportation fuel, is becoming a major part of that debate.