Image

Texas buys into natural gas

July 19, 2011
Texas Gov. Rick Perry joined Peterbilt Motors Co. executives at Peterbilt’s Denton, TX, plant for a bill-signing ceremony where Perry put his signature to a bill that will expand the natural gas infrastructure in the state of Texas. Senate Bill 20 ...

Texas Gov. Rick Perry joined Peterbilt Motors Co. executives at Peterbilt’s Denton, TX, plant for a bill-signing ceremony where Perry put his signature to a bill that will expand the natural gas infrastructure in the state of Texas.

Senate Bill 20 establishes a natural gas transportation corridor in the rapidly expanding Texas Triangle, which encompasses Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. The bill will increase the number of natural gas refueling station to support the use of natural gas powered trucks.

“As the leading manufacturer of natural gas vehicles, Peterbilt is honored to have been asked by Gov. Perry’s office to host the bill signing ceremony at our Denton manufacturing facility and are committed to supporting the natural gas development efforts,” said Bill Jackson, Peterbilt general manager and Paccar vice president. “Peterbilt’s family of alternative fuel trucks forms the industry’s most comprehensive, high performing, fuel efficient, and environmentally responsible lineup, and these initiatives will promote the use of alternative fuel technologies and create a stronger sense of environmental stewardship through Texas and North America.”

Combined with the news last week that Clean Energy Corp., through an investment from Chesapeake Energy Corp. amounting to convertible debt in the amount of $150 million over the next three years, will build LNG fueling stations across the country, this latest news is good for anyone interested in operating a natural gas truck. In fact, for natural gas to become a real player in the transportation industry, we need a few more of these kinds of investments.

Joining Perry at the ceremony was Sen. Jane Nelson, Commissioner Bryan Shaw and representatives James Keffer and Tan Parker.

“The 82nd Legislature passed several bills that will help Texas continue to lead the nation in energy production and expand our use of alternative sources of power in an area in which we’re already a national leader,” said Perry. “Senate Bill 20 will create a new ‘clean transportation triangle’ helping add the infrastructure necessary to allow natural gas-fueled trucks, such as the ones produced here, to expand their range across our state. This [Peterbilt] factory stands as yet another example of what’s possible when innovative minds are given the freedom to explore, to try new approaches and meet challenges in unique and exciting ways.”

Perry also signed Senate Bill 527, which will provides funds through the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan for 20 new air monitors in the 16-county Barnett Shale region, which includes Denton, and House Bill 3328, which requires hydraulic fracturing operators to disclose the chemical constituents of fluids used in the fracturing process on a well-by-well basis.

Peterbilt offers several compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas vehicles. Models 384, 365 and 320 can all be spec’d with CNG or LNG offering 320 hp. and 1,000 lbs.-ft. of torque with a Cummins Westport ISL-G engine.

Peterbilt also offers the 386 LNG and 367 LNG powered by the Westport GX engine and offering up to 475 hp. and 1,750 lbs.-ft. The 15L Westport GX engine uses high pressure direct injection, proprietary fuel injectors, (HPDI) fuel system, specialized cryogenic fuel tanks, and associated electronic components to facilitate robust performance and reliable operation.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

The Road Ahead: 2025 Trucking and Fleet Insights

Discover how fleet operators are impacted by challenges like driver onboarding delays and complex compliance, and the critical need for technology to boost efficiency and cut ...

Driving Growth: How to Manage More Freight

Ready to grow your trucking business? Whether you have 25 or 200 trucks, this guide offers practical tips and success stories to help you expand with confidence. Discover how ...

How to Maximize Fleet Management with Vehicle Bypass

Join us on February 18th to learn how truck weigh station bypass systems boost fleet performance and driver satisfaction.

Optimizing your fleet safety program using AI

Learn how AI supports fleet safety programs with tools for compliance monitoring, driver coaching and incident analysis to reduce risks and improve efficiency.