Natural Gas: Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)
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Another cleaner fuel option is to purchase vehicles that run on compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG). CNG is a mixture of hydrocarbons, mainly methane, and is produced from gas wells or in conjunction with crude oil production. It can also be recovered from landfills. LNG is natural gas in its liquid form. When natural gas is cooled to minus 259 degrees Fahrenheit (-161 degrees Celsius), it becomes a clear, colorless, odorless liquid.
Vehicles powered by natural gas perform just like vehicles powered by diesel fuel. The majority of natural gas consumed in the United States comes from sources within North America. Natural gas buses can reduce emissions of particulate matter (PM) by about 70 to 90 percent if they meet Clean Fueled Fleet (EPA) requirements or have catalysts. Natural Gas vehicles require special refueling facilities as well as special maintenance facilities. For more information see
Resources
- DOE Strategic Center for Natural Oil and Gas
- DOE Office of Natural Gas
- Liquefied Natural Gas: The Basics Fact Sheet (DOE)
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