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Natural gas bill continues to garner bipartisan support

As the United States continues to import record amounts of oil, a bill that encourages the use of natural gas for heavy-duty vehicles has garnered bipartisan support in the U.S. House.

On May 18, 186 U.S. lawmakers signed on to HR1380 – the “New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions Act of 2011,” otherwise known as the NAT GAS Act. The bill is designed to “encourage alternative energy investments” like natural gas to power heavy trucks.

According to the latest numbers released by the Pickens Plan, the U.S. imported more than 344 million barrels of oil in April, the highest amount ever, and more than $42.5 billion was sent overseas. T. Boone Pickens, author of the Pickens Plan, argues this is money that should be staying here and helping the U.S. economy thrive instead of benefitting other countries.

“April’s oil import numbers are the highest we have ever seen and the implications are disturbing,” Pickens said in a statement.

He said the only way to reduce our dependence on foreign oil is by supporting efforts like HR1380, aimed at using domestic sources like natural gas to power heavy trucks.

“Natural gas is cleaner, cheaper, abundant and it’s ours,” Pickens said. “Ultimately, this effort will enhance national security, create American jobs, and improve our economy and environment.”

The natural gas bill has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce committee and the subcommittee on Energy and Power.

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