Natural gas is a domestically produced and widely available fuel primarily composed of methane. Advantages of natural gas as a transportation fuel include its relative low cost, established distribution network, and emissions benefits compared to reformulated gasoline or diesel. Natural gas accounts for approximately 30% of energy use in the United States.
For use in vehicles, natural gas must be compressed (compressed natural gas, CNG) or liquefied (liquefied natural gas, LNG). Both CNG and LNG are sold in units of gasoline or diesel gallon equivalents (GGEs or DGEs) based on the energy content of a gallon of gasoline or diesel fuel.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
CNG is natural gas compressed to less than 1% of its volume at standard atmospheric pressure to provide adequate driving range when stored onboard a vehicle. Specialized equipment is used to store the highly pressurized gas onboard vehicles and must be installed by a licensed technician. CNG is used in light-, medium-, and heavy-duty applications, and CNG-powered vehicles get roughly the same fuel economy as conventional gasoline vehicles on a gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE) basis.
CNG is widely available at fueling stations throughout Oklahoma.
Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)
LNG is natural gas in its liquid form, produced through a liquefaction process of purifying natural gas and super-cooling it to -260°F. Widespread use of LNG in commercial applications has been limited due to its relatively costly production process as well as expensive cryogenic tanks needed to store the fuel. LNG is typically used in medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and is suitable for applications that require longer ranges, as natural gas in liquid form is denser than gaseous CNG, providing more energy storage by volume.
There are currently no LNG fueling stations in Oklahoma.
Renewable natural gas (RNG) is another form of natural gas emerging for use as a transportation fuel. RNG is chemically identical to conventional natural gas and qualifies as an advanced biofuel under the Renewable Fuel Standard because it is produced from decaying organic materials. Learn more about RNG.
CNG Fueling Stations in Oklahoma
Incentives & Funding for Natural Gas
Significant tax credits, rebates and incentives are available for CNG vehicles and station developments. View Incentives & Funding Details
CNG Fueling Station Development Guides
Tulsa CNG Fueling Station Development Guide
This guide, developed by Tulsa Area Clean Cities, gives a step-by-step overview of the station development process in Tulsa, complete with contact information and online resources.
National CNG Fueling Station Development Guide
This was was developed by the Drive Natural Gas Initiative to give developers a broad overview of development practices and guidelines in the United States.
Natural Gas Links
Alternative Fuels Data Center CNG Overview – Information about the fuel, benefits and considerations, a station map, available vehicles, and tax incentives.
EPA & CARB Certified CNG Conversion Kits – EPA’s listing of all vehicles eligible for CNG conversion.
Natural Gas Vehicles for America – For more information on CNG and propane (LNG).
America’s Natural Gas Alliance – Information on the economic impact of CNG on the American economy.
Benefits of CNG Refuse Trucks for Tulsa – View a presentation made by Tulsa Area Clean Cities to Tulsa’s TARE board on the benefits of CNG refuse trucks.
