Today, the State Energy Office wrapped up the last of its compressed natural gas roundtables, which provided information to businesses and citizens about how CNG is a clean, cost-effective domestic transportation fuel.  Compressed natural gas (CNG) is $2 less per gallon when compared to diesel fuel at about $4/gallon.

"Businesses across our state are looking for ways to offset high gasoline and diesel prices.  Saving about 50% on fuel costs is driving interest in compressed natural gas as a transportation fuel," said DOA Secretary Mike Huebsch.  "It’s an affordable, clean, domestic vehicle fuel that can positively impact Wisconsin’s economy by lowering fuel costs for our businesses, and increasing business opportunities in the natural gas and biogas supply chain."

In April 2012, Governor Scott Walker announced the free public roundtable sessions as a way to develop clear direction for growth of the CNG industry in the state.  In 2011, Wisconsin consumed 729,000,000 gallons of diesel fuel and 2.5 billion gallons of gasoline.  CNG is a cost-effective solution for medium- to heavy-duty vehicles that operate a significant number of hours a day, such as refuse and recycling trucks, buses, and intercity freight delivery trucks.

More than 180 different companies and organizations participated in the roundtable discussions, including truck fleet operators, utilities, construction and engineering firms, vendors, marketers, and municipal, federal and state officials.  Roundtable events were held in Madison, Appleton, Milwaukee, with the last of the series wrapping up today in Wisconsin Dells.

The State Energy Office will continue the momentum from the discussions by focusing on:

• Improving access to CNG stations and encouraging the growing commitment among fuel vendors to add more CNG stations
• Supporting private and municipal fleet operators in their efforts to modify or replace vehicles and use CNG, particularly in their regular mid-to-heavy trucking operations
• Continuing to host events, webinars, and discussions that will promote awareness and use of CNG

The number of CNG fueling stations in Wisconsin doubled in 2012—from 19 to 32.  The State Energy Office projects the number of stations will nearly double again in 2013.

The Wisconsin Natural Gas Vehicle Fuel Roundtable stakeholder forum was coordinated by the State Energy Office, Wisconsin Clean Cities, and an advisory group made up of businesses from across the state.