Hey, just wanted to throw some additonal interesting facts regarding methane (actually, natural gas.. same thing essentially)...

According to the EPA, publication EPA420-F-00-033, dated March 2002:

In 1999, the US Department of Energy conducted a study that provided direct, side-by-side cost and emissions comparisons of CNG (Compressed natural gas) and gasoline fueld taxi-cab operations. The report, Alternative Fuels Case Study, Barwood Cab Fleet Study, Summary compared 10 CNG fueled cars from 1996 with 10 gasoline fueled cars of the same make and model to determine operating costs. The study found that the fuel economy of CNG and gasoline cars were identical and that operating costs for CNG cabs were 25 percent lower than gasoline powered. Average fuel costs for the CNG cabs were 32 percent less, and reportedly cost about 15 percent less to maintain than the gasoline vehicles.

A copy of the report can be found at www.nrel.gov/vehiclesandfuels/fleettest/pdfs/barwood.pdf

In addition, the EPA has found that, while emissions will vary from engine design, the potential of using CNG over gasoline produces the following:

- Reductions in carbon monoxide emissions by 90 to 97 percent, and reductions in carbon dioxide emissions by 25 percent.

- Reductions in nitrogen oxide emissions of 35 to 60 percent

- Potential reductions in nonmethane hydrocarbon emissions of 50 to 75 percent.

- Fewer toxic and carcinogenic polutants, and little to no particulate matter produced.

- No evaporative emissions in dedicated engines (such as those associated with gasoline or diesel)

As to affordability, they state that CNG generally costs 15 to 40 percent less than gasoline or diesel.

As to performance, they state the the octane rating is higher than that for gasoline, and a CNG vehicle's power, acceleration and cruise speed can be greater than that of a gasoline powered vehicle. They also run more efficiently, thereby extending the life of the vehicle.

As to safety, they say that although it's a flamable gas, it has a narrow flammability range, making it an inherently safe fuel. Strict safety standards make CNG vehicles as safe as gasoline powered vehicles. In the event of a spill or accidental release, CNG poses no threat to land or water, it is non-toxic.

As to maintenance, oil in a CNG vehicle needs to be changed less due to the clean burning characteristic of CNG, producing less deposits in the oil.

Now.. given all the benefits of CNG, and the fact that it is a renewable resource that will be always be available regardless of consumption rates, why do you think that the governments of the world aren't supporting it's use as much as they are pushing for reducing gasoline consumption and gasoline fuel efficency?

Cheers,
Brad

To be old and wise, you must first be young and stupid.