Natural Gas as Bridge Fuel

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Natural gas is gaining attention and is being promoted as a bridge fuel to a lower-carbon, sustainable energy future with reduced greenhouse gas (carbon) emissions. Natural Gas Supply Association reports that the environmental impact of natural gas is less than other fossil fuels. The Potential Gas Committee reports the United States has a total available future supply of 2,074 Tcf. Much of the recent upward (25%) reassessment comes from active and newly developing shale-gas formations.

Cash for clunkers spurs demand

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The US government CAR Allowance Rebate System (CARS) has proven
very popular with consumers. The government program offers a $3,500 or $4,500 rebate for the trade-in of eligible "clunker" vehicles based primarily upon fuel economy. The incentive is so pupular the first $1 Billion dollars alloted was spent in only one week. Congress is trying to designate another $2 Billion for the program. However, the senate is not likely to agree without debate.

Record prices for gasoline

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Crude-oil inventories, growing demand and refinery capacity are driving the market. Refineries always perform maintenance in the spring which is compounding the problem .