CNG Conversion Kits and Their Vehicles

Comment

Comment by younkin on February 14, 2009 at 5:22pm

Thousands of Safe CNG Vehicles

In 2008, more CNG vehicles were sold or converted in the state of Utah than in the rest of the nation. This influx of CNG Vehicles onto Utah’s highways increased the need to ensure that CNG vehicles are safe and running clean.

Anticipating the need for trained CNG Technicians, approximately 120 CNG Technicians in the state of Utah were Trained and Certified as CNG System Inspectors and installers in 2008. There are now more Certified CNG Inspectors and installers in the State of Utah than any other State. These technicians have the repair facilities, experience and training necessary to carry out the CNG Inspections for both Safety and Emissions.

In an attempt to address public concern over the safety of CNG vehicles, in January of 2009 the Utah Highway Patrol ruled that if a CNG system was not “EPA approved” it was “unsafe” and not qualified for licensing, while a CNG system with a sticker of EPA approval was “safe”. This misguided ruling threw the fledgling but promising CNG industry in the state of Utah into death throws. It suddenly put thousands of conscientious citizens outside the law if they wanted to continue driving their clean running, safely converted CNG vehicles.

The proposed UHP 2009 inspections did not take into account the fact that all CNG systems, whether EPA approved or not, need to be verified safe and clean running by people trained and qualified to make that evaluation.

Who are CCATS and where did they come from?

CCATS (Certified CNG Automotive Technicians for Safety) was officially organized on January 13, 2009. It was formed in response to the UHP ruling that non EPA Certified CNG Installs were automatically unsafe and illegal to drive in Utah. CCATS members contend that ALL CNG INSTALLS whether EPA or not need to be tested for Safety and Emissions. If an install is safe and clean it should be legal.

CCATS currently has 8 members on its Governing Board and is open to any number of supporting members, contributing members and specialists.

Our Governing Board has in excess of 250 combined years of automotive experience. There are members on the Governing Board who have been doing safety and emission testing for the state of Utah since the inception of these programs. All voting members are certified or qualified in testing and repair of CNG systems, ASE certified A1, A6, A8, F1 and are certified CSA Inspectors for High Pressure Cylinder systems.

Our goal here at CCATS is to put thousands of safe, clean running CNG vehicles on the road and have Utah take the lead in demonstrating a viable, efficient system of certifying these vehicles on a regular basis. CCATS feels that education is the key to accomplishing this goal; educating the UHP, working with and educating various state agencies as well as educating the general public are all vital to our overall goal. CCATS will provide this education through our website, informational seminars, technical training, brochures and videos. (For more information about CCATS email: safecng@gmail.com or contact any board member)


Certified Automotive Technicians for Safety (CCATS) Proposes:

1- Providing CNG informational materials to share with the general public.

2- Creating Safety and Emission inspection procedures for CNG vehicles.

3- Providing CCATS training programs for UHP Inspectors, CNG Mechanics and CNG repair shops.

The implementation of these programs will:

1- Encourage more people to safely convert to CNG.

2- Contribute to safer highways and better air quality.


We all want clean air and safe vehicles. This proposal provides a way to encourage more CNG vehicles on the road, not less. Implementing this program can set an example to the United States and the rest of the world. Our CNG training, testing, certification and informational materials can be shared with others to promote clean, economical, safe fuel alternatives, and help reduce our dependence on foreign oil.



Sincerely,

Jim Younkin
Secretary CCATS
younkin@gmail.com
801-427-2284

For more information email safeCNG@gmail.com

Comment by Jeff Greene on February 10, 2009 at 8:37am

CNG Supporters really need to visit http://wot.motortrend.com/6438682/green/mercedes-benz-considers-natural-gas-powered-car-for-us-wants-your-input/page2.html#comments and post a comment supporting Mercedes-Benz request for input on whether or not to build a CNG Mercedes. I would recommend requesting a bi-fuel version to eliminate infrastructure objections.

You do have to register to post your comment. I spoke directly with Consumer Relations at Mercedes-Benz today and they are using the comments to further their study. After 6 days there are only 22 comments and not all of them support CNG.

Please spread the word. We need to see thousands of comments, not dozens.

Comment by Dave Clement on February 3, 2009 at 11:12am

Please join us for a kickoff luncheon for Pima Association of Governments' Sustainability and Energy Expo. Richard Kolodziej, president of NGVAmerica (Natural Gas Vehicles), will present "America's Fuel: Natural Gas, The Right Choice Right Now" at noon, March 6, at the Manning House.
NGVAmerica is a national organization dedicated to the development of a growing, sustainable and profitable market for vehicles powered by natural gas and biomethane. NGVAmerica represents more than 100 engine, vehicle and equipment manufacturers; fleet operators and service providers, natural gas companies, and environmental groups and government organizations interested in the promotion and use of natural gas and biomethane as transportation fuels.
Prior to joining the NGVAmerica in 1996, Mr. Kolodziej was group vice president of the American Gas Association where he held a number of senior positions including vice president of planning, vice president of communications, and senior vice president of marketing and communications.
Mr. Kolodziej serves on committees of a number of energy and alternative fuel vehicle organizations. He is the president of the International Association of Natural Gas Vehicles, president of the American Biogas Alliance and a member of the Alternative Fuels Committee of the Transportation Research Board. He also serves on the Board of Governors of the National Energy Foundation, and the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
RSVP by Feb. 20. (Cost is $40 per person and $400 per table). Please print out invitation and mail back the bottom portion with your payment or credit card information or call 729-1093, ext. 423, to reserve your seat today!
Ensuring a reliable energy supply for American has never been a more timely topic. Hope you can join us to hear what a leader at the front lines of the energy transformation has to say!
Sheila Storm
Communications Director
177 N. Church Ave., Suite 405
Tucson, AZ 85701
Phone: (520) 792-1093
PAG's Sustainability and Energy EXP09 Coming Soon! More than 5,000 people are expected to visit the EXPO at the TCC on March 6 and 7. Join us for a film festival, expert panel discussions on green building, living sustainably and more, and see our display of alternatively fueled vehicles. Raffle prizes include a scooter! For details, visit www.TucsonAltEnergyExpo.com or www.PAGnet.org.

Comment by david@PickensPlan on February 2, 2009 at 8:06am

Pickens Plan Action Alert!

As we all know the American Renewal and Reinvestment Act - also known as the stimulus package - has passed the U.S House of Representatives and is now in the Senate. This bill has a lot of the items we have been pushing for in the Pickens Plan on the wind side of the plan.

I just emailed my senators here in MI and it took less than 10 seconds. If you haven't already, please email your senator and tell them we need their support on the Pickens Plan!

Comment by Dave on January 26, 2009 at 10:54am

The EPA as well as DOT in the past has conducted them selves like some privet ,Black Opps,Lobbiest paid off branch of a Rich Mans government .The EPA Licensing use of everything from DDT to R12 .The loss of The use of DDT has killed more people, due to world wide starvation, than the use of it to kill bugs,has ever harmed . Also the damage from the use of DDT was determined by sloppy science of days gone by .More over the science has gotten even less reliable since older more experanced people have retired or been forced out of the system.Then being replace by 90 day wonders just out of school most having just a peace of paper proving their abilities . As well as no one now days wants to start at the bottom and work their way up in this system ,thus bad science .Now days to kill bugs you almost have to just hit them on the head with a rock . The same thing was done with R12 as well as the more common R22 .The EPA marched in and created Licensing of buyers or users mostly to save the O Zone (still sloppy science). Now with Billions of tons in use world wide all the EPA did was drive the price of R22 and system service through the roof ,at one time R12 was 99 cents a 1# can and now its $50 for the same amount .If It was indeed so hazzardous to the O Zone as well as a high risk to the installer ,It should have been Banned out right not EPA licenced . This is government out of control . Like some Jack Booted Thugs Government marches in and regulates everything and We will pay dearly for government protecting us from ourselves .Worst of all, If some Big Shot Money Man wants to keep some new idea off the market all the government regulations will be stacked in Big Moneys interest if the Bribes hit the right pocket . As long as this country has the system of bribe and get for the rich . CNG kits will cost so much they will be out of reach to most of the Driving public ,since the cost will be out of sight then mass production and cheap istalls will not happen .That is as lone as people keep the same old Two party Government . Since The People just got suckered again the only way to get your hands on a fair priced NG system is do your home work and build it your self .Of course you are giong to be braking the DOT laws ,but just leaving the house you are most likely braking some sort of law anyhow . With in the next year or two looking for something to eat will be the main issue not what to put in your car and I hope you can remember WHO did it to you THE RICH and GREEDY .Change this mess forever then ! Happy Talk will not do it ! And lies for sure will not ,that is all we get just lies .

Comment by Dave Clement on January 19, 2009 at 3:13pm

Tomorrow a new President will be sworn in, it will be an historic day for this country. The Pickens Plan is making history too.
I suggest strongly, that you join your local congressional district group. This gives us numbers in each specific congressional district to use when we talk to our leaders from that district and push natural gas friendly legislation nationally.
Please join your district group.
Please communicate with our leaders
get letters to the editor into our local papers
And talk to more people about joining!
Everything you need is on the pickens plan website and
most of it you can do right from your key board now!
Thanks for helping us push the plan!
Dave Clement
District Leader AZ06
Owner CNG Services of Arizona
Mesa AZ
www.cngaz.com

Comment by Chris Schneider on January 5, 2009 at 8:00pm

I will be a guest on Larry Meiller's show on Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) on January 21 from 11-11:45 am. Please go to wpr.org on your computer and click on the Ideas Network to listen and call no charge at (800) 642-1234 to ask about Pickens Plan.

Also, please email me at chris-hybridguru@centurytel.net so that I may reply with an electronic poster for the Wisconsin and Iowa events that can be printed as well.
Happy New Year! Chris

Comment by Brian Oram on January 5, 2009 at 11:31am

Looking for someone in Northeastern PA with this experience. Please contact us

Comment by Dave on December 20, 2008 at 5:49pm

Mr. Baragona & Barnard,
Thanks for your comments. You help to give a face to this (for lack of better words) cause. One day HEV technology may drive us all, and our economy. However, that's not right now. If you want to make an impact on those who would see us always stay under their middle eastern oil thumb, help us all to stop using foreign oil today. Personally write your legislators and tell them to support natural gas as a transportation full now! In our nation's fleet vehicles, and as many of our current vehicles (via conversion kits) as possible!

Comment by Dave baragona on December 20, 2008 at 4:59pm

Mr. Barnard,

I have been very excited about HEV technology. It is in my opinion, the bridge that we need to EV and other technologies that will finally achieve our goal of foreign oil independence.

We own a Hybrid vehicle and hope to drive a vehicle in the near future that uses absolutely no foreign oil.

I applaud the efforts of you others like you as they develope this technology.

I have been following the development of HEV's and EV's since the 1970's oil crisis.

I have been very frustrated at the slow pace at which HEV's and other technolgies have been developed and manufactured, "especially" by American companies.

Hopefully with a new administration in Washington, we'll see the pace of development accelerate.

AS FAR AS FOREIGN OIL DEPENDENCE....

In answer to your question..."Do people really get it?"

It seems that only those few who have lost a friend or family member protecting our foreign oil interests really understand the true cost of our foreign oil dependence.

Al Qaeda is not the enemy. Oil is....

We went to Iraq for one reason. To protect the flow of oil from the Middle East. As long as Saddam was in power he was a threat to disrupt the flow of oil. That was unacceptable to the Bush administration.

Even after 5 years of war in Iraq, Americans still did not "get it".

Americans only became truly concerned when gas went to $4.00 a gallon and the problem hit their own pocket book.

I actally wanted gas prices to stay high, so that Americans would remain motivated to stop using foreign oil. Now that gas is $1.50 again, I fear we will fall right back into the same trap.

I hope America proves me wrong....

Maybe together we can win this fight and finally end our foreign oil independence.

Keep up the good work!!!

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