Letter from Senator Feinstein in to Response to NATGAS Act 2009

Dear Dr. Brown:

Thank you for writing to express your support for the "New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions (NAT GAS) Act of 2009." I share your concern about the United States' dependence on imported oil, and I welcome the opportunity to respond.

I agree that we must take steps to reduce our dependence on oil and increase our energy security. Expanding the use of natural gas as a transportation fuel, putting more natural gas vehicles on the road, and investing in the infrastructure to make natural gas refueling stations accessible for drivers may help us achieve that goal.

On April 1, 2009, Representative Dan Boren (D-OK) introduced the "NAT GAS Act" (H.R. 1835), which would provide grants for light and heavy-duty natural gas vehicle and engine development and extend tax incentives to encourage the purchase of natural gas vehicles and the installation of natural gas refueling pumps. The bill would also create a new tax credit for auto manufacturers that produce natural gas vehicles and require that 50 percent of all new vehicles purchased or placed in service by the federal government be capable of operating on compressed or liquefied natural gas by 2014.

Please know that I appreciate hearing your support for using natural gas as a transportation fuel and will keep your thoughts in mind should the Senate consider legislation to address this issue. I will also continue working to advance measures that will diversify our energy supply and increase our energy independence.

Again, thank you for your letter. If you have further questions or comments, please contact my office in Washington, D.C. at (202) 224-3841. Best regards.

Sincerely yours,

Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator