Repper

Combining the Pickens Plan and an Auto Bailout

I agree that CNG couls be a good part of a more diversified energy infrastructure, but there are a coupl problems with this article.
1) Not a cent of the $25 billion already approved has made it to any of the auto makers. They have to jump through hoops to get funds approved for specific (green) projects. Which is as it should be, but it doesn't help them with their current cash crisis.
2) CNG is closer to $2 per gallon [equivalent]. (I own a dual CNG/gas fuel GM vehicle. I bought it used; it used to be a fleet vehicle.) Pehaps it could be a little cheaper if people were filling up at their homes with gas from their utility company, but not much. All the filling locations in my area (very sparse) are already owned by the gas company.
3) The auto companies can not magically develop a filling infrastructure, nor a market for such vehicles. They have the technology and will build the vehicles if consumers start demanding them.