T. Boone Pickens, founder of the Pickens Plan to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil, published an op-ed essay in the Louisville Courier-Journal in conjunction with his key note address to the NGV Fleet Summit which is the nation’s largest meeting of natural gas vehicle (NGV) fleet owners.

Pickens wrote about there being 11 million NGVs on the world’s roadways but “only about 130,000 in the United States.”

He pointed out that we have natural gas reserves in North America which will last “in excess of 200 years” and,

“Natural gas is the most widely distributed natural resource in America with lines running up every street and down every avenue in just about every city and town. Because of this, fleets – municipal and school buses; taxis; utility and express delivery trucks; and any vehicle which goes home to ‘the barn’ at night can be easily refueled at a natural gas pump in the garage or yard overnight.”

Boone called for passage of the NAT GAS Act (H.R. 1835 and S. 1408) which now has 141 bipartisan co-sponsors:

After the bruising battle over health care, the House and Senate have an important piece of legislation which is supported by Senators and Congressmen of both parties, from every geographic area of the nation.

He summed up the reasons for action on the bill:

The NAT GAS Act is an excellent way to improve our environment, help create jobs, reduce the deficit and stop funding countries which don’t like us. Plus it will prove to the American people that the Congress can still act in a bi-partisan manner for the benefit of all.

To read the entire op-ed in the Louisville Courier-Journal, click HERE.

— The Pickens Team