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Tulsa helps lead the charge to CNG, a potential game changer

Next month, Tulsa will host a conference called NGVOK, which offers three separate tracks for businesses interested in learning more about compressed natural gas and its benefits.

CNG burns much more cleanly in terms of emissions than gasoline or diesel, and the current price on a comparison basis with gasoline is between $1.55 and $3.00 a gallon.

Advocates point out that CNG is available now, and the City of Tulsa has led the way in converting fleet vehicles to the technology.

The city also contracts with NeWSolutions to pick up garbage, and that company operates a fleet of 66 trucks.

In two years, NeWSolutions completely converted its fleet to CNG, and estimates the savings on fuels costs at about 40 percent.

The NGVOK conference will offer a 101 track for newcomers interested in learning the basics about fueling their fleets with CNG, a 201 track for more advanced information, and a third track dedicated to heavy duty vehicles only.

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin will headline a list of guest speakers.

The first NGVOK offered 250 spaces, and sold out; people from 11 states and Canada attended.

This year, organizers have quadrupled the number of spaces and moved to a much larger venue, the Cox Business Center in downtown Tulsa.

CNG advicates believe there is a 300-year supply available in North America, with new pockets being discovered regularly.

As more people adopt the technology, more fueling stations become available; Love's truck stops and convenience stores recently announced they would be offering CNG fueling.

There are smartphone apps and websites that list CNG fueling locations and prices.

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