Larson Pushing Proposed Natural Gas Parity Act in the United States

Congressman John Larson has teamed up with Oklahoma Republican Markwayne Mullin to propose legislation aimed at encouraging the use of natural gas to fuel cars, trucks, buses, and planes.

The two lawmakers have introduced H.R. 5959, the Natural Gas Parity Act, that they say will level the playing field when it comes to federal subsidies for alternative fuel sources to petrol that have thus far not included natural gas.

“The United States has an abundance of energy resources and this bill will reduce our dependence on foreign imports by spurring the adoption of cleaner, domestic vehicles that run on natural gas. This will reduce pollution, spur investment in alternative fuel sources, and bolster our national security by enhancing energy independence,” Larson said.

Mullin explained that under current laws and regulations alternative fuel sources enjoy federal subsidies that cut down on production costs while clean, natural gas shoulders a greater financial burden.

“The federal government should not be picking winners and losers in the energy industry, but instead should allow consumers and accessibility to drive demand,” said Mullin, who owns a plumbing business and is a former mixed-martial arts fighter.

There are currently more than 175,000 natural gas vehicles in the United States. Since 2009, natural gas production in the U.S. has exceeded Russia’s natural gas production, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Source: Congressmen Mullin and Larson