Jul. 2--CHEYENNE -- Imagine a vehicle that emits 30 percent less emissions and costs a third less at the pump.

The technology is available. Natural gas already heats about 60 million U.S. homes. More than 150,000 natural-gas-powered vehicles already traverse the nation's roadways.

The average fueling station can't accommodate a natural-gas vehicle, but that could change if more consumers demand cleaner alternatives, said Randy Teeuwen, community relations advisor for EnCana Oil and Gas.

The company is one of Wyoming's leading independent producers, with operations in the Jonah Field, as well as Green River and Wind River basins. He added that a boom in natural gas would create an economic boom for the energy-rich state.

"There has to be some way to get us from where we are today to the fuels we'll use in the future," Teeuwen said. "Natural gas is the ideal way to get us there."

He added that fewer emissions also make a natural-gas powered vehicle cheaper to maintain.

EnCana bought five 2009 Honda Civics that run on compressed natural gas to raise new interest. Teeuwen said more than 50 manufacturers produce more than 150 types of natural-gas vehicles. The majority are used in bus and delivery truck fleets. But he thinks that the trend could catch on with the average driver.

Decals on the rear passenger doors and the rear window indicate that the white four-door vehicle runs on compressed natural gas. But otherwise it looks like any other Honda Civic.

"This looks, operates, sounds like a conventional gasoline car," he said.

Teeuwen popped open the gas tank door and pointed to the other noticeable difference: a natural-gas nozzle. Homeowners who heat with natural gas could add a pump station to the garage. But until consumers can find natural-gas pumps elsewhere, the alternative fuel won't attract commuters.

He said the infrastructure also isn't available to promote electric cars. At the same time, interest and demand is growing for cleaner, more efficient vehicles.

EnCana's natural-gas fleet will make the rounds at events such as the Wyoming State Fair and University of Wyoming football games so people can see the technology at work, said Mike Lane from Pure Brand Communications.

By the numbers

150,000 -- Number of natural-gas vehicles on U.S. roads today

1,500 -- Number of natural-gas vehicle fueling stations in the U.S. More than 50 percent are available for public use.

30 to 40 -- Percent less emissions produced by a natural-gas vehicle compared to a gas-powered vehicle

Source: EnCana Oil and Gas

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