Tag Archives: Natural Gas
Posted in Alternative Energy | Current Events | Innovative Solutions | Marcellus Shale | Natural Gas
Pennsylvania sits atop an abundant supply of natural gas that, according to a study from Penn State University, could be producing more than 17 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day by 2020. The safe and responsible development of this abundant resource can power our transportation sector for generations to come with a cleaner, more affordable source of fuel.
Last week, I participated in an event at Penn State Lehigh Valley titled, “Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs): The Road Ahead in Pennsylvania” that discussed policies to encourage infrastructure development for greater use of natural gas for transportation. This Penn State Extension-sponsored forum showcased how natural gas vehicles can benefit Pennsylvanians. Various experts on NGVs and natural gas vehicle fueling stations discussed the technical and economic aspects of NGVs and supporting infrastructure.
For fleets who consume large quantities of fuel, NGVs are a smart economic alternative. With gas prices remaining unpredictable, the greater use of vehicles powered by natural gas would provide substantial savings for fleets. One recent report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration found natural gas currently costs 42 percent less on average than traditional gasoline, and is expected to cost 50 percent less than traditional fuels by 2035.
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Posted in Alternative Energy | Blogging | Communities | Current Events | Economic Development | Energy Conservation | Initiatives | Innovative Solutions | Marcellus Shale | Natural Gas
Larson Design Group (LDG) is currently designing a compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station in conjunction with the City of Williamsport. The station will be located at the River Valley Transit (RVT) garage on West Third Street in Williamsport and will be open to the public.
Why Natural Gas?
The price of CNG fluctuates between a half and a third of the price of gasoline. Maintenance costs for natural gas-powered vehicles (NGVs) are equal to or less than those of gas or diesel. Combined with government grants, significant savings can be an expected result of CNG-powered fleets. In fact, RVT has already received a $3.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation and a $400,000 grant from the Department of Environmental Protection to help fund both the fueling station and the purchase of four CNG buses. RVT expects an annual savings of over $400,000 once the natural gas station is completed.
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Posted in Alternative Energy | Communities | Current Events | Economic Development | Marcellus Shale | Natural Gas
The early part of my career was spent in the field of economic development. For 20 years, I was focused on retaining and creating jobs, and building communities. This work annealed me and fortunately led me to being part of Larson Design Group. I retain a strong understanding of how important job creation is for the health of a region.
Since 2009, I have been involved in a discussion about long-term job creation from Marcellus development. We understand what is happening now. We have an idea as to what part of this activity will continue over the next decade or so. But our discussion has been focused on what will happen that is a result of but separate from Marcellus development. This is looking forward to see economic benefits that are permanent compared to exploration. I haven’t shared these thoughts publicly for fear of setting expectations that are unrealistic or unbelievable. I don’t want to be viewed as a “spin-master” either. That space is full.
On July 3rd, Andy Maykuth of the Philadelphia Inquirer did us a favor. In his article, he gives us a look at the permanence of Marcellus. You might want to read Andy’s work “Intriguing possibility for Pa.’s excess shale gas” Let’s look at three job-creating opportunities that match Andy’s view, and could assure long-term, permanent benefit from Marcellus development:
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Posted in Client Service | Communities | Innovative Solutions | Leadership | Marcellus Shale | Natural Gas
A memorable poster hung in my 11th grade English class room. It was a cartoon illustrating a group of panic stricken hippos piled high in a rowboat. Water was lapping at the top of the boat’s gunwales as additional hippos prepared to jump in from a nearby dock. The poster caption boldly declared, “More is not always better!” Our teacher, Mr. MacDonald, constantly stressed that in writing, fewer words were often more powerful and effective than abundant verbiage.
The same might be said regarding pursuit of abundant opportunities. More is not always better. Over the past several years, it seems like a day hasn’t passed without LDG staffers reporting on new and exciting opportunities for innovative engineering, architecture or surveying services, particularly relating to the Marcellus Shale resource that exists within our geographic market region. You might wonder, “What’s wrong with pursuing abundant opportunities associated with the Marcellus boom?”
The many opportunities themselves aren’t the issue, and LDG is pursuing its share of them. But, an indiscriminate “feeding frenzy” on over-abundant opportunity is a threat. History has given us many examples of how boom and bust cycles have negatively affected the long term sustainability and welfare of companies that develop “mono-vision” on opportunities that suddenly no longer exist. Take the recent housing boom and bust as a great global example.
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Posted in Alternative Energy | Communities | Current Events | Economic Development | Leadership | Marcellus Shale | Politics | Sustainable Design | Water/Wastewater
A couple of major media sources have tried their best to show the worst of the Marcellus. For what my view is worth, it’s been done on purpose. Most notable is the recent work by the New York Times (2/27/11) and an item carried by the Associated Press.
I’m an employee of Larson Design Group, and you would be correct to gauge my objectivity. But when it comes to the work by Ian Urbina of the New York Times, PA DEP Acting Secretary Krancer, and former PA DEP Secretary John Hanger offered up some major corrections. I know a bit about John and trust his rebuttal.
I have affection and respect for the media and I’ve worked with these folks for years, but I question the media’s action when they focus on historical practices, downplay increased compliance, use quotes that are out of context, and can’t get the facts correct or in the proper order. The diplomat in me would say the truth lies somewhere in middle. But in this situation, I think it’s closer to Krancer and Hanger than the New York Times. For a quick summary, see this letter to the Editor of the New York Times. Even Tim Gough’s graphic that accompanies this letter is misleading. Nice.
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