Can the same fuel we use to heat our homes and cook our morning eggs be used in our cars? Recent U.S. discoveries of huge natural gas reserves have people talking about the fuel’s potential and what it may mean for our country’s energy future.

Many are even promoting the use of natural gas as a transportation fuel, arguing that its cleaner, cheaper and domestic.

For my graduate thesis research at the University of Texas, I will examine natural gas as a transportation fuel. Over the next year I will research the environmental, economic, safety and energy security aspects of compressed natural gas for use in vehicles. And most importantly, I will put it to the test;

This May I will travel from Austin to Boston in a natural gas vehicle (NGV) to explore the fuel cost savings and environmental benefits of the vehicles, as well as provide personal insight into the possible challenges an NGV driver may face.

Natural gas appears to be an attractive alternative to traditional gasoline; its cleaner, cheaper and domestic but will the lack of refueling stations stop me in my tracks?

Visit this site often for updates on trip planning and daily blogging from the road. Departing May 2010!

To download a flyer on the trip, click here.

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