This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
"Energy equity" (Forum, April 3) called for equity in state tax incentives for low-emission vehicles. That goal may be laudable, but the letter writer wrongly claimed that electric vehicles are cleaner than natural gas vehicles.
While electric vehicles emit nothing from their tailpipes, their "upstream" emissions can be substantial, depending on the fuel used to generate the electricity. Also, 70 percent of the energy used to produce, generate and transmit electricity is lost before it reaches a customer.
By contrast, only 10 percent of usable natural gas energy is lost in production and delivery. That's why the U.S. Department of Energy is implementing full-fuel-cycle efficiency for evaluating end-use impacts.
The air-quality benefits of natural gas vehicles have consumers around the world choosing them. More than 10 million NVGs are on the road.
Ten of the largest automakers produce NGVs. For eight years running, the Honda Civic GX was named the "greenest" vehicle by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, besting Nissan's electric Leaf and Chevy's hybrid Volt.
Utah lawmakers should be commended for supporting truly green NGVs. When it comes to fueling automobiles, natural gas is the cleanest option.
Carl Galbraith
Director of business development
Questar Gas Co.
Salt Lake City