Ga. debates plan for natural gas filling stations

By Ray Henry

Associated Press

Published: Thursday, Oct. 27 2011 1:50 p.m. MDT

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Motorist Vonda Davis fills up her airport shuttle van at a natural gas pumping station Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011 in College Park, Ga. Atlanta Gas Light could soon launch a $12 million effort to spur the use of natural gas vehicles. The utility is seeking permission to install compressed natural gas refueling equipment at privately owned stations around metro Atlanta and other transportation hubs.

David Goldman, Associated Press

Summary

Georgia officials are debating whether to spend money collected from utility customers to build a network of natural gas filling stations around Atlanta and other major highways.

ATLANTA — Georgia officials are debating whether to spend money collected from utility customers to build a network of natural gas filling stations around Atlanta and other major highways.

Atlanta Gas Light wants to spend roughly $11.5 million from a special fund to pay for half of the cost of installing compressed natural gas pumping gear at privately owned filling stations. The Public Service Commission will vote on the issue Tuesday.

Advocates of the plan say it's necessary to stimulate the market for natural gas vehicles. The fuel is cheaper and burns cleaner than gasoline. Right now, there are just a handful of filling stations open to the public.

Opponents argue the plan will use money collected from industrial customers and other sources to subsidize private businesses.

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