Congressman Henry Cuellar joined legendary energy expert T. Boone Pickens yesterday to discuss and promote major natural gas legislation aimed at transforming the country’s use of natural gas. The Congressman met with Pickens on the steps of the U.S. Capitol to promote the New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions Act, a bill which would rapidly expand natural gas production in Texas and nationwide.

“Together we discussed South Texas’s role in the Natural Gas Act, and I explained to Pickens how our region of the state is the third-leading producer of natural gas,” said Congressman Cuellar. “What a great opportunity to meet a former oil tycoon who now believes in the future of natural gas. It’s cleaner than coal, we have plenty in South Texas and natural gas will help get us off foreign oil.”

The New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions Act, or NAT GAS Act, would quickly reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign energy by ramping up the nation’s use of natural gas powered vehicles. It requires the federal government to set a national standard by purchasing more alternative fuel vehicles for its federal fleet.

Two weeks ago, Congressman Cuellar secured a major natural gas amendment in the American Clean Energy & Security Act, which indefinitely requires that 75% of all new vehicles purchased for the federal fleet are alternative fuel vehicles, powered by alternative fuels such as natural gas. Pickens applauded the Congressman for his initiative on natural gas.

“As a supporter of the NAT GAS Act, Congressman Cuellar is a true energy independence crusader, proving his commitment to enabling his constituents in South Texas to choose a legitimately American fuel at the pump,” said Pickens. “Natural gas is the only available domestic resource that can replace foreign oil as a transportation fuel. It’s cleaner, it’s cheaper, it’s abundant, and it’s ours.”

Congressman Cuellar sponsored the NAT GAS Act for its multi-pronged approach towards ramping up natural gas production. The bill extends federal tax credits to manufacturers and purchasers of natural gas powered vehicles for the next 18 years. Without an extension the existing tax credits will expire in 2010. Under the bill, bio-fuel vehicles are eligible for tax credits worth 50% of the vehicle’s cost and natural gas vehicles are eligible for tax credits worth 80% of the vehicle’s cost.

“Tax credits like these encourage consumers to purchase alternative fuel vehicles and will encourage manufacturers to make more of them in the future,” said Congressman Cuellar. “By fueling our cars with natural gas, our producers produce more and our region gets the return.”


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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight & Reform Committees in the 111th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.