Statement of ANGA Chairman James T. Hackett on Final Passage of SB 20, Texas Clean Transportation Triangle Legislation

HOUSTON, May 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Background:  Today the Texas Senate gave its consent to Senate Bill 20.  The bill will help establish a natural gas transportation corridor in the rapidly expanding Texas Triangle, which encompasses Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. The initiative will dramatically reduce emissions in the region and boost the Texas economy. The following is the statement of ANGA Chairman James T. Hackett, also chairman and CEO of Anadarko.

"On behalf of the entire ANGA community, we congratulate Sen. Tommy Williams (R–The Woodlands), Rep. Mark Strama (D-Austin), House Speaker Joe Straus and Lt. Governor David Dewhurst for shepherding this landmark bill through the Texas legislature.  This legislation will foster the development of a Texas Clean Transportation Triangle by increasing the number of natural gas-refueling stations and replacing the heaviest fuel-hungry diesel trucks with natural gas-powered trucks, thus improving Texas' air quality and economy."

"At least 10 percent of the U.S. transportation sector travels through the Triangle each year, and the U.S. Department of Transportation estimates this number will increase significantly over the next 25 years. Broader utilization of natural gas vehicles in this region can significantly improve air quality. It is estimated that emissions benefits from the implementation of this plan over an estimated four-year period is the equivalent of taking more than 175,000 cars off Texas highways.

"Greater use of Texas-produced natural gas also means significant benefits to the Texas economy. The natural gas industry already supports about 1.3 million jobs and generates $177.5 billion to the state economy. The Triangle will save Texas companies more than $30 million in fuel costs alone over a span of about four years, as well as create an additional estimated $135 million in direct investment in the economy and support nearly 1,000 clean-fuel technology jobs.

"At a time when the U.S. imports over 60 percent of our oil, this bill will also help make America more secure. We hope this legislation will serve as a model for other states as they strive to find affordable, domestic and clean energy solutions that boost local economies, create jobs and help move the U.S. toward energy independence."

America's Natural Gas Alliance (ANGA) represents 30 of the nation's leading independent natural gas exploration and production companies. ANGA members are dedicated to increasing the appreciation of the environmental, economic and national security benefits of clean, abundant, American natural gas. Learn more about ANGA at www.anga.us

SOURCE America's Natural Gas Alliance