Mr. Wayne Snead answers our questions about CNG and tells us about his soon to be proudest moment as the CNG specialist at Texas Gas Service.

To learn more about the specific CNG programs that TGS offers, visit their website.

How long have you been in the Natural Gas Business?
11 years

How would you describe your current position?
The official position title is CNG Specialist – Business Development. What I do is help with and act as a liaison between station builders, fleet companies interested in using CNG as a transportation fuel, and our company to supply the natural gas service to a site. I also help in selecting a site for installation, and then coordinate the internal process with TGS to help that happen. Additionally, there are many “unofficial” roles to network with industry representatives to move the CNG usage forward towards becoming mainstream.

What is the question that you get asked the most about natural gas vehicles by prospective converters?
Does it improve your gas mileage? I drive a dedicated Honda Civic so I get it firsthand, but most people not familiar with it do not understand what happens. A vehicle does what a vehicle does. In other words, each vehicle has a fuel efficiency based on how that particular vehicle is made. All that is changing is the fuel that the specific vehicle operates on. CNG is measured in GGE”S (gasoline gallon equivalent). The power produced by one gallon of gasoline would be equated to the equivalent number of Btu’s of CNG to do the same job. What it does accomplish, in normal times, is a much lower price per gallon/gge, much cleaner operation and cost avoidance on maintenance such as oil changes. You can go at least double your normal time between oil changes because it is so clean. It provides long term stability of fuel prices because the abundant supply in Texas and the USA, so it will avoid the huge fluctuations in price.

What are some of the biggest barriers you see in getting fleets or individuals to convert to natural gas?
Infrastructure for fueling options. There are nearly 900 public stations nationwide at this time. Some 90-100 in Texas scattered all over the state. Two of those public stations in Austin, with a third scheduled to open in November 2015. It is no longer a case of will this happen, it is now when will this happen. As the available fueling infrastructure continues to develop, the growth and conversion to CNG should gain acceptance rapidly.

What has been your proudest moment in your current position?
The proudest moment is about to happen and has been a long time coming. That is the opening of the first new CNG station in Austin in several years. It is the first one in North Austin, and the first with a normal fueling experience of having a convenience store connected with food, drink and restrooms. Most stations at this time in Texas are standalone stations with no amenities. A close second is the assistance in getting Meals on Wheels and More started in CNG with their first van and introducing the best option for MOWAM to a company that did the installation of their new onsite fueling.

What is the one key point you want to get across to our stakeholders?
Due to my own need for integrity in what I do, I made the decision to buy my own CNG vehicle, which is a Honda Civic. When promoting this business, it became harder to be believable when I was not “walking the talk.” I would recommend to the stakeholders, if you believe in something special, then try to lead through example. When your commitment is demonstrated in your own life, you have credibility.

What has your work been like with LSCFA/Clean Cities?
The Clean Cities network and affiliation with the Department of Energy has a very wide scope of available resources and credible materials and support in all areas of changing how we fuel the modern America. There is no single, silver bullet solution to the need for change in how we move around the country, at least not yet. It takes all types to achieve the desired results in the near term. LSCFA and Clean Cities brings all of these methods to fuel and move around the country together in a credible way, and the ability to educate those still in need of education on the subject. This organization is a real partner in this battle for change.