While in Oklahoma City, U.S. mayors urge higher use of natural gas

The move at the U.S. Conference of Mayors drew plaudits from at least two natural gas advocacy groups.

"We applaud the U.S. Conference of Mayors for uniting behind the important concept that natural gas helps clean the air and is an abundant American resource that can shift our reliance to domestically produced energy,” said America's Natural Gas Alliance CEO Regina Hopper. "The mayors' emphasis on natural gas should serve as a model for federal and state policymakers.

"By taking a page from these local leaders' playbooks, we can take advantage of our nation's vast natural gas resources to advance clean power generation and transportation.”

American Clean Skies Foundation CEO Gregory C. Staple said the vote proves the mayors assembled in Oklahoma City for their annual meeting understand how natural gas can spur local economies and "de-carbonize” cities.

"The low-cost opportunities to run municipal fleets on natural gas would result in budget savings and cleaner air, especially compared to diesel,” he said.

The resolution, which was co-sponsored by Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, calls on Congress to pass legislation to boost natural gas use, such as tax credits for buying natural gas vehicles or for using compressed natural gas.

The resolution also seeks expanded research programs so natural gas engines can be used more widely in the transportation sector.