The House of Representatives from the United States of America overwhelmingly approved a USD 150 million for research, development and testing of vehicles powered by natural gas. The initiative was drafted by Republican Congressman from Oklahoma, John Sullivan.

   The bill, approved by a 393-35 vote, authorizes the Energy Department to undertake a program of natural gas vehicles (NGV) for five years funded with USD 30 million annually starting in the 2010 budget year.

   The research program aims to help the continuous improvement and development of new, cleaner and more efficient light, medium and heavy engines. The project also aims to improve the reliability and efficiency of the CNG refueling stations and promote the use of natural gas engines in hybrid vehicles.

   According to the chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology of the House, Bart Gordon, the fleet of vehicles of the future will include a wide range of fuels and technologies, and because natural gas is cleaner than oil and is available at national level, is likely to play an important role in a more sustainable transport.

   Earlier this month, Senate leaders, along with Texas oil businessman, T. Boone Pickens, unveiled a bill to revive the production of vehicles that run on natural gas. The legislation, called NAT-GAS, was presented by Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senators Orrin Hatch and Robert Menendez. This project provides for an increase in tax credits for purchasing vehicles with natural gas from 5.000 to 12.500 dollars, an increase in subsidies to build more natural gas stations, and generating incentives for the development of heavy and light engines for the gaseous fuel.