Sources of Alternative Energy

In Don Woutat’s article on alternative fuels to gasoline (Part A, Aug. 22), USC Prof. George Olah misrepresents the safety of using compressed natural gas (CNG) as a vehicle fuel. More than 40 years of on-the-road experience, scientific study and extensive testing have shown that CNG is at least as safe, and probably safer, than other alternative vehicle fuels.

While it is true that CNG is carried in high-pressure tanks, no tank failure due to collision damage has ever been recorded. In fact, CNG tanks have survived a withering series of tests designed to simulate the worst accidents. Moreover, the tanks are approved for use by the U.S. Department of Transportation, pass fire codes and are retested regularly.

Natural gas itself is inherently safer than most other vehicle fuels. If a CNG tank did leak, the natural gas would escape to the atmosphere. By contrast, liquid fuels, such as gasoline, methanol and propane, pool on the ground following a leak and pose a fire threat.

GEORGE E. STRANG

Vice President

Engineering and Operations Support

Southern California Gas Co.