Is natural gas being mistakenly ignored as a feasible fuel source? A new truck line promises efficiency and a bill proposed yesterday could result in increased tax credits and additional grants.

Freightliner Trucks, a division of Daimler has just introduced its first natural gas-powered truck. While natural gas has already found a home in many a city bus, refueling stations remain few and far between with only 1,100 nationwide.

According to the company, switching to natural gas can save up to $6,000 per vehicle annual in fuel costs. In addition to the M2 112 NG, by the end of the year the company will offer a CNG single axle tractor, 4x2 and 6x2 truck, and several other models.

Cleaner than diesel and gasoline, natural gas vehicles have received extensive financial support from the ever-vigilant T. Boone Pickens.

Similar to a bill introduced in April, the NAT-GAS bill (S.1408), was brought to the floor by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ).

One of the benefits offered by the bill is an increased consumer tax credit for buying natural gas vehicles, from $5,000 to $12,500. Also included is a provision for more refueling stations.

GM has also supported natural gas, and said in a statement yesterday that compressed natural gas could be a solution near term. In the long term, GM spoke of natural gas as important to fuel cell production.

With new 2010 EPA truck emissions mandates phasing in and clean diesel efforts entering into the picture, natural gas could be a very viable solution to freight pollution.

Photo courtesy of Flickr