ANAHEIM, Calif. --- Fleet managers weighing their alternative-fuel options can learn more about natural gas vehicles at a conference titled, "NGVs: The Road Forward or a Dead End?," scheduled for March 26-27 at the Doubletree Hotel Anaheim/Orange County.

The conference is sponsored by the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute (afvi.org).

Natural gas vehicles (NGVs) have been a popular alternative fuel vehicle fleet choice for nearly two decades because of their operating cost advantages and their significant emissions benefits. However, in recent years, the production of light-duty NGVs by traditional OEMs has decreased, leaving some fleet managers to wonder whether to stick with natural gas.

On the heavy-duty front, there have been significant developments in natural gas engine technologies over the past few years in the areas of vehicle performance and emissions. Still, in making decisions for the future, fleet managers have many questions.

Industry leaders, vehicle and engine manufacturers, government policy experts and other presenters will address the following questions:

Do NGVs still make sense?

Are vehicles available for purchase from traditional OEMs?

How can you integrate the new, high-tech conversion systems into your fleet?

What's the real story on NGV emissions?

What incentives are available to help purchase vehicles?

What are the natural gas options for heavy-duty fleets?

Where is retail compressed natural gas fueling infrastructure growing?

When should you consider your own natural gas fueling station?

Does liquefied natural gas (LNG) make sense for your fleet?

What's happening in California that will set a precedent for the rest of the country?

In one afternoon session, Martin Bowman, fleet manager for the city of Riverside, Calif., and Frank Morgan, fleet manager for the city of Long Beach, will discuss their real-world NGV experiences.