As pump prices approach $4.00, a Bowling Green inventor says he's created a machine that could save you money someday. Albert Calderon says he's made a machine that helps turn coal into cheaper gas. The president of Calderon Energy Co. spent 30 years coming up with the new technology with help from his team.

The patented idea is getting national attention as several big companies examine the invention. Calderon claims it can reduce America's dependence on foreign oil, and lower our fuel prices.

"We can make this the equivalent of 25 dollars per barrel of oil, which will come out about $1.10 gasoline at the pump,".

If companies buy it, the idea could take 20 years to become reality at pumps. The U.S. Department of Energy wants to make sure it won't pollute the atmosphere.

"You would need to know that you can capture the carbon and sequester it safely on a long term basis and know that it would stay there under the ground. That's what's keeping coal from going forward," said Katharine Fredrikson, U.S. Department of Energy.

The inventor claims it's safe for the environment.

"The goal is to have zero emissions."