CNG, also known as compressed natural gas, is an alternative to gasoline or diesel fuel. While CNG is not the cleanest energy source out there, it is safer than gasoline and diesel and can contribute to reducing harmful emissions. The natural gas used to create CNG is the same gas you use in your home for heating and cooking and has become more popular with commercial vehicles including some City vehicles.
In 2009, the City constructed a time-fill CNG station which allowed for overnight refueling of the City’s fleet of CNG vehicles. In 2019, the City received a grant in the amount of $130,000 from the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC) to upgrade the station and improve operational efficiency. These upgrades included installation of a new compressor unit and increasing electric capacity. The completion of this project provided optimum operation for both the CNG Fueling Station and the EV Charging Station to work together. It also provided critical support for both the Public Works fleet and the Transit Division Senior Bus program. This grant was instrumental in helping the City increase the benefits of CNG to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases.
The City continues to upgrade its energy and fuel sources implementing cleaner and greener energy solutions that align with the City’s electrification and decarbonization goals. In 2020, with grant funds from MSRC once again ($50,000), the City purchased two electric vehicles to be used primarily for all employee commutes and City/community events. As part of this grant, an electric vehicle charger was also installed at City Hall to support these vehicles.
The City has a long way to go in its electrification and decarbonization goals – next up, expanding EV charging infrastructure and electrifying the City fleet!
3/6/24
City Hall Scoop 