For Immediate Release
March 3, 2020
Compressed Natural Gas Makes a Significant Impact
in Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in 2019
Southwest Gas and the Republic Services working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the Valley
Phoenix– Phoenix area commercial fleets fueled by compressed natural gas helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions by displacing over 23 million gallons of diesel in 2019. That’s equivalent to taking more than 14,500 cars off the road, according to calculators provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
This impressive data, coupled with The City of Phoenix’s recently announced commitment to work with the EPA and the American Trucking Association to advance the national Cleaner Trucks Initiative (CTI), will continue to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted throughout the Valley. The CTI aims to establish stricter emissions standards to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) and other pollutants from heavy-duty truck engines. Last year, Phoenix received a $1 million grant from the EPA to replace ten diesel trucks with ultra-low emission NOx compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks.
“Clean air is essential to the well-being of Phoenix’s residents and visitors and paramount to our continued success. As the fifth-largest and fastest-growing city in the nation, we must set a strong example in reducing emissions. Currently, the number one producer of emissions in the Valley is vehicles,” said Phoenix Mayor Gallego. “We are proud to do our part in reducing our city’s fleet emissions and will continue to look for innovative ways to lower our carbon footprint.”
Transportation has emerged as the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in the United States, according to EPA data. To reduce carbon emissions from the largest contributor, manage costs and reduce engine noise, a record number of companies are turning to CNG for their large commercial fleets.
CNG, which is a compressed form of the same natural gas used to heat homes, boil water and cook food, is domestically sourced, abundant, and emits up to 21 percent fewer emissions1 than comparable gasoline and diesel vehicles.
Additionally, CNG is becoming a fuel of choice for transportation due to its low cost. As of October 31, 2019, CNG prices2 ($2.20/GGE), were lower than gasoline ($2.68/gallon) and diesel ($3.08/gallon), on average nationwide. The stability of the prices enables fleet managers to accurately predict costs and maintain budgets effectively. Their commitments also reduce noise pollution, as CNG is 10 decibels quieter3 on average than diesel engines, says Freightliner, manufacturer of commercial fleet vehicles.
Southwest Gas has committed to reducing our own GHG emissions 20 percent by 2025 from fleet and facilities. Along with optimizing our facilities for sustainability, this goal will be accomplished largely by increasing the use of CNG amongst our fleet, which includes purchasing more CNG fleet vehicles, as well as adding CNG fueling stations at Southwest Gas facilities.
Southwest Gas Corporation provides safe and reliable natural gas service to over two million customers in Arizona, California and Nevada.
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For media information, contact:
Sean Corbett- 702-876-7219