The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and National Grid have opened a compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station in Albany, NY, that will serve both the general public and National Grid’s fleet.
Supported by more than $2.5 million from the U.S. Department of Energy’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Clean Cities funding, National Grid is expanding its clean vehicle capacity with the purchase of 33 compressed natural gas vehicles (CNG) and the opening of two new CNG fueling stations in Albany and Syracuse.
These investments will help reduce tailpipe emissions from National Grid’s corporate vehicle fleet and offer motorists in the public access to fueling stations. National Grid’s natural gas fueling station is one of twelve projects in New York State’s Capital Region receiving federal ARRA support.
“Safeguarding our global environment for future generations is a key component of National Grid’s vision and expanding our use of compressed natural gas vehicles and making them more accessible to the public is one way we turn that vision into reality,” said Susan Crossett, National Grid vp of economic development & community investment. “This collaboration among NYSERDA, Clean Cities funding, and National Grid is a model of a public-private partnership working for New York State and the environment.”
“Across New York State, federal stimulus funds are helping to build a transportation system that emits fewer harmful emissions and is less dependent on imported petroleum, Francis J. Murray, president & CEO of NYSERDA said. “I commend the leaders of National Grid for their commitment to advancing clean fuels and vehicles, and thank Congressman Tonko and our [New York State] congressional delegation for their work to secure these stimulus funds that will help improve both our economy and our environment.”
U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) was on hand for the station’s recent opening ceremonies. “Congratulations to NYSERDA and National Grid for collaborating on a project which will help broaden our energy portfolio, provide economic benefits, and improve our environment,” he said at the event. “Because of The Recovery Act, we are moving forward with infrastructure improvements that are laying the groundwork for a clean energy future that will reduce our reliance on imported fuels.”
This is the eighth CNG fueling station in New York’s Capital Region. Others open to the public include one in Albany on McCarty Avenue and one in Rotterdam on Chrisler Avenue.
