Port Going Green With 14 CNG Vehicles and Program
8 April 1999
Port Going Green With 14 CNG Vehicles and Clean Engines and Fuels Program
LOS ANGELES--April 7, 1999--The Port of Los Angeles is going green with 14 environmentally friendly compressed natural gasoline (CNG) vehicles, purchased by the port as part of a recently adopted resolution by the Los Angeles Harbor Commission to establish a Clean Engines and Fuels Program.The CNG vehicles dramatically lower oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds, two primary components of smog.
The port has received eight CNG Honda Civics and expects delivery of six Ford Super Duty pickup trucks later this month.
"These CNG vehicles are a terrific addition to our clean fuels vehicle fleet, and definitely fortify our commitment to incorporate alternative fuel vehicles and engines into our fleet as the conventionally powered vehicles are retired," said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Larry Keller.
"Now port employees will be able to get around town on business, while making a contribution to the improvement of air quality in the region," Keller added.
Los Angeles City Councilwoman Ruth Galanter (6th district) commented: "It's great to see that the port is setting an example for the business community to demonstrate the viability of these new available and affordable technologies. The benefits of air emissions reductions are priceless."
Galanter continued, "The Port of Los Angeles should also be commended for its Clean Engines and Fuels Program, which is one of the first in the nation to be adopted by a port."
The 1998 Honda Civics were purchased for approximately $15,900. The 1.6 liter, four-cylinder engine vehicles have a 9.6-gallon capacity and are expected to go 29 to 34 miles per gallon. The port has a CNG fuel station on its premises.
The 1999 three-quarter-ton Ford F-250s have V-8 engines and eight-foot-long beds and averaged under $25,000 each. They have a 15-gallon capacity and are anticipated to travel 11 to 15 miles per gallon.
The new CNG vehicles join the port's admirable alternative fuel vehicle fleet that includes two electric vehicles with three public charging stations, and a CNG truck and sedan. In the future, the port also expects to receive three more electric vehicles and a CNG van.
In addition to a commitment to incorporate alternative fuel vehicles into its fleet, the port's newly adopted resolution pledges that the port will share its knowledge and expertise through outreach programs with interested parties regarding the current state of clean fuel technologies and available agency funding sources.
As an example of such outreach efforts, the port will be conducting a workshop and technology demonstration for its customers in conjunction with the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the City of Los Angeles Environmental Affairs Department on May 4.
The workshop is designed to provide information about the Carl Moyer Fund, recently approved by the California Air Resources Board to provide $25 million in funding for a variety of programs relating to clean fuels and engines for vessels, vehicles and equipment. Those interested in more information about the workshop can call the port's Environmental Management Division at 310/732-3675.
As part of its efforts to introduce new technologies to its customers, last summer the port was a funding sponsor for a first-of-its-kind tugboat repower project, which replaced four tugboat engines with ultra-low emission diesel engines.
Sea trials confirmed that the new engines emit 69 percent fewer nitrogen oxides and 94 percent less carbon monoxide than the older models, and result in significant cost savings since they burn 22 percent less fuel.
