By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-936324.mp3
Albany, NY – The City of Albany steps forward into the future as National Grid and NYSERDA mark the opening of a new Compressed Natural Gas Fueling Station to serve the public: Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas was on hand and files this report.
National Grid is using more than $2.5 million in the U.S. Department of Energy's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Clean Cities funding, to expand its clean vehicle capacity with the purchase of 33 compressed natural gas vehicles and, more importantly, open two new CNG fueling stations, one in Albany and the other in Syracuse. NYSERDA president and CEO Francis J. Murray says this a big step forward for motorists in having public access to fueling stations: "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. I commend the leaders of National Grid for their commitment to advancing clean fuels and vehicles, and thank Congressman Tonko and our congressional delegation for their work to secure these stimulus funds that will help improve both our economy and our environment."
National Grid's natural gas fueling station is one of twelve projects in the Capital Region receiving federal stimulus support. These funds will help local governments, school districts, and college and universities purchase electric, hybrid-electric, and clean-fuel vehicles that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve local air quality.
The City of Albany is getting just over $102-thousand dollars to purchase 12 hybrid-electric vehicles. Mayor Jerry Jennings pointed out that the city already operates several CNG vehicles. Jennings said, "I am pleased to see NYSERDA and National Grid working together to open up CNG fueling stations for public use. As part of my new Office of Energy and Sustainability, we have recently initiated a Green Fleet Program and are currently deploying new hybrid-electric vehicles for certain city operations in an effort to improve fuel-efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I look forward to working with our partners to secure the funds necessary to incorporate CNG vehicles into our existing fleet, and I anticipate positive results for the entire community from this latest green initiative."
This is the eighth CNG fueling station in the Capital Region. Others open to the public include one in Albany and one in Rotterdam. Albany County Executive Mike Breslin says he's looking into adding CNG vehicles to the county fleet.
Congressman Paul Tonko said, "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. 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." Tonko represents the 21st congressional district, which encompasses Albany, Montgomery, Schenectady, Schoharie and areas of Fulton, Rensselaer, and Saratoga Counties. The district has been awarded $9.1 million in Recovery Act funds for energy conservation, renewable energy, and alternative fuel vehicle projects. Combined, these projects will reduce the energy cost burden by more than $559,000 per year.