Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) has opened a new public compressed natural gas (CNG) station in the heart of Pico Rivera, Calif., warehouse and distribution district. The new CNG station extends the network of CNG stations across a key regional goods movement corridor and will provide owners and operators of natural gas-fueled trucks and other vehicles with a new, convenient place to fuel.

The new public CNG station will help improve air quality by providing a more convenient location for CNG fueling and by helping to meet growing demand from commercial fleets for a clean-burning and affordable fuel.  New commercially available CNG heavy-duty trucks can reduce smog-forming Nitrogen Oxides emissions by 90 percent from CARB 2010 emissions standards, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 15 percent. This can play an important role in improving the quality of life for families in communities near transportation corridors.

Those most likely impacted in transportation corridors are disadvantaged communities. Studies also indicate that air pollution contributes to asthma, cancer, and premature death, especially in children and the elderly.

"Southern California is leading the nation's clean energy revolution," said Linda Sánchez, who represents the 38^th District of California that includes Pico Rivera, where the new SoCalGas CNG fueling station is located. "This new fueling station will improve public transportation for the region, grow our economy, and help our community fight air pollution. As a strong proponent of clean energy alternatives, I am excited to see more clean vehicles on our roads and freeways."

"The MSRC was proud to provide $150,000 in Clean Transportation Funding to SoCalGas for the equipment, installation and other costs to help build this CNG station," said Greg Pettis, chair of the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC) and mayor pro-tem of Cathedral City, Calif. "This is the second SoCalGas station this year for which the MSRC has provided funding, so we are excited to help contribute to the continually expanding network of CNG fueling stations across the Southland."

The new heavy-duty-capable public station was designed for the needs of heavy-duty trucks, with wide driveways for easy turning, 16-foot high canopies with LED lighting, and robust compressors for quick, reliable fueling. In addition to SoCalGas' capital investment, the station is made possible by financial support from the MSRC. 

In addition to the station, SoCalGas supports heavy duty commercial fleets with its Truck Rental Program, a "try before you buy" initiative that provides a free two-week CNG heavy duty tractor or truck rental for customers to experience firsthand the performance and efficiency of a CNG vehicle. 

The company provides information, education and expert tools and consultation to fleets to support them in evaluating how CNG trucks can work and provides technical expertise to help customers and partners develop new refueling facilities.