This week, new gas stations opened in Albany and in Syracuse, New York. So what’s the big news? Both are compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling stations, and that’s got people talking.
The CNG stations were funded by the Department of Energy’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Clean Cities funding. One part of the rationale in building the CNG fueling stations was to decrease the amount of greenhouse emissions vehicles emit by switching to cleaner burning natural gas. But another driver behind the decision to invest in this infrastructure went directly to core of the Pickens Plan: decreasing America’s dependence on foreign oil.
Said Rep. Paul Tonko, “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 New York’s 21st congressional district, which encompasses Albany, Montgomery, Schenectady, Schoharie, and areas of Fulton, Rensselaer, and Saratoga Counties.
Tonko’s comments were echoed by Francis Murray, who heads up the State of New York’s Energy Research and Development Authority:
“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 Jr.
President, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
Like many municipalities, Albany already owns several CNG vehicles, so the new stations were a good fit for the Capital Region. At last count, there are now eight CNG fueling stations in and around the state capital. Said Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings, “I anticipate positive results for the entire community from this latest green initiative.”
Read the entire article and listen to a radio report HERE.