City Receives Sponsors for Pilot CNG Program

TYLER — In August 2011, the Tyler City Council approved the purchase of a five pickup trucks that will be converted to operate on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as part of the City of Tyler’s CNG Pilot Program. Local businesses were offered the opportunity to sponsor these vehicles and, to date, three trucks have been sponsored by two local businesses. EOG Resources has agreed to sponsor two of the trucks and Tanos Exploration, LLC will sponsor the third. Sponsored CNG vehicles will be identified with a customized wrap that will include the sponsor’s logo. These trucks are part of a pilot project that will convert part of the City of Tyler’s fleet from unleaded and diesel fuel to CNG fuel. If this project is successful, each year the City will add additional vehicles and equipment that operate on CNG under the regularly budgeted vehicle replacement plan.

“This program to start moving the City’s fleet to alternative fuel is an example of how innovation can save money and preserve the environment,” said Mayor Barbara Bass. “CNG vehicles are environmentally friendly and cause less wear on vehicle engines.” The CNG conversion project is an outcome of the Industry Growth Initiative, a plan adopted by Tyler to enhance industry growth. One of the major industries that is identified in the plan is 21st Century Energy, due to the prevalence of natural gas in the Barnett and Haynesville Shales that are in close proximity to Tyler. It is estimated that the Haynesville Shale contains enough natural gas to fuel our country for the next 100 years.

“The energy sector has been an important part of Tyler’s economic prosperity in the past and will continue to be critical to our future,” continued Mayor Bass. “Demonstrating our commitment to the use of CNG is just one way we can promote this local industry that has the potential to be a regional economic driver.” Sponsorship opportunities are still available at a cost of $15,000 for one vehicle or $25,000 for two vehicles. For more information on becoming a sponsor, please contact Dan Brotton, director of Solid Waste at (903) 531-1388.