Council Approves Pilot CNG Program

TYLER — The Tyler City Council has unanimously approved the purchase of a compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station and two residential solid waste trucks that utilize this fuel. These purchases are the first phase of a pilot project that will move part of the city of Tyler’s fleet from unleaded and diesel fuel to CNG fuel. If this project is successful, officials say, each year the city will add additional vehicles and equipment that operate on CNG under the regularly budgeted vehicle replacement plan.

According to a city news release, the initial cost of CNG fuel shows a consistent yearly cost of $2.00 per gallon versus what the city is currently paying, which has recently been as much as $3.26 per gallon for unleaded and $3.44 per gallon for diesel fuel. At the conclusion of the pilot program, according to officials, the city will be able to obtain an additional 50-cent credit on CNG fuel from the federal government, reducing the cost from $2.00 to $1.50 per gallon.

“This pilot program to start moving the city’s fleet to alternative fuel is just another example of how the city is utilizing innovative and environmentally friendly ways to save money,”� said Mayor Barbara Bass. “CNG vehicles have a history being environmentally friendly by utilizing cleaner fuel as well as showing less wear on vehicle engines, creating longer vehicle lifespans.”