Port of San Diego Vehicle Fleet Goes Greener With CNG Hondas

Tuesday, 01 September 2009
Contact: John Gilmore, (619) 686-7206, Barbara Moreno (619) 686-6216

The Port of San Diego’s vehicle fleet has become more environmentally friendly. Three compressed natural gas (CNG) Honda Civics recently joined the fleet, replacing older, gas-fueled cars.

“The compressed natural gas vehicles will reduce air emissions and help reduce the Port’s carbon footprint,” said David Merk, Director of Environmental Services for the Port of San Diego.

Reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption is part of the Port of San Diego’s Green Port Program. The CNG vehicles support Port efforts to operate with environmentally sustainable business practices.

The Port’s Environmental Fund contributed $5,500 per vehicle and nearly covered the total $18,000 cost of leasing the CNG vehicles for four years.

“The CNG vehicles are a great example of how environmental, practical and economic benefits often go hand in hand,” said Merk.

These vehicles are rated as emitting up to 90 percent fewer smog-producing pollutants and 40 percent fewer greenhouse gases than gasoline.

The CNG vehicles also make good business sense. They operate on a standard gasoline engine, get the equivalent of 36 highway miles per gallon, and the compressed natural gas fuel can cost about half the price of gasoline.

The three CNG vehicles were added to the Port fleet that already includes 11 Ford Escape hybrids. Two of the new CNG vehicles will be used for the Harbor Police administration, and the third will be stationed at the Port administration building for employees to use while on Port business.

The vehicles function the same as a gas-fueled car, and take about the same amount of time to fill-up. The General Services Department will fill the CNG vehicles at Clean Energy located at the Shell Station on Pacific Highway, near the Port administration building. There are five other CNG filling stations throughout San Diego County.

Compressed natural gas vehicles are available in the consumer market, and are eligible for federal rebates of up to $4,000 since they are certified by the State of California as low-emitting vehicles.

Compressed natural gas is the cleanest of the fossil fuels. The majority used in the United States is produced domestically.

The Port’s Environmental Fund was established in 2006 to support environmental projects that improve the condition of San Diego Bay and the waterfront. The projects supported through the fund surpass government mandated regulations.

Every year one-half of one percent of the Port’s total earnings are set aside for the Environmental Fund.