Compressed Natural Gas

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is a clean alternative to gasoline. Vehicles can use the same clean burning, safe, natural gas that is used to heat homes and offices. Natural gas fueled vehicles produce little carbon monoxide and reactive hydrocarbons (major components of air pollution and smog), resulting in a cleaner, healthier environment.

Natural gas is clean burning, therefore vehicle maintenance costs can be lower with less wear and tear on the engine.

Natural gas vehicles (NGVs) are both safe and cost effective. For example, the Honda Civic on the current State contract has a gasoline equivalent city mpg of 30; 34 on the highway. The estimated annual fuel cost, per EPA is $656.00, based upon 15,000 miles/yr. (See www.fueleconomy.gov for comparative information.)

A domestically produced fuel, natural gas is also beneficial to the U.S. economy.

The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendment and the 1992 Energy Policy Act require State Governments to purchase 75% of their covered fleet as alternative fueled vehicles. Therefore, the State is building and supporting the infrastructure to fuel these types of vehicles, such as CNG vehicles.

Also, an Executive Order which states that the State shall ensure that for fleet units operating bi-fuel or flex-fuel vehicles (vehicles that operate on either motor gasoline or an alternative fuel, as defined by the Federal Energy Policy Act), an average of 50% of the fuel used shall be alternative fuel. The Maryland Green Building Council's Annual Report to the Governor will report on State purchases of Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) and of alternative fuels.