Since 1991, the City of Santa Monica has utilized funding from California Assembly Bill 2766 to reduce air pollution from mobile sources. Through the partial sponsorship of the MSRC, the City of Santa Monica was able to purchase 24 heavy-duty vehicles equipped with dedicated Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) engines. There were many delays during this contract period that contributed to the need to extend this contract. Early on there was a lack of CNG engines available for heavy-duty applications. The City also experienced several changes in its organizational structure, as well as and changes in operational needs. Budget cuts and several changes in our staff added to the delay as well. There was also a major medical problem and a retirement within the group of employees that worked on these contracts. The substitutions of vehicle make, model, and engine were necessary due to limited alternative fuel engines and a fire that destroyed one vehicle. Due to the delays, the City of Santa Monica submitted a contract modification in 2013 to extend the contract term to March 7, 2017. The SCAQMD MSRC approved the contract modification in a letter dated November 8, 2013.
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Purchase of 24 Heavy-Duty Vehicles Equipped with Dedicated Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Engines.
Vast possibilities to purchase additional alternatively powered heavy-duty vehicles and equipment as well as install additional alternative fuel stations (i.e. Hydrogen) throughout the City.
Heavy-duty, natural gas vehicles, produce 90% less CO emissions, 75% less NOx and 68% less PM2.5 when compared to in-use gasoline and diesel vehicles. These emissions contribute to a variety of air quality issues including particulate matter pollution, smog and climate change. By replacing gasoline for CNG powered vehicles, the City of Santa Monica is taking a profound step toward reducing its impact on the environment. In addition to the environmental benefits afforded by CNG, a significant cost savings is realized through the purchase of a less expensive fuel. According to data from the US Department of Energy, since 2009, CNG has been, on average, $1.14 less expensive than gasoline, per gasoline gallon equivalents (GGE). As a result of the change, these twenty-four vehicles save thousands of dollars in fueling costs alone. Although CNG vehicles have a higher initial cost, the MSRC grant helps offset this difference.