Pittsburgh to continue leasing fueling equipment for compressed natural gas vehicles

Aug 18, 2023

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Pittsburgh will continue leasing fueling equipment for its growing fleet of compressed natural gas vehicles.

The city has 10 natural gas refuse trucks and is getting 10 more this month, according to Maria Montaño, a spokeswoman for Mayor Ed Gainey.

City Council members have debated the merits of compressed natural gas vehicles for weeks. They approved legislation Tuesday to continue leasing fueling equipment for the vehicles.

Councilwoman Deb Gross, D-Highland Park, said she didn't support using compressed natural gas vehicles and highlighted the city's goal to eventually pivot to an all-electric fleet. City officials have said city isn't ready to make the jump to electric refuse trucks because of lengthy charging times and limits on how far the vehicles can travel before needing to charge again.

The city bought the compressed natural gas vehicles with state grant money, but the city is responsible for fueling costs.

The legislation approved by council will extend the city's contract with Compass Natural Gas for fueling equipment for the compressed natural gas trucks. The city leases refueling equipment at a site in the Strip District where the vehicles are kept.

The city has paid $126,000 a year for the fueling equipment since 2020. The contract approved Tuesday extends the contract at the same rate through 2025.

Montaño said compressed natural gas is cheaper than diesel and its price fluctuates less. On average, the city on average spent $2.89 a gallon for compressed natural gas last year, compared to $3.79 a gallon for diesel.

She added that the trucks have less of an adverse environmental impact than their diesel counterparts.

Council President Theresa Kail-Smith, D-West End, has questioned leasing fueling equipment when there is a compressed natural gas station in the city's Fairywood neighborhood. Before voting against the measure Tuesday, she said she wants to see the city invest in local businesses such as the compressed natural gas station that already operates in the city.

"For me, it's about the investment in our area," she said.

Councilman Anthony Coghill, D-Beechview, joined Kail-Smith and Gross in voting against the measure. All other council members voted in favor of it.

Julia Felton is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Julia by email at [email protected] or via Twitter .

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