Since the invention of the first motor vehicle in the late 1800s, gasoline has dominated the automobile industry as the method of choice to power cars and trucks on the roads in the United States. Whether you are on a long road trip or your daily commute to work, it is hard to go anywhere without passing a gas station along the way.
Although gasoline and motor vehicles have gone hand-in-hand for centuries, experts warn against the dangers of continuing in this direction. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the United States is responsible for 1.6 billion tons of greenhouse gases released into the Earth’s atmosphere from gasoline-powered vehicles alone. And, it was not until recently that people and businesses have become more aware of their carbon footprint and what alternatives they should consider to contribute to a healthier environment.
At Lake Apopka Natural Gas District (LANGD), one alternative the team encourages its customers to consider is natural gas vehicles (NGVs). According to the American Public Gas Association (APGA), NGVs are some of the cleanest vehicles on the road; emitting zero or near-zero toxic emissions and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions when compared to gasoline or diesel engines. NGVs are available starting with the light duty to eighteen-wheeler vehicle class, and are used in commercial, municipal, freight, refuse collection, port and transit, and other applications.
In addition to its sustainable and adaptable characteristics, NGVs are also cost-efficient. According to NGV America, data proves that, historically, fleets powered by natural gas cost much less than those powered by gasoline. NGVs also offer reduced maintenance and overall ownership costs, making it a wallet-friendly fuel alternative.
When it comes to making the switch to NGVs, LANGD is leading by example in its member cities. In 2010, the District began replacing its fully gasoline powered fleet with NGVs and bi-fuel vehicles (which consist of both compressed natural gas and gasoline). Today, the District operates a total of 19 vehicles, five which are powered by natural gas and 14 which are powered by a bi-fuel combination.
With LANGD’s support and supply of natural gas to compressed natural gas stations in its member cities, several businesses in Central Florida have also begun to transition their fleets to NGVs, including the City of Apopka, Advance Disposal (Waste Management) in Orlando and City Furniture in Ocoee.
Similar to how we see gas stations on every corner, the District envisions a future where natural gas filling stations are woven into our daily transportation needs. And, the team is committed to educating its customers, and especially fleet owners, about NGVs and the many benefits they have to offer through education and advocacy programs.
LANGD’s Director of Marketing and Business Development, Monica Marlow, was named the 2021-2022 chair of the APGA’s NGV Committee and will use this platform to continue to educate U.S. businesses about the benefits of NGVs and encourage local businesses to consider a cleaner alternative to gasoline or diesel for their fleets.
Are you ready to make the switch to NGVs? Contact the LANGD Marketing Team at (407) 656-2734 x 307, marketing@langd.org or visit www.langd.org to learn more.
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