The City currently operates 123 Bi-Fuel vehicles (vehicles that run on compressed natural gas and gasoline). The City also operates 9 trolleys and all diesel fueled vehicles on Bio-Diesel, a cleaner-burning fuel that qualifies under the alternative fuel criteria.
History
- In 1981, Scottsdale conducted an in-depth, one-year study of compressed natural gas (CNG) conversions, which concluded with a bid award for a compressed natural gas station located at our South Corporation Yard facility and vehicle conversion kits.
- Converted 84 city vehicles in 1982 to run on compressed natural gas on its initial entry into its alternative fuel program.
- In 1983, the fleet was increased to 92 vehicles, but was then put on hold due to gasoline costs decreasing.
- The project was revived and expanded when the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) in 1988 declared a commitment to improving the Valleys air quality, followed by the State Legislature on alternative fuels, and the Federal Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990.
- In 1997, the City of Scottsdale entered into a public/private partnership with Trillium USA
to construct and operate a public compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station at the citys Via Linda Corporation Yard Complex, 9191 E. San Salvador Dr. This partnership provides an opportunity to enhance the City’s commitment to improve regional air quality.
- 1 CNG fueling facilities (1 public - Grand Opening, January, 1998)
- 2003 - The City’s private CNG station, located at the south fueling facility was removed.
- 2003 - Bio-Diesel above ground fuel tank was installed at the south fueling facility.
- 2004 - The City’s two main diesel tanks were switched over to Bio-Diesel fuel, enabling all the City’s diesel fleet to run on the cleaner-burning fuel that qualifies under the alternative fuel criteria.
CNG Benefits
- CNG burns cleaner
- Vehicles fueled with natural gas produce lower levels of harmful pollutants than gasoline or diesel vehicles
- Natural gas vehicles reduce emissions of carbon monoxide and reactive hydrocarbons (which play a major role in formation of ground-level ozone, the principal ingredient of smog)
- Natural gas contains no particulates such as those associated with diesel fuel, and also reduces emissions of carbon dioxide - the principal "greenhouse" gas
- Vehicle emissions are lower with natural gas than with gasoline because ignition temperatures are higher and combustion is more efficient
- CNG is readily available; the United States has a huge natural gas resource base
- All 50 states and all major metropolitan areas have access to natural gas and are not dependent on other countries
- Natural gas is also piped directly to the fueling station, reducing the need to transport the fuel, as well as, eliminating the need of ordering and delivery schedules
- Natural gas as a vehicle fuel actually costs less today than conventional gasoline and much less than methanol.
Bio-Diesel
- Bio-Diesel burns cleaner.
- Bio-Diesel has lower emissions than petroleum diesel, producing less unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide & particulate matter.
- Bio-Diesel is better for the environment, because it is made from renewable resources.
Future
- Continue adding additional vehicles that run on bi-fuels (CNG/gasoline)
- Promote the City’s use of CNG
- Expand Bio-Diesel fuel program