Clean Energy Connects U.S. I-5 with Natural Gas Fueling

The opening of Clean Energy Fuels Corp.’s latest public filling station now makes it possible for fleets to traverse the U.S. western seaboard route on Interstate 5 (I-5) using natural gas. The station, Clean Energy’s first public filling station in the state of Oregon, is on Interstate 5 in Central Point, outside of Medford and represents yet another milestone in the development of Clean Energy’s “America’s Natural Gas Highway™.”

The station, located in the Pilot Travel Center Plaza at 275 Peninger Road, dispenses both liquefied natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG), and is open to the public 24/7.

Matheson Trucking, a United States Postal Service contracted carrier, is using the station for its California to Seattle runs.

“The addition of this station allows us the strategic advantage of being able to rely on natural gas throughout our entire distribution system,” said Joshua Matheson, vice president of operations for Matheson Trucking, Inc. “With an annual fleet distance of close to 36 million miles, we are always looking for ways to reduce GHG-emissions, and being able to use natural gas, specifically for our Los Angeles to Seattle runs, will help us do just that.”

The Central Point public station adds to Clean Energy’s presence in Oregon. Earlier this year, Clean Energy expanded its relationship with Fred Meyer Stores, a division of The Kroger Co., in Oregon by providing the large grocery retailer with Redeem™ renewable natural gas for its fleet of heavy duty trucks. Clean Energy also announced the opening of a private station in Wilsonville for long time customer Republic Services, the nation’s second largest solid waste management company. The station is supporting the addition of 16 CNG solid waste vehicles, bringing the total number of natural gas vehicles operated by Republic Services in Oregon to 35.

“Our natural gas fueling infrastructure continues to grow as more and more fleets and consumers turn to natural gas,” said Chad Lindholm, vice president of Sales at Clean Energy. “By opening stations like Central Point and connecting the I-5 corridor, we can offer our customers the fuel and the infrastructure they need to make the transition to alternative fueling as seamless as possible.”

Natural gas fuel costs less than gasoline or diesel, depending on local market conditions. The use of natural gas fuel also reduces greenhouse gas emissions up to 21 percent and up to 90 percent with the use of renewable natural gas. In addition, nearly all natural gas consumed in North America is produced in North America.

Clean Energy Fuels is an NGV Global Sponsor Member.

(Source: Clean Energy Fuels Corp.)