DALLAS — US Gain, the compressed natural gas (C.N.G.) division of US Venture, Inc., has completed a new C.N.G. station in partnership with H&S Bakery, Baltimore, a bakery provider for McDonald’s Corp. and other fast-food restaurants. The easy access, fast-fill GAIN Clean Fuel station is located at the intersection of I-95 and I-895 in Baltimore and is open to all C.N.G. fleets and the public.
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| Michael Jones, Maryland Energy Administration and Maryland Cities Coalition |
“This is a great partnership and one we encourage other carriers to consider,” said Michael Jones, Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) and Maryland Cities Coalition. “Utilizing natural gas as a transportation fuel offers significant economic and air quality benefits. C.N.G. is produced regionally and throughout the U.S., and that contributes to a less volatile fuel price and is cheaper than diesel. In addition, C.N.G. emits fewer air pollutants than conventional diesel fuel, so everyone benefits.”
A $500,000 award from the Maryland Natural Gas Refilling Station Grant Program helped to fund the project.
“We are excited to partner with US Gain as we transition a significant portion of our fleet to C.N.G.,” said Chuck Paterakis, vice-president of transportation and logistics, Northeast Foods/H&S Bakery. “We selected US Gain as our partner based on the company’s ability to meet our customers’ extremely high operational and environmental standards. This business decision allows us to benefit from the future growth of C.N.G. in the transportation industry.”
One of the main advantages for fleets converting to C.N.G. is that it is a cost-effective alternative to diesel fuel.
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| Bill Renz, general manager for GAIN Clean Fuel |
“In addition to the cost savings, C.N.G. has lower carbon emissions, which is better for the environment,” said Bill Renz, general manager for GAIN Clean Fuel. “For companies like H&S Bakery, it fits perfectly into the environmental policies they have for their business.”
Another advantage of C.N.G. is that it is a domestically produced product, which insulates it from global influences that create price volatility in other fuels, such as diesel.
“Fleets that are making the decision to convert to C.N.G. are doing it for two reasons,” Mr. Renz said. “One, because it’s more efficient from an environmental perspective, and two, because it’s a smart business decision. Those companies that don’t begin to convert their fleets to C.N.G. will have to catch up down the road.”
