CHATTANOOGA, TN – May 29, 2025 – The City of Chattanooga's Department of
Public Works today announced the integration of Compressed Natural Gas
(CNG) trucks into its fleet, marking a significant stride towards
environmental sustainability, operational efficiency, and cost savings. The
new trucks will be in operation starting on Friday, May 30th. This
initiative underscores the department's unwavering commitment to embracing
cutting-edge technology for the benefit of the community.
"The introduction of CNG trucks is a testament to our continuous pursuit of
innovation in public service," said Jerramy Wood, Public Works
Administrator. "We are not only investing in a cleaner future for
Chattanooga but also setting a new standard for how municipal operations
can be both environmentally responsible and fiscally prudent."
Understanding the Power of CNG: A Cleaner, More Efficient Fuel
CNG is a readily available, domestically produced alternative fuel that
offers substantial environmental and economic advantages. It is natural gas
that has been compressed to less than 1% of its volume at standard
atmospheric pressure, allowing it to be stored and used as fuel.
How it Works: CNG vehicles operate much like traditional gasoline or
diesel vehicles, but instead of liquid fuel, they run on compressed natural
gas stored in high-pressure tanks. The natural gas is fed into the engine,
where it is ignited to power the vehicle.
Environmental Benefits: Compared to gasoline and diesel, CNG combustion
produces significantly fewer harmful emissions, including greenhouse gases,
nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. This translates to cleaner air for
Chattanooga residents and a reduced carbon footprint for the city.
Economic Advantages: CNG is typically more stable in price and often
less expensive than traditional fuels, leading to substantial cost savings
on fuel expenditures over the lifespan of the vehicles. Furthermore, the
use of a domestic fuel source enhances energy independence.
Safety: CNG is a safe fuel with an excellent safety record. It is
lighter than air, meaning it dissipates quickly into the atmosphere in the
unlikely event of a leak, reducing the risk of fire or explosion.
A Legacy of Innovation: Public Works at the Forefront
The Department of Public Works has a long-standing reputation for being on
the cutting edge of implementing new technology to enhance service
delivery. This proactive approach is evident in their ongoing efforts to:
- Cut Costs: By strategically adopting technologies like CNG, the
department identifies opportunities to reduce operational expenses,
ensuring taxpayer dollars are utilized efficiently. - Increase Safety: New technologies often come with enhanced safety
features, protecting both departmental employees and the public they serve. - Improve Work Efficiency: Modern equipment and systems streamline
operations, allowing the department to accomplish more work in less time,
ultimately improving the quality and responsiveness of public services.
Fleet Division's Continued Excellence: A National Recognition
The integration of these CNG trucks further exemplifies the departmental
commitment to excellence, particularly within the Fleet Division. This
dedication was recently recognized on a national level, with the Fleet
Division being named in NAFA's 2025 NAFA 100 Best Public Fleets. This
prestigious acknowledgment highlights the division's outstanding
performance in areas such as efficiency, sustainability, and innovation.
The City of Chattanooga's Department of Public Works remains dedicated to
exploring and implementing advancements that contribute to a more
sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective future for the community. The
new CNG trucks are a visible sign of this ongoing commitment.
About Department of Public Works:
The Department of Public Works delivers a variety of services that
Chattanooga's citizens rely on daily. Responsibilities include the design,
construction and maintenance of the City's infrastructure; the interceptor
sewer system; the City's stormwater system; the collection and disposal of
garbage, brush, recycling, and household hazardous waste; parks
maintenance, programming and operations. Follow @CHAPublicWorks on Facebook
<https://www.facebook.com/CHAPublicWorks/> and
<https://twitter.com/CHAPublicWorks>Instagram.
<https://www.instagram.com/chapublicworks/>
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