More good news in the fight against pollution and unhealthy air. The demand for clean, affordable renewable natural gas (RNG) as a transportation fuel continues to grow. In fact, Clean Energy Fuels Corp. announced it has reached an agreement with trucking firms to lease or purchase in excess of 250 new heavy-duty trucks powered by Redeem RNG.

Currently, fleets are incorporating over 250 new natural gas heavy-duty trucks through Clean Energy’s Zero Now program. The program has been designed so that the cost of leasing or purchasing one of these new natural gas heavy-duty trucks is equal to or an even lower price than that same truck outfitted with a diesel engine. Furthermore, truck fleets that are financed or purchased through the Zero Now initiative can buy Redeem Now fuel with a fixed discount. In short, they’ll get a bargain compared to the diesel they normal buy.

Right now, with financing supplied by Zero Now, coupled with various grant programs offered in many states, trucking companies are releasing trucks that are equipped with the new Cummins-Westport (CWI) ultralow NOx ISX12n natural gas engine. Notably, these engines provide the same torque and reliability as their diesel counterparts. Plus, this engine is certified by the California Air Resources Board to trim down smog-forming NOx emissions by up to 90 percent in comparison to the current engine standard.

Andrew Littlefair, president and CEO, Clean Energy, commented, “We are seeing a positive response to this program as fleets are discovering the advantages of Zero Now when seeking a clean, affordable renewable fuel option that combats air pollution and climate change.” According to Littlefair, the early adoption of the program is a good sign and speaks to the high level of performance the new technology delivers.

The Companies Getting On Board

Among the first companies to incorporate the truck into their fleet is Kenan Advantage Group. They are the country’s largest leading bulk carrier, and they’ve added 24 to their fleet. In fact, they have plans to utilize its natural gas tractors in the company’s Merchant Gas Group that ships industrial gases.

So what you guys think? Is this a worthwhile program?