Warren, Potter County Businesses Get
Local Natural Gas Vehicle Conversion Grants

Two local businesses in the 25th Senatorial District will receive grants totaling $750,000 to be used for conversion of vehicles to run on natural gas and CNG fueling stations, according to Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson).

The grants were awarded through the Natural Gas Energy Development Program, created as part of Act 13 of 2012. Scarnati, a chief architect of Act 13, explained that the program is designed to help reduce Pennsylvania’s dependence on imported oil and improve air quality, by reducing vehicle emissions of carbon monoxide. The Natural Gas Energy Development Program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

“Through the development of the Marcellus Shale industry, Pennsylvania has a tremendous opportunity to become a leader in energy advancement initiatives,” Scarnati said. “Embracing new and innovative technology is an integral part of making our state energy independent and continuing to reduce our reliance on foreign oil.”

According to Scarnati, a $500,000 grant is being awarded to Crossett, Inc., located in Warren, and will aid in the conversion of all 75 of their tractor trailers to natural gas, as well as the construction of publicly accessible CNG fueling stations located in Warren and Bradford. Since 1928, Crossett, Inc. has been a leader in the region and transport industry.

A $250,000 grant is also being awarded to Hoopes Turf Farm, Inc., located in Ulysses, to be used for the installation of a new, onsite 16,000 gallon public access fueling mechanism and the deployment of 10 natural gas fueled heavy duty trucks.

“These grants provide a significant investment in two local businesses, both of which are important employers within our region,” Scarnati stated. “Converting heavy duty vehicles to operate on natural gas and allowing for the building of natural gas fueling stations will help us to use environmentally friendly energy made here in the United States, while keeping jobs in our community.”

The Natural Gas Energy Development Program grants are funded through revenue generated by the annual impact fee assessed on Marcellus Shale natural gas extraction. Over the next three years, this program will make $20 million in grant funds available on a competitive basis, to purchase or convert eligible vehicles to natural gas.

Applications for this first round of grants were due on February 1, 2013. More information on the Natural Gas Energy Development Program can be found on the DEP website: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/act_13/20789/natural_gas_vehicle_program/1157504
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