The City of Chattanooga's Department of Public Works on Thursday 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. 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."
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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:
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Cut Costs: By strategically adopting technologies like CNG, the department identifies opportunities to reduce operational expenses, ensuring taxpayer dollars are utilized efficiently.
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Increase Safety: New technologies often come with enhanced safety features, protecting both departmental employees and the public they serve.
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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.
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.