Airport Demonstrates Natural Gas Vehicles to Tenants

Taxi companies, caterers, airlines, encouraged to switch to natural gas vehicles

(Seattle)--In a first-of-its-kind "ride and drive" event, officials of businesses at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport got the chance today to test drive natural-gas powered taxis, vans and buses.

The event represents yet another step in the Port of Seattle's effort to reduce ground vehicle emissions around Sea-Tac Airport.

"By reducing emissions from our vehicles, we help the entire region meet air-quality standards. And we can respond to the community's interest in keeping our air clean and healthy to breathe," said Port of Seattle Commission Chairman Bob Edwards.

The Port has already taken the first step by ordering natural gas vehicles for its own airport ground fleet. Additionally, the Port will build a natural gas refueling station near Sea-Tac Airport. It will be available for Port use, and for refueling of natural gas vehicles in fleets operated by other organizations.

"Having access to a refueling facility is a logistic challenge for any agency contemplating the switch to natural gas vehicles," said M. R. Dinsmore, Chief Executive Officer for the Port of Seattle. "Just as the Port is a catalyst for economic development, we want to be a catalyst for environmental stewardship as well."

"By providing a convenient refueling facility outside the secure portion of the airport, we make it easier for neighboring organizations to switch to natural gas," Dinsmore said.

Agencies and organizations that might use the Port's fueling station include:

Airport tenants, such as airlines, who operate ground vehicles;
Ground transportation operators, such as taxis, shuttle services and limousines;
Neighboring governments and privately owned businesses.

The station will be constructed and operated by ENRG Corporation, under contract to the Port. It will be the first large-scale publicly accessible natural gas refueling station in Washington State. ENRG is the largest provider of vehicular natural gas and related services in North America. The company operates over 90 natural gas fueling stations in the western US, including several at international airports.

Today's event was intended to give fleet managers the chance to drive natural gas powered vehicles of the kind they might eventually own. Aviation Managing Director Gina Marie Lindsey hopes that the convenience of the fueling station combined with a test drive will convince operators that the switch is a wise one.

"Natural gas vehicles operate as effectively as gasoline or diesel powered vehicles. They accelerate well and cruise easily at freeway speeds. And they smell better," said Lindsey.

Dennis McLerran, Executive Director of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, attended the ride and drive event.

"The Clean Air Agency commends the Port's commitment to supporting our effort to improve regional air quality with implementation of their alternative fuels program," McLerran said. "We look forward to working with the Port to expand their alternative fuels program to commercial operations, such as shared ride vans and taxis, and to implementing other emission reduction strategies at the airport."

The Port is already working other emission reduction strategies at Sea-Tac Airport. Dump trucks hauling fill material for the airport's third runway are required to use ultra-low sulfur diesel. The Port is also converting its aircraft gates to provide electricity and air conditioning to parked aircraft. That means jets engines aren't idling while passengers are boarding at the gate.