Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett celebrated the opening Tuesday of the first compressed natural gas fueling station in Philadelphia.
The CNG station, located at 2901W Abbottsford Ave. near the Roosevelt Boulevard (U.S. Route 1) in the city's East Falls neighborhood features full service natural gas fueling as well as a convenience store and Dunkin’ Donuts.
Corbett joined officials from Ball Cynwyd, Pennsylvania-based VNG Co. to tout the station as supplying clean-burning natural gas.
“Pennsylvania has the second-largest energy field in the world, and cities from Pittsburgh to Williamsport to Towanda to Philadelphia are benefiting from our game-changing energy resources,” Corbett said. “The convenience of a local CNG fueling station makes it possible for local governments, organizations, companies and residents to make the switch to this cleaner and affordable alternative fuel. By harnessing natural gas, we are reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality and putting Pennsylvania at the forefront of American energy independence.
A $253,000 Alternative Clean Energy Grant and a $169,000 loan from the commonwealth helped pay for the station. The Corbett Administration said that VNG matched more than $422,000 to make the station a reality.
Corbett's administration has put a big emphasis on fracking natural gas in the Keystone State. Corbett said that over his tenure the state has gone from importing 75 percent of its natural gas to exporting more than the state uses.
VNG plans to build similar stations around the country.
