California is a major global goods movement hub with massive port complexes, expansive warehouse distribution centers, and sprawling agricultural industry. Heavy-duty (HD) diesel trucks are the backbone of California’s thriving goods movement economy, but they also deliver a lot of negative impacts to the state. As the largest single source of emissions in California, HD diesel trucks cause smog and unhealthy air for 90% of Californians.
HD diesel trucks emit NOx (oxides of nitrogen) and diesel particulate matter (DPM), which can cause a range of health issues including asthma, cancer, heart disease, and premature death. These impacts are particularly pronounced in California’s many disadvantaged communities (DACs) which are already overburdened by HD diesel truck emissions. In addition, HD diesel trucks are one of North America’s largest and most rapidly growing sources of climate-altering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions which are detrimental to clean air.
Reducing diesel truck emissions is the only way that California can meet its clean air objectives. The state must find a way to get as many diesel trucks off the road as possible, and as quickly as possible, while ensuring industry can continue to thrive and grow the economy. Natural gas trucks fueled by renewable natural gas offer one of the best options to help California achieve clean air and climate change mitigation as quickly, effectively, and efficiently as possible.
Natural gas vehicles (NGVs) are ultra- clean and commercially available today.
90% cleaner than the U.S. EPA’s 2010+ heavy-duty NOx emissions standard (.02 g/bhp-hr NOx)
of range on a full tank
Successfully operating in commercial fleet applications across the U.S.—including trucks, buses, shuttles and vans
Low NOx certified medium- and heavy-duty NGVs are available now from many OEMs with established sales and service networks
Renewable natural gas (RNG) is a cost-effective fuel and interchangeable with conventional natural gas.
RNG is produced from food and green waste, livestock manure, wastewater, agricultural waste and other organic waste sources
RNG is the ONLY carbon negative transportation fuel, offering up to 382% GHG reduction from in-state feedstocks compared to petroleum-based ultra-low sulfur diesel
Sold into the California transportation market in 2018, according to CARB LCFS report data
Widely available and sold at retailers nationwide.
