Energy Commission Workshops Examine Feasibility of Heavy Duty Natural Gas-Powered Off-Road Vehicles

The California Energy Commission will hold public workshops to gather comments on the development and demonstration of advanced natural gas engines and engine technologies for off-road vehicles that support the construction, industrial and cargo handling market sector.

Representatives from the Energy Commission, the off-road vehicle (ORV) industry and community will discuss the current market, advanced technology needs and the market potential for natural gas-powered ORVs suitable for heavy-hauling such as those used for waste transport, mining and semi-tractor trailer applications and at ports such as yard tractors and crane transports. The Energy Commission will also examine clean engine technology for recreational ORVs.

The workshops are scheduled for February 19 in Long Beach and February 22 in Fresno. Two of the state's most severely polluted regions are the San Joaquin Valley and the South Coast Air Basins. ORVs are one of the largest sources of nitrogen oxides emissions in those areas. Later this year, the Energy Commission will release a grant solicitation aimed at applying cleaner engine technologies developed for on-road natural gas vehicles to ORVs.

The Long Beach workshop is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon at the Long Beach City Hall City Council Chambers, 333 W Ocean Blvd.

The Fresno workshop is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District’s Fresno Office, 1990 E. Gettysburg Ave. The Fresno workshop can also be viewed remotely at the district’s Bakersfield office, 34946 Flyover Court, and its Modesto office, 4800 Enterprise Way.

More information and instructions for participating remotely can be found in the workshop notice.