Jobs Study Show Benefits of Renewable Natural Gas in Transportation

A new jobs study, released jointly by the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG Coalition) and the California Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition (CNGVC), reveals that deploying trucks fueled by renewable natural gas could create up to 130,000 new jobs and add $14 billion to California’s economy. The ‘RNG Jobs Report’ examines the economic potential of fueling heavy duty trucks with RNG produced in California, instead of being powered by petroleum-based diesel.

A switch to RNG trucks could quickly help California achieve its air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change-related goals, the two coalitions say. More than 95 percent of the trucks on California roads currently use petroleum-based diesel fuel and are a major source of particulate, nitrogen oxide (NOx) and GHG emissions.

“This study affirms what we have been advocating—increased production, deployment and utilization of RNG not only realizes significant benefits for our environment, but for our economy as well,” said Johannes Escudero, Chief Executive Officer of the RNG Coalition. “Our industry is eager to develop new projects, create additional employment opportunities and supply the heavy-duty truck sector in California with renewable natural gas—the lowest carbon-intense transportation fuel commercially available.”

The newest heavy duty natural gas engines are well-suited for transit and refuse applications, and big enough to haul freight. The engines are certified by CARB at “near-zero” emissions levels, equivalent to a 100 percent battery truck. The study reflects options to deploy low NOx natural gas trucks in various applications and vehicle classes through 2030.

The jobs and economic activity from investments in a natural gas trucks powered by in-state renewable natural gas support California’s diverse economy, supporting various levels of skilled workers in sectors including construction, fabrication, vehicle manufacturing, engineering services, waste management, and service industries.  The full study is available here.