(File Photo of State Representative Rob Matzie)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) State Representative Rob Matzie announced on Friday that a new $210,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection will allow Beaver County residents and small businesses to reap the benefits of high-tech, compressed natural gas-powered vehicles. Matzie noted that this grant, which was awarded to Waste Management of Pennsylvania, Inc., will allow the company to purchase seven compressed natural gas waste vehicles to serve the county. This funding was awarded through the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant program.  Compressed natural gas vehicles operate similarly to traditional gas-powered vehicles. However, natural gas is stored in a fuel tank or cylinder, generally located at the back of the vehicle. It is estimated that they are 80% to 90% quieter than diesel trucks and produce up to 90% fewer emissions.