9.12.2012 - Somerset took delivery this week of the first Ford F 250 pick up in Kentucky fitted at the Westport LD facility in Louisville. Paul Hoffman from Alton Blakely Ford delivered the new CNG Ford F 250 to Mayor Ed Girdler.

Mayor Ed Girdler says "Our city will see savings of over 50% in energy costs that will total $500,000 over the next three years by switching our fleet to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)." Somerset operates a transmission, processing and distribution system for natural gas. A CNG refueling station was installed in early Summer 2012.

This week's delivery is an important step towards Mayor Girdler's move to CNG for Somerset's fleet. Three Honda Civics have already replaced traditionally fueled fleet vehicles, the new Ford F 250 is the first of two pick ups which have been ordered, and two refuse haulers and three police cruisers next on the list.

CNG is a gaseous fuel composed of mostly methane. It is one of the cleanest burning alternative fuels. The Department of Energy reports that natural gas results in 60-90% less smog-producing pollutants and 30-40% less green house gas emissions. Approximately 87% of U.S. natural gas is produced domestically, and it is less expensive than gasoline. Ownership enables the City of Somerset to refuel for less than $1.00 per gallon over the next three years.