Verizon (NYSE: VZ) is getting its green groove on in California by introducing environmentally-friendly natural gas vehicles to its truck fleets in the state.
Through an agreement with woman-owned Steelweld Equipment Co., Verizon will convert 300 gasoline-powered Ford E-250 cargo vans to CNG--a move the service provider says will reduce carbon emissions by 480 tons per year. According to environmental industry statistics, CNG engines emit 23 percent less carbon dioxide than gasoline-powered vans.
Verizon's Southern California-based technicians will use the Steelweld vans to conduct their normal installation and repair duties for residential and business customers.
In 2010, Verizon plans to deploy over 1,600 alternative energy vehicles to its nationwide fleet. Verizon estimates that this effort will reduce its fleet's annual CO2 emissions by over 2,400 metric tons.
Tim McCallion, Verizon's West region president, said in addition to upgrading its fleet, Verizon is "upgrading its building and network infrastructure for greater energy efficiency."
For more:
- see the release
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