Oregon Gov. praises state’s cleanest bus fleet that runs on biomethane
Cherriots, also known as Salem Area Mass Transit District (SAMTD), is now Oregon’s cleanest public transit fleet now that it is using renewable natural gas. It contracted with the fuel provider U.S. Gain and has been using this fuel in its fleet since spring. More than half of the district’s buses now operate on biomethane, which reduces harmful smog forming tailpipe emissions by more than 90% and greenhouse gas emissions by more than 40%.
“Clean public transit is key as we move toward a more healthy, sustainable, and equitable Oregon. Transportation is the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon, as well as other harmful pollutants that put vulnerable communities at risk. We need to rapidly decarbonize the transportation sector, including medium and heavy-duty vehicles like trucks and buses. I commend Cherriots for leading the way with cleaner, renewable natural gas buses,” said Oregon Governor Kate Brown.
Switching to biomethane is also giving SAMTD a significant financial benefit. “Thanks to the climate benefits of renewable natural gas, we’re providing energy at a negative cost to Cherriots because of the revenue generated by Oregon’s Renewable Fuel Standard markets,” said Marten Mills, U.S. Gain Business Development Manager.
“This is a perfect example of the creative thinking and problem solving we need in our community,” said Salem Mayor Chuck Bennett. “By eliminating costly diesel purchases and turning fuel consumption into revenue, we are lowering our transit costs and driving equity through one of our most important civic services.”
“As a member of the Cherriots Board, one of my priorities is sustainability and this move to renewable natural gas allows us to double down on our commitment to be environmental stewards,” said Board President Ian Davidson. “This is a win-win for our community because our air will be cleaner and our impact to the global climate system is reduced even further.”
“Cherriots is a longtime customer and community partner of NW Natural’s. We congratulate them, and we’re pleased to share in their strategy of using renewable natural gas to decarbonize our services, and create a better product for our customers and communities,” said Kathryn Williams, NW Natural Vice President of Public Affairs and Sustainability.
Cherriots currently has 34 of its 64 vehicles in its fleet running on biomethane. The cost savings from using this renewable fuel will allow Cherriots to expand its bus service and will help to maintain affordable fare prices.