International
Pennsylvania will develop 500 more miles of alternative fuel corridors
Expanding routes for those who drive clean-fuel vehicles in Pennsylvania, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced grants for EV charging stations and the designation of 500 more miles of highway as “Alternative Fuel Corridors,” with CNG or EV charging stations readily accessible.
“Pennsylvanians are increasingly interested in protecting the environment and saving money by driving clean-fuel vehicles such as electric or CNG powered cars, buses, and trucks,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “DEP is committed to supporting these consumer choices and helping the state reach its greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals through sustainable transportation initiatives.”
“Pennsylvania is now a leading producer of natural gas, and the Alternative Fuel Corridor initiative aims to take advantage of this new, cleaner burning fuel source,” said PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards. “PennDOT is excited to support this program that will bring benefits for the state, transit agencies, and the public for years to come.”
The following highways are newly designated as corridors for CNG:
- Interstate 81 from Carlisle to the New York border
- Interstate 78 from intersection with I-81 to Allentown
- US Route 30/Interstate 676 from York to the New Jersey border
- Interstate 70 from the Ohio border to the intersection with the Turnpike (New Stanton exit) and from the Turnpike Breezewood exit to the Maryland border
These latest routes, combined with those designated in 2016 and 2017, give Pennsylvania a total of 14 Alternative Fuel Corridors, covering 1,763 miles. Corridor designation allows roads to have additional signage indicating that specific types of alternative fuel stations are available. PennDOT is developing a signage package.