CONSOL Energy Inc., a Fortune 500, Pittsburgh-based producer of coal and natural gas, hosted a "Declaration of Energy Independence" celebration, during which company leaders, along with representatives from the Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities (PRCC) and General Motors, unveiled an electric vehicle charging station at the company's headquarters in Canonsburg, PA as part of the "Energy 376 Corridor" project.

The Eaton Level II EV charging station, purchased from Shaedler-Yesco Distribution, is one of 45 units that will be installed in the greater-Pittsburgh area as part of the "Energy 376 Corridor," a project designed to create one of the most extensive charging station networks in the United States. The project was made possible by a Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities (PRCC) grant to the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program (AFIGP) from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and a private investor. These grants are designated for the development of EV infrastructure in the state. 

"The Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities Coalition has presently installed over 35 Level II electric vehicle charging stations including the one at CONSOL Energy's headquarters," said Rick Price, executive director, PRCC.

The charging station is the first alternative fueling station in Southpointe, a suburban business park located south of Pittsburgh that is home to many natural gas producers and other service companies related to the energy industry. The station will be available for use at any time by all CONSOL Energy employees.

CONSOL Energy has also purchased a Chevrolet Volt. In 2012, CONSOL Energy converted two Ford F-150 trucks tobi-fuel with compressed natural gas (CNG) and modified its BR-2 Compressor station in Buchanon County-Tazewell, Va. to a CNG fueling station.

Additional information about CONSOL Energy can be found at its Web site: www.consolenergy.com.