TruStar Energy was awarded the contract to build and maintain the first CNG fueling station for Long Beach, Calif.

The new CNG station reflects the city’s goal to using cleaner, safer, and domestically produced fuels for its vehicles, according to TruStar Energy.

Long Beach is shifting from liquefied natural gas (LNG) to CNG for its fleets.The city currently has 24 CNG-fueled vehicles and plans to acquire an additional 307 CNG vehicles over the next six years.

“Using alternative fuels for our refuse trucks and street sweepers is an important part of the City of Long Beach’s commitment to more environmentally sustainable city services for residents,” said Oliver Cruz, fuel operations program officer for the City of Long Beach. “Compressed natural gas is cost effective and cleaner than other fuels, and safer than liquefied natural gas.”

The CNG station will be completed by TruStar Energy in November. TruStar Energy will also maintain and service the station under a long-term maintenance agreement. The station’s time-fill system is intended to allow the city to store more fuel in vehicles.