CEMEX USA has added close to 40 low-emission natural gas-powered trucks to replace diesel-powered vehicles in its Southern California fleet as part of efforts to achieve carbon neutrality throughout its value chain by 2050.
CEMEX’s new state-of-the-art trucks, which started to be delivered in April, are all powered by low-emission compressed natural gas (CNG) or renewable natural gas (RNG). The company is integrating the 30 ready-mix and eight tractor Peterbuilt CNG/RNG trucks into operations while removing the same number of older, diesel-powered vehicles from its fleet. By replacing the older diesel vehicles with CNG/RNG trucks, CEMEX is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Southern California by approximately 24,000 pounds each year—the equivalent of the emissions from about 685 passenger cars.
“CEMEX is closely examining all of our operations to search for additional opportunities where we can cut emissions and continue to be part of the solution to prevent climate change,” said CEMEX USA President Jaime Muguiro. “We are exploring the use of alternative and low-emission fuels throughout our value chain, so we can continue to create a positive impact for our communities and our world.”
CEMEX USA secured the purchase of the low-emission vehicles with the assistance of grants through the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). The grants, which amount to $100,000 per truck, were obtained under California’s Proposition 1B Goods Movement Emission Reduction Program, an initiative that encourages the replacement of older, in-use diesel equipment with lower emission options. Per the grant conditions, CEMEX will retire and dismantle an equal number of older diesel-powered vehicles.
“Reducing emissions from heavy-duty trucks is one of the biggest steps towards reducing air pollution,” said Wayne Nastri, South Coast AQMD’s Executive Officer. “We are pleased to see CEMEX using cleaner trucks and installing the needed infrastructure that will have a positive impact in the communities where these trucks are in use.”
The new trucks are expected to be based at CEMEX USA’s Lytle Creek facility in Rialto, Calif. The company is currently constructing a CNG/RNG filling station at the site that is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2022.
The addition of the new CNG/RNG trucks aligns with the CEMEX’s ambitious climate action goals and its Future in Action program that concentrates on sustainable products and solutions, decarbonising operations, innovation and promotion of a circular economy.
