Core-Mark is celebrating the grand opening of the new GAIN Clean Fuel compressed natural gas (CNG) station that will fuel its fleet of alternative energy trucks.
The station, located at 2561 Plant Atkinson Road in Smyrna, Ga., was built through a partnership with U.S. Gain, a division of U.S. Venture, which owns and operates the GAIN Clean Fuel brand. It is the fourth of five stations to go into operation with this partnership.
“We’re excited to have this station in service,” said Core-Mark Atlanta Division president Brad Heetland. “Clean energy advances our commitment to becoming more environmentally friendly through improved sustainable business practices. Utilizing GAIN Clean Fuel is a key to that success.”
Clean Cities Georgia Board Chairman William Cook echoed Heetland’s excitement.
“Our mission is to promote the many benefits of alternative fuels like CNG,” Cook said. “Projects like these show how great partnerships can succeed when working toward a common outcome that benefits so many. In addition to the many benefits of CNG, fewer emissions will be produced which is good for the environment and for all of us. Plus, utilizing CNG helps create energy independence for America.”
Georgia Public Service Commissioner Tim Echols congratulated Core-Mark and U.S. Gain for this project.
“We’re thrilled to see what this partnership has accomplished,” Echols said. “Access to a strong network of CNG stations is critical to encourage more businesses to implement it and we applaud U.S. Gain for building that network. We also applaud Core-Mark for its forward thinking.”
Cobb County Commission Chairman Tim Lee said he couldn’t agree more.
“Access is key to spurring businesses to consider converting to CNG, and hopefully, individual will also look at it as an option,” Lee said. “Thank you to Core-mark and U.S. Gain for helping to lead the way.”
Core-Mark’s commitment to a CNG program began with an initial conversion of its fleet. Today, there are 179 Core-Mark CNG tractors on the road with more planned in the future. “With U.S. Gain’s expertise, the conversion has been a smooth process that provides our fleet with easy access to CNG,” Heetland said.
In addition to working with the partner carrier to understand the cost and emissions benefits, U.S. Gain said it works jointly with its partner carriers to site GAIN Clean Fuel Stations in strategic locations.
“All aspects of a conversion to CNG must be beneficial for a carrier to make the commitment to convert,” said U.S. Gain General Manager Bill Renz. “It starts with leadership having progressive thinking and Core-Mark is definitely an industry leader. We’re proud to be partnering with them on these projects. We also appreciate Gas South for its support in this project. ”
The other three stations in operation through this partnership are located in Aurora, Colo.; Sanford, N.C., and Forrest City, Ark. The fifth station is under construction in Tampa, Fla., and is scheduled to be in operation later this summer.
