We have a responsibility to be good stewards of the earth; we cultivate it and thus we are obliged to protect it. The transition to sustainable practices in the trucking industry, despite debates on implementation, certainly benefits the environment.
The adoption of alternative fuels, coupled with electric and hybrid technologies, has resulted in a significant reduction of air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which pose risks to both environmental and public health.
In the state of California, there is an ambitious mandate to outlaw all new diesel vehicles in heavier weight classes by 2035. The ports of Los Angeles have already felt the pressures of this regulation. Beginning February 2024, any new vehicles registered to work at the ports must be Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs), also known as, electric or hydrogen vehicles.
In 2021, Transportation Guidance & Assistance (TGA) Truck Driving School set an ambitious goal to lower carbon emissions across its fleet. The school achieved this by incorporating Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) commercial vehicles into its existing lineup.
CNG vehicles offer considerable environmental advantages by lowering emissions and reducing the carbon footprint relative to traditional diesel-powered vehicles. This leads to better air quality and helps in the fight against climate change. In 2024, TGA Truck Driving School boasts six fully operational vehicles powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), with plans to add additional vehicles in 2025.