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A $300,000 grant from the California Energy Commission to Santa Clara County will be matched with $900,000 in county funds to install a compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station at the Fleet Management Facility at 2265 Junction Ave. in San Jose.

A single CNG dispenser will be installed for use by buses and smaller vehicles. The station should be completed by 2015 and accessible to the public 24/7.

"Natural gas is one of the cleanest and most abundant sources of fuel," said Supervisor Ken Yeager, president of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. "By installing a Compressed Natural Gas fueling station, we are encouraging the use of CNG vehicles to help decrease greenhouse gases and pollution in our area."

It's estimated that a CNG vehicle emits 20 percent to 30 percent fewer greenhouse gases and 95 percent less particulate matter than the equivalent gasoline or diesel-powered vehicle.

Currently, there are five CNG stations in the county: at PG&E, 308 Stockton Ave., San Jose; San Jose Airport, 2151 Airport Blvd., San Jose (open 24/7); San Jose School District, 2222 Unified Way, San Jose; Specialty Solid Waste, 3351 Thomas Road, Santa Clara, and at PG&E, 10900 N. Blaney Ave., Cupertino.

The county has a fleet of 2,500 vehicles and a goal to convert 25 percent of its vehicles to CNG within 10 years. By doing so, the county will decrease its use of petroleum by 333,375 gallons per year.

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