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Feb 28, 2008 3:46 PM

The Diesel Technology Forum is questioning a recently announced plan by the Port of Long Beach harbor commissioners to replace at least half of current port drayage diesel trucks with trucks powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), according to forum information.

"With new ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel, on average new diesel vehicles now have near equivalent or lower emissions compared to LNG vehicles, which cost nearly twice as much to purchase and require new multi-million dollar fueling station infrastructure," said Allen Schaeffer, forum executive director. The forum is a trade group made up of vehicle manufacturers, engine makers, components suppliers, and energy companies.

The other major hidden cost of natural gas technology is the need for infrastructure. Clean diesel vehicles are able to use the current refueling infrastructure while new LNG vehicles require new fueling stations, the form argued.