Norman's CNG fueling station celebrates grand opening

At that time, the city had only seven compressed natural gas-powered vehicles. Now it has 29 CNG vehicles; 65 electric vehicles; two hybrids; 70 flex fuel vehicles and 309 biodiesel ready vehicles, she said.

“We are saving tax dollars, and leading the state by supporting an industry that benefits the entire state,” Rosenthal said.

Compressed natural gas-powered vehicles reduce emissions by up to 97 percent, O'Leary said.

“They emit little or no particulate matter. They reduce noise, and their use promotes natural gas technologies in Oklahoma,” he said.

O'Leary said it was neither easy nor cheap to commit to an alternative fuel program, “but it makes good sense for our city, our citizens and our state.”

Hopefully, he said, the fueling station will encourage others to buy CNG vehicles.

“It's a good day to get geeky about public works,” O'Leary said.