Pittsburgh — American Natural opened its first Energy Centre in Station Square on Thursday, July 25th. The gas station offers customers both diesel and gasoline as well as compressed natural gas (CMG). The station also provides customers with an American Natural Eatery with fresh coffee, pastries, sandwiches and salads.
CEO of Natural Gas, Jennifer Pomerantz, announced that Pittsburgh was chosen as the first city to have the first natural gas station for "its origins in the industrial and transportation development as well as its current transition with the economy and technology.” In fact, American Natural has committed to making Pittsburgh its home base. Veteran and former Steeler Rocky Bleier added, "Pittsburgh has its own culture grounded in opportunities and is home to a lot of firsts in American history with the first TV station, the first host of the World Series, and even the first gas station. Now we have another first."
On one level, American Natural brings the public more affordability in its prices for transportation. Pomerantz informed us that CNG costs roughly two dollars less than gasoline. In conjunction with Pomerantz, President and CEO of Acaryis, Leo Goff, declared, "Gas is right under our feet." Goff also reported that we as Americans consume over 19 million barrels of fuel per day with about 75% going towards transportation. Much of this fuel is imported from Middle Eastern countries, owned by companies such as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). By using natural gas in America, Allegheny County Executive, Rich Fitzgerald, argued that “it is a way to keep money here in the US instead of shipping it overseas with a cost and profit that is a win-win-win all the way around.”
The company also puts profits back into smaller businesses in the area, as it adopts sweets from Gluuteny Bakery and Allegro Hearth Bakery of Squirrel Hill and from Sinful Sweets of downtown Pittsburgh. The company additionally buys dairy products from Turner’s Dairy. Bleier declared that American Natural Eatery gives customers superior food choices with healthier ingredients and a more upscale design than most gas stations.
On another level, CNG is better for the environment, as natural gas creates less air pollution than other fuels. Bleier explained that many other countries including India and China have already adopted this alternative fuel for transportation and argued, “Why not here?”
In order to use CNG, Bleier stated that you can buy a natural gas kit to convert your car to ingest CNG. You can also buy a car that is CNG compatible. At the opening event, Bleier and Pomerantz filled up the tank of a refurbished 1966 Mustang. What’s so intriguing about the station and the company is that it additionally gives trucks an opportunity to fill up their engines with CNG as well. Pomerantz confirmed that companies such as Fed Ex and UPS are running on the domestic resource.
American Natural has also teamed up with the local taxi company Veterans’ Taxi to run on CNG. Goff explained that the company began its operation with the use of propane in order to become the first transportation provider to run on alternative energy. The company also provides transportation to the elderly, those with disabilities, and veterans. In fact, the taxis are driven and leased by Wester, PA Veterans. Veteran and employee of Veterans’ Taxi Angelo Morasca stated, “the company reached out to me, gave me a chance and I’m doing a lot better now”. Morasca enjoys driving the disabled veterans the most because “it is a very therapeutic experience to talk to people who have been through what I’ve been through… it grounds me.” Goff enjoys this opening as a way of teaming up with others and helping veterans and our country. Part of the profits made from the company will go towards Veterans’ Taxi and Hackers for Hope, a company that raises money for cancer research.
Executive VP Andrea Feinstein declared that the company is healthier and forward-thinking. “It gives you fuel for your body and your vehicle.” Pomerantz contended that the company is bound to expand nationally: “We have so much more room to go in the global marketplace.” Stay tuned for more American Natural stations to open.