American Gas - May 2013 - (Page 19)

TAKING A BITE OUT OF FOOD TRUCK POLLUTION The food truck universe is full of unbridled creativity, with roving bands of hip, savvy entrepreneurs constantly trying to outdo each other with the latest must-eat taco, barbeque, or cupcake. In New York, pizza-maker Neapolitan Express has put this competition into overdrive, launching the nation’s first CNG-powered food truck in partnership with natural gas provider Clean Energy Fuels Corp. “This is the initial step in a larger plan to modernize the food industry sector in a forward-looking way,” said Neapolitan Express spokesman Danny Alzate at a recent kickoff event, accompanied by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and legendary energy executive and Clean Energy investor T. Boone Pickens. “The business model and technology have been a long time in the making, and we are proud to present it first to New Yorkers.” The food truck features a CNG Ford chassis with a Caterpillar natural gas generator that Neapolitan Express has converted to power both the vehicle and the equipment—including a state-ofthe-art, hand-built, Italian electric oven that reaches nearly 900 degrees. The technology cooks a pizza in 90 seconds. Food trucks have been criticized for their heavy carbon emissions and use of highly combustible propane tanks. The new Neapolitan Express truck produces 70 percent less greenhouse gas than gasoline or diesel, saves 60 percent in fuel costs, and provides a higher degree of safety, according to the company. “Neapolitan Express and Clean Energy Fuels are taking the art of pizza and food trucks to new heights, while also setting a new standard for sustainability,” said Bloomberg. “We’re lucky to have private sector partners like Clean Energy Fuels and Neapolitan Express, who are taking charge and helping New York City lead the way to a greener future.” The first Neapolitan Express truck will sell authentic Neapolitan pizzas in various locations around Manhattan. The company plans to expand the brand and concept nationally in 2013. Neapolitan Express has a patent pending for its proprietary Compressed Natural Gas Integration System, which it says can handle electrical, hot water, and refrigeration power generation for a range of mobile food carts, food trucks, and refrigerated vehicles. —Gary James CANADA CAPITOL HILL S TAT E H O U S E CITY HALL THE RAILS On the streets of New York, Mayor Michael Bloomberg checks out a Neapolitan Express “slice,” while Clean Energy investor T. Boone Pickens waits for the review. MAY 2013 AMERICAN GAS 19

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of American Gas - May 2013

American Gas - May 2013
Contents
President’s Message
Subject Index
Sandy Coins Say Thanks
Digest
Issues
Update
Need to Know
By the Numbers
Places
Need to Know
Taking a Bite out of Food Truck Pollution
Canada
Capitol Hill
State House
City Hal
Safety: Getting Employees Invested
The Rails
Profile
AGA Ops Conference Preview
Procurement
Jobs
Buyer’s Guide
Marketplace
Headway

American Gas - May 2013