|
Oct. 25, 2021
 |
|
MDAQMD Governing Board Chair Merl Abel, left, and Executive Director/APCO Brad Poiriez, right, present the 2021 Exemplar Award to representatives of SoCalGas on Monday, Oct. 25, 2021. |
SoCalGas earns Exemplar Award
Company’s focus on lowering emissions edges out competition
VICTORVILLE — The Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD) this week honored SoCalGas with the District’s preeminent environmental distinction, the Exemplar Award.
The public nominates and MDAQMD awards this honor annually among businesses, individuals and nonprofits who’ve demonstrated outstanding contributions to the prevention or control of air pollution in the Mojave Desert Air Basin.
SoCalGas is the provider of natural gas to more than 21 million customers spanning some 24,000 square miles across 12 counties. This year, the company became the largest gas distribution utility in North America to set a net zero emissions target. The company plans for its fleet vehicles, owned buildings, pipelines they operate and the fuel they deliver to its millions of customers across Southern California to be net zero emissions by 2045.
“SoCalGas appreciates everyone who chose us to win the District’s annual Exemplar award. We are well aware of our responsibility to implement sustainable practices and remain a sound environmental steward,” Jawaad Malik, the company’s Vice President of Strategy and Sustainability & Chief Environmental Officer. “Our ASPIRE 2045 climate commitment is to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions in our operations and delivery of energy by 2045, this will help reach California’s carbon neutrality goal and maintain healthy air quality for the communities we serve.”
Within MDAQMD’s jurisdiction, the company operates six Title V facilities, two bases and one interconnection point. Title V facilities operate under the federally mandated Title V permit program for major sources of air pollution. The company presence in the Mojave Desert is integral as it’s where natural gas they transport from basins in New Mexico and Texas to its millions of Southern California customers.
“SoCal Gas has an eye toward more sustainable business practices, but to set such an audacious goal for net zero emissions is a great thing to see from such an influential utility company and will be great for our desert air,” said Brad Poiriez, MDAQMD Executive Director and Air Pollution Control Officer.
One example of their efforts to meet that goal is a project on which they’ve partnered with MDAQMD to retrofit or replace its compressor engines, turbines, and generators with emissions control technologies such as a catalytic reduction system. SoCal Gas has also implemented its lead detection and repair program while working toward eliminating 100 percent of vented gas during planned transmission pipeline work utilizing new technology. They’ve converted 200 new Ford F-250 service pickup trucks to run on renewable natural gas.
|
