Commercial fleet managers in Oregon will gain access to a new network of compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling stations, following the state utility board's approval of Northwest Natural Gas Company's build-out plan.

Earlier this month, Northwest Natural Gas gained approval from the Oregon Public Utility Commission to install, own, and maintain gas compression equipment at business locations of customers who want to fuel their fleets with CNG.

The plan requires no public subsidy, as commercial fleet customers will shoulder all costs associated with the fueling infrastructure for natural gas vehicles, the company announced.

"We are excited to offer this service to business customers who want to take advantage of this abundant, clean and affordable fuel," said Barbara Summers, the company's director of business development. "Our next steps will be to work with interested customers operating vehicle fleets to help them through the process and understand the service option that NW Natural can now provide."