Noble Energy provides vehicle to Arc Human Services

By Michael Bradwell, Business Editor
Observer-Reporter Newspaper, B1

As one of the world's leading independent oil and gas companies, Noble Energy operates under the tagline, "Energizing the World, Bettering People's Lives."  On Tuesday, September 1, Houston-based Noble Energy, which has its Marcellus Shale exploration and production operations in Southpointe made good on it's slogan, donating a compressed natural gas handicapped accessible van to Arc Human Services, Inc.

The Washington -based not-for-profit provides employment and training as well as housing and support services to residents with intellectual and developmental health disabilities. During the presentation, before Arc officials, their clients and county and state officials at the DoubleTree Hotel along Racetrack Road, Noble officials said they worked closely with Arc to identify its transportation needs to sponsor the investment to help it better serve the community.

"This clean burning CNG van will help Arc Human Services offset fuel costs while also making a meaningful contribution to cleaner air quality," said R.J. Moses, Noble's senior operations manager of the Marcellus business unit.  "Most importantly, the partnership will help provide local individuals with essential transportation services they depend upon."

Arc Human Services Director Jim Settembrino said the organization will use the new CNG van to provide local transportation services for the individuals it serves.  He said later that Arc, which is headquartered at 470 Johnson Road in North Strabane Township, uses about 80 vehicles to cover its eight county service are in Western Pennsylvania, including Washington and Greene Counties.

The organization's 650 employees guide, prepare and educate people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as their families on successful community living and vocational integration.  Its employment program, which prepares clients for a competitive and community -based career, currently has 80 people working at its Training & Employment Center and 16 others who work at businesses in the community.

According to a news release from Noble, its contribution will help Arc Human Services lessen fuel costs by 25% with CNG - even with today's low gasoline prices - as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions between 13 and 21% and nitrogen oxides by 76 to 97%.

The organization will fuel the vehicle at the CNG station operated by Waste Management Inc in Arden.