House Passes Transportation Bill with Alt Fuel Provision

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The U.S. House of Representatives in a 363-64 vote has passed a six-year, $325-billion transportation bill. The legislation includes an amendment by Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) ensuring states have the discretion to identify the most cost effective emission-reduction technologies, including alternative fuel vehicles. Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-Calif.) cosponsored the amendment. The bill’s passage means it now heads to a conference committee to reconcile differences between a Senate bill that was passed in July.

The Ryan amendment, one of more than 100 considered, modifies how Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds can be used in regions that exceed pollution standards. The purpose of the CMAQ program is to fund transportation projects or programs that contribute to compliance or maintenance of National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Absent the amendment, the transportation bill’s language could have restricted states’ ability to identify the
most effective emission reduction technologies and effectively limit their options to diesel retrofits only.

“Communities across the country are striving to improve air quality and reduce congestion, and the CMAQ program is a critical tool to achieve our goals,” said Ryan. “The Ryan-Napolitano amendment ensures that states will have the discretion they need to find innovative, creative solutions to reduce emissions—including vehicles that run on clean natural gas, propane, or electricity.”

“Propane autogas is an important part of helping Americans lessen pollution associated with motor fuels,” said Phil Squair, senior vice president of public and governmental affairs at the National Propane Gas Association. “NPGA is thrilled that Rep. Ryan’s common sense proposal was adopted to broaden the technologies available to the marketplace to reduce pollution associated with diesel engines.”

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