STATE REGULATORY NOTES: KENTUCKY, NEW JERSEY, TEXAS

Kentucky has proposed new conversion factors for CNG and LNG as result of recently enacted legislation. Under the proposal, tax officials will allow covered persons to use either 5.66 lbs. or 126.67 cubic feet of CNG for purposes of computing tax obligations. For LNG, a conversion factor of 6.06 lbs. or 1.52 gallons should be used. The proposal asks a series of questions regarding application of the new rules. Persons interested in commenting on the change may do so up until June 2nd. There also will be a public hearing on May 27th. For more information, contact Lisa Swiger, Kentucky Department of Revenue, 502.564.9526.

In New Jersey, the South Jersey Transportation Authority has finalized rules increasing the amount of fuel that can be stored onboard CNG and LNG vehicles when operating in the Brigantine Connector Tunnel. Under the rules, vehicles may now have a fuel capacity of up to 100 GGE of natural gas instead of the 150 pounds of fuel originally proposed. NGVAmerica and the New Jersey Utilities Association both filed comments objecting the proposed lower level.

Texas authorities have issued a proposal that would require NGV owners to obtain an inspection of their natural gas cylinders as part of the state’s safety inspection program. The inspection is intended to identify whether the cylinders comply with federal safety requirements for such cylinders and also to provide proof that the cylinders has not exceeded its end of life. The new requirements were called for in legislation (HB 2035) enacted by Texas last year. Comments on the proposal may be submitted up until May 15; persons interested should contact Steve Moninger in the Department of Public Safety, 512.424.5842.