Pennsylvania Senate Approves Bill to Promote Use of Heavy Duty NGVs

A bill introduced by Sen. Wayne Langerholc (R-35) to promote the use of natural gas in larger vehicles was unanimously approved by the Pennsylvania State Senate. Senate Bill 589 increases the maximum allowable weight for motor carrier vehicles that are powered by natural gas from 80,000 pounds to 82,000 pounds, to accommodate the added weight of natural gas fuel systems.

“This legislation is a win-win for Pennsylvania,” Langerholc said. “It both encourages the use of natural gas to power our larger trucks and updates our laws to ensure that federal transportation funds continue to flow to our Commonwealth, which is the hub of interstate commerce for the entire East Coast.”

When the U.S. Congress passed the FAST Act in 2015, it included a provision that permitted states to increase their allowable weights for natural-gas-powered vehicles to promote the use of the cleaner-burning fuel. A dozen states have already enacted laws to carry out this provision.

Senate Bill 589 now goes to the House for its consideration.