Buoyed by the benefits to the environment and reducing dependence on foreign oil, NGVAmerica, a national organization to furthering development and widespread use of vehicles powered by natural gas or hydrogen, is backing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal for certifying natural gas aftermarket vehicle conversion. It’s a step that will help expand the use of alternative fuels, and one that’s needed since aftermarket conversions of existing vehicles are the best bet to getting more on the road. Among the EPA’s proposal are that converting a vehicle does not void the original warranty and manufacturers should pay certification fees based on sales rather than projections. Legislation awaiting action from Congress would extend incentives those who purchase natural gas-fueled vehicles.

NGVAmerica recently applauded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) proposal to streamline the process for certifying natural gas vehicle aftermarket conversions as “one of the most important steps government can take to expand the use of non-petroleum fuels.” The organization has supported the existing requirements, but contended that they are unduly restrictive when it comes to aftermarket conversions.

“We commend EPA for recognizing that its regulations as currently written are not a good fit for aftermarket conversions,” said Jeff Clarke, general counsel and director of regulatory affairs for NGVAmerica, in an oral statement made during a hearing on the agency’s proposed rule changes. “It has been a long time in coming and is welcomed.

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