New legislation in pipeline to boost autogas’ viability

Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., unveiled legislation June 24 that he says would improve the nation’s clean energy infrastructure and put more alternative fuel trucks on the road.

Casey shared details about the legislation, the Clean Vehicle Corridors Act, during an event at AmeriGas in King of Prussia, Pa. He explained how the act could boost the U.S. alternative energy industry and spark economic growth by adding cleaner fueling stations along federal interstates. In addition, Casey says the approach could allow projects supporting clean vehicles to be eligible to receive an increased share of funding from the Department of Transportation.

According to a press release, the Clean Vehicle Corridors Act will allow the Department of Transportation to establish clean vehicle corridors along interstate highways across the country. These areas will contain the infrastructure necessary to refuel clean vehicles and modify weight restrictions on heavier clean vehicle trucks.

Casey, who introduced the Natural Gas Energy and Alternative Rewards Act in 2012 and reintroduced it this year, says the Clean Vehicle Corridors Act will encourage the promotion of autogas, as well as CNG, LNG, plug-in electric, advanced biofuels, hydrogen and other clean fuels.

In addition, the act will facilitate the development of policies and planning needed to put into place cleaner alternative fuel infrastructure for clean vehicles, such as fueling stations, rest stops, travel plazas or other service areas on federal or private property that are found to be most practically located along a Clean Vehicle Corridor that would be available to all fuel users.