Interpretation ID: nht94-6.40

DATE: April 12, 1994

FROM: Christopher A. Hart -- Acting Administrator, NHTSA

TO: Doug Bereuter -- U.S. House of Representatives

TITLE: None

ATTACHMT: Attached to letter dated 3/9/94 from Doug Bereuter to Howard Smolkin

TEXT:

Thank you for your letter concerning a rulemaking related to compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle fuel systems and fuel containers. You express concern about the time it is taking to complete the rulemaking.

I fully understand your concern over this matter and want to assure you that the agency is working diligently to reach a final decision. The supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking we issued in December 1993 was an essential step toward permitting the use of CNG containers that employ new technologies. We have now reviewed the comments received on this notice and are preparing the final rule. As agency representatives explained when they met with you in December 1993, the final rule will be reviewed by the Office of the Secretary and the Office of Management and Budget.

I hope this information is helpful and appreciate your patience in this matter.

ATTACHMENT

12/3/93

Dear Congressman Doug Bereuter:

This is in response to your November 22, 1993, letter regarding the actions of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in regulating the safe performance of compressed natural gas motor vehicles and fuel containers. I understand that representatives of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are scheduled to meet with you during the week of December 6 to discuss the points you raised in your letter. I think that they will be able to address your concerns at that time; however, I'd be happy to talk with you further about this if necessary.

Sincerely,

Federico Pena