Interpretation ID: nht95-2.71

TYPE: INTERPRETATION-NHTSA

DATE: May 9, 1995

FROM: Ron Hooker -- Program Administrator, Division of Weights and Measures, Missouri Department of Agriculture

TO: Mr. John Womack -- Chief Counsel, NHTSA

TITLE: CNG Motor Vehicle Fuel System Safety

ATTACHMT: ATTACHED TO 6/8/95 LETTER FROM JOHN WOMACK TO RON HOOKER (A43; VSA 103(A) 303)

TEXT: Dear Mr. Womack:

In 1991 the Missouri General Assembly passed legislation mandating a Fuel Conservation Program for state vehicles. Various alternative fuels were addressed in the legislation including natural gas.

At the time the legislation was passed, there were no state regulations setting forth safety standards and/or guidelines for compressed natural gas motor vehicle fuel systems.

Because of the concern for safety and the need for specific guidelines for CNG motor vehicle fuels systems, the Highway Patrol, Public Service Commission and our agency studied the issue and a determination was made that the Missouri Department of Agricu lture should be the "lead" agency since regulations relating to LP gas motor vehicle fuels systems had been established by Agriculture in 1983.

In 1994 the General Assembly passed legislation giving the Department of Agriculture the authority to promulgate regulations relating to CNG motor vehicle fuel system safety. We are now attempting to determine what the extent of the regulations should/c an be.

Several agencies, both private and public, are involved as a rule making committee and anxious for regulations/guidelines to be established so that CNG can be utilized as an alternative motor fuel choice.

With exception of fuel container design and fuel container and system integrity, does the Department of Agriculture have the authority, under federal regulations, to implement regulations and/or adopt national standards (i.e. NFPA 52) relating to CNG mot or vehicle fuel system safety.

If the department does have authority or limited authority, could you please address those areas and communicate them to me at your earliest convenience.

I sincerely appreciate your assistance in this matter.