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House approves bill letting private-sector technicians certify CNG vehicle retrofits
Summary
The House passed a bill directing compressed natural gas retrofit certification to private CSA America–certified technicians, citing potential air-quality benefits, reduced fuel costs and a three-year safety-inspection cycle; the measure passed 67–1 and advances to the Senate.
The Utah House on Friday approved a measure to shift certification and inspection of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle retrofits to private-sector technicians, advancing the bill to the Senate.
Representative Draxler, the bill sponsor, said the bill aims to expand adoption of CNG vehicles to help air quality and consumer costs. "We have an abundant supply of natural gas in our state," he said, adding that conversions could reduce operating costs because CNG is "about one-third the cost of gasoline." Draxler told colleagues the plan requires installations and inspections by CSA America–certified technicians and calls for tank inspections every three years, every 36,000 miles or after collisions of more than 5 mph.
In questioning, a member asked whether the bill changed the federal standard against which conversions are judged. Draxler replied that "the kits that are approved by CSA America certified technicians do exactly the same thing that an EPA kit does" and said his office had consulted with EPA officials, who "have not actively opposed this bill." He characterized the measure as a potential state-level pilot that could relieve federal bottlenecks.
Supporters emphasized local industry capacity: Draxler said Utah has more CSA-certified technicians than any other state and that the private-sector approach could speed conversions beyond the pace the federal approval process allows. Opponents raised no recorded procedural objections during the House action.
Voting was opened and closed on the second substitute; the House recorded 67 yes votes and one no. The bill is now transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.
Next steps: the Senate will receive the measure for committee referral and possible further amendment.
