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Senate approves measure to open Public Service Commission docket for natural-gas fleet conversions and refueling infrastructure
Summary
The Senate passed a bill directing the Public Service Commission to open a docket to examine options for fleet conversions, refueling infrastructure, and maintenance facilities to support natural-gas vehicles; sponsor cited air-quality benefits and said the commission will report back by Sept. 30, 2013. The measure passed and will be sent to the House.
The Utah Senate passed a bill on March 11 to direct the Public Service Commission (PSC) to open a docket examining ways to advance natural-gas vehicle conversions, expand refueling infrastructure and build supporting maintenance facilities. Sponsor Senator Adams framed the bill as an air-quality and economic measure intended to reduce tailpipe pollution and spur local industry participation.
Senator Adams told the Senate that, based on information he cited on the floor, roughly 55–60% of the pollution during inversions comes from tailpipes and that converting fleets could help clean Utah’s air. He said the PSC docket will evaluate options including allowing gas corporations to support fleet conversions, build refueling networks and consider funding mechanisms. The sponsor highlighted one implementation approach: a revolving loan fund to help school districts finance conversions (he cited an example cost of $30,000 to convert a school bus with payback in roughly 20–24 months and estimated annual fuel savings of about $15,000).
Floor questions focused on whether ratepayers would bear costs and what fund sources are available; Senator Adams said the docket will study funding sources, which might include utility rates, conservation funds (he cited an approximate $30 million conservation fund balance) or other mechanisms. He outlined a proposed interlocal agency to govern revolving funds and said entities such as UTA, counties and school districts could participate.
An amendment added a reporting deadline: the PSC must report its findings to the governor and Legislative Management by Sept. 30, 2013. The Senate suspended the three-reading rule, passed the bill, and the roll-call was reported on the floor; the bill will be sent to the House for further consideration.
Next steps: PSC docket work, an interim report by the mandated date, and possible follow-up legislation or rulemaking based on PSC findings.
