Inhofe Praises EPA Announcement on Engine Certification Proposal

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, today praised the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement proposing to amend the current regulations for aftermarket fuel conversions. This proposal updates regulations that apply to manufacturers of clean alternative fuel conversion systems. The proposed revisions would streamline compliance with conversion regulations while maintaining environmentally protective controls.

“I am pleased to see the EPA is taking significant steps to help make vehicle conversions a more widely available option for American drivers,” Senator Inhofe said. “This is the type of policy that can help reduce dependence on foreign oil, create jobs, and keep energy prices affordable.” 

EPA is proposing a new approach that would simplify and streamline the process by which manufacturers of clean alternative fuel conversion systems may demonstrate compliance with vehicle and engine emissions requirements. The new options would reduce some economic and procedural impediments to clean alternative fuel conversions while maintaining environmental safeguards to ensure that acceptable emission levels from converted vehicles are sustained.

Background:

Last October, Senator Inhofe joined Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss. and Reps. Dan Boren, D-Okla., and Rep. Heath Shuler., D-N.C., in introducing the Streamline Alternative Fuel Vehicle Conversions Act.  This legislation seeks to simplify and streamline EPA’s emissions certification process for aftermarket fuel conversion systems.  EPA’s existing regulations effectively prohibit car owners from legally converting a car to a bi-fuel operation.  Bi-fuel operation allows a car to switch back and forth from either gasoline or an alternative fuel such as propane or natural gas.

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