Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission Delays Decision on Reformulated Gasoline as Alternative Fuel

The Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission's (TNRCC) decision to delay until Dec 1, 1996, a finding on which fuels should be on the state's alternative fuel list has sparked further controversy between major oil companies and independent natural gas producers. The proposed rule would have adopted the most-stringent federal regulations for new fleet vehicles, effectively mandating the purchase of natural gas vehicles or electric vehicles. However, natural gas producers oppose recognition of reformulated gasoline (RFG) as an alternative fuel, while oil companies disapproved because the rule would have excluded the use of RFG in fleet vehicles.

Key Takeaways:

• The TNRCC voted to delay until Dec 1, 1996, a finding on which fuels should be on the state's alternative fuel list, angering both major oil companies and independent natural gas producers.
• Natural gas producers oppose recognition of RFG as an alternative fuel, while oil companies disapproved because the rule would have adopted standards for fleet vehicles that exclude the use of RFG.
• The proposed rule would have adopted the most-stringent federal regulations, "inherently low-emission vehicle" standards, for new fleet vehicles beginning Sept. 1, 1998.
• The state's clean air legislation, Clean Air Texas, was launched in 1989 and mandated the use of natural gas and other alternative fuels in fleets, but did not specifically mention RFG.
• A compromise was reached, including a delay of the alternative fuels finding and calls for a study to be completed by fall 1996 on emissions, cost effectiveness, technological efficiency, and fueling infrastructure.
• The TNRCC's decision effectively gives the Texas Legislature time to review its clean air legislation, which will convene in January 1995.

Statistics:

• By Dec 1, 1996 (delayed from original target), the TNRCC will make a final decision on which fuels should be on the state's alternative fuel list.
• The proposed rule would have adopted the most-stringent federal regulations, "inherently low-emission vehicle" standards, for new fleet vehicles beginning Sept. 1, 1998.
• The state's Clean Air Texas initiative, launched in 1989, mandated the use of natural gas and other alternative fuels in fleets.

Sources:

• "TNRCC Delays Decision on Alternative Fuels: Oil, Gas Interests Clash Again Over RFG," Austin American-Statesman, October 1994.
• Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission (TNRCC), no specific publication or date mentioned.