A new act promises to serve as a model for promoting NGVs
TULSA—Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has signed a bill to spur more development of natural gas vehicle fueling stations and related infrastructure in the state.
Known as the Clean Transportation Reform and Modernization Act, HB2095 extends a tax credit for either converting diesel- or gasolinepowered vehicles to run on compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas. It also offers a tax credit for buying vehicles equipped to operate on those alternative fuels. The measure extends the state tax credits from Jan. 1, 2020, to Dec. 31, 2027, capping the collective annual amount of credits at $20 million.
NGVAmerica President Dan Gage said he believes the legislation will serve as a model for other states seeking to promote alternative-fuel vehicles.
“NGVAmerica applauds Gov. Stitt for signing HB2095. This will ensure that Oklahoma will consistently lead the country in supporting natural gas vehicles as the best path to build demand for an Oklahoma-produced product, to clean the environment through targeting the highest mileage and dirtiest vehicles, and to provide economic benefit to the state and its constituents.
“With no expectation of increased state expenditures and no impact to state revenue as proven by the Oklahoma Tax Commission, we look forward to highlighting Oklahoma’s efforts as a model for the rest of the country to follow,” Gage added.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center, Oklahoma currently has 529 alternative-fuel fueling stations. However, there are twice as many public electric outlets (201) as CNG stations (100). LPG placed second, with 118 public stations. At press time, there was a single private LNG station but no public stations.