Texas House Bill HB3413

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the Texas natural gas vehicle grant program, including the funding of fueling stations from grants under that program.

Impact

The bill reinforces the state's commitment to enhancing natural gas infrastructure, thereby promoting the use of natural gas as a cleaner alternative to traditional fuels. By establishing preferences for stations that provide both types of natural gas and are conveniently located near major transportation routes, the state can potentially facilitate increased adoption of natural gas vehicles. Additionally, it ties into broader environmental goals by ensuring compliance with federal air quality standards, which is essential for the state's standing with the EPA.

Summary

House Bill 3413 proposes amendments to the Texas natural gas vehicle grant program, with a particular focus on funding fueling stations that provide either liquefied natural gas or compressed natural gas. The bill stipulates that any station funded under this program must be publicly accessible, which means that they cannot be restricted to private or corporate use unless specific conditions apply, such as being operated by transit authorities in heavily populated areas. This inclusion aims to ensure that the public can benefit from these facilities, fostering greater access to natural gas vehicles throughout Texas.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding Bill HB3413 revolves around the accessibility requirement for fueling stations. While proponents advocate for public accessibility to encourage the use of natural gas vehicles, critics may argue that such regulations could impede the development of privately funded stations, especially in less populated areas where the investment might be riskier. The focus on geographical preferences for the stations could also create disparities in service availability across different regions in Texas, raising concerns about equal access for all Texans.