Posted: | December 21, 2016 10:04 AM |
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From: | Representative Scott Conklin |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Maximum Gross Weight Exception for Retrofitted Construction Trucks (Former HB525) |
In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that would allow construction trucks that are retrofitted for propulsion by alternative fuels to exceed the current maximum gross weight restrictions established by law (Former HB 525). As you may know, emissions from large diesel and gasoline vehicles have an adverse effect on our environment. Accordingly, an increase in the use of alternative fuels for vehicles has been a major focus of industry groups, environmentalists and policy makers. However, under current Pennsylvania law, vehicles are prohibited from exceeding a maximum gross weight of 80,000 pounds if traveling on our state’s highways. Many construction trucks weigh in just shy of the current statutory maximum gross weight. As such, these vehicles cannot be retrofitted for propulsion by alternative fuels without exceeding the weight limit. In order to resolve this issue, my bill would allow construction trucks retrofitted for propulsion by alternative fuels to exceed the current maximum gross weight restrictions by up to 2,000 pounds. It is important to note that an alternative fuel retrofit can add up to 1,500 pounds to a vehicle. By allowing this exemption for retrofitted construction vehicles, we will be able to further protect our environment, while supporting alternative energy industries in the Commonwealth. Please join me in sponsoring this very important legislation. Previous Cosponsors: COHEN, GILLEN, HARKINS, KORTZ, PASHINSKI, THOMAS AND ZIMMERMAN |
Introduced as HB1731