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House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	January 24, 2013 09:30 AM
From:	Representative Scott Conklin
To:	All House members
Subject:	Max Gross Weight Exception for Retrofitted Construction Trucks

In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that will allow constructions trucks retrofitted for propulsion by alternative fuels to exceed current maximum gross weight restrictions established by law. As you 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 weight limit issues, my bill will allow constructions trucks retrofitted for propulsion by alternative fuels to exceed 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.

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