U.S. Representatives Lee Terry, R-Neb., and Sam Graves, R-Mo., have introduced a trio of bills to promote the use of natural gas in long haul trucking. 

One would establish a task force among the Departments of Energy and Commerce, the Environmental Protection Agency, members of Congress, state government, and private sector representatives to evaluate barriers to transition from diesel fuel to natural gas, as well as the costs and benefits of using natural gas in trucks and what such a switch could mean for the Highway Trust Fund. The task force would produce a report within 120 days of the bill becoming law.

It is known as HR 3937 and has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

The second measure would direct the Secretary of Transportation to designate natural gas fueling corridors for long haul truck traffic. HR 3938 has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

The third bill would allow an exemption from the current truck weight limit solely for the purpose of the weight of the natural gas tank, so that trucks using the fuel are not at a disadvantage. It is HR 3940 and has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

“The legislative proposals are aimed at making it safer, more convenient, and more cost-effective for trucking transportation companies to use natural gas when transporting goods across the country,” according to statement from Terry’s office.

“Utilizing natural gas in the long haul trucking industry just makes sense,” said Graves, who chairs the House Small Business Committee. “These bills…provide the tools necessary to make sure companies looking to use natural gas are not at a disadvantage.”