House OKs increase in weight limit for natural gas vehicles

Minnesota law may accommodate cleaner-burning-but-heavier natural gas-powered trucks with a higher weight limit on the state’s highways.

Rep. Tim Kelly (R-Red Wing), chair of the House Transportation Policy and Finance Committee, sponsors HF3588 that would establish a weight limit credit for natural gas vehicles to allow increased gross vehicle and per-axle weight limits.

Passed by the House on Thursday by a vote of 116-10, the bill now goes to the Senate where Sen. Roger Reinert (DFL-Duluth) is the sponsor.

 “The vehicles are much heavier because (the tank) for the natural gas has to be encased,” Kelly said. That makes the vehicles heavier than diesel-fueled trucks. “So, we’re allowing for that exemption here in Minnesota.”

Truck weights are a frequent point of contention at the Legislature, with industry groups lobbying to allow heavier trucks on state roads in order to ship goods and materials more efficiently. Opponents argue heavier trucks will put too much wear on Minnesota’s roads and bridges.

Rep. Michael Nelson (DFL-Brooklyn Park) warned legislators about allowing heavier vehicles without increased funding for the state’s transportation needs.

“You put more weight onto those bridges, you’ll have more bridges coming down,” he said.