SENATE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 302

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: DECEMBER 16, 1996

      The Senate Environment Committee favorably reports Senate Bill No. 302 with committee amendments.

      As amended, this bill would authorize the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as an alternative fuel for school buses instead of, in addition to, or in combination with conventional gasoline or diesel fuel. The use of LPG as an alternative fuel for school buses would be allowed only if certain State and federal standards are employed.

      Committee amendments remove the liability immunity provisions from the bill. Because the use of LPG is considered safe there is no need to include any limitations on liability. The amendments also make technical changes to the definition of a "school bus."

      Senate Bill No. 302 was pre-filed for introduction in the 1996-97 legislative session pending technical review. As reported by the committee, the bill contains the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.