U.S. EPA Makes It Easier to Convert Old Cars to Alternative Fuels

Do-it-yourselfers are probably rejoicing in the streets, now that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has tweaked its rules for selling alternative fuel conversion systems for cars and certain trucks. The previous rule was intended to ensure that fuel conversions don’t have the unintended consequence of creating significantly more pollution, as can happen with a badly designed conversion system. The new rule modification accounts for the age of the car and the engine when determining whether the conversion complies with emission requirements.

Regulatory Obstacle Lifted for Alternative Fuel Conversions

In order to ensure that a fuel switch still meets emission standards, EPA requires a certificate of conformity for alternative fuel conversion systems. Without this exemption, the manufacturer or installer could face tampering charges under the Clean Air Act, which generally prohibits altering an engine. The previous conformity rule had a one-size-fits-all structure that created an unnecessary burden depending on the age of the car and engine. The new rules adjust for those factors, creating a number of options for meeting compliance with emission standards. The rules for new and relatively new engines/vehicles will remain substantially the same, and will be somewhat less involved for older cars/engines.

Great, But Where do You Get the Alternative Fuel?

The Department of Energy has an online alternative fuel locator, which is sure handy because doing the fuel conversion is just half the equation. Getting hold of the new fuel is the other half. Along these lines, EPA also provides a few caveats for consumers, noting that conversion alone may not result in lower pollution. EPA rules only require that the conversion not result in an increase. In addition, a conversion doesn’t necessarily give you lower fuel and running costs, so here’s another handy item: the Department of Energy’s online, national up-to-date alternative fuel price report.

Image: Vintage car by XOZ (The REAL XOZ) on flickr.com.

---

Have a tip for CleanTechnica? Want to advertise? Want to suggest a guest for our CleanTech Talk podcast? Contact us here.

---

CleanTechnica Holiday Wish Book

Click to download.

---

Our Latest EVObsession Video

---

I don't like paywalls. You don't like paywalls. Who likes paywalls? Here at CleanTechnica, we implemented a limited paywall for a while, but it always felt wrong — and it was always tough to decide what we should put behind there. In theory, your most exclusive and best content goes behind a paywall. But then fewer people read it!! So, we've decided to completely nix paywalls here at CleanTechnica. But...

 

Like other media companies, we need reader support! If you support us, please chip in a bit monthly to help our team write, edit, and publish 15 cleantech stories a day!

 

Thank you!

---

Advertisement  

---

CleanTechnica uses affiliate links. See our policy here.

---