The National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) took up several proposals of importance to truckstops and travel plazas at its annual meeting in Detroit, Mich., including items pertaining to diesel dispenser filter requirements and a proposal to create a diesel gallon equivalent (DGE) method of sale for compressed and liquefied natural gas.
Marking a victory for fuel retailers, NCWM voted down a proposal to mandate a 10 micron filter for diesel dispensers on the gasoline island. Currently, the standard is a 30 micron filter for diesel fuel dispensers.
NATSO worked with several other industry trade groups to urge NCWM to reject the diesel dispenser filter proposal. Diminished dispenser flow rates, clogging and other additional operational costs were some of the reasons for opposition. Also, proponents of the item did not provide conclusive evidence for the need of the additional regulation on marketers.
NCWM also voted down a proposal to create an official DGE method of sale standard for LNG and CNG. Despite widespread support from industry groups for using gallon equivalents as the unit of sale for natural gas, certain weights and measures officials around the country oppose the approach, preferring instead to push for natural gas to be sold by mass.
Currently a standard exists (since the 90's) for the sale of CNG in gasoline gallon equivalents (GGE). However, with this item failing, discussions will continue over the next year to develop a uniform standard for the sale of CNG and LNG in diesel gallon equivalents (DGE).
NATSO will remain engaged in the talks, and also work to correct other issues surrounding the taxation of natural gas as a transportation fuel.
Subscribe to Updates
NATSO provides a breadth of information created to strengthen travel plazas’ ability to meet the needs of the travelling public in an age of disruption. This includes knowledge filled blog posts, articles and publications. If you would like to receive a digest of blog post and articles directly in your inbox, please provide your name, email and the frequency of the updates you want to receive the email digest.
