Optional Certification Streamlining Procedures for Light-Duty Vehicles, Light-Duty Trucks, and Heavy-Duty Engines for Original Equipment Manufacturers and for Aftermarket Conversion Manufacturers; Final Rule

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is adopting a fee waiver provision for vehicles certified with "closed" fuel systems and for vehicles certified to the Clean-Fuel vehicle (CFV) standards. EPA is also adopting a provision for calculating eligibility for a partial fee waiver for vehicles converted to operate on a gaseous fuel. EPA proposed this provision in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) published on July 20, 1998, at 63 FR 38767, to provide incentives for the manufacturer of CFVs by easing the burden of certification for manufacturers of these vehicles. EPA is not adopting certain other provisions proposed in that document. The fee waivers adopted today will be effective for the 2000 Model Year (MY) and will continue through MY 2003. This action will reduce the cost of certification for manufacturers certifying a small-volume engine family to CFV standards. In addition, it is anticipated this action will provide a financial incentive for automobile and engine manufacturers to increase the number of offerings of alternatively fueled vehicles to private owners and fleet owners. Manufacturers who qualify for the fee waivers and who have already paid their fees for 2000 MY vehicles will be eligible for a complete refund. EPA estimates that overall manufacturers will save about $100,000 during each of the next four model years due to this provision.