Waste Industry Contributes to Florida Natural Gas Incentives Bill

TALLAHASSEE, Florida, May 6, 2013 /3BL Media/— The Florida Chapter of the National Waste & Recycling Association (NW&RA) contributed to the passage of a bill promoting use of natural gas fuel in vehicles in the Florida Legislature Thursday.

The legislation—H.B. 579, cosponsored by Rep. Lake Ray (R-Jacksonville) and Sen. Wilton Simpson (R-New Port Richey)—creates incentives for companies to begin using natural gas-powered vehicle fleets.

“This is great progress by the Florida Legislature, and the waste and recycling industry is proud to contribute to the movement toward environmental and energy sustainability,” said Chuck Dees, Vice Chair of the NW&RA FL Chapter. “Many NW&RA member companies have already begun moving primarily to natural gas-powered fleets.”

The bill includes several provisions recommended by the NW&RA FL Chapter, including a lower tax rate of 21 cents for natural gas fuel (10 cents lower than diesel fuel) beginning in 2019 and an economic impact study of the new rate by the Florida Office of Policy, Program and Governmental Accountability (OPPAGA).

The NW&RA FL Chapter also recommended the state provide incentives for vehicle fleets to convert to natural gas. H.B. 579 creates a rebate program administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, to be funded at $6 million for five years. Under the program, companies wishing to expand their fleets using natural gas vehicles can apply for rebates of up to $25,000 per vehicle, totaling up to $250,000 per year.

The bill also includes a 35-percent tax refund for vehicles with power take-off functions, and natural gas fuel will not be taxed for a period of five years.

The Florida Chapter of NW&RA actively lobbied support for H.B. 579 in collaboration with the Florida Natural Gas Association and the Florida Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition. The bill passed overwhelmingly with a vote of 116-2 and will go to Gov. Rick Scott for approval.