Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 102 Part 3.djvu/499

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PUBLIC LAW 100-000—MMMM. DD, 1988

PUBLIC LAW 100-494—OCT. 14, 1988

102 STAT. 2451

"(iv) which, in the case of passenger automobiles, meets or exceeds the minimum driving range established pursuant to paragraph (2); "(D) the term 'natural gas dual energy automobile' means an automobile— "(i) which is capable of operating on natural gas and on gasoline or diesel fuel; "(ii) which provides equal or superior energy efficiency, as calculated for the applicable model year during fuel economy testing for the Federal Government, while operating on natural gas as it does while operating on gasoline or diesel fuel; and "(iii) which, in the case of passenger automobiles, meets or exceeds the minimum driving range established pursuant to paragraph (2); and "(E) the term 'natural gas powered automobile' means an automobile designed to operate exclusively on natural gas. "(2)(A) For purposes of the definitions in paragraphs (1)(C) and (D), the Secretary shall, within 18 months after the date of enactment of this section, establish by rule of general applicability for all manufacturers a minimum driving range which must be met by dual energy automobiles when operating on alcohol, and by natural gas dual energy automobiles when operating on natural gas, if such automobiles are to be considered dual energy automobiles or natural gas dual energy automobiles under this section. Subject to the provisions of t h ^ paragraph, the rule may be amended from time to time. Any determination of whether dual e n e i ^ automobiles or natural gas dual energy automobiles meet the minimum driving range requirement under this paragraph shall be based on the combined EPA city/highway fuel economy as determined for average fuel economy purposes for such automobiles. The rule issued under this subparagraph shall apply only to dual energy automobiles and natural gas dual energy automobiles that are passenger automobiles. "(B)(i) The general rule established under subparagraph (A) shall allow the Secretary to determine that a specific model type or types may have a lower range than that established by the general rule, and shall allow a manufacturer to petition for a specific model tyx)e or types to have a lower range than that established by the general rule. "(ii) If, with respect to dual energy automobiles, the Secretary establishes under subparagraph (A) 200 miles as the generally applicable minimum driving range under this paragraph, clause (i) shall not apply to dual energy automobiles. "(C) Under no circumstances shall the general rule established under subparagraph (A) establish a minimum driving range of less than 200 miles for dual energy automobiles, nor shall the Secretary approve under the procedure referred to in subparagraph (B) a minimum driving range of less than 200 miles for dual energy automobiles. "(D) In establishing the general rule under subparagraph (A), and in taking any action under the procedure referred to in subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall take into account the purposes of the Alternative Motor Fuels Act of 1988, consumer acceptability, economic practicability, technology, environmental impact, safety, driveability, performance, and any other factors the Secretary considers relevant.".