HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO.157

(By Delegates Canterbury, Anderson, Andes, Ashley, Azinger, Barker, Boggs, Border, Brown, D. Campbell, T. Campbell, Cann, Carmichael, Cowles, Doyle, Duke, Ellem, Ellington, Ennis, Evans, Ferns, Ferro, Fleischauer, Gearheart, Givens, Guthrie, Hall, Hamilton, Hartman, Hatfield, Householder, Howell, Iaquinta, Ireland, Kominar, Kump, Lane, Lawrence, Mahan, Manchin, Manypenny, Marshall, Michael, C. Miller, J. Miller, Moye, Nelson, O’Neal, Overington, Paxton, Perdue, Perry, Pethtel, L. Phillips, R. Philipps, Pino, D. Poling, M. Poling, Poore, Reynolds, Rodighiero, Romine, Rowan, Savilla, Shaver, Sigler, Snuffer, Sobonya, Staggers, Storch, Stowers, Sumner, Swartzmiller, Talbott, Varner, Walker, Walters, Wells, White and Williams.)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to perform a cost-benefit analysis study of how the use of natural gas powered locomotives can help the environment.

    Whereas, Currently the technology used on most locomotives is not as clean, economical and efficient as it could be; and

    Whereas, The use of natural gas in locomotives can come in different forms from compressed natural gas to liquified natural gas; and

    Whereas, Compressed natural gas is currently being used in Nappa Valley, California and in some areas of Peru; and

    Whereas, The increased use of natural gas will lessen the United States dependence on foreign oil and clean up the environment for future generations of West Virginians; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to perform a cost-benefit analysis study of how the use of natural gas powered locomotives can help the environment; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance seek input from state agencies and private industry on how the use of natural gas in locomotives could effect the rail industry and the environment; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2012, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.