Interpretation ID: nht91-4.49

DATE: July 12, 1991

FROM: Garth C. Bates, Jr. -- Vice President, Stewart & Stevenson Services, Inc.

TO: Paul J. Rice -- Chief Counsel, NHTSA

COPYEE: B. Felrice; F. Grubbe; D. Bates; L. Austin

TITLE: None

ATTACHMT: Attached to letter dated 7-30-91 from Paul Jackson Rice to Garth C. Bates, Jr. (A38; Std. 301)

TEXT:

Recent discussions with Mr. Barry Felrice and Mr. Fred Grubbe at NHTSA have been very helpful in the planning phase of our carbon fiber, CNG automotive fuel tank program.

As previously discussed, we believe that high quality, carbon fiber tanks are an economical alternative to the present steel/aluminum tanks. Their use will speed the utilization of CNG automotive fuels without compromising safety in any fashion.

It is our understanding that currently there exist no DOT/NHTSA regulations governing the construction or testing of such tanks. For business purposes, we would like to request a letter from NHTSA confirming the above. Mr. Felrice advises us that you are the appropriate source of such a document, and we would very much appreciate your assistance.