Fuel Tanks: Oklahoma's Regulatory Bodies And Their Roles

who regulates fuel tanks in oklahoma

In Oklahoma, the Petroleum Storage Tank Division (PSTD) enforces state and federal regulations for aboveground and underground storage tanks that contain fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel. The PSTD's functions include ensuring the safe transportation of fuels and inspecting fuel pumps to protect human health and the environment. The commission also regulates gas delivery charges and service reliability for investor-owned natural gas utilities, while the Pipeline Safety Department ensures the safe operation of intrastate natural gas pipelines. Additionally, the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) plays a role in providing alternative fueling infrastructure for fuels like natural gas and propane.

Characteristics Values
Regulating body Petroleum Storage Tank Division (PSTD)
Parent organization Commission
Scope State and federal regulations pertaining to storage, quality, and delivery of gasoline and other fuels
Testing requirements OCC Licensed Tester
Testing deadline October 1, 2024
Functions Accounting, Administration, Compliance and Inspection, and Technical
Fuel types Antifreeze, motor oil, motor fuel, gasoline, kerosene, diesel, aviation fuel, natural gas, propane, ethanol, methanol, biodiesel, electricity, and hydrogen
Fuel tax Varies depending on fuel type and payload capacity
Decal requirements Yes, issued by the Oklahoma Tax Commission

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The Petroleum Storage Tank Division (PSTD) enforces regulations on fuel tanks

In Oklahoma, the Petroleum Storage Tank Division (PSTD) enforces regulations on fuel tanks. The PSTD is a division of the commission that regulates the storage, quality, and delivery of gasoline and other fuels. This includes fuel tanks that contain antifreeze, motor oil, motor fuel, gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and aviation fuel.

One of the primary functions of the PSTD is to ensure the safe transportation of natural gas, petroleum, and other hazardous materials through pipelines. This is achieved through the commission's Pipeline Safety Department, which also oversees the safe operation of Oklahoma's intrastate natural gas pipelines.

The PSTD also has a hand in regulating prices and services provided by investor-owned electric utilities, although it does not have regulatory authority over any government-operated electric utilities. Additionally, the PSTD Fuel Inspectors check the calibration of fuel pumps to ensure customers receive the accurate amount of fuel with each purchase.

Oklahoma has also implemented regulations for alternative fuels and the associated infrastructure. The Alternative Fuels Technician Certification Act regulates the training, testing, and certification of technicians who work with alternative fueling equipment. This includes electric vehicles (EVs), EV charging infrastructure, and the conversion of engines to operate on alternative fuels.

Furthermore, school and government fleets are encouraged to adopt alternative fuels, and certain tax incentives and exemptions are in place to promote their use. Compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) used in motor vehicles are subject to a state motor fuel tax, while alternative fuel vehicles may be subject to a motor vehicle fee or a reduced tax rate depending on their payload capacity.

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The PSTD's Compliance and Inspection Department checks fuel pump calibration

In Oklahoma, the Petroleum Storage Tank Division (PSTD) enforces state and federal regulations pertaining to the storage, quality, and delivery of gasoline and other fuels. The PSTD's Compliance and Inspection Department ensures that fuel retailers comply with the law by conducting regular inspections.

Fuel pump calibration is critical to ensure performance and accuracy. Calibration involves rigorous procedures and the use of properly maintained calibration equipment. It requires comparing pump performance against performance standards to determine accuracy. Adjustable fuel pumps can be recalibrated back to factory performance specifications, while non-adjustable pump and injector performance can be verified.

The PSTD Compliance and Inspection Department checks fuel pump calibration to ensure customers receive the accurate amount of fuel they pay for. This involves inspecting the calibration equipment and procedures used by fuel retailers. They may also conduct testing to verify the accuracy of fuel pumps.

To maintain accurate pumps, gas station owners and operators may hire certified third parties or independent contractors to perform calibrations. These calibrators are obligated to follow procedures and practices consistent with national calibration standards, such as NIST standards and guidelines.

In addition to fuel pump calibration, the PSTD Compliance and Inspection Department also ensures that fueling and service stations comply with safety and proper waste management procedures. They may inspect the training of attendants and operators on the use of specific equipment at their facilities. Furthermore, the department promotes the growth of knowledge-based industries, such as renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, to ensure quality jobs in Oklahoma.

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The Pipeline Safety Department ensures safe transportation of hazardous materials

Oklahoma's Pipeline Safety Department ensures the safe transportation of hazardous materials, such as natural gas, petroleum, and other substances, through pipelines. The department falls under the commission that regulates energy in the state.

The Pipeline Safety Department's primary role is to ensure the safe operation of intrastate natural gas pipelines. This includes overseeing the transportation of hazardous materials, which is crucial to prevent accidents and protect public safety. While the department focuses on natural gas pipelines, other types of pipelines may also fall under its purview, depending on the specific circumstances.

The commission's Petroleum Storage Tank Division (PSTD) enforces state and federal regulations related to the storage, quality, and delivery of various fuels, including gasoline. This division plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe handling of these substances, mitigating potential risks to human health, safety, and the environment. PSTD fuel inspectors check the calibration of fuel pumps to guarantee customers receive the accurate amount of fuel with each purchase.

The PSTD has four departments: the Accounting Department, Administrative Department, Compliance and Inspection Department, and Technical Department. Each of these departments contributes to the overall goal of ensuring safe fuel storage and transportation. They work together to enforce regulations, conduct inspections, and provide technical expertise.

In addition to the Pipeline Safety Department and the PSTD, other entities also play a role in regulating fuel-related activities in Oklahoma. For instance, the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) Fleet Management Division is responsible for providing alternative fueling infrastructure when public access to such facilities is limited. This division operates under specific guidelines, such as discontinuing public access to their fueling stations if a private alternative fueling station is established within a five-mile radius.

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The Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) provides alternative fueling infrastructure

In Oklahoma, the Petroleum Storage Tank Division (PSTD) enforces state and federal regulations pertaining to the storage, quality, and delivery of gasoline and other fuels. These include antifreeze, motor oil, motor fuel, gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and aviation fuel. The PSTD operates under the commission, which also regulates the underground injection of water and chemicals, the underground disposal of oil and gas waste fluids, and the remediation of soil and groundwater pollution caused by leaking petroleum products storage tanks.

The Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) Fleet Management Division constructs, installs, acquires, operates, and provides alternative fueling infrastructure where public access to alternative fuel infrastructure is limited. OMES must close its fueling stations if a private alternative fueling station opens within a five-mile radius. Alternative fuels include natural gas, propane, ethanol, methanol, biodiesel, electricity, and hydrogen.

The Alternative Fuels Technician Certification Act regulates the training, testing, and certification of technicians who install, modify, repair, or renovate equipment used in alternative fueling infrastructure and engine conversions to operate on alternative fuels. This Act also applies to electric vehicles (EVs), EV charging infrastructure, and EV technicians. All school and government fleets may convert their vehicles to run on alternative fuels, and school districts should consider purchasing vehicles capable of operating on alternative fuels. These vehicles must use alternative fuels when a fueling station is within a five-mile radius, provided the price is competitive with conventional fuel.

Compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) used in motor vehicles are subject to a state motor fuel tax. Alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) may be subject to a motor vehicle fee, with different rates for vehicles using propane, natural gas, or methanol, and blends of these fuels. There are also tax incentives for installing commercial alternative fueling infrastructure, and vehicles equipped with idle reduction technology may exceed the state's gross vehicle weight limits by up to 400 lbs.

Additionally, counties in Oklahoma can establish C-PACE programs to facilitate loans for projects related to alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure. Retail electric suppliers may offer EV charging services through a separate, unregulated entity, and must offer the same fees and conditions as private EV charger providers.

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The Alternative Fuels Technician Certification Act regulates technician training and testing

In Oklahoma, the Petroleum Storage Tank Division (PSTD) enforces state and federal regulations pertaining to the storage, quality, and delivery of gasoline and other fuels, including antifreeze, motor oil, motor fuel, gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and aviation fuel. Effective October 1, 2024, any individual testing an UST and/or AST system must be an OCC Licensed Tester.

The Alternative Fuels Technician Certification Act (AFTC Act) is a key piece of legislation in Oklahoma that regulates the training, testing, and certification of technicians and trainees who work with alternative fuels. Alternative fuels include propane, natural gas, methanol, ethanol, electricity, hydrogen, and biodiesel. The AFTC Act ensures that technicians are qualified to install, modify, repair, or renovate equipment used in alternative fueling infrastructure and the conversion of engines to run on alternative fuels.

The Oklahoma Department of Labor (DOL) plays a crucial role in implementing the AFTC Act. The DOL is responsible for administering examinations and issuing certificates to individuals who successfully complete the required alternative fuels technician training. This includes examinations related to alternative fuels equipment, alternative fuels compression, and electric vehicle technology. A certification fee is applicable for individuals and companies involved in these areas.

The Committee of Alternative Fuels Technician Examiners, comprising experts from the natural gas, propane, and electric vehicle industries, assists the Commissioner of Labor in establishing rules and standards that comply with the AFTC Act. Additionally, the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) is authorised to construct and operate alternative fueling infrastructure in areas where public access to such facilities is limited. OMES must discontinue public access to their fueling stations if a private alternative fueling station is established within a five-mile radius.

Oklahoma also provides incentives for the adoption of alternative fuels. For instance, retailers selling fuel blends containing up to 15% ethanol (E15) are eligible for a motor fuel tax credit, provided they offer a corresponding price reduction to purchasers. Furthermore, school and government fleets are encouraged to convert their vehicles to alternative fuels, and school districts are recommended to consider purchasing vehicles capable of running on alternative fuels. Compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) used in motor vehicles are subject to a reduced state motor fuel tax rate compared to gasoline and diesel.

Frequently asked questions

The Petroleum Storage Tank Division (PSTD) enforces state and federal regulations pertaining to the storage, quality, and delivery of gasoline and other fuels.

The PSTD enforces regulations to protect human health, safety, and the environment by preventing releases of petroleum products from above-ground and underground storage tanks.

The PSTD regulates fuels such as antifreeze, motor oil, motor fuel, gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and aviation fuel.

Yes, the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) Fleet Management Division is also involved in fuel regulation. The OMES is responsible for providing alternative fueling infrastructure and promoting the growth of knowledge-based industries.

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