A bill that would make it easier and cheaper to convert cars to run on compressed natural gas cruised through the Utah House on Friday.

Representatives voted 67-1 for HB70, which would allow industry-certified technicians to convert cars and would require safety and emissions checks every three years or 36,000 miles.

The new rules would replace federal Environmental Protection Agency conversion-kit approvals that the bill's sponsor, Rep. Jack Draxler, R-North Logan, considers too burdensome.

EPA kit approvals are required model by model and for each model year, adding thousands of dollars to the cost. EPA officials do not oppose the legislation, Draxler said.

State control of regulating natural-gas conversions will mean cheaper options for Utahns, he added, and a cleaner environment.

"Every tool available to us needs to be used when it comes to our air quality and when it comes to less reliance on foreign oil," Draxler said.

The bill now shifts to the Senate.