Propane Laws and Incentives

Propane Laws and Incentives in Maryland

The list below contains summaries of all Maryland laws and incentives related to propane.

Laws and Regulations
Alternative Fuel Use Requirement
At least 50% of state vehicles using petroleum diesel fuel must use a minimum blend of 5% biodiesel (B5) or other biofuel approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a fuel or fuel additive. This requirement does not apply to any state vehicles for which the use of biodiesel or other biofuel will void the manufacturer’s warranty for that vehicle. Biodiesel fuel is defined as a fuel composed of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats that is designated B100 or a blend of biodiesel that meets the requirements of ASTM Standard D6751. Additionally, bi-fuel and flexible fuel vehicles capable of operating on either alternative fuel or conventional fuel must use alternative fuel when it is available.

(Reference Maryland Statutes, State Finance and Procurement Code 14-408, and and Policies and Procedures for Vehicle Fleet Management(PDF))

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Access to Tunnels
An AFV powered by propane or natural gas may only use the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel and the Fort McHenry Tunnel if the vehicle has a dedicated alternate fuel system installed by the manufacturer of the vehicle or a fuel system that has been properly converted to an alternate fuel system, conforms to applicable federal regulations and industry standards, has a fuel capacity that does not exceed 150 pounds, and displays all proper markings and symbols.

(Reference Code of Maryland Regulations 11.07.01.03)

State Incentives
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Grants
The Clean Fuels Incentive Program (CFIP), administered by the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), provides grants to fleets for the retrofit or purchase of new AFVs. Grant award amounts vary and may cover up to 100% of the incremental AFV cost. Grants are available in the following amounts:

AFV Technology	Vehicle Class	Maximum Grant Award per Vehicle
Electric Vehicles	Class 1-2	$5,000
Natural Gas, Propane, Biodiesel, and Hydrogen Vehicles	Class 1-2	$7,500
Natural Gas, Propane, and Biodiesel Vehicles	Class 3-8	$50,000
Electric and Hydrogen Vehicles	Class 3-7	$80,000
Electric and Hydrogen Vehicles	Class 8	$150,000

Eligible applicants must be a fleet vehicle operator or purchaser and may include school districts, nonprofits, commercial entities, corporations, and local and municipal governments. AFVs purchased for individual or personal use are ineligible. Vehicles receiving funding from other state programs are ineligible. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis, with equity and environmental justice considerations as part of the evaluation criteria. For more information, including additional eligibility criteria, see MEA’s CFIP Program website.

Clean Energy Grants
The Maryland Smart Energy Communities (MSEC) program, administered by the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), offers local governments grants for transportation-related projects, including the purchase of new electric vehicles (EVs) or alternative fuel vehicles and the installation of EV charging stations. Grants are available in the following amounts:

Project Type	Maximum Grant Award
Purchase of a New EV with an All-Electric Range of up to 199 Miles	$3,750 per vehicle
Purchase of a New EV with an All-Electric Range of Over 200 Miles	$7,500 per vehicle
EV Charging Station Equipment and Installation	$6,000 per EV charging station

Communities already participating in the MSEC program may receive a maximum award of $55,000 per project and new communities may receive up to $75,000. Additional requirements may apply. For more information, including requirements and application deadline, see the MEA MSEC website.

Zero Emission School Bus Grant Program and Study
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) administers a Zero Emission School Bus Transition Grant Program to purchase zero emission school buses, install charging infrastructure, and transition to zero emission school bus fleets. MDE and the Maryland Department of Transportation also provide technical assistance to county boards of education transitioning school buses to zero emission vehicles throughout the state.

(Reference Maryland Statutes, Environmental Code 2-1501 and 2-1503)

Propane Laws and Incentives in Delaware

The list below contains summaries of all Delaware laws and incentives related to propane.

State Incentives
Alternative Fuel Tax Exemption
Taxes imposed on alternative fuels used in official vehicles for the United States government or any Delaware state government agency, including volunteer fire and rescue companies, are waived. Alternative fuel retailers must obtain a fuel supplier’s license from the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), and operators or owners of vehicles using alternative fuel must obtain either a special fuel user’s license from DelDOT or pay the special fuel tax.

(Reference Delaware Code Title 30, Chapter 51, Subchapter II)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Rebates
As part of the Delaware Clean Transportation Incentive Program, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) offers rebates for the purchase or lease of a new AFV. The following rebate amounts are applicable for vehicles purchased or leased before December 31, 2022:

Qualifying Vehicles	Rebate Amount
Electric vehicle (EV)	$2,500
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)	$1,000
Dedicated propane or natural gas vehicle	$1,500
Bi-fuel propane or natural gas vehicle	$1,350

Eligible EVs and PHEVs may not have a retail price above $60,000. Eligible applicants include Delaware residents, businesses, organizations, and government entities. Rebates are limited to six vehicles per fleet. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, including application guidelines and participating dealerships, see the DNREC Clean Vehicle Rebate Program website.

Medium- and Heavy-Duty (MHD) Emissions Reductions Funding
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) provides funding for MHD on-road and limited off-road emission reduction projects. This grant program is funded by Delaware’s portion of the Volkswagen (VW) Environmental Mitigation Trust. For more information, including program guidance, application deadlines, and funding availability, see the DNREC VW Mitigation Plan website.

Propane Laws and Incentives in Pennsylvania

The list below contains summaries of all Pennsylvania laws and incentives related to propane.

State Incentives
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Rebate
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) AFV Program offers rebates to assist eligible residents with the cost of the purchase or lease of new or qualifying pre-owned AFVs, including all-electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, electric motorcycles, and propane vehicles. Applicants must meet income eligibility requirements for the program and eligible AFV purchase price not exceed $50,000. Rebates are available in the following amounts:

Vehicle Type	Rebate Amount
EV (new or pre-owned)	$2,000
PHEV (new or pre-owned)	$1,500
CNG, Propane, and Electric Motorcycle (new or pre-owned)	$500

An additional rebate of $1,000 is available for all applicants that meet the low-income requirement, as defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Applications much be received within six months of vehicle purchase. Rebates are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, including forms and detailed requirements and restrictions, see the DEP AFV Rebates website.

(Reference Title 73 Pennsylvania Statutes, Chapter 18E, Section 1647.3)

Point of Contact
Joshua Dziubek
Energy Program Specialist
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Energy Programs Office
Phone: (717) 705-0374
jdziubek@pa.gov
Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) Program
The AFIG Program provides financial assistance for innovative, advanced fuel and vehicle technology projects. Projects that result in product commercialization and the expansion of Pennsylvania companies are favored in the selection process. Eligible applicants include school districts, municipal authorities, political subdivisions, non-profits, corporations, limited liability companies or partnerships incorporated or registered in the Commonwealth. Projects must support:

• Incremental cost expenses relative to retrofitting vehicles to operate on alternative fuels;
• Incremental cost expenses to purchase alternative fuel vehicles;
• The cost to purchase and install the necessary fleet- or home-refueling equipment for alternative fuel vehicles; or,
• The cost to perform research, training, development and demonstration of new applications or next-phase technology related to alternative fuel vehicles.

Eligible applicants include school districts, municipal authorities, political subdivisions, non-profits, corporations, limited liability companies or partnerships incorporated or registered in the Commonwealth. Priority will be given to businesses located in Pennsylvania; zero emission vehicle projects; medium- and light-duty fleet refueling infrastructure projects; renewable natural gas and infrastructure projects; projects located in environmental justice areas; and minority-, veteran-, or woman-owned businesses. For more information, including forms and detailed requirements and restrictions, see the AFIG Program website.
(Reference Title 73 Pennsylvania Statutes, Chapter 18E, Section 1647.3)

Points of Contact
Joshua Dziubek
Energy Program Specialist
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Energy Programs Office
Phone: (717) 705-0374
jdziubek@pa.gov
Michelle Ferguson
Energy Program Specialist
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Energy Programs Office
Phone: (570) 327-3783
miferguson@pa.gov
Diesel Emission Reduction Grants
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) administers the Pennsylvania State Clean Diesel Grant Program for diesel emission reduction projects. Projects are funded by Pennsylvania’s portion of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) Program. For more information, including funding availability, see the DEP Driving PA Forward website.

Heavy-Duty Emission Reduction Grants
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) offers grants for the repower or replacement of ferries, tugboats, and freight switcher locomotives with any new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or California Air and Resource Board-certified diesel, alternative fuel, or all-electric equivalent. For more information, see the DEP Drive Pennsylvania Forward website.

Laws and Regulations
Alternative Fuels Tax
Alternative fuels used to propel vehicles of any kind on public highways are taxed at a rate determined on a gasoline gallon equivalent basis. For more information, including applicable tax rates, see the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue Motor and Alternative Fuel Taxes website. Certain exemptions apply.

(Reference Title 75 Pennsylvania Statutes, Part VI, Chapter 90, Section 9004)

Propane Laws and Incentives in Federal

The list below contains summaries of all Federal laws and incentives related to propane.

Laws and Regulations
Aftermarket Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Conversions
Conventional original equipment manufacturer vehicles altered to operate on propane, natural gas, methane gas, ethanol, or electricity are classified as aftermarket AFV conversions. All vehicle conversions, except those that are completed for a vehicle to run on electricity, must meet current applicable U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. For more information about vehicle conversion certification requirements, see the Alternative Fuels Data Center’s Vehicle Conversions website and EPA’s Certification and Compliance for Vehicles and Engines website. (Reference 40 CFR 85 and Enforcement Policy on Vehicle and Engine Tampering and Aftermarket Defeat Devices(PDF))

Point of Contact
Regulatory Compliance
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Phone: (734) 214-4343
https://www.epa.gov/vehicles-and-engines
Alternative Fuel Definition
The following fuels are defined as alternative fuels by the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992: pure methanol, ethanol, and other alcohols; blends of 85% or more of alcohol with gasoline; natural gas and liquid fuels domestically produced from natural gas; propane; coal-derived liquid fuels; hydrogen; electricity; pure biodiesel (B100); fuels, other than alcohol, derived from biological materials; and P-Series fuels. In addition, the U.S. Department of Energy may designate other fuels as alternative fuels, provided that the fuel is substantially non-petroleum, yields substantial energy security benefits, and offers substantial environmental benefits. For more information, see the EPAct website. (Reference 42 U.S. Code 13211)

Point of Contact
U.S. Department of Energy
Phone: (202) 586-5000
http://www.energy.gov
Alternative Fuel Definition – Internal Revenue Code
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) defines alternative fuels as propane, natural gas, liquefied hydrogen, liquid fuel derived from coal through the Fischer-Tropsch process, liquid hydrocarbons derived from biomass, and P-Series fuels. Biodiesel, ethanol, and renewable diesel are not considered alternative fuels by the IRS. While the term “hydrocarbons” includes liquids that contain oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon and as such “liquid hydrocarbons derived from biomass” includes ethanol, biodiesel, and renewable diesel, the IRS specifically excluded these fuels from the definition. (Reference 26 U.S. Code 6426)

Point of Contact
U.S. Internal Revenue Service
Phone: (800) 829-1040
http://www.irs.gov/
Alternative Fuel Excise Tax
Propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) are subject to a federal excise tax of $0.183 per gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE). The liquefied natural gas (LNG) tax rate is $0.243 per diesel gallon equivalent (DGE). For taxation purposes, one GGE is equal to 5.75 pounds (lbs.) of propane and 5.66 lbs. of CNG. One DGE is equal to 6.06 lbs. of LNG. (Reference Public Law 114-41 and 26 U.S. Code 4041 and 4081)

Point of Contact
Excise Tax Branch
U.S. Internal Revenue Service Office of Chief Counsel
Phone: (202) 317-6855
http://www.irs.gov/
Alternative Fuel Labeling Requirements
Retailers offering alternative fuel for sale must ensure dispensers are labeled with information to help consumers make informed decisions about fueling a vehicle, including the name of the fuel and the minimum percentage of the main component of the fuel. Labels may also list the percentage of other fuel components. This requirement applies to, but is not limited to, the following fuel types: methanol, denatured ethanol, and/or other alcohols; mixtures containing 85% or more by volume of methanol and/or other alcohols; mixtures containing more than 10% but less than 83% by volume of ethanol; natural gas; propane; hydrogen; coal derived liquid biofuel; and electricity.

Fuel dispensers distributing biodiesel blends containing more than 5% biodiesel by volume must include the percentage of biodiesel included. For ethanol blends containing no greater than 50% ethanol by volume, retailers must post the exact percentage of ethanol concentration, rounded to the nearest multiple of 10. For ethanol blends containing more than 50% but no greater than 83% ethanol by volume, retailers must (1) post the exact percentage of ethanol concentration, (2) post the percentage rounded to the nearest multiple of 10, or (3) post notice that the fuel contains 51% to 83% ethanol.

Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) manufacturers must determine and disclose (via a delivery ticket or permanent label or marking) kilowatt capacity, voltage, whether the voltage is alternating current or direct current, amperage, and whether the system is conductive or inductive.

(Reference 81 Federal Register 2054 and 16 CFR 306 and 309)

Point of Contact
Federal Trade Commission
Phone: (202) 326-2222
http://www.ftc.gov/
Emerging Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Study
The U.S. Department of Transportation must conduct an AFV study, focusing specifically on hydrogen, natural gas, or propane, that identifies:

Five-year AFV ownership forecasts;
AFV infrastructure siting locations, including a map, to support the forecasts;
Includes an evaluation and map that identifies concentrations of emerging AFVs to meet fueling infrastructure needs;
Barriers to deploying AFV infrastructure at the identified locations; and,
Additional maps and tools to allow states to compare and evaluate different AFV adoption and use scenarios.
The report must be made publicly available and submitted to Congress by November 15, 2022.

(Reference Public Law 117-58)

High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane Exemption
States are allowed to exempt certified alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) from HOV lane requirements within the state. Eligible AFVs are defined as vehicles operating solely on methanol, denatured ethanol, or other alcohols; a mixture containing at least 85% methanol, denatured ethanol, or other alcohols; natural gas, propane, hydrogen, or coal derived liquid fuels; or fuels derived from biological materials. EVs are defined as vehicles that are recharged from an external source of electricity and have a battery capacity of at least 4 kilowatt-hours. States are also allowed to establish programs allowing low-emission and energy-efficient vehicles to pay a toll to access HOV lanes.

Vehicles must be certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and appropriately labeled for use in HOV lanes. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is responsible for planning and implementing HOV programs, including the low-emission and energy-efficient vehicle criteria EPA established. States that choose to adopt these requirements will be responsible for enforcement and vehicle labeling. The HOV exemption for AFVs and EVs expires September 30, 2025 and low-emission and energy-efficient vehicle toll-access to HOV lanes expires September 30, 2019.

(Reference Public Law 114-94 and 23 U.S. Code 166)

Vehicle Acquisition and Fuel Use Requirements for Federal Fleets
Under the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992, 75% of new light-duty vehicles acquired by covered federal fleets must be alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). As amended in January 2008, Section 301 of EPAct 1992 expands the definition of AFVs to include hybrid electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, and advanced lean burn vehicles. Fleets that use fuel blends containing at least 20% biodiesel (B20) may earn credits toward their annual requirements. Federal fleets are also required to use alternative fuels in dual-fuel vehicles unless the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) approves waivers for agency vehicles; grounds for a waiver include lack of alternative fuel availability and unreasonable cost (per EPAct 2005, section 701).

Additional requirements for federal fleets were included in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, such as fleet management plans and petroleum reduction from 2005 levels (Section 142), low greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting vehicle acquisition requirements (Section 141), and renewable fuel infrastructure installation requirements (Section 246). For more information, see the Federal Fleet Management website.

To track progress toward meeting AFV acquisition and fuel use requirements, federal fleets must report on their percent alternative fuel increase compared to the fiscal year 2005 baseline, alternative fuel use as a percentage of total fuel consumption, AFV acquisitions as a percentage of vehicle acquisitions, and fleet-wide miles per gasoline gallon equivalent of petroleum fuels.

Executive Order 13834, issued in May 2018, requires the Secretary of Energy (Secretary), in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, the Administrator of General Services, and the heads of other agencies as appropriate, to review the existing federal vehicle fleet requirements. In April 2019, the Secretary provided a report to the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget detailing opportunities to optimize federal fleet performance, reduce associated costs, and streamline reporting and compliance requirements. Specifically, the report recommends that federal agencies identify and implement strategies to:

Right-size the fleet
Reduce vehicle miles traveled
Implement more fuel efficient vehicles
Align the implementation of AFVs and associated fueling infrastructure
Executive Order 14008, issued in January 2021, requires the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, the Administrator of General Services, and the Director of the Office and Management and Budget, in coordination with the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary, and the heads of other relevant agencies, to assist the National Climate Advisor in developing a comprehensive plan to facilitate clean and zero-emission vehicles for federal, state, local, and tribal government fleets, including vehicles of the U.S. Postal Service. The plan must be submitted to the National Climate Task Force by April 27, 2021.
(Reference 42 U.S. Code 13212 and Executive Order 13834(PDF) and Executive Order 14008(PDF))

Point of Contact
Federal Energy Management Program
U.S. Department of Energy
https://www.energy.gov/eere/femp/federal-energy-management-program-contacts
Vehicle Acquisition and Fuel Use Requirements for Private and Local Government Fleets
Under the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) was directed to determine whether private and local government fleets should be mandated to acquire alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). In January 2004, DOE published a final rule announcing its decision not to implement an AFV acquisition mandate for private and local government fleets. In response to a March 2006 ruling by a U.S. District Court, DOE issued a subsequent final rulemaking on the new Replacement Fuel Goal in March 2007, which extended the EPAct 1992 goal to 2030. The goal is to achieve a domestic production capacity for replacement fuels sufficient to replace 30% of the U.S. motor fuel consumption. In March 2008, DOE issued its determination not to implement a fleet compliance mandate for private and local government fleets, concluding that such a mandate is not necessary to achieve the Replacement Fuel Goal. For more information on the Private and Local Government Fleet Rule compliance, visit the EPAct Private and Local Government Fleet Determination website. (Reference 42 U.S. Code 13257)

Vehicle Acquisition and Fuel Use Requirements for State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets
Under the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992, as amended, certain state government and alternative fuel provider fleets are required to acquire alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) as a portion of their annual light-duty vehicle acquisitions. Compliance is required by fleets that operate, lease, or control 50 or more light-duty vehicles within the United States. Of those 50 vehicles, at least 20 must be used primarily within a single Metropolitan Statistical Area/Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area, and those same 20 vehicles must also be capable of being centrally fueled for the fleet to be subject to the regulatory requirements.

Under Standard Compliance, the AFVs that covered fleets acquire help them achieve compliance, with each AFV acquired earning the fleet one AFV-acquisition credit. Covered fleets may earn additional credits for AFVs earned in excess of their requirements, and these credits may be banked for future use toward compliance or traded with other fleets. Additionally, fleets that use fuel blends containing at least 20% biodiesel (B20) in medium- and heavy-duty vehicles may earn credits toward their annual AFV-acquisition requirements. A fleet may also earn credits that may be used toward compliance or banked once the fleet achieves compliance for investments in alternative fuel infrastructure, mobile non-road equipment, and emerging technologies associated with certain electric drive vehicle technologies.

Fleets may also opt into Alternative Compliance, which allows fleets the option to choose a petroleum reduction path in lieu of acquiring AFVs under Standard Compliance. Interested fleets must obtain from DOE a waiver from Standard Compliance by submitting a plan that demonstrates a path by which they will achieve a certain level of petroleum reduction specific to their fleet composition.

For more information, visit the EPAct State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets website.

(Reference 42 U.S. Code 13251 and 13263a, and 10 CFR 490)

Point of Contact
EPAct Transportation Regulatory Activities
U.S. Department of Energy
regulatory.info@nrel.gov
https://epact.energy.gov/contact-us
Vehicle Incremental Cost Allocation
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) must allocate the incremental cost of purchasing alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) across the entire fleet of vehicles distributed by GSA. This mandate also applies to other federal agencies that procure vehicles for federal fleets. For more information, see the GSA’s AFV website. (Reference 42 U.S. Code 13212 (c))

Point of Contact
Fleet Alternative Fuel Vehicle Team
U.S. General Services Administration
Phone: (703) 605-5630
gsafleetafvteam@gsa.gov
http://www.gsa.gov
Incentives
Alternative Fuel Corridor (AFC) Grants
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) must establish a competitive grant program to strategically deploy publicly accessible electric vehicle charging and hydrogen, propane, and natural gas fueling infrastructure along designated DOT Federal Highway Administration AFCs. The grant will provide funding for designated Corridor-Pending AFCs to install infrastructure to convert to Corridor-Ready AFCs, and for Corridor-Ready AFCs to install alternative fuel infrastructure to provide station redundancy and meet higher demand. Propane fueling infrastructure is limited to use by medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. Eligible entities include states, metropolitan planning organizations, local governments, political subdivisions, and tribal governments. Additional funding eligibility and considerations will apply. The grant program must be established by November 15, 2022. (Reference Public Law 117-58 and 23 U.S. Code 151)

Alternative Fuel Excise Tax Credit
NOTE: This incentive was originally set to expire on December 31, 2021, but has been extended through December 31, 2024, by Public Law 117-169.

A tax incentive is available for alternative fuel that is sold for use or used as a fuel to operate a motor vehicle. A tax credit in the amount of $0.50 per gallon is available for the following alternative fuels: natural gas, liquefied hydrogen, propane, P-Series fuel, liquid fuel derived from coal through the Fischer-Tropsch process, and compressed or liquefied gas derived from biomass. For propane and natural gas sold after December 31, 2015, the tax credit is based on the gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE) or diesel gallon equivalent (DGE). For taxation purposes, one GGE is equal to 5.75 pounds (lbs.) of propane and 5.66 lbs. of compressed natural gas. One DGE is equal to 6.06 lbs. of liquefied natural gas.
For an entity to be eligible to claim the credit they must be liable for reporting and paying the federal excise tax on the sale or use of the fuel in a motor vehicle. Tax exempt entities such as state and local governments that dispense qualified fuel from an on-site fueling station for use in vehicles qualify for the incentive. Eligible entities must be registered with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The incentive must first be taken as a credit against the entity’s alternative fuel tax liability; any excess over this fuel tax liability may be claimed as a direct payment from the IRS. The tax credit is not allowed if an incentive for the same alternative fuel is also determined under the rules for the ethanol or biodiesel tax credits.

For more information about claiming the credit, see IRS Form 4136, which is available on the IRS Forms and Publications website.

(Reference 26 U.S. Code 6426 and Public Law 117-169)

Point of Contact
Excise Tax Branch
U.S. Internal Revenue Service Office of Chief Counsel
Phone: (202) 317-6855
http://www.irs.gov/
Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit
Fueling equipment for natural gas, propane, liquefied hydrogen, electricity, E85, or diesel fuel blends containing a minimum of 20% biodiesel installed through December 31, 2022, is eligible for a tax credit of 30% of the cost, not to exceed $30,000. Permitting and inspection fees are not included in covered expenses. Fueling station owners who install qualified equipment at multiple sites are allowed to use the credit towards each location. Unused credits that qualify as general business tax credits, as defined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), may be carried backward one year and carried forward 20 years. For more information about claiming the credit, see IRS Form 8911, which is available on the IRS Forms and Publications website.

Beginning January 1, 2023, fueling equipment for natural gas, propane, hydrogen, electricity, E85, or diesel fuel blends containing a minimum of 20% biodiesel, is eligible for a tax credit of 30% of the cost or 6% in the case of property subject to depreciation, not to exceed $100,000. Eligible projects that meet prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements may be eligible to receive the full 30% tax credit, regardless of depreciation status. Permitting and inspection fees are not included in covered expenses.

Qualified fueling equipment must be installed in locations that meet the following census tract requirements:

The census tract is not an urban area;

A population census tract where the poverty rate is at least 20%; or

Metropolitan and non-metropolitan area census tract where the median family income is less than 80% of the state medium family income level.

Consumers who purchase qualified residential fueling equipment between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2032, may receive a tax credit of up to $1,000.

Additional requirements may apply. For further details, please see the IRS Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 website.

(Reference 26 U.S. Code 30C, 30D, and 38 and Public Law 117-169)

Point of Contact
U.S. Internal Revenue Service
Phone: (800) 829-1040
http://www.irs.gov/
Alternative Fuel Mixture Excise Tax Credit
NOTE: This incentive was originally set to expire on December 31, 2021, but has been extended through December 31, 2024, by Public Law 117-169.

An alternative fuel blender that is registered with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may be eligible for a tax incentive on the sale or use of the alternative fuel blend (mixture) for use as a fuel in the blender’s trade or business. The credit is in the amount of $0.50 per gallon of alternative fuel used to produce a mixture containing at least 0.1% gasoline, diesel, or kerosene. Qualified alternative fuels are liquefied hydrogen, P-Series fuel, liquid fuel derived from coal through the Fischer-Tropsch process, and liquid fuel derived from biomass. The incentive must be taken as a credit against the blender’s alternative fuel tax liability. The tax credit is not allowed if an incentive for the same alternative fuel is also determined under the rules for the ethanol or biodiesel tax credits.
For more information about claiming the credit, see IRS Form 720, which is available on the IRS Forms and Publications website.

(Reference 26 U.S. Code 6426 and Public Law 117-169)

Point of Contact
Excise Tax Branch
U.S. Internal Revenue Service Office of Chief Counsel
Phone: (202) 317-6855
http://www.irs.gov/
Alternative Fuel Tax Exemption
Alternative fuels used in a manner that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) deems as nontaxable are exempt from federal fuel taxes. Common nontaxable uses in a motor vehicle are: on a farm for farming purposes; in certain intercity and local buses; in a school bus; for exclusive use by a non-profit educational organization; and for exclusive use by a state, political subdivision of a state, or the District of Columbia. This exemption is not available to tax exempt entities that are not liable for excise taxes on transportation fuel. For more information, see IRS Publication 510(PDF). (Reference 26 U.S. Code 4041)

Point of Contact
Excise Tax Branch
U.S. Internal Revenue Service Office of Chief Counsel
Phone: (202) 317-6855
http://www.irs.gov/
Bus and Bus Facilities Grants
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) offers grants through the Buses and Bus Facilities Program to replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses, vans, and related equipment, and to construct associated bus facilities, including low- or zero-emission vehicles or facilities. Additionally, funding may be requested for workforce development training or training at the National Transit Institute. Eligible applicants include state, local, and tribal governments that allocate funds to or operate fixed-route bus services, and eligible subrecipients include private nonprofit organizations engaged in public transportation. For more information, including funding availability and timelines, see the FTA Buses and Bus Facilities website.

(Reference 49 U.S. Code 5312 and 5339 and Public Law 117-58)

Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grants
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program (CFI Program) offers funding to deploy publicly accessible electric vehicle charging and alternative fueling infrastructure in urban and rural communities and along Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFC). The CFI Program offers two types of funding opportunities: the Community Charging and Fueling Grants (Community Program) and the Alternative Fuel Corridor Grants (Corridor Program).

Infrastructure deployments funded by the Community Program must be located on public roads or publicly accessible locations, including public parking facilities, public buildings, public schools, or public parks. Low-income, underserved, rural, and high-density communities will be prioritized for Community Program funding. Corridor Program grants are available to infrastructure deployments along designated AFCs. Eligible applicants include metropolitan planning organizations; U.S. territories; special purpose districts and public authorities; and state, local, and tribal governments.

For more information, including eligibility requirements and funding availability, see the DOT FHWA CFI Program website.

(Reference Public Law 117-58 and 23 U.S. Code 151)

Clean School Bus
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus program provides funding to eligible applicants for the replacement of existing school buses with clean, alternative fuel school buses or zero-emission school buses. EPA may award up to 100% of the cost of the replacement bus, charging equipment, or fueling infrastructure. Alternative fuels include electricity, natural gas, hydrogen, or propane. Eligible applicants are school districts, state and local government programs, federally recognized Indian tribes, non-profit organizations, and eligible contractors. EPA will prioritize funding for high-need local education agencies; low income, rural and tribal schools; and, applications that cost share through public-private partnerships, grants from other entities, or school bonds. For more information, including funding availability, timeline, and application materials, see the EPA Clean School Bus website.

(Reference Public Law 117-58 and 42 U.S. Code 16091)

Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program
The CMAQ Program provides funding to state departments of transportation (DOTs), local governments, and transit agencies for projects and programs that help meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act by reducing mobile source emissions and regional congestion on transportation networks. Eligible activities include transit improvements, travel demand management strategies, congestion relief efforts (such as high occupancy vehicle lanes), diesel retrofit projects, alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure, and medium- or heavy-duty zero emission vehicles and related charging equipment. Projects supported with CMAQ funds must demonstrate emissions reductions, be located in or benefit a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-designated nonattainment or maintenance area, and be a transportation project. For more information, see the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law CMAQ fact sheet and CMAQ Improvement Program website.

(Reference Public Law 117-58, Public Law 112-141, 23 U.S. Code 149, and 23 U.S. Code 151)

Environmental Justice Community Technical Assistance Program
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Communities Local Energy Action Program (LEAP) Pilot facilitates sustained, community-wide economic and environmental benefits through DOE’s clean energy deployment work. This technical assistance opportunity is specifically open to low-income, energy-burdened communities that are also experiencing either direct environmental justice impacts, or direct economic impacts from a shift away from historical reliance on fossil fuels. DOE will provide technical assistance services to support up to 36 communities to develop their own community-driven clean energy transition approach. For more information, visit the DOE Communities LEAP website.

Low and Zero Emission Public Transportation Funding
The Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) offers grants through the Low or No Emission Grant (Low No) Program to local and state government entities for the purchase or lease of low- or zero-emission transit buses, in addition to the acquisition, construction, or lease of supporting facilities. Additionally, funding may be requested for workforce development training or training at the National Transit Institute. Eligible vehicles must be designated for public transportation use and significantly reduce energy consumption or harmful emissions compared to a comparable standard or low emission vehicle. Applicants with projects that include zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) are required to submit a ZEV fleet transition plan. The plan must include:

A long-term fleet management plan that includes a strategy for how Low No Program funds will be used for resources and acquisitions;
A discussion on the availability of current and future resources for ZEV transition and implementation;
An assessment of policy and legislation impacting relevant technologies;
An evaluation of existing and future facilities;
A description the applicant’s relationship with the utility or alternative fuel provider; and
An assessment on how ZEVs will impact the applicant’s workforce.
For more information, including details about the current round of funding, see the FTA Low-No Program website.

(Reference 49 U.S. Code 5312 and 5339 and Public Law 117-58)

Low or Zero Emission Ferry Program
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) provides funding through the Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program for the purchase of electric or low-emitting ferries and the electrification of or other reduction of emissions from existing ferries. Low-emitting ferries must use an alternative fuel, such as methanol, natural gas, propane, hydrogen, and electricity. Awards must include a ferry service that serves the State with the largest number of Marine Highway System miles and a bi-state ferry service with an aging fleet. Funding is authorized through fiscal year 2026. For more information, see the FTA Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program website and fact sheet.

(Reference Public Law 117-58)

National Alternative Fuels Corridors
The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) designates a national network of plug-in electric vehicle (EV) charging and hydrogen, propane, and natural gas fueling infrastructure along national highway system corridors. To designate these Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFC), FHWA solicits nominations from state and local officials and works with other federal officials and industry stakeholders.

FHWA must establish an AFC grant program to award grants to eligible entities, by November 15, 2022. During the designation and redesignation process, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Energy, FHWA will issue a report identifying charging and fueling infrastructure, best practices and guidance for predictable infrastructure deployment, analyzing standardization needs for fuel providers and purchasers, and reestablishing the goal of achieving strategic deployment of fueling infrastructure in the designated corridors.

For the 2023 Request for Nominations (RFN)(PDF), state and local officials must submit nominations to FHWA by June 21, 2023. State and local agencies can nominate additional corridors, extend currently designated corridors, nominate a different fuel(s) along an already designated corridor, and/or update the status of previously designated corridors.

The Round 7 RFN and AFC designation is tied to funding eligibility under the NEVI Formula Program and the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program. The FHWA encourages nominations that focus on EV charging infrastructure along Interstate corridors, but nominations may also be submitted elsewhere on the National Highway System. Corridor projects along Round 7 AFCs are not eligible for the 2023 Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program, which closes June 13, 2023. When considering Round 7 nominations, FHWA strongly encourages segments of Interstates that do not currently have an EV designation, particularly longer Interstate segments that provide important through connectivity to adjoining States.

FHWA is also requesting input on proposed Freight EV Corridors designation, outlined in the Round 7 RFN.

FHWA must update and redesignate corridors periodically thereafter. For more information, including FHWA areas of interest for corridor designations and infrastructure development, see the FHWA Alternative Fuel Corridors website.

Public School Energy Program
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Renew America’s Schools program provides funding for local educational agencies to complete energy improvements upgrades. Eligible activities include the installation of alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) fueling or charging infrastructure on school grounds and the purchase or lease of AFVs. Eligible AFVs include school buses and school fleet vehicles. Eligible project partners include governmental entities, for-profit entities, and non-governmental organizations. For more information, see the DOE Renew America’s Schools website.

(Reference Public Law 117-58)

Public Transportation Research, Demonstration, and Deployment Funding
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration administers the Public Transportation Innovation Program. Financial assistance is available to local, state, and federal government entities; public transportation providers; private and non-profit organizations; and higher education institutions for research, demonstration, and deployment projects involving low or zero emission public transportation vehicles. Eligible vehicles must be designated for public transportation use and significantly reduce energy consumption or harmful emissions compared to a comparable standard or low emission vehicle.

For more information, see the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Public Transportation Innovation fact sheet.

(Reference 49 U.S. Code 5312 and 5339, Public Law 114-94, Public Law 113-159, and Public Law 117-58)

Resilient Surface Transportation Grants
The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) established the Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Discretionary Grant Program to provide funding for projects that improve the resilience of the surface transportation system through support of planning activities, resilience improvements, community resilience and evacuation routes, and at-risk costal infrastructure. Eligible projects include those that demonstrate greenhouse gas reductions in the transportation sector through the transition to clean vehicles and fuels, including electrification.

For more information, including funding availability and timelines, see the FHWA PROTECT Program website.

(Reference Public Law 117-58 and 23 U.S. Code 176)

State Energy Program (SEP) Funding
The SEP provides grants to states to assist in designing, developing, and implementing renewable energy and energy efficiency programs, including programs to help reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector by 2050 and accelerate the use of alternative transportation fuels for, and the electrification of, state government vehicles, fleet vehicles, taxis and ridesharing services, mass transit, school buses, ferries, and privately owned passenger and medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. Each state’s energy office receives SEP funding and manages all SEP-funded projects. States may also receive project funding from technology programs in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) for SEP Special Projects. EERE distributes the funding through an annual competitive solicitation to state energy offices. SEP is authorized through fiscal year 2026.

For more information, see the SEP website.

(Reference Public Law 117-58 and 42 U.S. Code 6322 through 6325)

Programs
Clean Cities Coalition Network
The mission of Clean Cities Coalition Network is to foster the economic, environmental, and energy security of the United States by working locally to advance affordable, domestic transportation fuels and technologies. Nearly 100 volunteer coalitions carry out this mission by developing public/private partnerships to promote alternative and renewable fuels, idle-reduction measures, fuel economy, improvements, and emerging transportation technologies. The Clean Cities Coalition Network provides information about financial opportunities, coordinates technical assistance projects, updates and maintains databases and websites, and publishes technical and informational materials. For more information, see the Clean Cities Coalition Network website.

Point of Contact
U.S. Department of Energy
Phone: (202) 586-5000
http://www.energy.gov
Clean Construction and Agriculture
Clean Construction is a voluntary program that promotes the reduction of diesel exhaust emissions from construction equipment and vehicles by encouraging proper operations and maintenance, use of emissions-reducing technologies, and use of cleaner fuels.

Clean Agriculture is a voluntary program that promotes the reduction of diesel exhaust emissions from agricultural equipment and vehicles by encouraging proper operations and maintenance by farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses, use of emissions-reducing technologies, and use of cleaner fuels.

Clean Construction and Clean Agriculture are part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Program, which offers funding for clean diesel construction and agricultural equipment projects.

For more information, see the Reducing Diesel Emissions from Construction and Agriculture website.

Point of Contact
DERA Helpline
Diesel Emissions Reduction Act
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Phone: (877) 623-2322
dera@epa.gov
https://www.epa.gov/dera
Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Program
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency established the DERA Program to reduce pollution emitted from diesel engines through the implementation of varied control strategies and the involvement of national, state, local, and tribal partners. DERA includes programs for existing diesel fleets, regulations for clean diesel engines and fuels, and regional collaborations and partnerships. For information on available grants and funding opportunities, see the DERA Funding website.

Point of Contact
DERA Helpline
Diesel Emissions Reduction Act
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Phone: (877) 623-2322
dera@epa.gov
https://www.epa.gov/dera
Ports Initiative
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Ports Initiative is an incentive-based program designed to reduce emissions by encouraging port authorities and terminal operators to retrofit and replace older diesel engines with new technologies and use cleaner fuels. EPA’s Ports Initiative offers funding to port authorities and public entities to help them overcome barriers that impede the adoption of cleaner diesel technologies and strategies. For more information, see the Ports Initiative website.

Point of Contact
Jennifer Keller
National Clean Diesel Campaign
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Phone: (202) 343-9541
keller.jennifer@epa.gov
http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/
Propane Education, Research, and Training
The Propane Education and Research Act of 1996 established the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) to develop programs education and training programs for safe propane use. The propane industry funds and operates PERC, and PERC helps coordinate efforts to promote the use of propane as an alternative fuel. The Propane Education and Research Enhancement Act of 2014 expanded PERC’s duties by tasking the council with developing training programs to reduce the effects of future propane price spikes for propane distributors and consumers. For more information, see the PERC website. (Reference Public Laws 113-269 and 104-284)

Point of Contact
U.S. Department of Energy
Phone: (202) 586-5000
http://www.energy.gov
SmartWay Transport Partnership
The SmartWay Transport Partnership is a market-based public-private collaboration between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the domestic freight industry. This partnership is designed to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution by accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies and operational practices which increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions from goods movement. EPA provides partners with performance benchmarking tools, fleet management best practices, technology verification, public recognition and awards, and use of the SmartWay Transport Partner logo to demonstrate their leadership to customers, shareholders and other stakeholders. The SmartWay Transport Partnership is working with partners to test and verify advanced technologies and operational practices that save fuel and reduce emissions. Grants are available to states, non-profits, and academic institutions to demonstrate innovative idle reduction technologies for the trucking industry. For more information, see the SmartWay Transport Partnership website.

Point of Contact
SmartWay Transport Partnership
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Phone: (734) 214-4767
smartway_transport@epa.gov
http://www.epa.gov/smartway
Voluntary Airport Low Emission (VALE) Program
The goal of the VALE Program is to reduce ground level emissions at commercial service airports located in designated ozone and carbon monoxide air quality nonattainment and maintenance areas. The VALE Program provides funding through the Airport Improvement Program and the Passenger Facility Charges program for the purchase of low emission vehicles, development of fueling and recharging stations, implementing gate electrification, and other airport air quality improvements. For more information, see the VALE Program website. (Reference 49 U.S. Code 47139)