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New Hampshire Incentives and Laws

Listed below are the summaries of all current New Hampshire incentives, laws, regulations, funding opportunities, and other initiatives related to alternative fuels and vehicles, advanced technologies, or air quality. You can go directly to summaries of:

• State Incentives (2)
• Laws and Regulations (8)

State Incentives

Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Project Funding

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and the Granite State Clean Cities Coalition (GSCCC) provide competitive funding on a cost reimbursement basis for qualified alternative fuel and advanced vehicle projects. Only projects located in ozone nonattainment or maintenance areas in the state are eligible for funding. For more information see the GSCCC website.

Idle Reduction Weight Exemption

Any heavy-duty vehicle equipped with an auxiliary power unit or other qualified idle reduction technology may exceed the gross, axle, tandem, or bridge formula weight limits by up to 400 pounds. To qualify for this exemption, drivers must be able to provide proof of the idle reduction technology's weight through written certification. They must also be able to prove through demonstration or certification that the idle reduction technology is fully functional at all times. (Reference House Bill 117, 2011, and New Hampshire Revised Statutes 266:18-c)

Laws and Regulations

School District Emissions Reduction Policies

Each school district must develop and implement a policy to minimize or eliminate emissions from buses, cars, delivery vehicles, maintenance vehicles, and other motor vehicles used on school property. Policies must take into account existing anti-idling and clean air zone regulations that the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services has established. (Reference New Hampshire Revised Statutes 200:48)

Biodiesel Blend Purchase Requirement

Diesel fuel that the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (Department) purchases under the Motor Fuel Inventory Fund must contain at least 5% biodiesel (B5), unless the fuel is unavailable or more expensive than 100% petroleum diesel, in which case the purchase will be at the Department's discretion. The Department is encouraged to purchase diesel fuel containing up to 20% biodiesel (B20) when the fuel is acceptable for use. The Department may sell the fuel to all state departments and institutions, political subdivisions of the state, and eligible nonprofit corporations under contract with the Department to transport the general public and federal government agencies. (Reference New Hampshire Revised Statutes 228:24-a)

Biodiesel Definition

Biodiesel is a renewable special fuel that is composed of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids, derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, and meets the requirements of the ASTM specification D6751. (Reference New Hampshire Revised Statutes 259:6-a)

Biodiesel Distributor License and Recordkeeping Requirements

Any person who refines, distills, prepares, blends, manufactures, or purchases biodiesel on which the road toll has not been paid and who is not a licensed and bonded distributor must become licensed with the New Hampshire Department of Safety (Department). An annual license fee of $25 applies. Any licensed biodiesel refiner, distiller, blender, manufacturer, or purchaser of more than 10,000 gallons of biodiesel per month must file a bond with the Department. All biodiesel distributors must maintain and keep records for a period of four years that demonstrate that all biodiesel sold within the state meets ASTM specification D6751. Failure to demonstrate compliance with the appropriate ASTM standard may result in loss of the license. (Reference New Hampshire Revised Statutes 260:36-d and 260:43-b)

Biodiesel Study Commission

The Commission to Study the Production and Distribution of Biodiesel in New Hampshire was tasked with studying the state's biodiesel production capacity, state and regional feedstock sources for production, and methods to encourage production. The Commission's Final Report identified current barriers to increased production and use and provided recommendations to address these barriers. (Reference House Bill 245, 2009)

Idle Reduction and Fuel-Efficient, Low Emission Vehicle Acquisition Requirements

New Hampshire state agencies and departments must implement a Clean Fleets Program in accordance with the recommendations of the Energy Efficiency in State Government Steering Committee, including but not limited to the following components:

1. An anti-idling policy;
2. A highway fuel economy rating requirement of at least 27.5 miles per gallon (mpg) for all new passenger and light-duty vehicles and at least 20 mpg for all new light-duty trucks except for emergency and law enforcement vehicles;
3. A requirement that new passenger and light-duty vehicles are certified as low emission vehicles in accordance with the recommendations of the Energy Efficiency in State Government Steering Committee;
4. A policy ensuring that the appropriate vehicle is selected for the intended use of the vehicle;
5. A requirement that vehicle purchases be in compliance with the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) if applicable;
6. A waiver procedure for requesting vehicles not on the approved New Hampshire Department of Administrative Services vehicle list;
7. Additional measures to promote fuel conservation.

(Reference Executive Order 2005-4)

Idle Reduction Requirement

The owner or operator of a diesel powered vehicle must limit the length of time their vehicle remains idle. The limit is based on the outside temperature, as follows: Above 32 degrees Fahrenheit, 5 minute limit; between 32 and -10 degrees Fahrenheit, 15 minute limit; below -10 degrees Fahrenheit, no limit. Certain vehicles are exempt from the regulation, including vehicles in traffic, emergency vehicles, vehicles providing power take-off for refrigeration or lift gate pumps, and vehicles supplying heat or air conditioning for passenger comfort during transportation. (Reference New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, Administrative Rules Env-A 1101.05 and 1101.06)

Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) Access to Roadways

A NEV is any four-wheel electric vehicle capable of achieving a top speed between 20 and 25 miles per hour (mph), and complies with the federal equipment and safety standards in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 571.500. NEVs may only operate on roads that have a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less, but are not restricted from crossing roadways with speeds limits greater than 35 mph. (Reference New Hampshire Revised Statutes 259:66-b; 265:158; and 266:114)