Georgia Natural Gas Laws and Incentives

State Incentives

Alternative Fuels Production Assistance

The Georgia Division of Energy Resources and the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) provide assistance to companies who are considering locating alternative fuels production facilities in Georgia. Utilizing a broad network of biomass and energy industry representatives, as well as state and local government leaders, GEFA can provide prospective businesses with useful information and connect businesses with the appropriate contacts.

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Tax Credit

An income tax credit is available for the purchase, lease, or conversion of a vehicle that operates solely on an alternative fuel and meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification of a Low Emission Vehicle (LEV). The credit is worth up to 10% of the cost of a new AFV or up to 10% of the cost of converting the vehicle to operate on an alternative fuel, or $2,500, whichever is less. The credit cannot exceed the taxpayer's annual income tax liability, but any portion of the credit not used in the year the AFV is purchased or converted may be carried over for up to five additional years. This incentive does not apply to hybrid electric vehicles. (Reference Georgia Code 48-7-40.16)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane Exemption

AFVs displaying the proper alternative fuel license plate are allowed to use HOV lanes, regardless of the number of passengers. (Reference Georgia Code 32-9-4 and 40-2-76)

State Laws and Regulations

Motor Fuel Excise Tax

An excise tax is imposed at the rate of $0.075 per gallon on distributors who sell or use motor fuel in Georgia. Motor fuels that are not commonly sold or measured by the gallon, and are used in any motor vehicles on public highways, may be taxed according to their gasoline gallon equivalent. Propane and special fuels sold in bulk to a licensed consumer distributor are exempt from this tax. (Reference Georgia Code 48-9-3)

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Permit

There is a one-time fee of $100, collected by the Georgia Safety Fire Commissioner, for a permit to dispense CNG for vehicle use. (Reference Georgia Code 25-2-4.1)

Idle Reduction Regulation - Atlanta

The City of Atlanta prohibits the idling of a truck or bus for more than 15 minutes on any street or public place. Exceptions apply to emergency vehicles, utility company, construction, maintenance vehicles that require the engines to run to perform needed work, or a vehicle that is forced to remain motionless because of traffic conditions. If the ambient temperature is less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit, idling is limited to a maximum of 25 minutes. In addition, any vehicle that uses electricity or compressed natural gas as the primary fuel source is exempt from idling limitations. (Reference Atlanta Code of Ordinances 150-97(c))

Utilities/Private Incentives

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Infrastructure Technical Assistance

Atmos Energy offers preliminary feasibility studies and energy analysis for CNG fueling stations and assists with vendor selection on a case-by-case basis.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Infrastructure Analysis

AGL Resources and its subsidiaries (Atlanta Gas Light, Chattanooga Gas, Elkton Gas, Florida City Gas, Elizabethtown Gas, and Virginia Natural Gas) offer preliminary feasibility studies and energy analysis to assist in evaluating potential CNG fueling stations for fleet applications.