Illinois Incentives and Laws for Hydrogen Fuel Cells

The list below contains summaries of all Illinois incentives and laws related to Hydrogen Fuel Cells.

State Incentives

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Alternative Fuel Rebates

The Illinois Alternate Fuels Rebate Program (Program) provides a rebate for 80% of the incremental cost of purchasing an AFV (up to $4,000), 80% of the cost of converting a conventional vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle to an AFV using a federally certified conversion (up to $4,000), and for the incremental cost of purchasing alternative fuels. Eligible fuels for the program include E85, fuel blends containing at least 20% biodiesel (B20), natural gas, propane, electricity, and hydrogen. A vehicle may receive one rebate in its lifetime. Only AFVs or conversion systems purchased from an Illinois-based company or vendor are eligible, except if the vehicle is a heavy-duty specialty vehicle that is not sold in Illinois, and only hybrid electric vehicles fueled with alternative fuels are eligible. To be eligible for a fuel rebate, the entity or individual must purchase the majority of E85 or biodiesel fuel from Illinois retail stations or fuel suppliers. The E85 fuel rebate is up to $450 per year (depending on vehicle miles traveled) for up to three years for each flexible fuel vehicle that uses E85 at least half the time. The biodiesel fuel rebate (for B20 and higher blends) is for 80% of the incremental cost of the biodiesel fuel, as compared to conventional diesel. The Program is part of the Illinois Green Fleets Program and is open to all Illinois residents, businesses, government units (except federal government), and organizations located in Illinois. (Reference House Bill 6047, 2010, and 415 Illinois Compiled Statutes 120/30)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Fleet Incentives

The Illinois Green Fleets Program recognizes and provides additional marketing opportunities for fleets in Illinois that have a significant number of AFVs and use clean, domestically produced fuels.

School Bus Retrofit Reimbursement

The Illinois Department of Education will reimburse any qualifying school district for the cost of converting gasoline buses to more fuel-efficient engines or to engines using alternative fuels. Restrictions may apply. (Reference 105 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/29-5)

Laws and Regulations

Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Acquisition Goals

To help achieve the statewide goal of reducing petroleum use by 20% by July 1, 2012, as compared to 2008 petroleum use, Illinois state agencies must work towards meeting the following goals:

• By July 1, 2015, at least 20% of new passenger vehicles purchased must be hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and 5% must be battery electric vehicles (EVs);
• By July 1, 2025, at least 60% of new passenger vehicles purchased must be HEVs and 15% must be EVs;

Agencies that operate medium- and heavy-duty vehicles must implement strategies to reduce fuel consumption through diesel emission control devices, HEV and EVs technologies, alternative fuel use, and fuel-efficient technologies. Agencies must also implement strategies to promote the use of biofuels in state vehicles; reduce the environmental impacts of employee travel; and encourage employees to adopt alternative travel methods, such as carpooling.

(Reference Executive Order 11, 2009)

Alternative Fuel Promotion

The Illinois General Assembly established the Alternate Fuels Commission (Commission) within the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to identify and recommend strategies to the governor and General Assembly for implementing and promoting the use of alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles. The Commission will identify ways to improve stakeholder communication and coordination regarding the research and promotion of alternative fuels. The Commission must issue written reports on their activities and findings on at least an annual basis. (Reference 415 Illinois Compiled Statutes 120/23)

Ethanol and Hydrogen Production Facility Permits

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's Bureau of Air may issue air pollution control permits for thermochemical conversion technology facilities that are constructed and operated to demonstrate the process of applying heat to woody biomass to produce ethanol or hydrogen for use as transportation fuel. (Reference 415 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/39.9)

State Government Energy Initiative

The Green Governments Illinois Act (Act) demonstrates the state's commitment to reduce negative environmental impacts, reduce greenhouse gases, and preserve resources for current and future generations. The Act also aims to strengthen the capacity of local governments and educational institutions to enable a more environmentally sustainable future. The Act established the Green Governments Coordinating Council (Council) to fully integrate cost-effective environmental sustainability measures into the ongoing management systems, long-range planning, and daily operations of state agencies. Initially, the Council will focus on initiatives that include those related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and alternative fuel vehicles. Local governments and educational institutes are not required to participate in the provisions of the Act. (Reference 20 Illinois Compiled Statutes 3954/1 to 3954/45)

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Content Last Updated: 07/14/2011