Massachusetts Incentives and Laws for Biodiesel
The list below contains summaries of all Massachusetts incentives and laws related to Biodiesel.
Laws and Regulations
Biodiesel Blend Mandate
Pursuant to state law, all diesel motor vehicle fuel and all other liquid fuel used to operate motor vehicle diesel engines must contain at least 2% renewable diesel fuel by July 1, 2010; 3% renewable diesel fuel by July 1, 2011; 4% renewable diesel fuel by July 1, 2012; and 5% renewable diesel fuel by July 1, 2013. For these purposes, eligible renewable diesel fuel includes diesel fuel that is derived predominantly from renewable biomass and yields at least a 50% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions relative to the average lifecycle GHG emissions for petroleum-based diesel fuel sold in 2005. The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) must also study the feasibility, benefits, and costs of applying the percentage mandates on a statewide average basis rather than for every gallon of diesel motor fuel sold.
DOER may delay the implementation of the biodiesel blend mandate if DOER determines that it is not feasible to meet the mandate due to lack of supply, lack of blending facilities, or unreasonable cost. As of June 2010, DOER suspended the formal requirement on grounds of unreasonable cost.
(Reference Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 94, Section 295G1/2)
Voluntary Biofuels Program
In place of the formal Biodiesel Blend Mandate, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) is launching a voluntary biofuels program through which DOER will work with biodiesel suppliers to certify biofuels. Lessons learned from this voluntary program will provide the basis for future expansion and full implementation of a state biofuels mandate. For more information, refer to the June 2010 Massachusetts Advanced Biofuels Mandate Program Announcement.
Hybrid Electric (HEV) Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Acquisition Requirements
When purchasing new motor vehicles, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must purchase HEVs or AFVs to the maximum extent feasible and consistent with the ability of such vehicles to perform their intended functions. HEVs and AFVs must be acquired at a rate of at least 5% annually for all new motor vehicle purchases so that not less than 50% of the motor vehicles the Commonwealth owns and operates will be HEVs or AFVs by 2018. (Reference Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 7, Section 9A)
State Agency Alternative Fuel Use Requirement
All Massachusetts agencies must use a minimum of 15% biodiesel (B15) in all on- and off-road diesel engines, provided that the Commonwealth Office of Vehicle Management and other appropriate agencies have determined that a B15 goal is appropriate. The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) will set guidelines for a minimum required use of E85 in state flexible fuel vehicles, depending on the availability of the fuel in the state. Agencies may apply for exemptions from the biodiesel and E85 fuel use requirements if the agencies demonstrate that the alternative fuel is not available within a reasonable distance and/or the price of the alternative fuel is cost prohibitive, as determined by DOER. (Reference Massachusetts Executive Office of Administration and Finance Administrative Bulletin 13, 2006)
State Agency Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Acquisition Requirement
State fleets must acquire AFVs according to the requirements of the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992 and the Massachusetts Office of Vehicle Management (OVM) must approve any light-duty vehicle acquisition. All agencies must purchase the most economical, fuel-efficient, and low emission vehicles appropriate to their mission. OVM, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, will set new minimum standards for vehicle mileage and work with agencies to acquire vehicles that provide the best value for the Commonwealth on a total cost of ownership basis. (Reference Executive Order 388, 1996, and Massachusetts Executive Office of Administration and Finance Administrative Bulletin 10, 2010)
