North Carolina Incentives and Laws for Idle Reduction

The list below contains summaries of all North Carolina incentives and laws related to Idle Reduction.

State Incentives

Idle Reduction Technology Rebates

The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) offers rebates of up to $2,500 for approved idle reduction technologies through the Idle Reduction Devices Rebate Program. Eligible technologies must be purchased after January 1, 2009, and approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or California Air Resources Board. Businesses can be awarded a maximum of six rebates, and NCDENR gives priority to individuals or businesses who have not previously received a rebate. Additional restrictions apply. Rebates are available as long as funds remain or until September 30, 2012.

Alternative Fuel and Idle Reduction Grants

Diesel Emission Reduction Grants are available from the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Air Quality for the incremental cost of purchasing original equipment manufacturer alternative fuel vehicles, vehicle conversions, implementing idle reduction programs, and constructing or installing public alternative fueling facilities. As of September 2011, funding availability for the 2012 grant cycle is unknown.

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Support

The Clean Fuel Advanced Technology project focuses on reducing transportation related emissions in non-attainment and maintenance counties for National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Projects that are adjacent to areas may also be eligible if the project will reduce emissions in eligible counties. The North Carolina Department of Transportation funds the CFAT project, which covers three broad areas: education and outreach; project funding; and recognition of exemplary activities. As of September 2011, funding is not available. Future financial support is anticipated to be available in 2013 for AFVs, fueling infrastructure, idle reduction technologies, heavy-duty HEVs, heavy-duty buses, and diesel retrofits.

Laws and Regulations

School Bus Idle Reduction Requirement

All local boards of education in North Carolina have adopted idle reduction policies prohibiting school buses from idling unnecessarily on school grounds or warming up for longer than five minutes. The North Carolina School Boards Association provided a sample policy and administrative procedure to school districts to meet these requirements.

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