North Carolina Incentives and Laws for Natural Gas
The list below contains summaries of all North Carolina incentives and laws related to Natural Gas.
State Incentives
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.
Point of Contact
Anne Galamb
Environmental Specialist
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Phone: (919) 707-8423
Fax: (919) 707-8423
anne.galamb@ncdenr.gov
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.
Point of Contact
Anne Tazewell
Clean Transportation Program Manager
North Carolina Solar Center, North Carolina State University
Phone: (919) 513-7831
Fax: (919) 515-6159
cleantransportation@ncsu.edu
http://www.ncsc.ncsu.edu/cleantransportation/
Alternative Fuel and Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Fund
The North Carolina State Energy Office administers the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) Credit Banking and Selling Program, which enables the state to generate funds from the sale of EPAct 1992 credits. The funds EPAct credit sales generate are deposited into the Alternative Fuel Revolving Fund (Fund) for state agencies to offset the incremental costs of purchasing biodiesel blends of at least 20% (B20) or ethanol blends of at least 85% (E85), developing alternative fueling infrastructure, and purchasing AFVs and hybrid electric vehicles. Funds are distributed to state departments, institutions, and agencies in proportion to the number of EPAct credits generated by each. For the purposes of this program, the definition of alternative fuel includes 100% biodiesel (B100), biodiesel blends of at least B20, ethanol blends of at least E85, compressed natural gas, propane, and electricity. The Fund also covers additional projects approved by the Energy Policy Council. (Reference North Carolina General Statutes 143-58.4, 143-58.5, 143-341(8)i, and 136-28.13)
Alternative Fuel Tax Exemption
The retail sale, use, storage, and consumption of alternative fuels is exempt from the state retail sales and use tax. (Reference North Carolina General Statutes 105-164.13(11))
Utility/Private Incentives
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Loans
The State Employees' Credit Union and the Local Government Federal Credit Union offer green vehicle loans to purchase qualified new and used fuel-efficient vehicles. Vehicles with a combined fuel economy rating of at least 28 miles per gallon, according to revised fuel economy ratings posted on www.fueleconomy.gov, qualify. The loan interest rates are 0.5% lower than traditional new or used vehicle loan rates.
Laws and Regulations
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Acquisition Requirements
At least 75% of new or replacement state government light-duty cars and trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 pounds or less must be AFVs or low emission vehicles. (Reference North Carolina General Statutes 143-215.107C)

