New Hampshire Incentives and Laws for Biodiesel

The list below contains summaries of all New Hampshire incentives and laws related to Biodiesel.

State Incentives

Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Project Funding

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and the Granite State Clean Cities Coalition (GSCCC) provide competitive funding on a cost reimbursement basis for qualified alternative fuel and advanced vehicle projects. Only projects located in ozone nonattainment or maintenance areas in the state are eligible for funding. For more information see the GSCCC website.

Laws and Regulations

Biodiesel Blend Purchase Requirement

Diesel fuel that the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (Department) purchases under the Motor Fuel Inventory Fund must contain at least 5% biodiesel (B5), unless the fuel is unavailable or more expensive than 100% petroleum diesel, in which case the purchase will be at the Department's discretion. The Department is encouraged to purchase diesel fuel containing up to 20% biodiesel (B20) when the fuel is acceptable for use. The Department may sell the fuel to all state departments and institutions, political subdivisions of the state, and eligible nonprofit corporations under contract with the Department to transport the general public and federal government agencies. (Reference New Hampshire Revised Statutes 228:24-a)

Biodiesel Definition

Biodiesel is a renewable special fuel that is composed of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids, derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, and meets the requirements of the ASTM specification D6751. (Reference New Hampshire Revised Statutes 259:6-a)

Biodiesel Distributor License and Recordkeeping Requirements

Any person who refines, distills, prepares, blends, manufactures, or purchases biodiesel on which the road toll has not been paid and who is not a licensed and bonded distributor must become licensed with the New Hampshire Department of Safety (Department). An annual license fee of $25 applies. Any licensed biodiesel refiner, distiller, blender, manufacturer, or purchaser of more than 10,000 gallons of biodiesel per month must file a bond with the Department. All biodiesel distributors must maintain and keep records for a period of four years that demonstrate that all biodiesel sold within the state meets ASTM specification D6751. Failure to demonstrate compliance with the appropriate ASTM standard may result in loss of the license. (Reference New Hampshire Revised Statutes 260:36-d and 260:43-b)

Biodiesel Study Commission

The Commission to Study the Production and Distribution of Biodiesel in New Hampshire was tasked with studying the state's biodiesel production capacity, state and regional feedstock sources for production, and methods to encourage production. The Commission's Final Report identified current barriers to increased production and use and provided recommendations to address these barriers. (Reference House Bill 245, 2009)

Idle Reduction and Fuel-Efficient, Low Emission Vehicle Acquisition Requirements

New Hampshire state agencies and departments must implement a Clean Fleets Program in accordance with the recommendations of the Energy Efficiency in State Government Steering Committee, including but not limited to the following components:

  1. An anti-idling policy;
  2. A highway fuel economy rating requirement of at least 27.5 miles per gallon (mpg) for all new passenger and light-duty vehicles and at least 20 mpg for all new light-duty trucks except for emergency and law enforcement vehicles;
  3. A requirement that new passenger and light-duty vehicles are certified as low emission vehicles in accordance with the recommendations of the Energy Efficiency in State Government Steering Committee;
  4. A policy ensuring that the appropriate vehicle is selected for the intended use of the vehicle;
  5. A requirement that vehicle purchases be in compliance with the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) if applicable;
  6. A waiver procedure for requesting vehicles not on the approved New Hampshire Department of Administrative Services vehicle list;
  7. Additional measures to promote fuel conservation.

(Reference Executive Order 2005-4)