Ohio Hydrogen Laws and Incentives
State Incentives
Alternative Fuel and Fueling Infrastructure Grants
The Alternative Fuel Transportation Grant Program provides funding for the purchase and installation of E85 and biodiesel fueling and blending facilities. The maximum grant per retail facility for new construction is $40,000 per fuel type at each location, $10,000 for fueling facility conversions, and $5,000 for marketing existing and new facilities. Clean Fuels Ohio is available to assist retailers in evaluating their suitability for these grants, preparing applications, and helping with direct postcard educational mailings. This program will expire in June 2009. Funds are also available for the purchase and use of alternative fuel by businesses, nonprofit organizations, public school systems, and local governments. (Reference Ohio Revised Code 122.075)
Fuel Cell Development Funding
The Ohio Fuel Cell Initiative (Initiative) aims to stimulate job creation in Ohio and position the state as a national leader in the growing fuel cell industry. The Initiative is an integral part of the Third Frontier Project, a high-tech research program designed to create jobs and bring new products to market. The centerpiece of the Initiative is the Third Frontier Fuel Cell Program. This research, development, and commercialization program provides direct financial support of up to $1 million to accelerate the development and growth of the fuel cell industry in Ohio to organizations seeking to: investigate the discovery of new knowledge having specific commercial objectives with respect to products, processes, or services; commercialize new products, manufacturing processes or technologies, or adapt or modify existing components or systems produced in Ohio that can reduce the cost of fuel cell systems or address technical and commercialization barriers; or demonstrate market readiness.
State Laws and Regulations
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Acquisition and Fuel Use Requirements
All new motor vehicles acquired by state agencies must be capable of using alternative fuels and must use that alternative fuel if it is reasonably available and priced. State flexible-fuel vehicles must use at least 60,000 gallons of E85 per calendar year, increasing by 5,000 gallons per year after January 1, 2007. Vehicles that operate on diesel fuel must use at least one million gallons of biodiesel, increasing by 100,000 gallons per year after January 1, 2007. Credits for vehicle acquisition will be issued in accordance with the federal Energy Policy Act of 1992. Any additional credits that an agency earns above their requirements may be sold, with proceeds going to the Biodiesel Revolving Fund to pay for the incremental cost of biodiesel for use in vehicles owned or leased by the state. (Reference Ohio Revised Code 125.831-125.836 and Executive Order 2007-02)
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Conversion
Vehicle emission control systems may not be tampered with unless the action is for the purpose of converting a motor vehicle to operate on an alternative fuel and is in compliance with the standards adopted under the Clean Air Act Amendments. (Reference Ohio Revised Code 3704.16)
