Rhode Island Natural Gas Laws and Incentives
State Incentives
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Tax Exemption - Warren
The town of Warren may allow excise tax exemptions of up to $100 for qualified AFVs registered in Warren. Qualified vehicles must be primarily fueled by one of the following: an electric motor drawing current from rechargeable batteries or fuel cells; gas produced from biomass, where biomass is defined as any organic material other than oil, natural gas, and coal; liquid, gaseous or solid synthetic fuels produced from coal; or coke or coke gas. (Reference Rhode Island Code 44-34-14)
State Laws and Regulations
Clean School Bus Requirements
By September 1, 2010, full-size school buses equipped with an engine from model year 1993 or older may not be used to transport school children in Rhode Island. Additionally, providing there is sufficient federal or state funding, by September 1, 2010, all full-sized school buses transporting children in the state must be retrofitted with a closed crankcase ventilation system and either: 1) be equipped with a level 1, level 2, or level 3 emission control retrofit device verified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the California Air Resources Board (ARB); 2) be equipped with an engine from model year 2007 or newer; or 3) achieve the same or greater reductions in diesel particulate matter as compared to an alternative fuel such as compressed natural gas and be verified by California ARB/EPA to reduce diesel particulate matter emissions at a level equivalent to or greater than a model year 2007 or newer engine. (Reference Rhode Island Code 31-47.3)
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Acquisition Requirements
In order to reduce fuel consumption, improve fuel efficiency to meet the minimum federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, reduce pollution emissions, and purchase vehicles that provide the best value on a lifecycle cost basis, the state is required to take the following actions: 1) at least 75% of state motor vehicle acquisitions must be AFVs, and the remaining 25% must be HEVs to the greatest extent possible; 2) all new light-duty trucks in the state fleet must achieve a minimum city fuel economy of 19 miles per gallon (mpg) and achieve at a minimum the certification of a Low Emission Vehicle, and all new passenger vehicles in the state fleet must achieve a minimum city fuel economy of 23 mpg; 3) all state agencies must purchase the most economical, fuel-efficient, and lowest emission vehicles appropriate to meet any needed requirements and discourage the purchase of sport utility vehicles; 4) all state agencies must purchase low rolling resistance tires with superior tread life for state vehicles when possible; and 5) all state vehicles must be maintained according to manufacturer specifications, including specified tire pressures and ratings. The state is also required to prepare an annual report to the Governor on the state's compliance with these goals. (Reference Executive Order 05-13, 2005)
