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Rhode Island Incentives and Laws for Natural Gas

The list below contains summaries of all Rhode Island incentives and laws related to Natural Gas.

Laws and Regulations

Clean School Bus Requirements

Full-size school buses equipped with an engine from Model Year (MY) 1993 or older may not be used to transport school children in Rhode Island. Additionally, provided that there is sufficient federal or state funding, by September 1, 2012, all full-size 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 emissions control retrofit device the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has verified; 2) be equipped with a MY 2007 or newer engine; 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 CARB/EPA to reduce diesel particulate matter emissions at a level equivalent to or greater than a MY 2007 or newer engine. (Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-47.3-3)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Acquisition Requirements

To reduce fuel consumption and pollution emissions, and purchase vehicles that provide the best value on a lifecycle cost basis, the state must 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 least a Low Emission Vehicle certification, 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 emissions 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 must also prepare an annual report to the governor on compliance with these goals. (Reference Executive Order 05-13, 2005)