The list below contains summaries of all West Virginia incentives and laws related to Biodiesel.
Any county that uses alternative fuel for the operation of any portion of its school bus fleet is eligible for a 10% reimbursement from the West Virginia Department of Education to help offset the cost of maintenance, operation, and other costs incurred from using the alternatively fueled school buses. Any county qualifying for this allowance must submit a plan that includes the future use of the alternatively fueled school buses to the Department of Education. Acceptable alternative fuels include compressed natural gas. (Reference West Virginia Code 18-9A-7)
Point of Contact
Benjamin Shew
Executive Director
West Virginia Department of Education, Office of School Transportation
Phone: (304) 558-2711
Fax: (304) 558-8867
bshew@access.k12.wv.us
http://wvde.state.wv.us/
The Joint Committee on Government and Finance (Committee) must conduct two separate studies related to alternative fuels. The first study must focus on the impact of alternative fuels on West Virginia's economy, specifically the use of alternative fuels in transportation. This report must include input from state agencies and private industry. The second study must investigate the environmental benefits and economic impact of renewable energy utilization, including the use of biofuels in vehicles, and the potential for a state Renewable Energy Act or similar policy. The Committee must report its findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the state legislature in 2011.It must also draft any regulations necessary to carry out its recommendations. (Reference Senate Concurrent Resolution 38, 2010, and House Concurrent Resolution 87, 2010)
Incentives or subsidies from political subdivisions for the production of alternative fuels are prohibited by law, with exceptions for certain coal-based liquid fuels. (Reference West Virginia Code 8-27A-3 and 11-13D-3D)
The West Virginia Department of Administration may require that up to 75% of a state agency's fleet consist of AFVs. To meet these requirements, agencies may purchase or lease AFVs, or convert existing vehicles to operate using alternative fuels. The Department of Administration may waive this requirement if an agency's vehicles are operating in an area where the agency cannot reasonably establish a central alternative fueling station or the lifetime cost of the vehicle or fueling infrastructure is significantly higher as compared to conventional vehicles or fuels. In addition, this requirement does not apply to law enforcement, emergency, public transit authority, state rail authority, non-road vehicles, or school buses. (Reference West Virginia Code 5A-2A-1 and 5A-2A-2)
West Virginia higher education governing boards must use alternative fuels to the maximum extent feasible. (Reference Senate Bill 330, 2011, and West Virginia Code 18B-5-9)