West Virginia Propane Laws and Incentives

State Incentives

Alternative Fuel School Bus Incentive

Any county that uses an acceptable alternative fuel, including compressed natural gas , for the operation of all or any portion of its school bus system is eligible for a reimbursement from the West Virginia Department of Education of up to 95%, depending on county density, of the county's transportation cost for maintenance, operation, and related costs incurred from using the alternatively fueled school buses. All counties are also eligible for an additional 10% reimbursement. A county qualifying for this allowance for alternative fuel use must submit a plan which includes the future use of the alternatively fueled school buses to the Department of Education. (Reference West Virginia Code 18-9A-7)

State Laws and Regulations

Alternative Fuels Use Study

The Joint Committee on Government and Finance is directed to study the potential benefits of using alternative fuels and biofuels by state government and private industry and to seek input from state agencies and private industry on potential uses of these fuels in vehicle fleets and industrial processes. (Reference Senate Concurrent Resolution 51, 2009)

Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety

The State Fire Commission is required to develop rules for the following: 1) standard safe practices for the design, construction, location, installation, maintenance and operation of liquefied petroleum gas systems, as established by the National Fire Protection Association Standard 58; and 2) training standards and qualifications for persons who install or maintain liquefied petroleum gas systems as established by the National Propane Gas Association's Certified Employee Training Program. (Reference House Bill 2968, 2009, and West Virginia Code 29-3-5c)

Alternative Fuel Promotion

The West Virginia Division of Energy is established to promote energy efficiency, increase the development and production of domestic energy sources, and increase public awareness of the environmental impacts of energy use and production. The Division of Energy is required to submit and implement a development plan that addresses fuel efficiency and alternative energy, including the implementation of clean, renewable energy sources such as landfill gas, fuel cells, renewable hydrogen fuel technologies, waste-to-ethanol fuel, and coal-based liquid fuels. (Reference West Virginia Code 5B-2F-2)

Alternative Fuel Production Subsidy Prohibition

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)

Provision for Establishment of Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Acquisition Requirements

The Secretary of Administration has the authority to require that up to 75% of a state agency's fleet consist of AFVs. To meet these requirements, AFVs may be purchased or leased, or existing vehicles may be converted to operate using alternative fuels. (Reference West Virginia Code 5A-2A-2)