Massachusetts Incentives and Laws

Last Updated September 2008

Massachusetts is the home of the Massachusetts Clean Cities Coalition. Coordinator contact information is listed in the Points of Contact section.

State Incentives

There are currently no known State incentives offered in Massachusetts.

State Laws and Regulations

Biodiesel Blend Mandate

All diesel motor vehicle fuel and all other liquid fuel used to operate motor vehicle diesel engines must contain at least 2% renewable diesel fuel by July 1, 2010; 3% renewable diesel fuel by July 1, 2011; 4% renewable diesel fuel by July 1, 2012; and 5% renewable diesel fuel by July 1, 2013. For these purposes, eligible renewable diesel fuel includes diesel fuel that is derived predominantly from renewable biomass and yields at least a 50% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions relative to the average lifecycle GHG emissions for petroleum-based diesel fuel sold in 2005. The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources must also study the feasibility, benefits, and costs of applying the percentage mandates on a statewide average basis rather than for every gallon of diesel motor fuel sold. (Reference Massachusetts Session Law 206, 2008)

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

When purchasing new motor vehicles, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must purchase HEVs or AFVs to the maximum extent feasible and consistent with the ability of such vehicles to perform their intended functions. HEVs and AFVs must be acquired at a rate of at least 5% annually for all new motor vehicle purchases so that not less than 50% of the motor vehicles owned and operated by the Commonwealth will be HEVs or AFVs by the year 2018. (Reference Massachusetts Session Law 169, 2008)

Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) Standards

The Massachusetts LEV Program requires all new passenger vehicles sold and registered in Massachusetts to meet California emission and compliance requirements, as set forth in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations. These regulations apply to any Model Year (MY) 1995 and subsequent MY passenger cars and light-duty trucks; MY 2003 and subsequent MY medium-duty vehicles; MY 2005 and subsequent MY heavy-duty vehicles and engines. Beginning with MY 2007 vehicles, manufacturers must comply with the Zero Emission Vehicle sales requirements. Beginning with MY 2009 vehicles, manufacturers must also comply with greenhouse gas emissions requirements. (Reference Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Regulations and Standards 310 CMR 7.40)

Cellulosic Biofuel Tax Exemption

For taxable years beginning January 1, 2009, and ending December 31, 2017, fuel consisting of cellulosic biofuel or a blend of gasoline and cellulosic biofuel is eligible for an exemption of the $0.21 per gallon fuel tax, in proportion to the percentage of the fuel content consisting of cellulosic biofuel. For these purposes, eligible cellulosic biofuel includes fuel derived from cellulose, hemicellulose, or lignin derived from renewable biomass that yields at least a 60% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) relative to the average lifecycle GHG emissions for petroleum-based fuel sold in 2005. (Reference Massachusetts Session Law 206, 2008)

Biofuels Incentives Study

A special commission is established to study the feasibility and effectiveness of various forms of incentives to promote the development and use of advanced biofuels in Massachusetts including, but not limited to, production credits, the production and harvesting of woody biomass, feedstock incentives and direct consumer credits for the use of advanced biofuels in various applications. The commission must report the results of its investigation and study and its recommendations on or before March 31, 2009. (Reference Massachusetts Session Law 206, 2008)

Biofuels Use and Promotion Study

A special commission is established to investigate and develop a strategy to increase the use of advanced biofuels as alternatives to conventional carbon-based fuels by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, its agencies and political subdivisions, and regional transit authorities. The commission will consider methods such as financing mechanisms including grants, loans, and other incentive programs for group procurement of advanced biofuels, vehicles using advanced biofuels, distribution infrastructure, and technical assistance. The commission must report the results of its investigation and study and its recommendations on or before April 15, 2009. (Reference Massachusetts Session Law 206, 2008)

State Agency Energy Plan

In order to reduce the energy consumption and greenhouse gas impact of state government, Massachusetts agencies must prioritize programs and practices that result in a reduction of fossil fuel-based energy consumption and emissions from such consumption, including promoting sustainable transportation practices and switching to bio-based and other alternative fuels. (Reference Executive Order 484, 2007)

State Agency Alternative Fuel Use Requirement

Beginning in Fiscal Year (FY) 2008, all state agencies must use a minimum of 5% biodiesel in all on- and off-road diesel engines, increasing to 15% by FY 2010. Prior to 2010, the Division of Energy Resources (DOER) will determine if the increase to 15% biodiesel is feasible as well as which vehicles can operate using the fuel. In addition, DOER will set guidelines for a minimum required use of E85 ethanol in state flexible fuel vehicles, depending on the availability of the fuel in the state. Agencies may apply for exemptions from the biodiesel and E85 fuel use requirements if it is demonstrated that the alternative fuel is not available within a reasonable distance and/or the price of the alternative fuel is cost prohibitive as determined by DOER. (Reference Massachusetts Executive Office of Administration and Finance Bulletin 13, 2006)

Idle Reduction Requirement

A motor vehicle is not allowed to idle unnecessarily in excess of five minutes. This regulation does not apply under the following conditions: 1) vehicles being serviced, provided that operation of the engine is essential to the repair; 2) vehicles delivering or accepting goods or merchandise for which engine assisted power is necessary and substitute alternate power cannot be made available; or 3) vehicles requiring auxiliary power for an associate power need other than movement that cannot be substituted by an alternate power source provided that such operation does not cause or contribute to air pollution. Violators of this regulation are subject to a fine of up to $100 for the first offense, and up to $500 for each succeeding offense. Local boards of health, local police, and state and federal officials are authorized to enforce the state anti-idling law; the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) enforces its own regulations. (Reference Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 16A, and DEP Regulations 310 CMR 7.11(1)(b))

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Acquisition Requirement

State fleets must acquire AFVs according to the requirements of the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992. At least 75% of non-excluded vehicles purchased by the Massachusetts Department of Procurement and General Services (DPGS) must be the cleanest AFVs available and practical; at least 10% of the total non-excluded vehicles purchased by DPGS must be zero emission vehicles. (Reference Executive Order 388, 1997)

Deregulation of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a Motor Fuel

The sale of CNG by a fueling station for use as fuel to operate a motor vehicle is deregulated; however, separate records, books, and accounts of such sales must be kept. Investments in related infrastructure must not reduce the availability or increase the cost of natural gas to customers who purchase natural gas for use other than as fuel to operate a motor vehicle. (Reference Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 164, Section 94.5)

Utilities/Private Incentives

Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Infrastructure Technical Assistance

National Grid/KeySpan Energy Delivery (KeySpan) provides technical assistance to customers interested in purchasing NGVs or building CNG fueling stations. Rebates or incentives are available on a case-by-case basis. KeySpan has 12 CNG fueling stations open to the public and has established a CNG training curriculum for mechanics, technicians, and fleet managers at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston.

Point of Contact

Mike Manning
Clean Cities Co-Coordinator
Massachusetts Clean Cities Coalition and AVSG LP
Phone (617) 242-8755
Fax (617) 242-0814
mm@avsglp.com

Points of Contact:

NAME/EMAIL/TITLE	AGENCY	PHONE/FAX
Stephen Russell Clean Cities Co-Coordinator	Massachusetts Clean Cities Coalition	Phone:(617) 626-7325 Fax:(617) 727-0093
Mike Manning Clean Cities Co-Coordinator	Massachusetts Clean Cities Coalition and AVSG LP	Phone:(617) 242-8755 Fax:(617) 242-0814
Mike Scarpino Project Manager	U.S. Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory	Phone:(412) 386-4726 Fax:(412) 386-5835
Ariel Garcia Environmental Engineer, Region 1	U.S. Environmental Protection Agency	Phone:(617) 918-1660 Fax:(617) 918-0660
Alison Simcox Environmental Scientist, Region 1	U.S. Environmental Protection Agency	Phone:(617) 918-1684 Fax:(617) 918-0684