Mississippi Incentives and Laws

Last Updated May 2009

State Incentives

Biofuels Production Incentive

The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce provides incentive payments to ethanol and biodiesel producers located in Mississippi. The amount of payment is $0.20 per gallon, up to 30 million gallons per year per producer, for a period of up to 10 years following the start date of production. No payments will be made for production that occurs after June 30, 2015, and the maximum total annual payment to a single producer per fiscal year is $6 million. (Reference Mississippi Code 69-51-5)

State Laws and Regulations

Fuel-Efficient and Alternative Fuel Vehicle Use

The Bureau of Fleet Management (Bureau) was established within the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration to coordinate and promote efficiency and economy in the purchase, lease, rental, acquisition, use, maintenance, and disposal of vehicles by state agencies. The Bureau will encourage the use of fuel-efficient or hybrid electric vehicles appropriate for the state agency's intended purpose and, when feasible, the use of alternative fuels, including but not limited to, ethanol, biodiesel, natural gas, or electricity. By July 1, 2014, at least 75% of all vehicles titled under the Bureau must have a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimated fuel economy rating of at least 40 miles per gallon for highway driving. (Reference Senate Bill 3049, 2009 and Mississippi Code 25-1-77)

Installation of Alternative Fuel Components on Vehicles

All liquefied petroleum and natural gas carburetion systems must be installed by an authorized installer or automobile manufacturer, or be inspected by the State Liquefied Compressed Gas Board (Board) or Commissioner of Insurance when not installed by such qualified installer or manufacturer. All liquefied petroleum or natural gas carburetion systems installed on vehicles, including school buses, used in public transportation must be inspected by a field inspector. The Board may require inspection of any installations of liquefied petroleum gas or natural gas carburetion systems on any other vehicle types as deemed necessary. All installations must comply with the rules and regulations of the Board. Any installer of a liquefied petroleum or compressed natural gas carburetion system who collects an installation service fee must hold an installer's license from the Board and must notify the Board of any applicable installation. (Reference Mississippi Code 75-57-47)

Natural Gas Tax

A fuel tax is levied on distributors of compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas based per 100 cubic feet rather than on a gallon equivalent basis. An annual privilege tax is imposed on operators of motor vehicles using and/or capable of using compressed gas and is imposed according to the gross vehicle weight rating. (Reference Mississippi Code 27-59-11)

Propane Education and Research Program

The State Liquefied Compressed Gas Board (Board), operated through the Mississippi Insurance Department, enforces laws and regulations regarding the distribution of liquefied compressed gases within the state. The Board has grant funding available for Mississippi-based entities for the purpose of promoting and researching the development of more cost-effective uses of propane. Educational, safety, and market development programs may also qualify for grant funding. All proposals are reviewed by the Board. (Reference Mississippi Code 75-57-119)

Point of Contact

Keith Montgomery
Director
Mississippi Insurance Department, Liquefied Compressed Gas Division
Phone (601) 359-1064
Fax (601) 359-1076
keith.montgomery@mid.state.ms.us
http://www.mid.state.ms.us/state_fire_marshal/lc_gas/liquefied_compressed_gas.aspx

Natural Gas Deregulation

The transmission, sale, or distribution of compressed natural gas and distribution or sale of liquefied petroleum gas is deregulated for use as a motor vehicle fuel and for related purposes. (Reference Mississippi Code 77-3-3 and 77-3-11)

Utilities/Private Incentives

Natural Gas Fuel Rate Reduction and Vehicle Incentives

Atmos Energy offers incentives for natural gas vehicles on a case-by-case basis and offers special rates for natural gas when used as a vehicle fuel.

Point of Contact

Larissa Williams
Sales Representative
Atmos Energy
Phone (601) 420-5071
Fax (601) 360-1951
larissa.williams@atmosenergy.com
http://www.atmosenergy.com

Points of Contact:

NAME/EMAIL/TITLE	AGENCY	PHONE/FAX
Steven Richardson Project Manager	U.S. Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory	Phone:(304) 285-4185 Fax:(304) 285-4777
Keith Montgomery Director	Mississippi Insurance Department, Liquefied Compressed Gas Division	Phone:(601) 359-1064 Fax:(601) 359-1076
Larissa Williams Sales Representative	Atmos Energy	Phone:(601) 420-5071 Fax:(601) 360-1951
Angelica Rawls Associate Manager	Mississippi Development Authority, Energy Division	Phone:(601) 359-6600 Fax:(601) 359-6642
Dale Aspy Environmental Engineer, Region 4	U.S. Environmental Protection Agency	Phone:(404) 562-9041 Fax:(404) 562-9019