Rhode Island Incentives and Laws

Last Updated September 2009

Rhode Island is the home of the Ocean State Clean Cities Coalition (www.uri.edu/cels/ceoc/osccc.html). Coordinator contact information is listed in the Points of Contact section.

State Incentives

Biodiesel Tax Exemption

Biodiesel fuel is defined as fuel derived from vegetable oils or animal fats that conforms to ASTM D6751 specifications for use in diesel engines and results in employment in Rhode Island at a manufacturing facility for biodiesel fuel. Biodiesel is exempt from the $0.30 per gallon motor fuel tax. The biodiesel may be blended with other fuel for use in motor vehicles, but only the biodiesel portion of the fuel is tax exempt. (Reference Senate Bill 525, 2009, and Rhode Island Code 31-36)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Tax Exemption - Warren

The town of Warren may allow excise tax exemptions of up to $100 for qualified AFVs registered in Warren. Qualified vehicles must be primarily fueled by one of the following: an electric motor drawing current from rechargeable batteries or fuel cells; gas produced from biomass, where biomass is defined as any organic material other than oil, natural gas, and coal; liquid, gaseous or solid synthetic fuels produced from coal; or coke or coke gas. (Reference Rhode Island Code 44-34-14)

State Laws and Regulations

Clean School Bus Requirements

By September 1, 2010, full-size school buses equipped with an engine from model year 1993 or older may not be used to transport school children in Rhode Island. Additionally, providing there is sufficient federal or state funding, by September 1, 2010, all full-sized 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 emission control retrofit device verified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the California Air Resources Board (ARB); 2) be equipped with an engine from model year 2007 or newer; 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 California ARB/EPA to reduce diesel particulate matter emissions at a level equivalent to or greater than a model year 2007 or newer engine. (Reference Rhode Island Code 31-47.3)

Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) Standards

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has adopted California's LEV regulations applicable to passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty vehicles, as set forth in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations. All passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty vehicles offered for sale or lease, imported, delivered, or registered in the state must meet California exhaust and greenhouse gas emissions standards. (Reference Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Regulation No. 37)

Point of Contact

Office of Air Resources
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Phone (401) 222-2808
Fax (401) 222-2017
http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/benviron/air/index.htm

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

In order to reduce fuel consumption, improve fuel efficiency to meet the minimum federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, reduce pollution emissions, and purchase vehicles that provide the best value on a lifecycle cost basis, the state is required to 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 a minimum the certification of a Low Emission Vehicle, 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 emission 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 is also required to prepare an annual report to the Governor on the state's compliance with these goals. (Reference Executive Order 05-13, 2005)

Idle Reduction Requirement

Unnecessary operation of the engine of a motor vehicle while stopped, in excess of five consecutive minutes during any 60 minute period, is not permitted. Unnecessary idling does not include circumstances exempted by regulations adopted by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, such as when it is necessary to operate heating and cooling equipment to ensure the health or safety of drivers and passengers. These requirements do not apply to the following: 1) emergency response, public safety, or military vehicles; 2) armored vehicles being loaded or unloaded; 3) non-road vehicles; and 4) vehicles making deliveries of fuel or energy products. Violators of these regulations will be fined up to $100 for the first offense and up to $500 for each succeeding offense. (Reference Rhode Island Code 23-23-29.2 and 31-16.1-4)

Utilities/Private Incentives

There are currently no known utility or private incentives offered in Rhode Island.

Points of Contact:

NAME/EMAIL/TITLE	AGENCY	PHONE/FAX
Wendy Lucht Clean Cities Coordinator	Ocean State Clean Cities Coalition	Phone:(401) 874-2792 Fax:
Mike Scarpino Project Manager	U.S. Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory	Phone:(412) 386-4726 Fax:(412) 386-5835
Office of Air Resources	Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management	Phone:(401) 222-2808 Fax:(401) 222-2017
Charlie Hawkins Program Manager	Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources	Phone:(401) 574-9124 Fax:(401) 574-9125
Frank Stevenson Supervising Air Quality Specialist	Department of Environmental Management	Phone:(401) 222-4700 x7021 Fax:(401) 222-2017
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