Texas Expired Incentives and Laws

Expired State Incentives

Alternative Fuel Grant Assistance

Expired: 08/01/2009
The Texas State Energy Conservation Office researches and assists public and private entities in securing grants to encourage the use of alternative fuels, including conversion of state and local government fleets to operate on compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen, biodiesel, and ethanol, and the use of hybrid electric vehicles.

Ethanol and Biodiesel Fuel Production Grant

Expired: 08/31/2005
The Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office administers a grant program for ethanol and biodiesel fuel producers. In order to be eligible for a grant, ethanol and biodiesel fuel producers are required to register with the state and contribute $0.032 per gallon, up to 18 million gallons per producer, to a fund. Additionally, the state contributes $0.168 per gallon produced to the fund. A producer is then entitled to receive a grant of $0.20 per gallon from the fund, up until the 10th anniversary of the date production from the plant began. For each fiscal year a fuel producer may not receive a grant for more than 18 million gallons of fuel ethanol or biodiesel produced at any one registered plant, regardless of total gallons produced. This incentive expires August 31, 2005. (Reference Texas Statutes, Agriculture Code, Chapter 16)

Expired State Laws and Regulations

Alternative Fuel Program Support

Expired: 01/31/2005
The Texas Energy Planning Council, facilitated by the Railroad Commission of Texas, was created in November 2003 to advise the Governor on a balanced plan to provide the energy needed to fuel Texas' future economic growth and prosperity. The final report, Texas Energy Plan 2005: Energy Security for a Bright Tomorrow (PDF 1.4MB), was submitted to the Governor in January 2005. The report identifies gaps between the state's energy supply and energy demand and recommends a plan to close or minimize these gaps. The Council explored ways to diversify future energy supplies via liquefied natural gas, nuclear, and clean coal technology as well as through renewable energy sources such as wind power, biomass, and fuel cells. (Reference Executive Order RP 29, 2003)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Program Support and Technician Training

Expired: 08/01/2009
The Texas State Energy Conservation Office's (SECO) Alternative Fuels Program provides administrative support for the U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Cities program and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean School Bus Program, grant writing training for public and private entities, and funding for training and certification program development to educate mechanics on the technical aspects of alternative fuel vehicles. SECO promotes the reduction of petroleum use through four technology areas: fuel blends, fuel economy, hybrid electric vehicles, and idle reduction. (Reference Texas Statutes, Government Code 2305.035)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Purchase Requirements

Expired: 09/01/2005
Under the Texas Clean Fuel Fleet Program, clean-fuel vehicle acquisition requirements apply to certain mass transit, local government, and private fleets located in the state's non-attainment areas. Affected fleets are required to ensure that a certain percentage of their fleet vehicles are certified to meet the EPA's LEV standards. Fleets may use any vehicle/fuel combination that is certified by EPA standards. Beginning September 1, 2002, local governments with fleets of more than 15 vehicles and private fleets with more than 25 vehicles located in non-attainment areas are required to ensure that 70% of light-duty vehicle purchases and 50% of heavy-duty vehicle purchases meet LEV standards. Mass transit authorities are required to convert 50% of their total fleet to run on alternative fuels. Vehicles weighing over 26,000 lbs. are exempt. (Reference Texas Statutes Sections 382.131 to 382.142)

Expired Utilities/Private Incentives

Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebates

Expired: 03/31/2009
Central Texas Clean Cities and Austin Energy offer an EV rebate to Austin Energy customers who purchase qualifying EVs, electric scooters, or electric bicycles from approved dealers. Applicants may receive the following rebates: $500 for all-electric vehicles including neighborhood electric vehicles; $250 for all-electric scooters or motorcycles capable of achieving more than 40 miles on a single charge at street-legal speeds; $100 for all-electric scooters capable of achieving up to 20 miles on a single charge; and $150 for all-electric bicycles capable of achieving up to 20 miles on a single charge. Rebate funding is limited and valid until March 31, 2009.

Clean Vehicle Loaner Program

Expired: 09/01/2005
The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) operates the Clean Vehicle Loaner Program. Through the Clean Vehicle Loaner Program, NCTCOG will obtain advanced technology and alternative fuel vehicles that will be loaned out to local public fleets for a test period of several weeks. The test period will allow time to assess the compatibility of clean vehicles with the fleet's needs. This program will be able to provide a quick, simple, and low-cost method for local organizations to have "hands-on experience" with clean vehicle technologies.