United States (Federal)
Clean School Bus USA
Clean School Bus USA is a public-private partnership that focuses on reducing children's exposure to harmful diesel exhaust by limiting school bus idling, implementing pollution reduction technologies, improving route logistics, and switching to clean fuels. Clean School Bus USA is part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Clean Diesel Campaign and provides funding for projects designed to retrofit and/or replace older diesel school buses. Eligible applicants are school districts, state and local government programs, federally recognized Indian tribes, and non-profit organizations.
Point of Contact
Jennifer Keller
National Clean Diesel Campaign
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Phone (202) 343-9541
keller.jennifer@epa.gov
http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/
Clean Construction USA
Clean Construction USA is a voluntary program that promotes the reduction of diesel exhaust emissions from construction equipment and vehicles by encouraging proper operations and maintenance, use of emission-reducing technologies, and use of cleaner fuels. Clean Construction USA is part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Clean Diesel Campaign, which offers funding for clean diesel construction equipment projects.
Point of Contact
Trish Koman
National Clean Diesel Campaign
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Phone (734) 214-4955
Fax (734) 214-4869
koman.trish@epa.gov
http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/
Clean Ports USA
Clean Ports USA is an incentive-based program designed to reduce emissions by encouraging port authorities and terminal operators to retrofit and replace older diesel engines with new technologies and use cleaner fuels. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Clean Diesel Campaign offers funding to port authorities and public entities to help them overcome barriers that impede the adoption of cleaner diesel technologies and strategies.
Point of Contact
Trish Koman
National Clean Diesel Campaign
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Phone (734) 214-4955
Fax (734) 214-4869
koman.trish@epa.gov
http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/
State Energy Program (SEP) Funding
The SEP provides grants to states to assist in designing, developing, and implementing renewable energy and energy efficiency programs. Funding from the SEP is directed to state energy offices, and each state's energy office manages all SEP-funded projects. States may also receive project funding from technology programs in the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) for SEP Special Projects. EERE distributes the funding through an annual competitive solicitation to state energy offices. For more information about the SEP, including SEP project descriptions, visit the SEP Web site.
Point of Contact
U.S. Department of Energy
Phone (800) 342-5363
Fax (202) 586-4403
http://www.energy.gov
Clean Cities
The mission of Clean Cities is to advance the energy, economic, and environmental security of the United States by supporting local initiatives to adopt practices that reduce the use of petroleum in the transportation sector. Clean Cities carries out this mission through a network of more than 80 volunteer coalitions, which develop public/private partnerships to promote alternative fuels and advanced vehicles, fuel blends, fuel economy, hybrid vehicles, and idle reduction. Clean Cities provides information about financial opportunities, coordinates technical assistance projects; updates and maintains databases and Web sites, and publishes fact sheets, newsletters, and related technical and informational materials. For more information, visit the Clean Cities Web site.
Point of Contact
U.S. Department of Energy
Phone (800) 342-5363
Fax (202) 586-4403
http://www.energy.gov
SmartWay Transport Partnership
The SmartWay Transport Partnership is a voluntary partnership between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the ground freight industry. It was designed to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution through increased fuel efficiency. EPA provides Partners with benefits and services that include fleet management tools, technical support, information, public recognition, and use of the SmartWay Transport Partner logo. The SmartWay Transport Partnership is working with states, banks, and other organizations to develop innovative financing options that help Partners purchase devices that save fuel and reduce emissions. Grants are available to states, nonprofits, and academic institutions to demonstrate innovative idle reduction technologies for the trucking industry.
Point of Contact
SmartWay Transport Partnership
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Phone (734) 214-4767
Fax (734) 214-4052
smartway_transport@epa.gov
http://www.epa.gov/smartway
Vehicle Acquisition and Fuel Use Requirements for State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets
Under the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992, certain state government and alternative fuel provider fleets are required to acquire alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). Compliance is required by fleets that operate, lease, or control 50 or more light-duty vehicles within the U.S. Of those 50 vehicles, at least 20 must be used primarily within a single Metropolitan Statistical Area/Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area. Those same 20 vehicles must also be capable of being centrally fueled. Covered fleets earn credits for each vehicle purchased, and credits earned in excess of their requirements can be banked or traded with other fleets. Additionally, fleets that use fuel blends containing at least 20% biodiesel (B20) in medium- and heavy-duty vehicles may earn credits toward their annual AFV acquisition requirements.
On March 20, 2007, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a final rule on Alternative Compliance (PDF 2.5 MB), which allows fleets the option to choose a petroleum reduction path in lieu of acquiring AFVs. Download Adobe Reader. Interested fleets must obtain a waiver from DOE by proving that they will achieve petroleum reductions equivalent to that achieved by having AFVs running on alternative fuels 100% of the time.
For more information, visit the EPAct State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets Web site, or contact the Regulatory Information Line at (202) 586-9171 or regulatory_info@afdc.nrel.gov.
(Reference 42 U.S. Code 13251 and 13263a, and 10 CFR 490)
Point of Contact
Dana O'Hara
State and Alternative Provider Rule
U.S. Department of Energy
Phone (202) 586-8063
dana.o'hara@ee.doe.gov
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/epact/state_alt_fleets.html
Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit
A tax credit is available for the cost of installing alternative fueling equipment placed into service after December 31, 2005. Qualified alternative fuels are natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen, electricity, E85, or diesel fuel blends containing a minimum of 20% biodiesel. The credit amount is up to 30% of the cost, not to exceed $30,000, for equipment placed into service before January 1, 2009. The credit amount is up to 50% not to exceed $50,000, for equipment placed into service on or after January 1, 2009. Fueling station owners who install qualified equipment at multiple sites are allowed to use the credit towards each location. Consumers who purchase residential fueling equipment may receive a tax credit of up to $1,000, which increases to $2,000 for equipment placed into service after December 31, 2008. The maximum credit amount for hydrogen fueling equipment placed into service after December 31, 2008, and before January 1, 2015, is $200,000. The credit expires December 31, 2010, for all other eligible fuel types. Form 8911 (PDF 247 KB) provides additional information and must be used in order to claim the tax credit. Download Adobe Reader (Reference Public Law 111-5, Section 1123, and 26 U.S. Code 30C)
Point of Contact
U.S. Internal Revenue Service
Phone (800) 829-1040
http://www.irs.gov/
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 Signed Into Law
President Bush signed the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 (House Resolution 6), designed to improve vehicle fuel economy and help reduce U.S. dependence on oil. EISA aims to increase the supply of alternative fuel sources by setting a mandatory Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requiring transportation fuel sold in the U.S. to contain a minimum of 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels by 2022, including advanced and cellulosic biofuels and biomass-based diesel. In addition, the law requires the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard to reach 35 miles per gallon by the year 2020. The EISA is projected to reduce energy consumption by 7% and greenhouse gas emissions by 9% by 2030. For a summary of the major provisions set forth by the legislation, visit the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 page of the Federal Incentives & Laws Web site. The complete legislation can be viewed on the Library of Congress Web site.
Clean Agriculture USA
Clean Agriculture USA is a voluntary program that promotes the reduction of diesel exhaust emissions from agricultural equipment and vehicles by encouraging proper operations and maintenance by farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses, use of emission-reducing technologies, and use of cleaner fuels. Clean Agriculture USA is part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Clean Diesel Campaign, which offers funding for clean diesel agricultural equipment projects.
Point of Contact
Trish Koman
National Clean Diesel Campaign
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Phone (734) 214-4955
Fax (734) 214-4869
koman.trish@epa.gov
http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/
National Clean Diesel Campaign (NCDC)
The NCDC was established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reduce pollution emitted from diesel engines through the implementation of varied control strategies and the involvement of national, state, and local partners. The NCDC includes programs for existing diesel fleets, regulations for clean diesel engines and fuels, and regional collaborations and partnerships.
Point of Contact
Jennifer Keller
National Clean Diesel Campaign
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Phone (202) 343-9541
keller.jennifer@epa.gov
http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/
Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program
The national RFS Program was developed to increase the volume of renewable fuel that is blended into gasoline and other transportation fuels. As required by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized RFS Program regulations, effective September 1, 2007. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, signed into law in December 2007, increased and expanded this standard. In 2008, 9 billion gallons of renewable fuel must be used, increasing to 36 billion gallons per year by 2022. Beginning in 2013, a certain percentage of the renewable fuels must be advanced and/or cellulosic based biofuels and biomass-based diesel, pending final rulemaking by EPA. Cellulosic biofuel is defined as any renewable fuel derived from cellulose, hemicellulose, or lignin, and achieves a 60% greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction. Advanced biofuel is defined as any renewable fuel, other than ethanol derived from corn, derived from renewable biomass, and achieves a 50% GHG emissions reduction.
Each year, EPA will determine the Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) for parties required to participate in the RFS Program. This standard is calculated as a percentage, by dividing the amount of renewable fuel (gallons) required by the RFS to be blended into gasoline for a given year by the amount of gasoline/transportation fuel expected to be used during that year. Any party that produces gasoline for use in the U.S., including refiners, importers, and blenders (other than oxygenate blenders), is considered an obligated party under the RFS Program. Parties that do not produce, import, or market fuels within the 48 contiguous states are exempt from the renewable fuel tracking program. Small refineries and refiners are also exempt from the program until 2011. A small refinery is defined as one that processes fewer than 75,000 barrels of crude oil per day, has a total crude capacity of less than 150,000 barrels per day, and employs fewer than 1,500 employees company-wide. All obligated parties are expected to meet their RVO beginning in 2007.
To facilitate and track compliance with the RFS, a producer or importer of renewable fuel must generate Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) to represent renewable fuels produced or imported by the entity on or after September 1, 2007, assigned by gallon or batch. Assigned RINs are transferred when ownership of a batch of fuel occurs, but not when fuel only changes custody. A trading program is in place to allow obligated parties to comply with the annual RVO requirements through the purchase of RINs. Obligated parties must register with the EPA in order to participate in the trading program. For each calendar year, an obligated party must demonstrate that it has sufficient RINs to cover its RVO. RINs may only be used for compliance purposes in the calendar year they are generated or the following year. Obligated parties must report their ownership of RINs to the EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality on a quarterly and annual basis.(Reference 42 U.S. Code 7545(o) and 40 CFR 80.1100-80.1167)
Point of Contact
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Phone (202) 272-0167
http://www.epa.gov
Alternative Fuel Definition
The following fuels are defined as alternative fuels by the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992: pure methanol, ethanol, and other alcohols; blends of 85% or more of alcohol with gasoline; natural gas and liquid fuels domestically produced from natural gas; liquefied petroleum gas (propane); coal-derived liquid fuels; hydrogen; electricity; pure biodiesel (B100); fuels, other than alcohol, derived from biological materials; and P-Series fuels. In addition, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is authorized to designate other fuels as alternative fuels, provided that the fuel is substantially nonpetroleum, yields substantial energy security benefits, and offers substantial environmental benefits. For more information about the alternative fuels defined by EPAct 1992 as well as DOE's alternative fuel designation authority, visit the EPAct Web site. (Reference 42 U.S. Code 13211)
Point of Contact
U.S. Department of Energy
Phone (800) 342-5363
Fax (202) 586-4403
http://www.energy.gov
Improved Energy Technology Loans
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) provides loan guarantees through the Loan Guarantee Program (Program) to eligible projects that reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases, and support early commercial use of advanced technologies, including biofuels and alternative fuel vehicles. The Program is not intended for research and development projects. DOE may issue loan guarantees for up to 100% of the amount of the loan for an eligible project. For loan guarantees of over 80%, the loan must be issued and funded by the Treasury Department's Federal Financing Bank. For additional Program guidelines and solicitation announcements, please visit the Loan Guarantee Program Web site. (Reference 42 U.S. Code 16513)
Point of Contact
U.S. Department of Energy
Phone (800) 342-5363
Fax (202) 586-4403
http://www.energy.gov
Alternative Fuel Mixture Excise Tax Credit
An alternative fuel blender that is registered with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may be eligible for a tax incentive on the sale or use of the alternative fuel blend (mixture) for use as a fuel in the blender's trade or business. The credit is in the amount of $0.50 per gallon of alternative fuel used to produce a mixture containing at least 0.1% gasoline, diesel, or kerosene. Qualified alternative fuels are: compressed natural gas (based on 121 cubic feet), liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, liquefied hydrogen, P-Series fuel, liquid fuel derived from coal through the Fischer-Tropsch process, and compressed or liquefied gas derived from biomass. The incentive must first be taken as a credit against the blender's alternative fuel tax liability; any excess over this fuel tax liability may be claimed as a direct payment from the IRS. The tax credit is not allowed if an incentive for the same alternative fuel is also determined under the rules for the ethanol or biodiesel tax credits. Under current law, this incentive expires December 31, 2009, except in the case of the credit for liquefied hydrogen, which expires September 30, 2014. For more information, see IRS Publication 510 and IRS Forms 637, 720, 4136, and 8849, which are available via the IRS Web site. (Reference Public Law 110-343, Section 204, and 26 U.S. Code 6427)
Point of Contact
Excise Tax Branch
U.S. Internal Revenue Service Office of Chief Counsel
Phone (202) 622-3130
http://www.irs.gov/
Biodiesel Mixture Excise Tax Credit
A biodiesel blender that is registered with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may be eligible for a tax incentive in the amount of $1.00 per gallon of pure biodiesel, agri-biodiesel, or renewable diesel blended with petroleum diesel to produce a mixture containing at least 0.1% diesel fuel. Only blenders that have produced and sold or used the qualified biodiesel mixture as a fuel in their trade or business are eligible for the tax credit. The incentive must first be taken as a credit against the blender's fuel tax liability; any excess over this tax liability may be claimed as a direct payment from the IRS. Claims must include a copy of the certificate from the registered biodiesel producer or importer that: identifies the product; specifies the product's biodiesel, agri-biodiesel, and/or renewable diesel content; confirms that the product is properly registered as a fuel with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and confirms that the product meets the requirements of ASTM specification D6751. Renewable diesel is defined as liquid fuel derived from biomass that meets EPA's fuel registration requirements and ASTM specifications D975 or D396; the definition of renewable diesel does not include any fuel derived from co-processing biomass with a feedstock that is not biomass. Under current law, this incentive expires December 31, 2009. For more information, see IRS Publication 510 and IRS Forms 637, 720, 4136, 8849, and 8864, which are available via the IRS Web site. (Reference Public Law 110-343, Section 202, and 26 U.S. Code 6426)
Point of Contact
Excise Tax Branch
U.S. Internal Revenue Service Office of Chief Counsel
Phone (202) 622-3130
http://www.irs.gov/
