Natural Gas Laws and Incentives in Kentucky
The list below contains summaries of all Kentucky laws and incentives related to natural gas.
Laws and Regulations
Alternative Fuel Tax
An excise tax rate of 9% of the average wholesale price on a per gallon basis applies to all special fuels, including diesel, natural gas, propane, ethanol, biodiesel, hydrogen, and any other combustible gases and liquids, excluding gasoline, used to propel motor vehicles. Additionally, a highway motor fuel tax of $0.02 per gallon applies to all special fuels. For taxation purposes, one gasoline gallon equivalent of compressed natural gas (CNG) is equal to 5.66 pounds (lbs.) or 126.67 cubic feet. One diesel gallon equivalent of liquefied natural gas (LNG) is equal to 6.06 lbs.
(Reference Kentucky Revised Statutes 131.130, 138.220, and 138.226)
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Acquisition Requirements
By January 1, 2026, the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet (Cabinet) must increase the use of ethanol, biodiesel, and other alternative transportation fuels and replace at least 50% of light-duty state fleet vehicles with new AFVs or vehicles equipped with low-emission technology. Beginning December 1, 2024, the Cabinet must compile annual reports detailing the progress made towards these requirements, including a life-cycle cost assessment, vehicle replacement timeline, and targets for increased alternative fuels in state agency vehicles.
(Reference Senate Bill 281, 2023 and Kentucky Revised Statutes 45A.625 and 152.715)
Alternative Fuel and Conversion Definitions
Clean transportation fuels include propane, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), electricity, and other transportation fuels determined to be comparable with respect to emissions. Propane is defined as a hydrocarbon mixture produced as a by-product of natural gas processing and petroleum refining and condensed into liquid form for sale or use as a motor fuel. CNG is defined as pipeline-quality natural gas that is compressed and provided for sale or use as a motor vehicle fuel. LNG is defined as pipeline-quality natural gas treated to remove water, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, and other components that will freeze and condense into liquid form for sale or use as a motor vehicle fuel.
A bi-fuel system is defined as the power system for motor vehicles powered by gasoline and either CNG or LNG. Bi-fuel systems are considered clean fuel systems. Conversion is defined as repowering a motor vehicle or special mobile equipment by replacing its original gasoline or diesel powered engine with one capable of operating on clean transportation fuel or retrofitting a motor vehicle or special mobile equipment with parts that enable its original gasoline or diesel engine to operate on clean transportation fuel.
(Reference Kentucky Revised Statutes 186.750)
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Deregulation
The Kentucky Public Service Commission (Commission) may not regulate the rates, terms, or conditions of service for the sale of CNG to a fueling station, retailer, or to any end-user for use as a motor vehicle fuel. However, transporting, distributing, or delivering natural gas to a CNG retailer or end-user is subject to Commission regulations.
(Reference Kentucky Revised Statutes 278.508)
Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) Safety Regulations
Vehicles converted to operate on compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), or a bi-fuel system must be inspected for compliance with applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). The inspection must occur at the time of the conversion; every three years or 36,000 miles after the conversion, whichever comes first; and following any collision in which the vehicle was traveling at five miles per hour (mph) or greater. Vehicles originally designed and manufactured to use CNG or LNG must also be inspected for safety following any collision in which a vehicle was traveling at five mph or greater. Any person who performs NGV conversions must certify to the vehicle owner that the conversion does not affect any existing vehicle emissions or diagnostic systems, except as necessary for the conversion. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet may establish regulations to qualify persons to perform safety inspections; modify FMVSS for state use; and identify converted vehicles and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
(Reference Kentucky Revised Statutes 186.752)
More Laws and Incentives
To find laws and incentives for other alternative fuels and advanced vehicles, search all laws and incentives.