Missouri Laws and Incentives for Ethanol
The list below contains summaries of all Missouri laws and incentives related to Ethanol.
State Incentives
Ethanol Production Incentive
The Missouri Department of Agriculture manages the Missouri Ethanol Producer Incentive Fund (Fund), which provides monthly grants to two qualified Missouri ethanol producers who are actively engaged in agricultural production for commercial purposes and own at least 51% of the production facility. The grants are available for a maximum of 60 months at a rate of $0.20 per gallon for the first 12.5 million gallons and $0.05 for the next 12.5 million gallons of ethanol produced from Missouri agricultural products or qualified biomass each fiscal year, up to $3.125 million per producer per fiscal year. Ethanol must meet ASTM specification D4806 or subsequent specifications. This incentive expires on December 31, 2015. (Reference House Bill 1462, 2012, and Missouri Revised Statutes 142.028 and 142.029)
Point of Contact
Robin Perso
Director of Budget and Planning
Missouri Department of Agriculture
Phone: (573) 526-4892
Fax: (573) 751-1784
robin.perso@mda.mo.gov
Laws and Regulations
Ethanol Blend Mandate
All gasoline offered for sale at retail stations within the state must contain 10% ethanol (E10). This requirement is waived only if a distributor is unable to purchase ethanol or ethanol-blended gasoline at the same or lower price as unblended gasoline. Premium gasoline is exempt from this requirement. Ethanol is defined as fuel that is derived from an agricultural source and that meets ASTM specification D4806. (Reference Missouri Revised Statutes 414.255)
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Decal
The $0.17 per gallon state motor fuel tax does not apply to passenger vehicles, certain buses, or commercial vehicles that are powered by an alternative fuel. The owners or operators of such vehicles are required to pay an annual alternative fuel decal fee as follows (certain restrictions apply):
| Gross Vehicle Weight | Type of Vehicle | Decal Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 18,000 pounds (lbs.) or less | Passenger, School Bus, or Commercial | $75 |
| 18,000 lbs.-36,000 lbs. | Farm or Farming Transportation with an 'F' License Plate | $100 |
| 18,000 lbs.-36,000 lbs. | Passenger-Carrying and Other Motor Vehicles | $150 |
| 36,000 lbs. or more | Farm or Farming Transportation with an 'F' License Plate | $250 |
| 36,000 lbs. or more | All Other Motor Vehicles | $1,000 |
A vehicle that requires an alternative fuel decal may not operate on state highways without a valid decal. No person may fuel an AFV with liquefied petroleum gas (propane) or natural gas unless the vehicle has a valid decal. Motor vehicles licensed as historic vehicles that are powered by alternative fuels are exempt from the motor fuels tax as well as the alternative fuel decal requirement.
(Reference Missouri Revised Statutes 142.803 and 142.869)
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Acquisition and Alternative Fuel Use Requirements
A state agency that operates a vehicle fleet consisting of 15 vehicles or more must ensure that at least 50% of new vehicles purchased over a defined biennial period are capable of operating using an alternative fuel. Excess acquisitions of AFVs may be credited towards future biennial goals. If a state agency fails to meet a biennial acquisition goal, purchases of any non-AFVs are not permitted until the goals are met or an exemption or goal reduction has been granted. In addition, 30% of the fuel purchased annually for use in operating state fleet vehicles must be alternative fuels. (Reference Missouri Revised Statutes 414.400 and 414.410)
Alternative Fuel Promotion
The Missouri Alternative Fuels Commission (Commission) promotes the continued production and use of alternative transportation fuels in Missouri. The Commission submits a report annually to the governor and general assembly and provides recommendations on changes to state law to facilitate the sale and distribution of alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles; promotes the development, sale, distribution, and consumption of alternative fuels; promotes the development and use of alternative fuel vehicles and technology that will enhance the use of alternative and renewable transportation fuels; educates consumers about alternative fuels; and develops a long-range plan for the state to reduce consumption of petroleum fuels. (Reference Missouri Revised Statutes 414.420)