New Hampshire Incentives and Laws

Last Updated August 2006

State Incentives

There are currently no known State incentives offered in New Hampshire

State Laws and Regulations

Biodiesel Definition

Biodiesel is a renewable diesel fuel substitute that is composed of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids, is derived from vegetable oils or animal fats and meets the requirements of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specification D6751. Biodiesel is considered a renewable energy source. (Reference House Bill 1758, 2006, and New Hampshire Revised Statutes Title XXXIV, Chapter 362-A: 1-a)

Idle Reduction and Fuel Efficient, Low Emission Vehicle Acquisition Requirements

State agencies and departments are required to implement a Clean Fleets Program in accordance with the recommendations of the Energy Efficiency in State Government Steering Committee, including but not limited to the following components:

1. An anti-idling policy;
2. Highway fuel economy rating of at least 27.5 miles per gallon (mpg) for all new passenger and light-duty vehicles. and at least 20 mpg for all new light-duty trucks except for emergency and law enforcement vehicles;
3. A requirement that all new passenger and light-duty vehicles be certified as low emission vehicles in accordance with the recommendations of the Energy Efficiency in State Government Steering Committee;
4. A requirement that vehicle purchases be in compliance with the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) if applicable;
5. A waiver procedure for requesting a vehicle not on the approved Department of Administrative Services vehicle list;
6. Additional measures to promote fuel conservation.

(Reference Executive Order 2005-4)

Idle Reduction Requirement

New Hampshire regulations help to minimize the impact from engine idling and reduce exposure to diesel exhaust emissions by establishing a limit on the amount of time that engines are permitted to idle. The limit is based on outside temperature, as follows: Above 32 degrees Fahrenheit, 5 minute limit; between -10 degrees and 32 degrees Fahrenheit, 15 minute limit; below -10 degrees Fahrenheit, no limit. Certain vehicles are exempt from the regulation, including vehicles in traffic, emergency vehicles, vehicles providing power take-off for refrigeration or lift gate pumps, and vehicles supplying heat or air conditioning for passenger comfort during transportation. (Reference New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, Administrative Rules Env-A 1101.05 and 1101.06)

Point of Contact

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
Phone (603) 271-3503
http://www.des.nh.gov/ard/mobilesources/default.asp?theLink=truckIdling
 

Diesel Idle Reduction Initiative

In an effort to reduce air pollution in New Hampshire, the Department of Environmental Services (DES) informs diesel truck and bus drivers and owners about the environmental, financial, and health consequences of engine idling while the vehicle is not in motion through information, sample idling policies, and signage. Signs are available at no charge through DES to encourage drivers to turn off engines.

Point of Contact

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
Phone (603) 271-3503
http://www.des.nh.gov/ard/mobilesources/default.asp?theLink=truckIdling
 

Biodiesel Committee and Pilot Program

The state established a committee, comprised of members of the state legislature, to study the use of biodiesel for use in vehicles, among other uses. The committee released the Final Report of the Committee to Study the Uses of Biodiesel for Home Heating and Vehicular Transportation in November 2005 with recommendations for encouragement of biodiesel production and use in the state, as well as biodiesel fuel quality standards. The study committee recommended that the state Department of Transportation undertake a pilot program in which a portion of the Department’s diesel vehicle fleet would use a biodiesel blend that meets the ASTM D6751 standard. As a result of this report, the Department of Transportation installed a biodiesel refueling station in August 2006 for use by the Department and the University of New Hampshire. (Reference House Bill 152, 2005)

Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) Access to Roadways

An NEV is any four-wheel electric vehicle that has a maximum speed greater than 20 miles per hour (mph) but not greater than 25 mph, and complies with the federal safety standards in 49 C.F.R. Section 571.500. NEVs may only be used on roads that have a posted speed limit 35 mph or less. (Reference New Hampshire Revised Statutes Title XXI, Chapters 259:66-b; 265:158; and 266:114)

Utilities/Private Incentives

There are currently no known utility or private incentives offered in New Hampshire

New Hampshire Points of Contact: