Ohio Incentives and Laws

Last Updated December 2006

State Incentives

Alternative Fuel and Infrastructure Grants

The Alternative Fuel Transportation Grant Program authorizes $900,000 for the purchase and installation of alternative fuel refueling and blending facilities, and for the purchase and use of alternative fuel by businesses, nonprofit organizations, public school systems, and local governments. The deadline for funding applications is January 31, 2007. (Reference House Bill 245, 2006, and Ohio Revised Code 122.075)

Point of Contact

Jim Zuber
Assistant Manager/Engineering Administrator
Ohio Department of Development's Office of Energy Efficiency
Phone (614) 387-2731
Fax (614)466-1864
jzuber@odod.state.oh.us
http://www.odod.state.oh.us/cdd/oee/transportation.htm
 

Point of Contact

Sam Spofforth
Clean Cities Coordinator
Clean Fuels Ohio
Phone (614) 292-5435
Fax (614) 688-4111
sam@cleanfuelsohio.org
http://www.cleanfuelsohio.org
 

Fuel Cell Development Funding

The Ohio Fuel Cell Initiative is a multi-year, $103 million program administered by the Ohio Department of Development’s Technology Division, through the Third Frontier Project. The initiative provides grants to support the growth of Ohio’s fuel cell industry through collaborations that involve companies, Ohio-based higher education institutions, and non-profit research organizations. Projects must focus on research and development that addresses technical and cost barriers to commercialization and adapting fuel cell components produced in Ohio for use in fuel cell systems.

Point of Contact

Mike McKay
Manager, Technology Business Assistance Office / Team Leader, Ohio Fuel Cell Initiative
Ohio Department of Development, Technology Division
Phone (614) 644-9159
Fax (614) 644-5758
mmckay@odod.state.oh.us
http://www.thirdfrontier.com
 

Heavy-Duty Emission Reduction Grant and Loan Program

The Department of Development administers a Diesel Emissions Reduction Grant Program and a Diesel Emission Reduction Revolving Loan Program for the purpose of reducing emissions from diesel engines, with funds available through Section 793 of the federal Energy Policy Act of 2005. Funds may be used for projects related to certified engine configuration including new, rebuilt or remanufactured engine configurations as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board. Funds can also be used for installing verified technology including pollution controls, retrofits, and development of truck stop electrification and auxiliary power. (Reference House Bill 245, 2006, and Ohio Revised Code 122.861)

State Laws and Regulations

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Acquisition Requirements

Beginning July 1, 2006, all new motor vehicles acquired by state agencies must be capable of using alternative fuels and must use that alternative fuel if it is reasonably available at a reasonable price. By January 1, 2007, state flexible-fuel vehicles must use at least 60,000 gallons of E85 per calendar year, increasing by 5,000 gallons per year thereafter. Vehicles that operate on diesel fuel must use at least one million gallons of biodiesel, increasing by 100,000 gallons per year thereafter. Credits for vehicle acquisition will be issued in accordance with the federal Energy Policy Act of 1992. Any additional credits that an agency earns above their requirements may be sold, with proceeds going to the Biodiesel Revolving Fund to pay for the incremental cost of biodiesel for use in vehicles owned or leased by the state. (Reference House Bill 245, 2006, and Ohio Revised Code 125.831-125.834 and 125.836)

Biodiesel and Ethanol Use Requirement

The Ohio Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) fleet is required to use at least one million gallons of biodiesel and 30,000 gallons of ethanol blends in fleet vehicles each year. Additionally, new ODOT light-duty vehicle purchases must be flexible-fuel vehicles capable of operating on E85. (Reference Executive Order 2005-18T)

Alternative Fuel Use Study

The Ohio Department of Taxation must study and submit a report by October 2007 that examines the feasibility of encouraging the use of alternative fuels by reducing the motor fuel tax rate on alternative fuels to reflect their lower energy content. The Ohio Department of Development is required study and submit an additional report by October 2007 that examines ways to make the production, sale, and use of biodiesel and blended ethanol fuels a commercially viable and self-sustaining industry in Ohio. (Reference House Bill 245, 2006, and Ohio Revised Code 203.99, Section 7B)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle Conversion

Vehicle emission control systems are not to be tampered with unless the action is for the purpose of converting a motor vehicle to operate on an alternative fuel and is in compliance with the standards adopted under the Clean Air Act Amendments. (Reference Ohio Revised Code Section 3704.16)

Utilities/Private Incentives

There are currently no known utility or private incentives offered in Ohio

Ohio Points of Contact: