Natural Gas Laws and Incentives in New York
The list below contains summaries of all New York laws and incentives related to natural gas.
Laws and Regulations
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Access to Tunnels
An AFV powered by propane or natural gas may only use Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) tunnels and the lower level of the George Washington Bridge if the vehicle conforms to applicable federal regulations and industry standards, displays required markings to identify its alternative fuel system, and has a fuel capacity that does not exceed 150 pounds. For more information, see the PANYNJ Truckers' Resources website.
Clean Truck Port Requirements
Port drayage trucks must meet or exceed Model Year 2010 engine federal emissions standards to access the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ) marine terminals. Drayage trucks operating on liquefied or compressed natural gas, electricity, or hybrid electric technology are exempt from these requirements. For purposes of this rule, drayage trucks are defined as on-road vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 33,001 pounds or greater and intended to load, unload, or transport cargo from PANYNJ terminals. Additional rules apply. For more information, see the PANYNJ Truck Replacement Program and Drayage Truck Registration websites.
Fuel Exclusivity Contract Regulation
Motor fuel franchise dealers may obtain alternative fuels from a supplier other than a franchise distributor. Any franchise provision that prohibits or discourages a dealer from purchasing or selling E85, biodiesel blends of at least 2% (B2), hydrogen, or compressed natural gas from a firm or individual other than the distributor is null and void as it pertains to that particular alternative fuel if the distributor does not supply or offer to supply the dealer with the alternative fuel. Distributors who violate the law by entering into exclusivity contracts will be subject to a $1,000 fine. If the distributor does offer alternative fuels, they may require the station to use their brands.
(Reference New York Consolidated Laws General Business Section 199-j)
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Facility and Transportation Regulations
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) is responsible for LNG fueling facility siting, construction, and operation. Permit application fees range from $100 to $1,000 depending on the facility capacity. Trucks transporting LNG must meet state and federal hazardous material transportation requirements and use routes the New York State Department of Transportation has certified. These regulations do not affect New York City’s moratorium on new LNG facilities. For more information, including regulations, permit application, and supporting documentation, see the NYSDEC LNG regulation website.
(Reference New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Regulations Chapter V, Part 570)
State Incentives
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Research and Development Funding
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) Clean Transportation Program provides funding for projects that enhance mobility, improve efficiency, reduce congestion, and diversify transportation methods and fuels through research and development of advanced technologies. NYSERDA offers annual solicitations that support new product development and demonstration as well as research on new transportation policies and strategies. NYSERDA also supports projects that demonstrate the benefits of commercially available products that are underutilized in New York State. Once developed, NYSERDA provides incentives to accelerate the market introduction of emerging technologies through its ChargeNY program. For more information and funding opportunities, see the NYSERDA Clean Transportation Program website.
Idle Reduction and Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) Weight Exemption
Any motor vehicle equipped with qualified idle reduction technology may exceed the state's vehicle weight limits by up to 400 pounds (lbs.) to compensate for the additional weight of the idle reduction technology. The vehicle's operator must maintain written certification of the device's weight and proof that it is fully functional and must provide this proof to a law enforcement officer upon request. Any NGV may exceed the limits by up to 2,000 lbs. (Reference New York Vehicle and Traffic Law 385)
Vehicle Emissions Reduction and Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Project Funding
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSEDEC) provides funding for diesel vehicle replacement projects detailed in the Clean Transportation NY Beneficiary Mitigation Plan (Plan). The projects are funded by New York’s portion of the Volkswagen (VW) Environmental Mitigation Trust. The Plan provides funding for the replacement or repower of diesel medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, including Class 8 local freight or port drayage trucks, Class 4-8 school, shuttle, or transit buses, and Class 4-7 local freight trucks. The Plan also provides funding for the all-electric repower or replacement of airport ground support equipment, forklifts, and port cargo handling equipment, as well as light-duty EV charging stations. For more information, including the funding opportunity list and funding priorities, see the NYSDEC VW Funding for Diesel Replacement and EV Charging Station Projects website.
More Laws and Incentives
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