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Biodiesel Laws and Incentives in Rhode Island

The list below contains summaries of all Rhode Island laws and incentives related to biodiesel.

Laws and Regulations

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Procurement Study

The Rhode Island Department of Administration (DOA) must, among other things, analyze the number of electric vehicles (EVs) in the state fleet and assess the feasibility of transitioning the state vehicle fleet to AFVs and expanding EV charging infrastructure. DOA must submit a report of their findings to the Rhode Island Senate by February 1, 2024. For tracking information on the number of EVs in the state fleet and number of EV charging stations on state property, see the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources Program Dashboards website.

(Reference Senate Resolution 374, 2023)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Acquisition Requirements

To reduce fuel consumption and pollution emissions, and ensure the purchase of vehicles that provide the best value on a life cycle cost basis, the state must take the following actions:

  • Acquire AFVs in the following percentages: AFVs at a minimum as 75% of new state fleet motor vehicle acquisitions, with the remaining 25% acquired as HEVs to the greatest extent possible. By 2030, 25% of state motor vehicle acquisitions must be ZEVs;
  • Acquire new light-duty trucks in the state fleet that each achieve a minimum city fuel economy of 19 miles per gallon (mpg) and achieve at least a Low Emission Vehicle certification, and new passenger vehicles in the state fleet that each achieve a minimum city fuel economy of 23 mpg;
  • Purchase for all state agencies the most economical, fuel-efficient, and lowest emission vehicles appropriate to meet requirements and discourage the purchase of sport utility vehicles;
  • Purchase for all state agencies low rolling resistance tires with superior tread life for state vehicles when possible; and
  • Maintain all state vehicles according to manufacturer specifications, including specified tire pressures and ratings.
  • Reduce emissions from the burning of fossil fuels in state agency vehicles, relative to a 2014 baseline, 40% by 2030, 70% by 2040, and 95% by 2050.
  • Increase the total number of EV charging stations at state-owned properties to 200 by 2030.

The State must also prepare an annual report to the Governor on compliance with these goals. To the extent that any of the provisions of Executive Order 15-17 are inconsistent with the provisions of this Executive Order 23-06, they are repealed. For progress dashboards, see the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources website.

(Reference Executive Order 23-06,2023, Executive Order 15-17, 2015, and Executive Order 05-13, 2005)

State Agency Coordination to Address Climate Change

The Rhode Island Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council (EC4) was established to coordinate efforts between state agencies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The EC4 will pursue GHG emissions reductions of 10% below 1990 levels by 2020, 45% below 1990 levels by 2035, and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. State agencies must assist EC4 to develop programs to encourage state employees to reduce vehicle miles traveled and use public transportation when available. The Council will also work with municipalities to encourage sustainability; identify federal, state, and private funding opportunities that can be leveraged to reduce emissions in Rhode Island; and develop GHG emissions reduction strategies. The Council submitted a plan in December 2016 with suggested strategies for GHG emissions reduction activities to the governor. The EC4 and the State Chief Resiliency Officer submitted a statewide Action Plan to Stand Up to Climate Change and to the governor in July 2018.

(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 42-6.2 and Executive Order(PDF) 17-10, 2017)

State Incentives

Biodiesel Tax Exemption

Biodiesel is exempt from the $0.34 per gallon state motor fuel tax. Biodiesel may be blended with other fuel for use in motor vehicles, but only the biodiesel portion of the blended fuel is exempt. Biodiesel is defined as fuel that is derived from vegetable oils or animal fats and conforms to ASTM Standard D6751 specifications for use in diesel engines and results in employment at a manufacturing facility for biodiesel fuel. Biodiesel must be produced at a manufacturing facility in Rhode Island.

(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-36-1(6))

More Laws and Incentives

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