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Hydrogen Laws and Incentives in Illinois

The list below contains summaries of all Illinois laws and incentives related to hydrogen.

State Incentives

Diesel Emission Reduction Grants

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) administers the Driving a Cleaner Illinois program for diesel emission reduction projects. Projects are funded by Illinois’ portion of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) Program, and the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration’s Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program. For more information, including funding availability, see the IEPA Driving a Cleaner Illinois website.

Electric and Hydrogen Vehicle Weight Exemptions

Electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles may exceed posted vehicle weight limits by up to 2,000 pounds to account for the additional weight of alternative fuel powertrain components. This allowance applies when the additional weight is attributable to the electric or hydrogen fuel cell system and related equipment.

(Reference Illinois House Bill 2394, 2025)

School Bus Retrofit Reimbursement

The Illinois State Board of Education will reimburse any qualifying school district for the cost of converting gasoline buses to more fuel-efficient engines or to engines using alternative fuels. Restrictions may apply.

(Reference 105 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/29-5)

Laws and Regulations

Ethanol and Hydrogen Production Facility Permits

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) may issue air pollution control permits through the Bureau of Air for thermochemical conversion technology facilities that are constructed and operated to demonstrate the process of applying heat to woody biomass to produce ethanol or hydrogen for use as transportation fuel. Permit applicants must perform emissions testing during the required permit period and submit the results of that testing to the IEPA within 60 days after completion.

(Reference 415 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/39.9)

More Laws and Incentives

To find laws and incentives for other alternative fuels and advanced vehicles, search all laws and incentives.