Hydrogen Laws and Incentives in Rhode Island
The list below contains summaries of all Rhode Island laws and incentives related to hydrogen.
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.
(Reference Senate Resolution 15, 2023)
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Acquisition Requirements
To reduce fuel consumption and pollution emissions, and purchase vehicles that provide the best value on a life cycle cost basis, the state must take the following actions:
- At least 75% of state motor vehicle acquisitions must be AFVs, and the remaining 25% must be HEVs to the greatest extent possible. By 2025, 25% of state motor vehicle acquisitions must be ZEVs;
- All new light-duty trucks in the state fleet must achieve a minimum city fuel economy of 19 miles per gallon (mpg) and achieve at least a Low Emission Vehicle certification, and all new passenger vehicles in the state fleet must achieve a minimum city fuel economy of 23 mpg;
- All state agencies must purchase the most economical, fuel-efficient, and lowest emission vehicles appropriate to meet requirements and discourage the purchase of sport utility vehicles;
- All state agencies must purchase low rolling resistance tires with superior tread life for state vehicles when possible; and
- All state vehicles must be maintained according to manufacturer specifications, including specified tire pressures and ratings.
The state must also prepare an annual report to the governor on compliance with these goals.
(Reference Executive Order 15-17, 2015 and Executive Order 05-13, 2005)
Medium- and Heavy-Duty (MHD) Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Deployment Support
California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington (signatory states) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support the deployment of MHD ZEVs through involvement in a Multi-State ZEV Task Force (Task Force).
In July 2022, the Task Force published a multi-state action plan to support electrification of MHD vehicles. The action plan includes strategies and recommendations to accomplish the goals of the MOU, including limiting all new MHD vehicle sales in the signatory states to ZEVs by 2050, accelerating the deployment of MHD ZEVs, and ensuring MHD ZEV deployment also benefits disadvantaged communities.
For more information, see the MHD ZEVs: Action Plan Development Process website.
Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Requirement
Rhode Island has adopted the California Advanced Clean Trucks requirements specified in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations, requiring manufacturers to meet California’s ZEV production and sales requirements. Beginning with model year 2027, manufacturers will be required to sell zero-emission trucks as an increasing percentage of their annual sales for Class 2b through Class 8 vehicles in Rhode Island. ZEVs include all-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles. For more information, see the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Advanced Clean Cars II and Advanced Clean Trucks website.
(Reference Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Regulation Chapter 12-05-37)
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)
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Deployment Support
Rhode Island joined California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Vermont in signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support the deployment of ZEVs through involvement in a ZEV Program Implementation Task Force (Task Force). In May 2014, the Task Force published a ZEV Action Plan (Plan) identifying 11 priority actions to accomplish the goals of the MOU, including deploying at least 3.3 million ZEVs and adequate fueling infrastructure within the signatory states by 2025. The Plan also includes a research agenda to inform future actions. On an annual basis, each state must report on the number of registered ZEVs, the number of public electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) and hydrogen fueling stations, and available information regarding workplace fueling for ZEVs.
In June 2018, the Task Force published a new ZEV Action Plan for 2018-2021. Building on the 2014 Action Plan, the 2018 Action Plan makes recommendations for states and other key partners in five priority areas:
- Raising consumer awareness and interest in electric vehicle technology;
- Building out a reliable and convenient residential, workplace and public charging/fueling infrastructure network;
- Continuing and improving access to consumer purchase and non-financial incentives;
- Expanding public and private sector fleet adoption; and
- Supporting dealership efforts to increase ZEV sales.
For more information, see the Multi State ZEV Task Force website.
State Incentives
Clean Diesel Grant
The Rhode Island Clean Diesel Fund provides fleet operators, businesses, local and state government entities, schools districts, and other qualifying entities with reimbursement grants to reduce emissions from medium- and heavy-duty diesel vehicles. Eligible projects include on-road, non-road, and marine vehicle, engine, and equipment replacements. Eligible technology includes new diesel, alternative fuel, and zero emission vehicles. Eligible on-road vehicles must be registered and domiciled in Rhode Island, and 50% of the vehicle miles travelled or hours of operation must be in Rhode Island for at least five years after receiving the grant. For more information, including additional eligibility requirements, see the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Diesel Emissions Reduction Act website.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-47.3-5.1)
Fleet Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Rebates
The Driving Rhode Island to Vehicle Electrification Fleet (DRIVE EV Fleet) program offers rebates of up to $1,500 for the purchase or lease of a new ZEV and $1,000 for the purchase or lease of a pre-owned ZEV. New vehicles may not have a purchase price above $60,000, and pre-owned vehicles may not have a purchase price above $40,000. All eligible vehicles must be purchased on or after July 7, 2022. An additional rebate of $500 per vehicle is available for applicants located in high-asthma communities. ZEVs include all-electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. Eligible applicants include small businesses with less than 500 employees, non-profit organizations, state and local government agencies, school districts, and public libraries. Rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants may receive a maximum of five rebates every two years. For more information, including a list of high-asthma communities, see the DRIVE EV Fleet website.
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) Rebates
The Driving Rhode Island to Vehicle Electrification (DRIVE EV) rebate program offers rebates for the purchase or lease of ZEVs and PHEVs. Rebate amounts vary based on vehicle type:
| Vehicle Technology | Maximum Rebate Amount |
|---|---|
| ZEV | $1,500 for a new vehicle; $1,000 for a pre-owned vehicle |
| PHEV | $1,000 for a new vehicle; $750 for a pre-owned vehicle |
ZEVs include all-electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. New vehicles may not have a purchase price above $60,000, and pre-owned vehicles may not have a purchase price above $40,000. All eligible vehicles must be purchased on or after July 7, 2022. An additional rebate of up to $1,500 is available to applicants that participate in a state or federal income-qualified program. Rebates are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, including a list of income-qualified programs, see the DRIVE EV and DRIVE EV+ websites.
More Laws and Incentives
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