Propane Laws and Incentives in Massachusetts
The list below contains summaries of all Massachusetts laws and incentives related to propane.
Laws and Regulations
Alternative Fuel Offering Requirement
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation may not enter into, renew, or renegotiate a contract with a fuel provider for services on the Massachusetts Turnpike without requiring the provider to offer alternative fuel. Alternative fuel is defined as an energy source that is used to power a vehicle and is not gasoline or diesel.
(Reference Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 6C, Section 75 and Chapter 90, Section 1)
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Access to Massachusetts Turnpike and Tunnels
No vehicle, regardless of how it is propelled, may transport hydrogen, propane, or natural gas on the Massachusetts Turnpike at or between Interchange 1 in West Stockbridge and Interchange 14 in Weston unless the vehicle has a special fuel transportation permit issued by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
Vehicles propelled by hydrogen, propane, or natural gas are banned from using Turnpike or Metropolitan High way System tunnels, with limited exceptions for the Ted Williams Tunnel and the Central Artery North Area Tunnel. Vehicles powered by CNG, propane, or private passenger vehicles powered by hydrogen may use these tunnels if exhaust fans are operating, fuel capacity complies with national standards, other safety conditions are met, and they are not transporting CNG or propane. Additionally, private passenger vehicles powered by hydrogen may use these tunnels if they meet state registration requirements, comply with all applicable federal laws and regulations, and are not transporting gaseous hydrogen.
(Reference Code of Massachusetts Regulations 700-7.06 and 700-7.07)
State Electric Vehicle (EV) and Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Acquisition Requirements
When purchasing new motor vehicles, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must purchase HEVs or AFVs to the maximum extent feasible and consistent with the ability of such vehicles to perform their intended functions. HEVs and AFVs must be acquired at a rate of at least 5% annually for all new motor vehicle purchases so that not less than 50% of the motor vehicles the Commonwealth owns and operates will be HEVs or AFVs by 2018.
Whenever possible, agencies must select Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) to fulfill their business needs. If a BEV does not meet these needs, agencies shall select the most fuel-efficient and/or least carbon-emitting option based on their needs, with the following acquisition hierarchy: * BEV/Fuel Cell EV * Plug-in HEV * HEV, AFV, or other technologies approved by OVM * Internal combustion vehicle that is the most efficient in its class
By July 1 of each year, OVM must compile a report detailing the progress made towards these requirements. For more information, see the OVM Fleet Policies website.
(Reference Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 7, Section 9A)
State Incentives
Diesel Emissions Reductions Grants
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) provides U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funding for projects that reduce diesel emissions in Massachusetts. Funding for eligible project costs is available for local or state agencies and public colleges and universities that reduce diesel emissions by converting engines to alternative fuels, retrofitting exhaust controls, purchasing new vehicles, or adding idle reduction equipment. MassDEP prioritizes projects that benefit environmental justice communities. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, including funding amounts and how to apply, see the MassDEP Apply for a DERA Open Solicitation Grant website.
More Laws and Incentives
To find laws and incentives for other alternative fuels and advanced vehicles, search all laws and incentives.