Natural Gas Laws and Incentives in Ohio
The list below contains summaries of all Ohio laws and incentives related to natural gas.
Laws and Regulations
Alternative Fuel Signage
The Ohio Turnpike Commission allows businesses to place their logos on directional signs within the right-of-way of state turnpikes. An alternative fuel retailer may include a marking or symbol within their logo indicating that it sells one or more types of alternative fuel. Alternative fuels are defined as any fuel containing 85% or more ethanol (E85), fuel blends containing at least 20% biodiesel (B20), natural gas, propane, hydrogen, electricity, or any fuel that the U.S. Department of Energy has determined is substantially not petroleum. For more information, see the Ohio Turnpike Commission website.
(Reference Ohio Revised Code 125.831 and 5537.30)
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Acquisition and Fuel Use Requirements
With the exception of law enforcement vehicles, all newly acquired state agency vehicles must be capable of using an alternative fuel and must use the relevant alternative fuel if it is reasonably priced and available. Alternative fuel is defined as any fuel containing 85% or more ethanol (E85), fuel blends containing at least 20% biodiesel (B20), natural gas, propane, hydrogen, electricity, or any other fuel that the U.S. Department of Energy has determined is substantially not petroleum. State agencies must also meet the annual average fuel economy requirement set by the Ohio Department of Administrative Services on all passenger automobiles purchased. Law enforcement and emergency rescue work vehicles are exempt from this requirement. The Office of the Ohio Treasurer established a biodiesel revolving fund in which funds appropriated by the Ohio General Assembly can be used to pay for the incremental cost of biodiesel used in state owned or leased diesel vehicles.
(Reference Ohio Revised Code 125.831-125.836)
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Conversion
It is unlawful to tamper with vehicle emissions control systems unless the action is for the purpose of converting a motor vehicle to operate on an alternative fuel and is in compliance with the standards adopted under the Clean Air Act Amendments.
(Reference Ohio Revised Code 3704.16-3704.162)
Natural Gas Measurement
Compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) used for transportation must be measured in gasoline gallon equivalents (GGE) or diesel gallon equivalents (DGE). One DGE of LNG is the equivalent of one gallon of motor fuel. One GGE of CNG is equal to 139.31 cubic feet or 6.38 pounds.
(Reference Ohio Revised Code 5735.011)
State Incentives
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Emissions Inspection Exemption
Vehicles powered exclusively by electricity, propane, or natural gas are exempt from state motor vehicle emissions inspections after a one-time verification inspection. For more information, see the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency E-Check website.
(Reference Ohio Administrative Code 3745-26-1 and 3745-26-12)
Diesel Emissions Reduction Grant Program
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) provides Diesel Emissions Reduction Grants (DERG) for projects that reduce emissions by retiring and replacing diesel public transit buses. Eligible projects must achieve a minimum funding match of 20% from non-state and non-federal sources. Funding for this program is provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration’s Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program. For more information, including application periods, see the Ohio EPA DERG website.
(Reference Ohio Revised Code 122.861)
Point of Contact
Carolyn Watkins
Chief, Office of Environmental Education; Administrator, Diesel Emission Reduction Grants
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
Phone: (614) 644-3768
carolyn.watkins@epa.ohio.gov
Medium- and Heavy-Duty Emissions Reduction Grants
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) offers grants for the replacement or repower of eligible on- and off-road vehicles and equipment. Eligible on-road projects include Class 4-8 trucks, school, shuttle, and public transit buses. Eligible off-road projects include airport ground support equipment, ferries, forklifts, port cargo handling equipment, and freight-switcher locomotives. Eligible projects may also include alternative fuel infrastructure if the applicant conducts a site assessment. All vehicles and equipment must be certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board. Additional terms and conditions apply. This program is funded by Ohio’s portion of the Volkswagen (VW) Environmental Mitigation Trust. For more information, including application periods, see the Ohio EPA website.
Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) and Electric Vehicle (EV) Weight Exemption
NGVs and EVs may exceed the gross vehicle weight restrictions by 2,000 pounds, except on the interstate system or a highway, road, or bridge that is subject to maximum weight restrictions.
(Reference Ohio Revised Code 5577.044 and House Bill 23, 2023)
More Laws and Incentives
To find laws and incentives for other alternative fuels and advanced vehicles, search all laws and incentives.