Natural Gas Laws and Incentives in Vermont
The list below contains summaries of all Vermont laws and incentives related to natural gas.
State Incentives
Alternative Fueling Infrastructure Incentive
The Vermont State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) offers loan assistance to municipalities, regional development corporations, political subdivisions of the state, and private companies working for the state to finance public electric vehicle charging and natural gas fueling stations. 1% fixed loans up to $100,000 are available to municipalities, non-profits, and private sector borrowers. Other terms and conditions may apply. See the Vermont Economic Development Authority’s SIB website for more information, including how to apply.
Fuel-Efficient Vehicle and Emission Reduction Incentives
The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) administers the High Fuel Efficiency Used-Vehicle Program, MileageSmart, which provides incentives of up to $5,000 to replace eligible vehicles with a pre-owned vehicle that has a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) combined city/highway fuel economy of at least 40 miles per gallon (mpg).
VTrans also offers vouchers of up to $2,500 for the repair of vehicles that failed the on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems inspection. Eligible vehicles for replacement include those that have failed the OBD systems inspection or those that are more than 15 years old and have an EPA combined city/highway fuel economy of less than 25 mpg. Eligible vehicles for a repair voucher are those that have failed the OBD systems inspection, require repairs that are not under warranty, and will be able to pass the inspection once the repairs are made. For more information on the emissions repair program, visit the VTrans Statewide Vehicle Incentives Programs website. The emissions repair program must be operational by January 1, 2023.
(Reference Act 59, 2019 and Act 55, 2021)
Heavy-Duty Vehicle Emissions Reduction Grants
Through the Vermont Diesel Emissions Reduction Grants Program, the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) provides funding to local, state and regional agencies or departments, businesses, institutions, and nonprofit organizations for projects focused on reducing emissions from diesel engines and vehicles. Qualifying heavy-duty vehicles include buses and Class 5-8 trucks. Projects eligible for funding are as follows:
- Verified emission control technologies;
- Verified idle reduction technologies;
- Verified aerodynamic technologies and low rolling resistance tires;
- Certified engine replacements;
- Alternative fuel conversions; and
- Certified vehicle or equipment replacements.
All technologies and engines must be certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Alternative fuels include, but are not limited to, natural gas, propane, and electricity. Cost share requirements vary by project. For more information, including application details, see the DEC Vermont Diesel Emissions Reduction Grants website.
Laws and Regulations
Carbon Reduction Strategy
The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) must develop a carbon reduction strategy. To do so, AOT must:
- Identify and evaluate the effectiveness of policies and programs to reduce transportation sector greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions;
- Work with stakeholders and the public to identify ways to reduce transportation sector GHG emissions; and,
- Determine how federal funds will be used to address transportation resilience.
(Reference House Bill 479, 2023)
Natural Gas Tax
Natural gas used to propel a motor vehicle is not subject to the state gasoline tax, but is subject to state sales and use tax.
(Reference Vermont Statutes Title 32, Chapter 233, Section 9741, and Title 23, Chapter 28, Section 3101)
More Laws and Incentives
To find laws and incentives for other alternative fuels and advanced vehicles, search all laws and incentives.