Expired, Repealed, and Archived Maine Incentives and Laws
The following is a list of expired, repealed, and archived incentives, laws, regulations, funding opportunities, or other initiatives related to alternative fuels and vehicles, advanced technologies, or air quality.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Funding
Expired: 01/01/2024
Efficiency Maine offers a rebate of $350 to government and non-profit entities for the purchase of Level 2 EV charging stations. Applicants are awarded one rebate per port and may receive a maximum of two rebates. EV charging stations must be purchased between December 21, 2020, and December 31, 2023. The program is funded by Maine’s portion of the Volkswagen (VW) Environmental Mitigation Trust. For more information, including how to apply and priority site characteristics, see the Efficiency Maine EV Initiatives website.
(Reference Maine Revised Statutes Title 35-A, Section 10127)
Diesel Emission Reduction Project Funding
Archived: 07/08/2022
The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) is accepting applications for funding of heavy-duty on-road new diesel or alternative fuel repowers and replacements, as well as off-road all-electric repowers and replacements. Both government and non-government entities are eligible for funding. Vehicles that qualify for replacement or repower include:
- Model Year (MY) 1992-2009 Class 8 local freight trucks and port drayage trucks;
- MY 1992-2009 Class 4-7 local freight trucks;
- MY 2009 or older Class 4-8 school buses, shuttle buses, and transit buses;
- Forklifts with greater than 8,000 pounds of lift capacity;
- Port cargo handling equipment; and
- High emissions diesel-powered or spark ignition airport ground support equipment.
Eligible alternative fuels include, but are not limited to, compressed natural gas, propane, and electricity. This grant program is funded by Maine’s portion of the Volkswagen (VW) Environmental Mitigation Trust. For more information, including how to apply, see the MaineDOT Beneficiary Mitigation Plan website.
Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Testing and Operation Authorization for Municipalities
Expired: 03/31/2022
Municipalities may enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Maine Secretary of State, Department of Transportation, and Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, and Bureau of Insurance to develop, test, and operate AVs for public transportation use. An AV is defined as any vehicle that is equipped with a technology that has the capability to operate the vehicle without the direct control of the driver. A municipality that conducts an AV pilot must submit a summary report to the Maine Joint Standing Committee on Transportation (Committee) by December 1, 2021. Based on these pilots, the Committee may recommend legislation relating to the deployment of AVs in public transportation during the Regular Session of the 130th Legislature.
(Reference Maine Department of Transportation Rules 800)
Regional Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI)
Archived: 11/19/2021
Delaware, District of Columbia (D.C.), Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia signed a Declaration of Intent to create the TCI, a regional initiative to improve transportation, develop a clean energy economy, and reduce carbon emissions and air pollutants from the transportation sector. The signatory states and D.C. agree to explore and develop policies and programs that result in greater energy efficiency of regional transportation systems and reduce emissions. Additionally, states support the deployment of clean vehicles and fueling infrastructure, such as electric vehicle supply equipment, to maximize the economic opportunities and emissions reductions. For more information, see the TCI website.
State Plan to Reduce Petroleum Consumption
Archived: 05/01/2020
The Governor's Energy Office developed the Comprehensive Energy Plan to advance the principles, programs, and integrated plans necessary to secure a safe, clean, and affordable energy future for the citizens of Maine. The plan is updated every two years. The February 2015 plan, recommends public-private partnerships to evaluate mass transit options and expand natural gas, propane, and electric vehicles in fleets. For more information see the Maine Comprehensive Energy Plan Update. (Reference Maine Revised Statutes Title 2, Section 9)
Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) Production Support and Procurement
Archived: 04/01/2016
In 2011, Maine joined Arkansas, Colorado, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming in signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to stimulate the production and demand for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) NGVs. The MOU aims to encourage OEMs to offer functional and affordable light- and medium-duty NGVs, aggregate state vehicle procurement through a joint request for proposals (RFP), boost private investment in natural gas fueling infrastructure, and encourage greater coordination between state and local agencies. In 2012, National Association of State Procurement Officials coordinated the solicitation of a joint RFP, which the Oklahoma Department of Central Services (DCS) issued on behalf of the MOU signatories and additional states. As a result, state fleets have access to more affordable NGVs through dealerships now included in state vehicle purchasing bids. For more information, including awarded vehicles by state and vehicle purchase information for state fleets, see the DCS Statewide Contract for NGVs solicitation page.
Biofuels Production Tax Credit
Expired: 01/01/2016
A certified commercial biofuel producer is eligible for an income tax credit of $0.05 per gasoline gallon equivalent of biofuel produced for use in motor vehicles or otherwise used as a substitute for liquid fuels. Biofuel is defined as ethanol, biodiesel, hydrogen, methanol, or any other transportation fuel derived from agricultural crops or residues, or from forest products or by-products. A taxpayer claiming this credit must receive a letter from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection that certifies the biofuels produced during the taxable year are eligible for the tax credit. For biofuels blended with petroleum or other non-biofuels, the credit is allowed only on the biofuels portion of that blend. Any portion of unused credits may be carried over for up to 10 taxable years. (Reference Maine Revised Statutes Title 36, Section 5219-X)
Transportation Efficiency Fund
Repealed: 07/01/2013
The following was repealed by Public Law 2011, Chapter 652: The Transportation Efficiency Fund is a non-lapsing fund managed by the Maine Department of Transportation to increase energy efficiency and reduce reliance on fossil fuels within the state's transportation system. Funding may be used for zero emission vehicles, biofuel and other alternative fuel vehicles, congestion mitigation and air quality initiatives, rail, public transit, and car or van pooling. (Reference Maine Revised Statutes Title 23, Section 4210-E)
Ethanol Fuel Handling Outreach and Education
Archived: 06/01/2012
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (Department) must conduct an outreach and education campaign to inform residents of the proper handling and disposal of motor fuels containing ethanol. The campaign will provide information on topics including how to determine when phase separation occurs. The Department must also update its website to include information relating to safe handling and disposal options. (Reference Legislative Document 1760, 2010)
Policy Recommendations for Biofuels Promotion
Archived: 06/01/2012
The Maine Office of Energy Independence and Security issued a report, Liquid Biofuels Policy for Maine: A Report to the State Legislature, which recommended specific policy options aimed toward the promotion of biofuels. The recommendations include the following: a) combine existing, unfunded, alternative fuels funds into one Clean Fuel Fund; b) study sustainability measures for biofuels; c) improve implementation of existing policies related to alternative fuels; d) support research and development; e) exempt alternative fuels from exclusivity contracts; f) revise and reinstate an excise tax cut for biofuels; g) institute a biodiesel purchasing requirement for the Maine Department of Transportation; and h) pursue a regional renewable fuels standard and/or low carbon fuel standard. The report includes suggestions for initial implementation actions and next steps. (Reference Legislative Documents 1159, 1284, and 1347, 2007)
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Fueling Infrastructure Loans
Archived: 02/01/2012
The Finance Authority of Maine (Authority) manages the Clean Fuel Vehicle Fund, a non-lapsing revolving loan fund, which may be used for direct loans and grants to support production, distribution and consumption of clean fuels and biofuels. The Authority may also insure up to 100% of a loan for a clean fuel or biofuel project. The total amount of all loans insured may not exceed $5,000,000. Clean fuel is defined as compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, propane, hydrogen, alcohol fuels containing at least 85% alcohol by volume, electricity, or any other transportation fuel that results in lower emissions of oxides of nitrogen, volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and/or particulates than gasoline or diesel fuel. Biofuel is defined as ethanol, biodiesel, hydrogen, methanol, or any other transportation fuel derived from agricultural crops or residues, or from forest products or byproducts. The Clean Fuel Vehicle Fund requires funding by the Maine Legislature.(Reference Maine Revised Statutes Title 10, Sections 963-A, 1023-K, and 1026-A, and Title 36, Section 5219-X)
Alternative Fuel Production and Use Promotion
Archived: 07/01/2010
The Energy Resources Council works in coordination with the Maine Departments of Environmental Protection and Transportation, to evaluate the costs and benefits of state government actions to stimulate an increase in the production of alternative and renewable fuels and the use of these fuels in state vehicles. (Reference Maine Revised Statutes Title 5, Section 3327; Title 35-A, Section 3211-A; and Executive Order 11, 2004)
Biofuels Production Incentive Fund
Expired: 09/12/2009
The Agriculturally Derived Fuel Fund was developed to provide direct loans and subsidies to a business or cooperative for the design and construction of a facility that produces agriculturally derived fuel, specifically methanol and ethanol. It is a non-lapsing fund controlled by the Finance Authority of Maine. (Reference Maine Revised Statutes Title 10, Section 997-A)
Alternative Fueling Infrastructure Tax Credit
Expired: 12/31/2008
A tax credit is available for up to 25% of expenditures incurred for the construction, installation of, or improvements to any fueling or charging station for the purposes of providing clean fuels to the general public for use in motor vehicles. Clean fuels include compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen, alcohol fuels containing at least 85% alcohol by volume, and electricity. This tax credit is available for tax years ending on or before December 31, 2008. Any portion of unused credits may be carried over into subsequent years as needed. (Reference Maine Revised Statutes Title 36, Section 5219-P)
Alternative Fuel Grants
Expired: 05/01/2006
The Sustainable Energy Trust Fund was established to provide loans or other financial assistance to support sustainable energy projects. The Finance Authority of Maine, in consultation with the Energy Resources Council, is directed to adopt rules governing eligibility, project feasibility and terms and conditions for loans or other financial assistance, including grants. Sustainable energy projects eligible for financial support may include demonstration projects that promote or support clean transportation alternatives. (Reference Maine Revised Statutes Title 35-A Section 3211-A)
State Agency Alternative Fuel Promotion
Archived: 05/01/2006
In addition to promoting improved vehicle fuel efficiency, state agencies shall promote the procurement of dedicated alternative fuel vehicles, dual fuel vehicles (AFVs) and supporting refueling infrastructures. (Reference Executive Order 5, 2002)
Alternative Fuel Refueling Station Tax Credit
Expired: 01/01/2006
A taxpayer is allowed a credit for the construction, installation or improvements to any alternative fuel refueling or charging station. The value of this credit is equal to the qualifying percentage of expenditures paid or incurred. The qualifying percentage of expenditures is 50% from January 1, 1999, to December 31, 2001, and 25% from January 1, 2002, to December 31, 2005. (Reference >Maine Revised Statutes Title 36, Section 5219P)
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Tax Exemption
Expired: 01/01/2006
Maine provides a partial tax exemption for the purchase of clean-fuel vehicles. For original equipment manufacturer (OEM) vehicles, the incremental cost of the sale or lease of a clean-fuel vehicle for which there is an identical gasoline-powered vehicle is tax-exempt. If there is no identical vehicle powered by gasoline, 30% of the sale or lease price of an internal combustion engine clean- fuel vehicle, and 50% of the sale or lease price of a clean-fuel vehicle either fully or partly powered by electricity stored in batteries, generated by a dynamic flywheel or generated by a fuel cell on board the vehicle, is tax-exempt. The tax exemption expires January 1, 2006. Clean-fuels include, but are not limited to, compressed natural gas (CNG); liquefied natural gas; liquefied petroleum gas (LPG); hydrogen; hythane; dynamic flywheels; solar energy; alcohol fuels containing not less than 85% alcohol by volume; and electricity. (Reference Maine Revised Statutes Title 36, Sections 1752 and 1760-79)