Search Federal and State Laws and Incentives

SmartWay Transport Partnership

The SmartWay Transport Partnership is a market-based public-private collaboration between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the domestic freight industry. This partnership is designed to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution by accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies and operational practices which increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions from goods movement. EPA provides partners with performance benchmarking tools, fleet management best practices, technology verification, public recognition and awards, and use of the SmartWay Transport Partner logo to demonstrate their leadership to customers, shareholders and other stakeholders. The SmartWay Transport Partnership is working with partners to test and verify advanced technologies and operational practices that save fuel and reduce emissions. Grants are available to states, non-profits, and academic institutions to demonstrate innovative idle reduction technologies for the trucking industry. For more information, see the SmartWay Transport Partnership website.

Electric Vehicle (EV) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Manufacturing Loans

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) provides grants or loan guarantees through the Loan Guarantee Program for the domestic production of efficient hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, all-electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles,. The program is not intended for research and development projects. DOE may issue loan guarantees for at least 50% of the amount of the loan for an eligible project. Eligible projects may include the deployment of fueling infrastructure, including associated hardware and software, for alternative fuels. For loan guarantees of over 80%, the loan must be issued and funded by the Treasury Department’s Federal Financing Bank. For more information, see the DOE Loan Guarantee Program website and the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure fact sheet.

Advanced Technology Vehicle (ATV) and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Manufacturing Incentives

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program may offer direct loans to eligible manufacturers for up to 30% of the cost of re-equipping, expanding, or establishing manufacturing facilities in the United States used to produce qualified ATVs, ATV components, or alternative fuel infrastructure, including associated hardware and software. Qualified ATVs are light-, medium-, and heavy-duty ultra-efficient vehicles that meet specified federal emission standards and fuel economy requirements, and emit low or zero exhaust. Ultra-efficient vehicles are fully closed compartment vehicles, designed to carry at least two adult passengers, which achieve at least 75 miles per gallon while operating on gasoline or diesel fuel, as hybrid electric vehicles operating on gasoline or diesel fuel, or as fully electric vehicles. Qualified components must be designed for ATVs and installed for the purpose of meeting ATV performance requirements, as determined by DOE. For more information, see the DOE’s ATVs Manufacturing Loan Program website and ATVs Manufacturing Loan Program fact sheet.

(Reference 42 U.S. Code 17013 and Public Law 117-169)

Advanced Biofuel Production Grants and Loan Guarantees

The Biorefinery Assistance Program (Section 9003) provides loan guarantees for the development, construction, and retrofitting of commercial-scale biorefineries that produce advanced biofuels. Grants for demonstration scale biorefineries are also available. Advanced biofuel is defined as fuel derived from renewable biomass other than corn kernel starch. Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to, individuals, state or local governments, farm cooperatives, national laboratories, institutions of higher education, and rural electric cooperatives. The maximum loan guarantee is $250 million and the maximum grant funding is 50% of project costs. For more information, including current funding application deadlines, see the Biorefinery Assistance Program website. (Reference Public Law 112-240 and 7 U.S. Code 8103)

Ethanol Infrastructure Grants and Loan Guarantees

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides loan guarantees and grants to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements. Eligible renewable energy systems include flexible fuel pumps, or blender pumps, that dispense intermediate ethanol blends. The maximum loan guarantee is $25 million and the maximum grant funding is 25% of project costs. At least 20% of the grant funds awarded must be for grants of $20,000 or less. This program's funding is subject to congressional appropriations. For more information, see the REAP website. (Reference Public Laws 113-79 and 112-240, and 7 U.S. Code 8107)