Search Federal and State Laws and Incentives

Propane Excise Tax Exemption

Propane is exempt from the state excise tax when it is used to operate motor vehicles on public highways provided that vehicles are equipped with carburetion systems approved by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet or fuel systems that meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards contained in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, section 571. (Reference Kentucky Revised Statutes 234.321)

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Deregulation

The Kentucky Public Service Commission (Commission) may not regulate the rates, terms, or conditions of service for the sale of CNG to a fueling station, retailer, or to any end-user for use as a motor vehicle fuel. However, transporting, distributing, or delivering natural gas to a CNG retailer or end-user is subject to Commission regulations. (Reference Kentucky Revised Statutes 278.508)

Biodiesel Production and Blending Tax Credit

Qualified biodiesel producers or blenders are eligible for an income tax credit of $1.00 per gallon of pure biodiesel (B100) or renewable diesel produced or used in the blending process. Re-blending of blended biodiesel does not qualify for the tax credit. The total amount of credits claimed by all biodiesel producers may not exceed the annual biodiesel tax credit cap of $10 million. Unused credits may not be carried forward. For the purpose of this credit, biodiesel must meet ASTM specification D6751, and renewable diesel is defined as a renewable, biodegradable, non-ester combustible liquid derived from biomass resources that meets ASTM specification D975. (Reference Kentucky Revised Statutes 141.422 to 141.424)

Alternative Fuel and Conversion Definitions

Clean transportation fuels include propane, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), electricity, and other transportation fuels determined to be comparable with respect to emissions. Propane is defined as a hydrocarbon mixture produced as a by-product of natural gas processing and petroleum refining and condensed into liquid form for sale or use as a motor fuel. CNG is defined as pipeline-quality natural gas that is compressed and provided for sale or use as a motor vehicle fuel. LNG is defined as pipeline-quality natural gas treated to remove water, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, and other components that will freeze and condense into liquid form for sale or use as a motor vehicle fuel.

A bi-fuel system is defined as the power system for motor vehicles powered by gasoline and either CNG or LNG. Bi-fuel systems are considered clean fuel systems. Conversion is defined as repowering a motor vehicle or special mobile equipment by replacing its original gasoline or diesel powered engine with one capable of operating on clean transportation fuel or retrofitting a motor vehicle or special mobile equipment with parts that enable its original gasoline or diesel engine to operate on clean transportation fuel.

(Reference Kentucky Revised Statutes 186.750)

Alternative Fuel Tax

An excise tax rate of 9% of the average wholesale price on a per gallon basis applies to all special fuels, including diesel, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (propane), ethanol, biodiesel, hydrogen, and any other combustible gases and liquids, excluding gasoline, used to propel motor vehicles. Additionally, a highway motor fuel tax of $0.02 per gallon applies to all special fuels. For taxation purposes, one gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE) of compressed natural gas (CNG) is equal to 5.66 pounds (lbs.) or 126.67 cubic feet. One GGE of liquefied natural gas (LNG) is equal to 6.06 lbs. (Reference Kentucky Administrative Regulations 103.43:330 and Kentucky Revised Statutes 131.130, 138.210, 138.220, and 138.226)