Search Federal and State Laws and Incentives

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Propane Regulatory Authority

The Louisiana Department of Natural Resources' Office of Conservation has regulatory authority over CNG safety, including fueling stations and the installation of conversion equipment in a vehicle. Vehicles capable of operating on, liquefied petroleum gas (propane) must have passed a safety inspection from the Louisiana Liquefied Petroleum Gas Commission. (Reference Louisiana Revised Statutes 30:731 and 30:732)

Deregulation of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a Motor Fuel

The Public Service Commission does not regulate the sale of CNG by producers, pipelines, distribution companies, or other persons when it is to be used as a transportation fuel. (Reference Louisiana Revised Statutes 45:1163)

Renewable Fuel Standard

Within six months following the point at which monthly production of denatured ethanol produced in Louisiana equals or exceeds a minimum annualized production volume of 50 million gallons, at least 2% of the total gasoline sold by volume in the state must be denatured ethanol. Ethanol is defined an ethyl alcohol that has a purity of at least 99%, exclusive of added denaturants; meets U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and ASTM specification D4806; and is produced from domestic agricultural or biomass products. This requirement will not be effective until six months after the average wholesale price of a gallon of Louisiana-manufactured ethanol, less any federal tax incentives or credits, is equal to or below the average wholesale price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Louisiana for a period of not less than 60 days, as determined by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (Department).

Within six months following the point at which monthly production of biodiesel produced in the state equals or exceeds a minimum annualized production volume of 10 million gallons, at least 2% of the total diesel sold by volume in the state must be biodiesel produced from domestically grown feedstock. Biodiesel is a fuel comprised of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from renewable resources and meeting the requirements of ASTM specification D6751, or a diesel fuel substitute produced from non-petroleum renewable resources such as vegetable oils and animal fats that meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fuel and fuel additive requirements.

Alternatively, these requirements may be met through the production of an alternate renewable fuel, defined as a liquid fuel that is domestically produced from renewable biomass, can be used in place of ethanol or biodiesel, and meets the definition of renewable fuel in the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Within six months following the point at which cumulative monthly production of an alternate renewable fuel produced in the state equals or exceeds a minimum annual production volume of 20 million gallons, at least 2% of the total motor fuel sold by volume in the state must be the alternate renewable fuel produced from domestically grown feedstock. This requirement may not exceed 2% of the total motor fuel sold by volume by owners or operators of fuel distribution terminals.

Blenders and retailers will have six months to meet the new minimum ethanol, biodiesel, or alternate renewable fuel content requirements, unless the Louisiana Commission of Weights and Measures determines that the quality or supply of ethanol or biodiesel in the state is insufficient or fuel distributors are unable to blend ethanol due to delays in obtaining permits or constructing ethanol blending or storage equipment. Any combination of alternative fuels, including but not limited to denatured ethanol, biodiesel, and alternative renewable fuel may be used to meet these requirements. Fuels containing ethanol or biodiesel will not be required to be sold in ozone nonattainment areas. The Department will adopt rules and regulations requiring incentives to compensate for any costs associated with achieving the minimum ethanol and biodiesel standards. The Department defines domestically grown feedstock to include any feedstock produced in the United States. Because in-state volume requirements are currently being met through the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard, the state has not implemented any formal procedures to enforce the regulation.

The Louisiana Legislature encourages in-state restaurants to provide their waste fats, oils, and grease to biodiesel production facilities and store their waste fats, oils, and grease in a manner that facilitates the use of these products in a biodiesel production facility.

(Reference Louisiana Revised Statutes 3:4674, 3:4674.1, and 3:3712)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Fueling Infrastructure Tax Credit

The state offers a nonrefundable income tax credit of 30% of the cost of converting a vehicle to operate on an alternative fuel and the cost of alternative fueling equipment. For new original equipment manufacturer AFVs, a taxpayer may take a tax credit of 10% of the cost of the motor vehicle, up to $2,500. To qualify for the tax credit, vehicles must be dedicated AFVs and registered in Louisiana. Commercial vehicles should primarily be used in Louisiana and operate for at least four years. For the purpose of this incentive, alternative fuels include natural gas, propane, non-ethanol based advanced biofuels (excluding flexible fuel vehicles), and electricity if the vehicle has at least four wheels, is primarily for on-street use, can attain a minimum speed of 55 miles per hour, has a minimum battery capacity of four kilowatt-hours, and can be charged externally. Restrictions may apply. (Reference Louisiana Revised Statutes 47:6035 and Louisiana Administrative Code Title 61, Section 1913)

Provision for Green Jobs Tax Credit

Pending available funding, the Louisiana Department of Economic Development will offer a corporate or income tax credit for qualified capital infrastructure projects in Louisiana that are directly related to industries including, but not limited to, the advanced drivetrain vehicle and biofuels industries. The tax credit is for 7% to 18% of the project costs, calculated based on the investment costs, up to $1,000,000 per state-certified green project. The portion of the base investment expended on payroll for Louisiana residents employed in connection with the construction of the project may be eligible for an additional 7.2% tax credit on the payroll. Annual credits caps apply and credits will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible recipients. Restrictions may apply. (Reference Louisiana Revised Statutes 47:6037)

Propane Self-Service Fueling Station Regulations

Propane retailers may offer self-service, coin-operated, credit card, or any other pump-activating fuel dispensing device to the general public. The retailer must post readily-visible step-by-step instructions to the operator. The Louisiana Liquefied Petroleum Gas Commission must promulgate and adopt rules and regulations to provide education and instruction on the safe operation and use of automatic fuel dispensing devices. (Reference Louisiana Revised Statutes 40:1853.1)

Vehicle Emissions Reduction and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Project Funding

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Volkswagen Eligible Mitigation Action Project program provides up to 80% of the cost of new diesel or alternative fuel replacements and repowers for eligible government entities. For eligible non-government entities, the Program provides up to 40% of the cost of a new diesel or alternative fuel repower, up to 25% of the cost of a new diesel or alternative fuel vehicle, and up to 75% of the cost of an all-electric repower or replacement, with associated charging infrastructure. Qualifying alternative fuels include, but are not limited to, natural gas and propane. Vehicles that qualify for replacement or repower include:

Eligible government and non-government entities may also receive funding for the all-electric repower or replacement of airport ground support equipment, forklifts, and port cargo handling equipment, as well as for the purchase, installation, and maintenance of light-duty EVSE.

The program is funded by Louisiana’s portion of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust For more information, including application guidelines, see the DEQ Louisiana Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust website.