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)

Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Acquisition Requirements

The Louisiana Division of Administration must purchase dedicated alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) capable of operating on natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (propane), or bi-fuel vehicles capable of operating on conventional fuel or natural gas, propane, or any non-ethanol advanced biofuel. State agency vehicles may be granted a waiver if fueling stations are not available within a 25 mile radius, the agency cannot recoup the incremental cost of the vehicle within 60 months, or the available vehicles do not meet agency specifications.

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.