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Texas Incentives and Laws

State Incentives

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Grants

The Adopt-A-School Bus Program, a cooperative partnership between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state agencies, local elected officials, and corporate sponsors, was established as a nonprofit grant program to aid local school districts replacing their aging, diesel school bus fleets with new clean fuel buses. In an effort to ensure the longevity of the new buses, a portion of all grant money awarded is earmarked for fleet infrastructure and maintenance. For more information, please visit the Web sites for Dallas-Fort Worth (http://adopt-a-schoolbus.nctcog.org), Austin/Central Texas, and San Antonio/Alamo Area (www.aacog.dst.tx.us/schoolbus).

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Grants

The Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) provides grants for various types of clean air projects in 41 counties to improve air quality in the state's non-attainment areas. Grants are available for new, converted or repowered on-road and off-road AFVs and engines. For complete information on the types of projects and expenses that may be eligible for a grant, refer to the Projects Projects Selected for Funding and the TERP Guidelines for Emissions Reduction Incentive Grants. (Reference Texas Statutes, Health & Safety Code, Chapter 386)

Point of Contact

Steve Dayton
Team Leader of Grant Contract Development Team
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Phone (512) 239-6824
Fax (512) 239-0077
sdayton@tceq.state.tx.us
http://www.terpgrants.org
 

Alternative Fuel Grants

The Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) also provides grants for alternative fuel and advanced technology demonstration and infrastructure projects under the New Technology Research and Development (NTRD) Program, which provides incentives to encourage and support research, development, and commercialization of technologies that reduce pollution in Texas. For complete information on the types of projects and expenses that may be eligible for a grant, refer to the latest Request for Grant Applications and the NTRD Guidelines. The NTRD program is now administered by the Texas Environmental Research Consortium, with support from the Houston Advanced Research Center.(Reference Texas Statutes, Health & Safety Code, Chapter 386)

Point of Contact

Dr. Rudy Smaling, PhD
NTRD Program Director,
Senior Research Scientist
Houston
Advanced Research Center
Phone (281) 364-4036
Fax (281) 363-7935
rsmaling@harc.edu
http://www.harc.edu
 

Natural Gas Fuel Rates and Alternative Fuel Promotion

The Texas General Land Office (GLO) makes competitively-priced natural gas available to school districts (and other state and local public entities) for use in AFVs. The GLO has also established an alternative fuels program to aggressively promote the use of alternative energy sources, especially for those fuels abundant in Texas. The GLO alternative fuels program serves as a liaison between government and industry.

Point of Contact

Soll Sussman
Alternative
Fuels Program Coordinator
Texas General Land Office, Energy Resources
Phone (512) 463-5039
Fax (512) 475-1404
soll.sussman@glo.state.tx.us
http://www.glo.state.tx.us/energy/altfuels/index.html
 

Alternative Fuel Grant Assistance

The Texas State Energy Conservation Office researches and assists public and private entities in securing grants to encourage the use of alternative fuels, including conversion of state and local government fleets to operate on compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, and other alternative fuels.

Point of Contact

Mary-Jo Rowan
Program Manager

Texas
State Energy Conservation Office, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Phone (512) 463-2637
Fax (512) 475-2569
mary-jo.rowan@cpa.state.tx.us
http://www.seco.cpa.state.tx.us
 

Alternative Fuel Research and Development

The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) regulates the safety of the liquefied natural gas (LNG), compressed natural gas (CNG), and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) industries. The RRC, through its Alternative Fuels Research and Education Division, promotes the use of LPG and administers grant programs to encourage the purchase of LPG school buses and forklifts.

Point of Contact

Alternative Fuels Research and Education Division (AFRED)
Railroad Commission of
Texas
Phone (512) 463-7110
http://www.propane.tx.gov
 

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Bus & Forklift Rebate

The Railroad Commission of Texas Alternative Fuels Research & Education Division (AFRED) School Bus Rebate Program applies to school buses (Model Year 2004 or newer) that incorporate an OEM low emission vehicle (LEV) certified LPG system. The rebate is worth 80% of the incremental cost of the LPG system, less any other grant funds used to pay for the incremental cost of the LPG system. Used OEM vehicles and LPG fuel system components are not eligible. AFRED also offers incentives to buyers of propane forklifts that meet 2004 EPA emission standards.

Point of Contact

Eileen Latham
AFRED Rebate Coordinator
Railroad Commission of
Texas
Phone (512) 475-2911 or (800) 64-CLEAR
Fax (512) 463-7292
eileen.latham@rrc.state.tx.us
http://www.propane.tx.gov/rebate_program
 

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Vehicle Training

The Railroad Commission of Texas offers free safety and maintenance training on LPG vehicles, buses and forklifts.

Point of Contact

Franz Hofmann
AFRED Lead Automotive Instructor
Railroad Commission of
Texas
Phone (512) 463-8501
Fax (512) 475-2532
franz.hofmann@rrc.state.tx.us
 

State Laws and Regulations

Provision for Establishment of Hydrogen Program

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is authorized to seek funding to acquire and operate hydrogen vehicles and establish and operate publicly-accessible hydrogen refueling stations. TxDOT is required to ensure that data on emissions from the vehicles and refueling stations and from related hydrogen production are monitored compared with data on emissions from control vehicles with internal combustion engines that operate on fuels other than hydrogen. TxDOT must report the results of this monitoring, analysis and comparison to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. (Reference Texas Statutes, Transportation Code, Section 201.618 and House Bill 2702, 2005)

Idle Reduction Requirement

No driver using a vehicle’s sleeper berth may idle the vehicle in a school zone or within 1,000 feet of a public school during its hours of operation. A penalty up to a $500 fine applies. This restriction expires September 1, 2007. (Reference House Bill 1540, 2005 and Texas Statutes Health & Safety Code, Section 382.0191)

Alternative Fuel Program Support

The Texas Energy Planning Council, facilitated by the RRC, was created in November 2003 to advise the Governor on a balanced plan to provide the energy needed to fuel Texas' future economic growth and prosperity. The final report, Texas Energy Plan 2005: Energy Security for a Bright Tomorrow, was submitted to the Governor in January 2005. The report identifies gaps between the state's energy supply and energy demand and recommends a plan to close or minimize these gaps. The Council explored ways to diversify future energy supplies via liquefied natural gas, nuclear, and clean coal technology as well as through renewable energy sources such as wind power, biomass, and fuel cells. (Reference Executive Order RP 29, 2003)

Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) Access to Roadways

NEVs may only be used on roads that have a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less. (Reference Texas Statutes, Transportation Code, Sections 551.301 to 551.303)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Program Support and Technician Training

The Texas Alternative Fuels Program initiatives include providing administrative support for the U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities program and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean School Bus Program, training educators on and developing a secondary school course curriculum in energy basics and alternative fuels, and funding for developing a training and certification program to educate mechanics on the technical aspects of alternative fuel vehicles. (Reference Texas Statutes Section 2305.035)

Point of Contact

Mary-Jo Rowan
Program Manager

Texas
State Energy Conservation Office, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Phone (512) 463-2637
Fax (512) 475-2569
mary-jo.rowan@cpa.state.tx.us
http://www.seco.cpa.state.tx.us
 

Ethanol and Biodiesel Blend Tax Exemption

Biodiesel or ethanol blended with taxable diesel, that is identified when sold or used as a biodiesel or ethanol fuel blend, is exempt from the diesel fuel tax. (Reference Texas Statutes, Tax Code, Sections 162.001 and 162.204)

Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) Tax

Motor fuel taxes for LPG vehicles are collected through annual sticker permit fees based on the registered gross vehicle weight rating and mileage driven the previous year. (Reference Texas Statutes, Tax Code, Section 162.305)

Utilities/Private Incentives

Natural Gas Vehicle and Forklift Rebate

The Texas Gas Service Conservation Program offers a $2,000 rebate for the purchase of a natural gas vehicle or conversion of a conventional gasoline vehicle to operate on natural gas (maximum of five vehicles per customer) and a $1,000 rebate for the purchase of a natural gas forklift. This incentive is for commercial and residential customers in the city of Austin with specific gas rate codes. Conversions must be done by a center that is certified by the Railroad Commission of Texas.

Point of Contact

Teri Green
Conservation Program Manager
Texas Gas Service
Phone (512) 465-1109
Fax (512) 465-1133
tgreen@txgas.com
http://www.txgas.com
 

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Grants

Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Program Grants are available through the Houston-Galveston Area Council, through the Greater Houston Regional Clean Cities Coalition, for up to 75% of the incremental cost for new OEM clean fuel vehicle purchases, and clean fuel vehicle conversions/repowers. This grant is for government and private entities in the eight-county Houston-Galveston non-attainment area.

Point of Contact

Stephanie Lee
Clean Cities Coordinator
Greater Houston Regional Clean Cities Coalition
Phone (713) 993-4581
Fax (713) 993-4508
stephanie.lee@h-gac.com
http://www.houston-cleancities.org
 

Natural Gas Infrastructure Technical Assistance

Atmos Energy offers preliminary feasibility studies for CNG refueling stations and vendor selection on a case-by-case basis.

Point of Contact

Walter C. Miller
Energy Services Consultant
Atmos Energy
Phone (817) 303-2903
Fax ((817) 303-2929
walter.c.miller@atmosenergy.com
 

Texas Points of Contact:

NAME

AGENCY

TITLE

PHONE

FAX

EMAIL

Andy Hudgins
 

Alamo Area Clean Cities Coalition
 

Clean Cities Coordinator
 

(210) 362-5200
 


 

_
 

Stacy Neef
 

Central Texas Clean Cities Coalition
 

Clean Cities Coordinator
 

(512) 482-5343
 

(512) 482-5454
 

stacy.neef@austinenergy.com
 

Mindy Mize
 

Dallas/Fort Worth Clean Cities Coalition
 

Clean Cities Coordinator
 

(817) 608-2346
 

(817) 640-3028
 

mmize@nctcog.org
 

Stephanie Lee
 

Greater Houston Regional Clean Cities Coalition
 

Clean Cities Coordinator
 

(713) 993-4581
 

(713) 993-4508
 

stephanie.lee@h-gac.com
 

Rick McKnight
 

East Texas Clean Cities Coalition
 

Clean Cities Coordinator
 

(903) 984-8641
 

(903) 983-1440
 

rick.mcknight@etcog.org
 

Miguel Conchas
 

Laredo Clean Cities Coalition
 

Acting Clean Cities Coordinator
 

(956) 722-9895
 

(956) 791-4503
 

conchas@laredochamber.com
 

Bob Dickinson
 

South East Texas Clean Cities Coalition
 

Clean Cities Co-Coordinator
 

(409) 899-8444 x251
 

(409) 729-6511
 

bdickinson@setrpc.org
 

Dawn Martinez
 

South East Texas Clean Cities Coalition
 

Clean Cities Co-Coordinator
 

(409) 899-8444 x253
 

(409) 729-6511
 

dmartinez@setrpc.org
 

Neil Kirschner
 

U.S. Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory
 

Project Manager
 

(412) 386-5793
 


 

neil.kirschner@netl.doe.gov
 


 

Railroad Commission of Texas
 

Alternative Fuels Research and Education Division (AFRED)
 

(512) 463-7110
 


 

_
 

Heather Ball
 

Railroad Commission of Texas
 

AFRED Assistant Director, Marketing and Public Education
 

(512) 463-7359
 

(512) 463-7292
 

heather.ball@rrc.state.tx.us
 

Dan Kelly
 

Railroad Commission of Texas
 

AFRED Director
 

(512) 463-7291
 

(512) 463-7292
 

dan.kelly@rrc.state.tx.us
 

Eileen Latham
 

Railroad Commission of Texas
 

AFRED Rebate Coordinator
 

(512) 475-2911 or (800) 64-CLEAR
 

(512) 463-7292
 

eileen.latham@rrc.state.tx.us
 

Franz Hofmann
 

Railroad Commission of Texas
 

AFRED Lead Automotive Instructor
 

(512) 463-8501
 

(512) 475-2532
 

franz.hofmann@rrc.state.tx.us
 

Soll Sussman
 

Texas General Land Office, Energy Resources
 

Alternative Fuels Program Coordinator
 

(512) 463-5039
 

(512) 475-1404
 

soll.sussman@glo.state.tx.us
 

Steve Dayton
 

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
 

Team Leader of Grant Contract Development Team
 

(512) 239-6824
 

(512) 239-0077
 

sdayton@tceq.state.tx.us
 

Dr. Rudy Smaling, PhD
 

Houston Advanced Research Center
 

NTRD Program Director, Senior Research Scientist
 

(281) 364-4036
 

(281) 363-7935
 

rsmaling@harc.edu
 

Mary-Jo Rowan
 

Texas State Energy Conservation Office, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
 

Program Manager
 

(512) 463-2637
 

(512) 475-2569
 

mary-jo.rowan@cpa.state.tx.us
 

Teri Green
 

Texas Gas Service
 

Conservation Program Manager
 

(512) 465-1109
 

(512) 465-1133
 

tgreen@txgas.com
 

Walter C. Miller
 

Atmos Energy
 

Energy Services Consultant
 

(817) 303-2903
 

((817) 303-2929
 

walter.c.miller@atmosenergy.com
 

Don Lewis
 

Texas State Department of Transportation, General Services Division
 

Fleet Manager
 

(512) 374-5471
 

(512) 374-5481
 

dlewis1@dot.state.tx.us
 

Sandra Rennie
 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 

Mobile Source Team Leader, Region 6
 

(214) 665-7367
 

(214) 665-7263
 

rennie.sandra@epa.gov
 

Gordon Lancaster
 

U.S. General Services Administration
 

Transportation Operations Specialist
 

(303) 236-7599
 

(303) 236-7590
 

gordon.lancaster@gsa.gov
 

Robert O'Loughlin
 

Federal Highway Administration, Resource Center
 

Air Quality Specialist
 

(415) 744-3823
 

(415) 744-2620
 

robert.o'loughlin@fhwa.dot.gov