Alternative Fuels -- State Regulations for Alabama

This page contains selected data from the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) at the U. S. Department of Energy. Additional details and the latest updates may be found at the AFDC summary page for Alabama.

Vehicle Acquisition

Policy (targets)

The Alabama Legislature will establish a Green Fleets Policy (Policy) outlining a procedure for procuring state vehicles based on criteria that includes fuel economy and lifecycle costing. State fleet managers must classify their vehicle inventory for compliance with the Policy and submit annual plans for procuring fuel-efficient vehicles. These plans must reflect a 4% annual increase in average fleet fuel economy for light-duty vehicles, a 3% annual increase in average fleet fuel economy for medium-duty vehicles, and a 2% annual increase in average fleet fuel economy for heavy-duty vehicles per fiscal year. The Policy will also require that government entities manage and operate their fleets in a manner that is energy efficient, minimizes emissions, and reduces petroleum dependency by using specified proven technology the Green Fleet Review Committee identifies. (Reference Code of Alabama 41-17A-1 through 41-17A-6)

Fuel Use

State agency vehicles (recommendation)

The Alabama Legislature encourages the use of biodiesel blends in the state. The legislature urges public school systems to use blends of 20% biodiesel (B20) in all diesel-powered school buses and encourages state entities to use biodiesel blends of at least 5% (B5) in diesel-powered motor vehicles. (Reference: Senate Joint Resolution 14 and 15, 2009)

General

Funding (biofuels development)

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the Alabama Research Alliance (ARA), which facilitates scientific research and development, including agricultural research and development activities related to biofuels. The ARA may use received income to support research and development activities. (Reference Executive Order 37, 2007)

Promotion (alternative fuels)

The Center for Alternative Fuels (Center) promotes alternative fuels as viable energy sources in the state. The Center must assess the current status and development of sources of alternative fuels, ensuring that all alternative fuels sold in the state meet ASTM standards, and act as an information center for alternative fuels and a clearinghouse for available federal grant funding for alternative fuel development. The Center may administer a grant program using income tax check-off program funds from the Alabama Alternative Fuels and Research Development Fund. (Reference Code of Alabama 2-2-90 and 2-2-91)

Rate Reduction (time of use)

Alabama Power offers a Business Electric Vehicle Time-of-Use (PDF) (BEVT) rate for electricity purchased to charge PEVs used for non-residential purposes. The electricity used for vehicle charging is metered separately from all other electricity use.

Tax (propane powered vehicles)

The state road tax for vehicles that operate on propane (liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG) or natural gas is paid through the purchase of an annual flat fee sticker, and the amount is based on the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating. Each person owning and/or operating a vehicle that operates on propane or natural gas must obtain an annual decal from the Alabama LPG Board. The decal must be affixed to the vehicle according to LPG Board specification as proof that the issuance fee and decal fee have been paid. Vehicle owners must apply for a decal within 10 days of converting a vehicle to operate on propane or natural gas or a 20% penalty will be applied to the decal fee. Out-of-state alternative fuel vehicle operators that purchase propane or natural gas within the state must pay the current Alabama motor fuel tax. The propane or natural gas dealer or supplier must remit these funds to the LPG Board before the 20th of the month following the date of sale. (Reference Code of Alabama 40-17-160 through 40-17-165)

Weight Limit Exemption (idle reduction)

Any motor vehicle equipped with an auxiliary power unit (APU) or other idle reduction technology may exceed the gross, axle, tandem, or bridge formula weight limits by up to 400 pounds. To be eligible for the weight exemption, the vehicle operator must be able to provide written proof or certification of the weight of the APU and demonstrate or certify that the idle reduction technology is fully functional at all times. (Reference Code of Alabama 32-9-20)