Alternative Fuels -- State Regulations for Georgia

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 Georgia.

Vehicle Acquisition

State agency vehicles

State agencies and departments must prioritize the procurement of high fuel efficiency and flexible fuel vehicles when such technologies are commercially available and economically practical. (Reference Executive Order 02.28.06.02, 2006)

Fuel Use

State agency vehicles

All state-owned fueling facilities must purchase gasoline blended with ethanol and diesel fuel blended with biodiesel for use in state vehicles when available and economically practical. (Reference Executive Order 02.28.06.02, 2006)

General

Definition (biodiesel)

Biodiesel produced or sold in the state, including for the purpose of blending with petroleum diesel, must meet ASTM specification D6751. (Reference Georgia Code 10-1-151.1)

Tax (alternative fuels)

Distributors who sell or use motor fuel, including special fuels, are subject to an excise tax of $0.075 per gallon. Motor fuels that are not commonly sold or measured by the gallon and are used in motor vehicles on public highways are taxed according to their gasoline gallon equivalent. Propane and special fuels sold in bulk to a licensed consumer distributor are exempt from this tax. (Reference Georgia Code 48-9-3)

Tax Credit (alternative fuel vehicles)

An income tax credit is available to individuals who purchase or lease a new dedicated AFV or convert a vehicle to operate solely on an alternative fuel. The amount of the tax credit is 10% of the vehicle cost, up to $2,500. Qualified vehicles must meet emissions standards defined by the Georgia Board of Natural Resources. Eligible alternative fuels include natural gas, propane, hydrogen, coal derived liquid fuels, fuels other than alcohol derived from biological materials, and electricity. Any portion of the credit not used in the year the AFV is purchased or converted may be carried over for up to five years. This incentive does not apply to hybrid electric vehicles. (Reference Georgia Code 48-7-40.16)

Tax Credit (diesel emissions reduction)

An income tax credit is available to individuals who install diesel particulate emissions reduction technology equipment at any truck stop, depot, or other facility. The amount of the tax credit is equal to 10% of the total equipment and installation costs and is allowed for the taxable year in which the taxpayer first places the equipment in use. The equipment must meet Georgia Regional Transportation Authority standards and must provide for heat, air conditioning, light, and communications for the driver's compartment of a heavy-duty commercial motor vehicle parked at a truck stop, depot, or other facility. The use of the technology must enable the driver to turn off the vehicle's engine, with a corresponding reduction of particulate emissions. (Reference Georgia Code 48-7-40.19)

Tax Credit (zero emission vehicle)

An income tax credit is available to individuals who purchase or lease a new ZEV. The amount of the tax credit is 20% of the vehicle cost, up to $5,000. For the purpose of this credit, a ZEV is defined as a motor vehicle that has zero tailpipe and evaporative emissions, including a pure electric vehicle. Low-speed vehicles do not qualify for this credit. Any portion of the credit not used in the year the ZEV is purchased or leased may be carried over for up to five years. (Reference Georgia Code 48-7-40.16)

Weight Limit Exemption (idle reduction)

Any motor vehicle equipped with idle reduction technology may exceed the state gross, axle, and tandem weight limits by up to 400 pounds to account for the weight of the technology. To be eligible for the weight exemption, the vehicle operator must be able to provide written proof or certification of the weight of the idle reduction technology and demonstrate or certify that the technology is fully functional at all times. (Reference Georgia Code 32-6-27)