Alternative Fuels -- State Regulations for Idaho

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 Idaho.

Fuel Use

State agency vehicles (policy)

All state agencies must reduce their fleets' petroleum consumption by increasing vehicle fuel economy and operating efficiency and reducing the number of miles driven by each employee. Agencies must also give priority to the purchase and use of hybrid electric vehicles and other fuel-efficient, low emission vehicles. (Reference Executive Order 2007-21)

General

Definition (biodiesel)

Biodiesel is defined as any fuel derived in whole or in part from agricultural products, animal fats, or the wastes from these products, and is suitable for use in diesel engines. A biodiesel blend is defined as any fuel produced by blending biodiesel with petroleum-based diesel to produce a fuel suitable for use in diesel engines. (Reference Idaho Statutes 63-2401)

Definition (ethanol blended fuel)

Ethanol blended fuel, such as gasohol, is defined as any gasoline blended with 10% or more of anhydrous ethanol. (Reference Idaho Statutes 63-2401)

Fee Exemption

A biodiesel producer that produces up to 5,000 gallons of biodiesel fuel in a calendar year for personal consumption is exempt from the $0.01 per gallon petroleum transfer fee and the requirement to obtain an Idaho motor fuel distributor's license. (Reference Idaho Statutes 63-2421 and 63-2427A)

Tax (alternative fuels)

A state excise tax applies to special fuels at a rate of $0.25 per gallon on a gasoline gallon equivalent basis. Special fuels include compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (propane), hydrogen, and fuel suitable for use in diesel engines. In lieu of paying an excise tax on gaseous motor fuels, owners of vehicles powered by CNG, propane, or hydrogen may pay an annual fee. The fee is based on gross vehicle weight rating. Vehicle owners must purchase permits from gaseous fuels vendors and display the provided decal as evidence that the annual fee has been paid in lieu of the excise tax. Permits for vehicles that are converted to gaseous fuels after July 1 in any year are subject to a prorated fee.(Reference Idaho Statutes 63-2401 and 63-2424)

Tax Refund (special fuels)

State excise tax paid on special fuels used in motor vehicles that the state or federal government owns or leases may be refunded, as long as the tax was originally paid directly to a special fuel vendor. Special fuels include compressed and liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (propane), hydrogen, and fuel suitable for use in diesel engines. The tax refund is not available for special fuels a registered motor vehicle uses while idling. Idling means a period of time greater than 15 minutes when the motor vehicle is stationary with the engine operating. (Reference Idaho Statutes 63-2401, 63-2402, and 63-2423)