Alternative Fuels -- State Regulations for New Hampshire

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 New Hampshire.

Fuel Use

State agency vehicles

Diesel fuel that the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (Department) purchases under the Motor Fuel Inventory Fund must contain at least 5% biodiesel (B5), unless the fuel is unavailable or more expensive than 100% petroleum diesel, in which case the purchase will be at the Department's discretion. The Department is encouraged to purchase diesel fuel containing up to 20% biodiesel (B20) when the fuel is acceptable for use. The Department may sell the fuel to all state departments and institutions, political subdivisions of the state, and eligible nonprofit corporations under contract with the Department to transport the general public and federal government agencies. (Reference New Hampshire Revised Statutes 228:24-a)

General

Definition (biodiesel)

Biodiesel is a renewable special fuel that is composed of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids, derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, and meets the requirements of the ASTM specification D6751. (Reference New Hampshire Revised Statutes 259:6-a)

Funding (alternative fuel, vehicles)

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and the Granite State Clean Cities Coalition (GSCCC) provide competitive funding on a cost reimbursement basis for qualified alternative fuel and advanced vehicle projects. Only projects located in ozone nonattainment or maintenance areas in the state are eligible for funding. For more information see the GSCCC website.

License Requirement (biodiesel)

Any person who refines, distills, prepares, blends, manufactures, or purchases biodiesel on which the road toll has not been paid and who is not a licensed and bonded distributor must become licensed with the New Hampshire Department of Safety (Department). An annual license fee of $25 applies. Any licensed biodiesel refiner, distiller, blender, manufacturer, or purchaser of more than 10,000 gallons of biodiesel per month must file a bond with the Department. All biodiesel distributors must maintain and keep records for a period of four years that demonstrate that all biodiesel sold within the state meets ASTM specification D6751. Failure to demonstrate compliance with the appropriate ASTM standard may result in loss of the license. (Reference New Hampshire Revised Statutes 260:36-d and 260:43-b)

Weight Limit Exemption (idle reduction)

Any heavy-duty vehicle equipped with an auxiliary power unit or other qualified idle reduction technology may exceed the gross, axle, tandem, or bridge formula weight limits by up to 400 pounds. To qualify for this exemption, drivers must be able to provide proof of the idle reduction technology's weight through written certification. They must also be able to prove through demonstration or certification that the idle reduction technology is fully functional at all times. (Reference House Bill 117, 2011, and New Hampshire Revised Statutes 266:18-c)