Alternative Fuels -- State Regulations for Ohio

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 Ohio.

Vehicle Acquisition

State agency vehicles

With the exception of law enforcement vehicles, all newly acquired state agency vehicles must be capable of using an alternative fuel and must use the relevant alternative fuel if it is reasonably priced and available. Alternative fuel is defined as E85, fuel blends containing at least 20% biodiesel (B20), natural gas, propane, hydrogen, electricity, or any other fuel that the U.S. Department of Energy has determined is substantially not petroleum and would yield substantial energy use and environmental benefits. The Department of Administrative Services issues credits for vehicle acquisition in accordance with the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Any additional credits that an agency earns above their requirements may be sold, with proceeds going to the Ohio Biodiesel Revolving Fund to pay for the incremental cost of biodiesel for use in vehicles the state owns or leases. (Reference Ohio Revised Code 125.831-125.832, 125.834 and 125.836 and Executive Order (PDF) 2007-02)

General

Exemption (emission control modifications)

Vehicle emissions control systems may not be tampered with unless the action is for the purpose of converting a motor vehicle to operate on an alternative fuel and is in compliance with the standards adopted under the Clean Air Act Amendments. (Reference Ohio Revised Code 3704.16-3704.162)

Funding (alternative fuel infrastructure)

The Alternative Fuel Transportation Grant Program (Program) provides funding for up to 80% of the cost of purchasing and installing fueling facilities offering E85, fuel blends containing at least 20% biodiesel (B20), natural gas; liquefied petroleum gas or propane; hydrogen; electricity; or any fuel that the U.S. Department of Energy determines, by final rule, to be substantially not petroleum. The Program also provides funding for up to 80% of the incremental cost of purchasing and using alternative fuel for businesses, nonprofit organizations, public school systems, and local governments. (Reference Ohio Revised Code 122.075)

Funding (diesel emissions control)

The Ohio Department of Development administers a Diesel Emissions Reduction Grant Program and a Diesel Emissions Reduction Revolving Loan Program for the purpose of reducing emissions from diesel engines. Eligible entities may use this funding for:Projects related to certified engine configurations, including new, rebuilt, or remanufactured engine configurations the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board has certified;The purchase or use of hybrid electric and alternative fuel vehicles that are allowed under U.S. Federal Highway Administration Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program guidance; orInstallation of verified technology including pollution control devices, retrofits, and development of truck stop electrification and auxiliary power units.To be eligible for funding, fleets must operate at least 65% of the time in a particulate matter (PM) 2.5 and/or ozone nonattainment or maintenance county. Private fleets are eligible, but they must establish a public-private partnership with a government organization that is eligible for CMAQ funds in order to apply for funding. (Reference Ohio Revised Code 122.861)

Signage

The Ohio Turnpike Commission allows businesses to place their logos on directional signs within the right-of-way of state turnpikes. An alternative fuel retailer may include a marking or symbol within their logo indicating that it sells one or more types of alternative fuel. Alternative fuels are defined as E85, fuel blends containing at least 20% biodiesel (B20), natural gas, propane, or hydrogen. (Reference Ohio Revised Code 125.831 and 5537.30)