Alternative Fuels -- State Regulations for Pennsylvania

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 Pennsylvania.

Vehicle Acquisition

All vehicles (emissions standards mandate)

The Pennsylvania Clean Vehicles Program requires that all new passenger cars and light-duty trucks sold, leased, titled, or registered in the Commonwealth must meet California vehicle emissions and compliance requirements, as set forth in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations, with the exception of the Zero Emission Vehicle sales requirements and the emissions control system warranty statement. (Reference Title 25 Pennsylvania Code 126.401-126.451).

Fuel Use

All vehicles (fuel blend mandate)

One year after in-state production has reached 350 million gallons of cellulosic ethanol and sustained this volume for 3 months, all gasoline sold in Pennsylvania must contain at least 10% cellulosic ethanol. All diesel fuel sold in Pennsylvania must contain at least 2% biodiesel (B2) one year after in-state production of biodiesel reaches 40 million gallons. The mandated biodiesel blend level will continue to increase according to the following schedule:5% biodiesel (B5) one year after in-state production of biodiesel reaches 100 million gallons;10% biodiesel (B10) one year after in-state production of biodiesel reaches 200 million gallons; and20% biodiesel (B20) one year after in-state production of biodiesel reaches 400 million gallons.All biodiesel retailers in Pennsylvania must register with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture each year.(Reference Title 73 Pennsylvania Statutes, Chapter 18H, Sections 1650.3 and 1650.4)

General

Feasibility Study (state fleet conversion)

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives directs the Pennsylvania Department of General Services to conduct a study that will determine the associated costs and feasibility of modernizing the state fleet by retrofitting current state-owned vehicles with compressed or liquefied natural gas engines. (Reference House Resolution 631, 2010)

Funding (alternative fuel projects)

The Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) Program provides financial assistance programs; information on alternative fuels, AFVs, HEVs, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and anti-idling technologies that use alternatives to diesel fuel for heavy-duty trucks; and advanced vehicle technology research, development, and demonstration. Projects that result in product commercialization and the expansion of Pennsylvania companies are favored in the selection process. As of October 2011, the annual AFIG Program application period is closed.The AFIG Program also offers Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates to assist eligible residents with the incremental cost of the purchase of new AFVs, including electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), natural gas vehicles (NGVs), and propane vehicles. As of October 2011, rebates of $3,500 are available for qualified EVs and PHEVs, and rebates of $1,000 are available for NGVs and propane vehicles.(Reference Title 73 Pennsylvania Statutes, Chapter 18E, Section 1647.3)

Funding (auxiliary power units)

The Small Business Pollution Prevention Assistance Account Loan Program provides low interest rate loans to small businesses undertaking projects in Pennsylvania that reduce waste, pollution, or energy use, including the purchase of truck auxiliary power units. Loans are available for 75% of the total eligible project costs. The maximum loan amount is $100,000 within any 12-month period. The loan has a 2% fixed rate and a maximum term of 10 years.

Tax (alternative fuels)

Alternative fuels used to propel vehicles of any kind on public highways are taxed at a rate determined on a gasoline gallon equivalent basis. The tax rates are posted in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. (Reference Title 75 Pennsylvania Statutes, Chapter 90, Section 9004)

Weight Limit Exemption (idle reduction)

A vehicle equipped with qualified idle reduction technology may exceed the state's gross weight and axle weight limits by up to 400 pounds to compensate for the additional weight of the idle reduction technology. (Reference Title 35 Pennsylvania Statutes, Chapter 23B, Section 4604)