Search Federal and State Laws and Incentives

An income tax credit is available for 50% of the cost of alternative fueling infrastructure, up to $5,000. Qualifying infrastructure includes electric vehicle supply equipment and equipment to dispense fuel that is 85% or more natural gas, propane, or hydrogen. Unused credits may be carried over into future tax years. The credit expires December 31, 2017. For additional information, including information on how to claim the credit, please see the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance page. (Reference New York Tax Law 187-b)

Port drayage trucks with Model Year (MY) 1993 and older engines are not authorized to access the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ) marine terminals. Beginning January 1, 2017, only trucks equipped with engines that meet or exceed MY 2007 engine federal emissions standards will be allowed to access the terminals. Drayage trucks operating on liquefied or compressed natural gas, electricity, or hybrid electric technology are exempt from these requirements. For purposes of this rule, drayage trucks are defined as on-road vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 33,001 pounds or greater and intended to load, unload, or transport cargo from PANYNJ terminals. Additional rules apply. For more information, see the PANYNJ website.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is providing incentives for alternative fuel trucks and buses and diesel emission controls. Incentives are released on a staggered schedule and include:

• Vouchers for public, private, and non-profit fleets for 80% of the incremental cost, up to $60,000, for the purchase or lease of all-electric Class 3 through 8 trucks operating 70% of the time and garaged in any nonattainment or maintenance area of New York State;
• Vouchers for private and non-profit fleets for 80% of the incremental cost, up to $40,000 for the purchase of compressed natural gas, hybrid electric and all-electric Class 3 through 8 trucks operating 70% of the time and garaged in New York City; and
• Vouchers for private and non-profit fleets that cover up to 80% of the cost of purchasing and installing emission reduction equipment for Class 3 through 8 diesel vehicles that are operated 70% of the time and garaged in New York City.

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is responsible for LNG fueling facility siting, construction, and operation. Facility permit application fees range from $100 to $1,000 depending on the facility capacity. Trucks transporting LNG must meet state and federal hazardous material transportation requirements and use routes the New York State Department of Transportation has certified. These regulations do not affect New York City's moratorium on new LNG facilities. For more information, including regulations, permit application, and supporting documentation, see the DEC LNG regulation website. (Reference New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Regulations Chapter V, Part 570)

An AFV powered by propane or natural gas may only use Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) tunnels and the lower level of the George Washington Bridge if the vehicle conforms to applicable federal regulations and industry standards, displays required markings to identify its alternative fuel system, and has a fuel capacity that does not exceed 150 pounds. For more information, see the PANYNJ Trucker's Resources website.

Motor fuel franchise dealers may obtain alternative fuels from a supplier other than a franchise distributor. Any franchise provision that prohibits or discourages a dealer from purchasing or selling E85, biodiesel blends of at least 2% (B2), hydrogen, or compressed natural gas from a firm or individual other than the distributor is null and void as it pertains to that particular alternative fuel if the distributor does not supply or offer to supply the dealer with the alternative fuel. Distributors who violate the law by entering into exclusivity contracts will be subject to a $1,000 fine. If the distributor does offer alternative fuels, they may require the station to use their brands. (Reference New York General Business Law 199-j)

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's (NYSERDA) Clean Transportation Program provides funding for projects that enhance mobility, improve efficiency, reduce congestion, and diversity transportation methods and fuels through research and development of advanced technologies. NYSERDA offers annual solicitations that support new product development and demonstration as well as research on new transportation policies and strategies. NYSERDA also supports projects that demonstrate the benefits of commercially available products that are underutilized in New York State. Once developed, NYSERDA provides incentives to accelerate the market introduction of emerging technologies through its Alternative Fuel Vehicle Program. For more information and funding opportunities, see the NYSERDA Clean Transportation Program website.