Idaho Incentives and Laws for Alternate Energy

Last Updated March 2006

Biofuels Tax Deduction

Idaho offers a tax deduction to licensed motor fuel distributors for the number of gallons of agricultural products or animal fats or the wastes of such products contained in biodiesel fuel. The deduction may not exceed 10% of the special fuel which is or contains biodiesel. (Reference Idaho Statutes 63-2407)

Point of Contact

John Crockett
Energy Specialist
Idaho Energy Division
Phone (208) 287-4894
Fax (208) 287-6700
john.crockett@idwr.idaho.gov
 

State Laws and Regulations

Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) Access to Roadways

An NEV is defined as a self-propelled, electrically-powered, four-wheeled motor vehicle which is emission free and conforms to the definition and requirements for low-speed vehicles as adopted in the federal motor vehicle safety standards at 49 CFR part 571. An NEV must be titled, registered and insured according to Idaho law and may only be operated by a licensed driver. NEVs may not be driven on or across any highways with a speed limit of more than 25 miles per hour. (Reference Idaho Statutes 49-115, 49-123, 49-402, and 49-663)

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Board

The Idaho Liquefied Petroleum Gas Public Safety Act established the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board and requires liquefied petroleum gas dealers to meet educational, experience, and examination qualifications, and to be licensed. LPG facilities are also required to be licensed. (Reference House Bill 413,2006, and Idaho Statutes 54-5301 to 54-5317)

Biodiesel Definition

Idaho defines biodiesel as any fuel or mixture of fuels that is derived in whole or in part from agricultural products and is suitable for use in diesel engines. (Reference Idaho Statutes 63-2401)

Alternative Fuels Tax

Motor fuels received by distributors are taxed at a rate of $0.25 per gallon. This tax does not apply to special fuels dispensed into a motor vehicle which uses gaseous special fuels and which displays a valid gaseous special fuels permit. Special fuels include compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), fuel suitable for diesel engines, and hydrogen. There is, however, an excise tax on special fuels, on a gasoline gallon equivalent basis. Alternatively, an annual fee in lieu of the excise tax may be collected on a vehicle powered by gaseous fuels, according to the gross vehicle weight of the vehicle. State government agencies are entitled to a refund of any special fuels tax paid to the vendor from which the fuel was purchased. No refund of special fuels tax shall be paid on special fuels used while idling a registered motor vehicle. 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, 63-2423 and 63-2424)

Utilities/Private Incentives

Natural Gas Technical Assistance and Leased Vehicle and Refueling Equipment

Questar Gas offers technical assistance to customers wishing to convert vehicles to operate on compressed natural gas and will lease conversion and compression equipment. The company provides financial analysis and fleet consulting services for alternative fuel comparisons.

Point of Contact

Gordon Larsen
Natural Gas Vehicle Supervisor
Questar Gas
Phone (801) 324-5987
Fax (801) 324-5845
gordon.larsen@questar.com
 

Point of Contact

Jim Grambihler
Natural Gas Vehicle Operations
Questar Gas
Phone (801) 324-5119
Fax (801) 324-5485
jim.grambihler@questar.com
 

Idaho Points of Contact: