Expired, Repealed, and Archived Massachusetts Incentives and Laws
The following is a list of expired, repealed, and archived incentives, laws, regulations, funding opportunities, or other initiatives related to alternative fuels and vehicles, advanced technologies, or air quality.
Public Utility Electric Vehicle (EV) Off-Peak Rebate Proposal Requirements
Archived: 10/31/2023
By February 11, 2023, public electric utilities must submit proposals to offer rebates to customers that charge their EVs during off-peak hours to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU). Proposed rebate amounts must be based on the following:
- Avoided energy, capacity, transmission, and distribution costs;
- Improved grid reliability;
- Demand-induced price reduction effects; and,
- Avoided greenhouse gas emissions and public health benefits.
DPU must review and approve rebate proposals by June 30, 2023.
(Reference House Bill 5060, 2022)
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Rebate Program Authorization
Archived: 10/31/2023
The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) must establish a rebate program for the purchase or lease of ZEVs. Rebates between $3,500 and $5,000 must be available for the purchase or lease of new or pre-owned light-duty ZEVs. Eligible light-duty ZEVs may not have a purchase price above $55,000. DOER must also offer a rebate of at least $4,500 for the purchase or lease of medium- or heavy-duty ZEVs or for the trade-in of a light-duty internal combustion engine vehicle for the purchase of a light-duty ZEV. DOER must offer low-income residents an additional rebate of $1,500. Eligible applicants include residents, corporate fleets, and tribal entities.
DOER must publish rebate program data annually and assess program effectiveness in reducing greenhouse gas emissions on a triennial basis. DOER may promulgate regulations to ensure effective program implementation. Additional requirements apply.
(Reference Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 25A, Section 19)
Direct Current (DC) Fast Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Grants
Archived: 02/06/2022
The DC Fast Charging Program provides grants to non-residential entities of up to 80% of the cost of DC fast EVSE and installation and a maximum of $50,000 per street address for hardware and installation costs. Installations at government property qualify for 100% of the cost, up to $50,000. Qualified EVSE at public locations must be available to the public 24 hours per day. EVSE at educational campuses must be available to all students and staff with plug-in electric vehicles. This program is part of the Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (MassEVIP) and is funded by Massachusetts’ portion of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. For more information, including future funding availability, application, and eligibility requirements, visit the Apply for MassEVIP DC Fast Charging Incentives website.
Regional Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI)
Archived: 11/19/2021
Delaware, District of Columbia (D.C.), Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia signed a Declaration of Intent to create the TCI, a regional initiative to improve transportation, develop a clean energy economy, and reduce carbon emissions and air pollutants from the transportation sector. The signatory states and D.C. agree to explore and develop policies and programs that result in greater energy efficiency of regional transportation systems and reduce emissions. Additionally, states support the deployment of clean vehicles and fueling infrastructure, such as electric vehicle supply equipment, to maximize the economic opportunities and emissions reductions. For more information, see the TCI website.
Alternative Fuel Vehicle and Infrastructure Grants
Archived: 11/12/2021
The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources' Clean Vehicle Project offers grants for public and private fleets to purchase alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure. Eligible vehicles include those fueled by natural gas, propane, and electricity, including hybrid electric and hydraulic hybrid vehicles. Eligible infrastructure includes natural gas fueling stations and electric vehicle supply equipment . For information about how to apply for funding, visit the State and Federal Electric Vehicle Funding Programs website.
Vehicle Emissions Reduction Grants
Archived: 11/12/2021
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s (MassDEP) Volkswagen Open Solicitation Grant Program (Program) provides up to 80% of the cost of new diesel or alternative fuel replacements and repowers for eligible government entities. For eligible non-government entities, the Program provides up to 40% of the cost of a new diesel or alternative fuel repower, up to 25% of the cost of a new diesel or alternative fuel vehicle, and up to 75% of the cost of an all-electric repower or replacement, with associated charging infrastructure. Qualifying alternative fuels include, but are not limited to, natural gas, propane, hydrogen, electricity, and diesel electric hybrid. Vehicles that qualify for replacement or repower include:
| Model Year | Vehicle Type |
|---|---|
| 1992-2009 | Class 8 Local Freight Trucks and Port Drayage Trucks |
| 1992-2009 | Class 4-7 Local Freight Trucks |
| 2009 or older | Class 4-8 School Buses, Shuttle Buses, and Transit Buses |
Eligible government and non-government entities may also receive funding for up to 80% and 75%, respectively, of the cost for the all-electric repower or replacement of airport ground support equipment, forklifts, and port cargo handling equipment.
The program is funded by Massachusetts’ portion of the Volkswagen (VW) Environmental Mitigation Trust. For more information, including future opportunities and application guidelines, see the MassDEP Apply for a VW Open Solicitation Grant website.
Biodiesel Blend Mandate
Archived: 12/07/2018
Pursuant to state law, all diesel motor vehicle fuel and all other liquid fuel used to operate motor vehicle diesel engines in Massachusetts must contain at least 2% renewable diesel fuel by July 1, 2010; 3% renewable diesel fuel by July 1, 2011; 4% renewable diesel fuel by July 1, 2012; and 5% renewable diesel fuel by July 1, 2013. For these purposes, eligible renewable diesel fuel includes diesel fuel that is derived predominantly from renewable biomass and yields at least a 50% reduction in life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions relative to the average life cycle GHG emissions for petroleum-based diesel fuel sold in 2005. The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) must also study the feasibility, benefits, and costs of applying the percentage mandates on a statewide average basis rather than for every gallon of diesel motor fuel sold.
DOER may delay the implementation of the biodiesel blend mandate if DOER determines that it is not feasible to meet the mandate due to lack of supply, lack of blending facilities, or unreasonable cost. As of June 2010, DOER suspended the formal requirement on grounds of unreasonable cost.
(Reference Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 94, Section 295G1/2)
Cellulosic Biofuel Tax Exemption
Expired: 12/31/2017
Fuel consisting of cellulosic biofuel or a blend of gasoline and cellulosic biofuel is eligible for a fuel tax exemption in proportion to the percentage of the fuel content consisting of cellulosic biofuel. For these purposes, eligible cellulosic biofuel includes fuel derived from cellulose, hemicellulose, or lignin derived from renewable biomass that yields at least a 60% reduction in life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions relative to the average life cycle GHG emissions for petroleum-based fuel sold in 2005. This exemption is available through December 31, 2017. (Reference Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 64A, Section 1 and 1A and Massachusetts Department of Revenue TIR 09-4)
State Agency Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Acquisition Requirement
Archived: 12/31/2012
State fleets must acquire AFVs according to the requirements of the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992 and the Massachusetts Office of Vehicle Management (OVM) must approve any light-duty vehicle acquisition. All agencies must purchase the most economical, fuel-efficient, and low emission vehicles appropriate to their mission. OVM, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, will set new minimum standards for vehicle mileage and work with agencies to acquire vehicles that provide the best value for the Commonwealth on a total cost of ownership basis. (Reference Executive Order 388, 1996, and Massachusetts Executive Office of Administration and Finance Administrative Bulletin 10, 2010)
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Grants
Archived: 12/31/2010
The Green Communities Division of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) has funding available to local governments to fund the installation of publically available EVSE. All Massachusetts cities and towns are eligible and encouraged to apply; preference will be given to the 74 designated Green Communities and communities predicted to have the largest volume of potential plug-in electric vehicles. DOER will award grants based on funding availability; as of December 2011, funding is not available. For more information, refer to the Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs website.
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Purchasing System Study
Archived: 12/31/2010
A committee lead by the Operational Services Division and made up of other state and regional agency representatives was tasked with studying the feasibility of developing and implementing a system to facilitate the bulk purchase of AFVs by the Commonwealth and its political subdivisions. The study should include the associated cost savings of a bulk purchase system, as well as the cost of the system administration, the appropriate entities to participate in the system, and the probability that the system would be utilized by these entities. The study results, relevant recommendations for moving forward, and drafts of legislation necessary to put these recommendations into effect should be presented to the Massachusetts legislature. (Reference Massachusetts Session Law 169, 2008)
Biofuels Incentives Study
Archived: 12/31/2010
A special commission was established to study the feasibility and effectiveness of various forms of incentives to promote the development and use of advanced biofuels in Massachusetts including, but not limited to, production credits, the production and harvesting of woody biomass, feedstock incentives and direct consumer credits for the use of advanced biofuels in various applications. The commission must report the results of its investigation and study and its recommendations to the Massachusetts legislature. (Reference Massachusetts Session Law 206, 2008)
Biofuels Use and Promotion Study
Archived: 12/31/2010
A special commission was established to investigate and develop a strategy to increase the use of advanced biofuels as alternatives to conventional carbon-based fuels by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, its agencies and political subdivisions, and regional transit authorities. The commission will consider methods such as financing mechanisms including grants, loans, and other incentive programs for group procurement of advanced biofuels, vehicles using advanced biofuels, distribution infrastructure, and technical assistance. The commission must report the results of its investigation and study and its recommendations to the Massachusetts legislature. (Reference Massachusetts Session Law 206, 2008)
State Agency Energy Plan
Archived: 12/31/2010
In order to reduce the energy consumption and greenhouse gas impact of state government, Massachusetts agencies must prioritize programs and practices that result in a reduction of fossil fuel-based energy consumption and emissions from such consumption, including promoting sustainable transportation practices and switching to biobased and other alternative fuels. (Reference Executive Order 484, 2007)
State Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Advancement Plan
Archived: 12/31/2010
A committee led by the Commissioner of Energy Resources and made up of other state and regional agency representatives is required to develop a statewide plan for the advancement of hybrid electric and alternative fuel vehicles. The plan should cover a 10 year period, beginning in 2010, and take into account geographic diversity, demographics, transportation needs, infrastructure, and the current and emerging alternative fuel and advanced vehicle technologies. Goals set forth in this plan may include the purchase of alternative fuel or advanced vehicles and the production or distribution of alternative fuels. The plan should include strategies and methods for achieving these goals. (Reference Massachusetts Session Law 169, 2008)