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Arkansas Biodiesel Laws and Incentives


State Incentives

Alternative Fuel Grants

The Arkansas Alternative Fuels Development Fund includes three types of grant incentives available beginning January 1, 2007. The grants include capital and operation incentives for alternative fuel producers and feedstock processors, production incentives for feedstock producers, and distribution incentives for alternative fuels distributors. Alternative fuel producers can receive up to $0.20 per gallon of alternative fuels produced, not exceeding $2 million. Feedstock processors can receive up to $2 million for the construction, modification, alteration, or retrofitting of feedstock processing facilities that are located and operated in Arkansas. Alternative fuel distributors can receive $50,000 to assist with the distribution and storage of alternative fuels or alternative fuels mixture at distribution facilities that are located and operated in Arkansas. Funding is available through July 1, 2009. (Reference House Bill 1379 and 1845, 2007)

State Laws and Regulations

Biofuels Use Requirement

The Arkansas Alternative Fuels Development Act establishes an annual goal of 50 million gallons of alternative fuels produced at production facilities in the state by October 6, 2008. Furthermore, by January 1, 2009, all diesel-powered motor vehicles, light trucks, and equipment owned or leased by a state agency must be operated using diesel fuel that contains a minimum of 2% biofuels by volume. Waivers to the 2% biofuels standards for state agency vehicles may be granted if the fuel is not available in certain geographic area or if the fuel is at least $0.15 cents more expensive per gallon then the petroleum equivalent. The Arkansas Bureau of Standards will work to ensure fuel quality standards. (Reference Senate Bill 237, 2007)

Alternative Fuels Tax

Excise taxes on alternative fuels are imposed on a gasoline gallon equivalent basis. The tax rate for each type of alternative fuel is based on the number of motor vehicles licensed in the state that use each fuel type. (Reference Arkansas Code 26-62-201)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Conversion

Any individual or company who converts an AFV to operate on an alternative fuel must report the conversion to the Director of the Department of Finance and Administration within 10 days of the conversion. An owner or operator who fails to report such a conversion may be subject to a penalty. (Reference Arkansas Code 26-62-214)