Massachusetts Natural Gas Laws and Incentives

State Laws and Regulations

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Acquisition Requirement

State fleets must acquire AFVs according to the requirements of the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992. At least 75% of non-excluded vehicles purchased by the Massachusetts Department of Procurement and General Services (DPGS) must be the cleanest AFVs available and practical; at least 10% of the total non-excluded vehicles purchased by DPGS must be zero emission vehicles. (Reference Executive Order 388, 1997)

Deregulation of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a Motor Fuel

The sale of CNG by a fueling station for use as fuel in a motor vehicle is deregulated with the following provisions: a gas company which sells CNG for use as fuel in a motor vehicle must keep separate records, books, and accounts of such sales, and any investment in related infrastructure must not reduce the availability or increase the cost of natural gas to customers who purchase natural gas for use other than as fuel in a motor vehicle. (Reference Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 164, Section 94.5)

Utilities/Private Incentives

Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Infrastructure Technical Assistance

National Grid/KeySpan Energy Delivery (KeySpan) provides technical assistance to customers wishing to purchase NGVs or to build CNG refueling stations. Rebates or incentives are available on a case-by-case basis. KeySpan has 12 CNG fueling stations open to the public and has established a CNG training curriculum for mechanics, technicians, and fleet managers at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston.