North Carolina Idle Reduction Laws and Incentives

State Incentives

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Grants

Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) is a three-year project focused on reducing transportation related emissions in North Carolina's non-attainment and maintenance counties for National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Projects that are adjacent to areas may also be eligible if emissions will be reduced in the eligible counties. The $2 million project is funded by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, State Energy Office, and the Division of Air Quality, and covers three broad areas: education and outreach; project funding; and recognition of exemplary activities. Funding for up to 80% of project costs is available for AFVs, fueling infrastructure, idle reduction technologies, heavy-duty HEVs, heavy-duty buses, and diesel retrofits.

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Grants

Grants from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Air Quality are available for the incremental cost of purchasing Original Equipment Manufacturer AFVs, vehicle conversions, implementing idle reduction programs, and constructing or installing public alternative fuel fueling facilities. More than $500,000 in funding is available.

School Bus Emission Reduction Grants

A pilot program will be established within the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources to provide grants towards the required 20% state funding match for the federal Safe Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act — A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), specifically for diesel school bus retrofits or repowers that reduce particulate matter emissions. Any repowering or replacement of existing diesel engines in school buses must meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2007 Heavy Duty Highway Diesel Standards. (Reference House Bill 1912, 2007)

State Laws and Regulations

Idle Reduction Requirement

The North Carolina State Board of Education revised the Allotment Policy Manual and adopted reduced idling incentives. The local policies prohibit unnecessary school bus idling on school grounds and prohibit buses from warming up for longer than five minutes. The North Carolina School Boards Association has provided a sample policy and administrative procedure that meet the requirements.