Texas Idle Reduction Laws and Incentives

State Incentives

Alternative Fuel Grants

The Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) provides grants for alternative fuel and advanced technology demonstration and infrastructure projects under the New Technology Research and Development (NTRD) Program, which provides incentives to encourage and support research, development, and commercialization of technologies that reduce pollution in Texas. For complete information on the types of projects and expenses that may be eligible for a grant, refer to the latest Request for Grant Applications and the NTRD Guidelines. The NTRD Program is administered by the Texas Environmental Research Consortium, with support from the Houston Advanced Research Center. (Reference Texas Statutes, Health & Safety Code, Chapter 386)

State Laws and Regulations

Idle Reduction Requirement

No driver using a vehicle's sleeper berth may idle the vehicle in a school zone or within 1,000 feet of a public school during its hours of operation. A penalty of up to a $500 fine applies. This restriction expires September 1, 2009. (Reference Senate Bill 12, 2007, and Texas Statutes Health & Safety Code, Section 382.0191)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Program Support and Technician Training

The Texas State Energy Conservation Office's (SECO) Alternative Fuels Program initiatives include providing administrative support for the U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Cities program and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean School Bus Program, grant writing training for public and private entities, and funding for training and certification program development to educate mechanics on the technical aspects of alternative fuel vehicles. SECO promotes the reduction of petroleum use through four technology areas: fuel blends, fuel economy, hybrid electric vehicles, and idle reduction. (Reference Texas Statutes Section 2305.035)