Alternative fuel tax credits bring relief to hard-hit Texas schools

The Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT) reports that Texas school district fleets operating propane autogas buses are benefitting from recently extended alternative fuel tax credits. Schools using autogas are now saving even more money by recouping 50 cents per gallon through this year.

In addition, some taxable fleets can take advantage of another tax credit extension for alternative fuel refueling property through the IRS. The state of Texas also periodically provides clean refueling property grants for school districts and government fleets.

According to ProCOT, the largest propane-powered school bus fleet in Texas, Dallas County Schools, saves about $500,000 each year with the 50-cents-per-gallon tax credit. The district has used autogas for nearly 20 years and saves about $1.5 million in fuel costs each year, according to Tim Jones of Dallas County Schools administration.

Other Texas school districts, including the Austin, Houston and Arlington Independent School Districts (ISD), recently received installation of new autogas fueling infrastructure.