PERC: Infrastructure legislation expands alternative fuel options

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is hailing the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which it says creates an opportunity for propane and other low-emission fuels to power on-road and off-road fleets that have historically operated on diesel and gasoline.

New infrastructure legislation includes funding opportunities for propane, which is identified in the act as an emerging alternative fuel. (Photo courtesy of PERC)

The new legislation, which President Joe Biden signed into law in November, includes access of up to $7 billion in funding for refueling infrastructure and clean vehicles, including propane, which is identified in the act as an emerging alternative fuel. About 70,000 on-road vehicles, including 22,000 school buses, run on propane, according to the council.

“The inclusion of propane is a major win for communities across the country, as fleet owners will have multiple alternative fuel options for reducing emissions and transforming their fleets for the better,” says Tucker Perkins, president and CEO of PERC, in a press release. “With propane, fleets can accelerate decarbonization quickly and affordably.”

• Grants for charging and fueling infrastructure: Access to $2.5 billion in grant funding for propane refueling infrastructure along the national highway system. PERC says propane refueling infrastructure is readily available for the nation’s alternative fuel corridors, and propane-fueled generators can provide for electric vehicle recharging.
• Clean school bus program: Access to $2.5 billion in grant funding for propane school buses, which help to reduce emissions and provide greater comfort to students, PERC says.
• Grants for buses and bus facilities: Access to $1.6 billion in grant funding for propane transit vehicles. Propane is often used for medium-duty paratransit vehicles like airport shuttles, vehicles associated with city or county regional transit and delivery trucks, PERC notes.

The legislation includes another $2.5 billion in grants for emissions reduction at port facilities. According to PERC, propane helps improve air quality at the nation’s ports while supporting global trade logistics. LPG fuels port tractors, as well as generators for backup and prime power for cold ironing, charging and other large industrial applications. Other propane-fueled port equipment includes reach stackers, empty container handlers and rubber-tired gantry cranes.

Funding is expected to become available in January 2022.