USGBC Louisiana 2017 Green Report Online

of economic growth. In New Orleans, there are 177 bike
shops, which employ 753 people, generating $69,966,000
in sales each year.
Cities, large and small, across the state are recognizing the
value of bikeways as an amenity that attracts economic
investment.
Electric & Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Shifts in car purchases are showing a gradual increase in
the number of alternative fuel and high efficiency cars
purchased in the state. Louisiana has enacted several laws
to support the establishment of a charging infrastructure
and to incentivize the adoption of vehicles using alternative
and renewable fuels. Examples include:
1)The state has mandated that the Louisiana Division of
Administration must purchase dedicated alternative fuel
vehicles (AFVs) capable of operating on natural gas or
liquefied petroleum gas (propane), or bi-fuel vehicles
capable of operating on conventional fuel or natural gas,
propane, or any non-ethanol advanced biofuel. State
agency vehicles may be granted a waiver if fueling stations
are not available within a 25 mile radius, the agency cannot
recoup the incremental cost of the vehicle within 60
months, or the available vehicles do not meet agency
specifications.
city/highway average of 24 mpg. Law enforcement
vehicles, certified emergency vehicles, and state agency
vehicles with prior written authorization are exempt from
this requirement. (Reference Louisiana Revised
Statutes 39:364 and 39:1646)
2) The state offers an income tax credit of 36% of the cost
of converting a vehicle to operate on an alternative fuel, the
incremental cost of purchasing an original equipment
manufacturer AFV, and the cost of alternative fueling
equipment. Alternatively, a taxpayer may take a tax credit
of 7.2% of the cost of the motor vehicle, up to $1,500. To
qualify for the tax credit, vehicles must be dedicated AFVs
and registered in Louisiana. For the purpose of this
incentive, alternative fuels include natural gas; propane;
non-ethanol based advanced biofuels (excluding flexible
fuel vehicles); and electricity if the vehicle has at least four
wheels, is primarily for on-street use, can attain a minimum
speed of 55 miles per hour, has a minimum battery
capacity of four kilowatt-hours, and can be charged
externally. (Reference Louisiana Administrative Code Title
61, Section 1913, and Louisiana Revised Statutes
Any AFV a state agency purchases or leases must have a
minimum fuel economy of 18 miles per gallon (mpg) for city
driving, 28 mpg for highway driving, or a combined