Page 19 - 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 Statutes 39:364 and 39:1646)
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 incentive, alternative fuels include natural gas; propane;
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.
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
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
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
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