Title 42, The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-110

§13239 Low Interest Loan Program

Title 42 › CHAPTER 134 — ENERGY POLICY › SUBCHAPTER II — ALTERNATIVE FUELS—NON-FEDERAL PROGRAMS › § 13239

Last updated Sep 22, 2026|Official source

Summary

Within 1 year after October 24, 1992, the Secretary must start a low-interest loan program that gives preference to small businesses that own or run fleets. Loans can pay to convert vehicles to run on alternative fuels, cover the extra cost of buying alternative-fuel vehicles, or cover extra costs for non-road vehicles and engines the Secretary names under section 13238(c). Loan terms should be reasonable and, when possible, set so borrowers can repay from fuel-cost savings. The Secretary will consider an applicant’s financial need, how many people can be helped, and the borrower’s ability to repay. Fleets that help energy security and the environment get priority. Congress authorized $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1993, 1994, and 1995.

Full Legal Text

Title 42, §13239

The Public Health and Welfare, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)Establishment

Within 1 year after October 24, 1992, the Secretary shall establish a program for making low interest loans, giving preference to small businesses that own or operate fleets, for— (1)

(2)covering the incremental costs of the purchase of motor vehicles which operate on alternative fuels, when compared with purchase costs of comparable conventionally fueled motor vehicles; or

(3)covering the incremental costs of purchase of non-road vehicles and engines designated by the Secretary pursuant to section 13238(c) of this title.

(b)Loan terms

The Secretary, to the extent practicable, shall establish reasonable terms for loans made under this subsection, with preference given to repayment schedules that enable such loans to be repaid by the borrower from the cost differential between gasoline and the alternative fuel on which the motor vehicle operates.

(c)Criteria

In deciding to whom loans shall be made under this subsection, the Secretary shall consider—

(1)the financial need of the applicant;

(2)the goal of assisting the greatest number of applicants; and

(3)the ability of an applicant to repay the loan, taking into account the fuel cost savings likely to accrue to the applicant.

(d)Priorities

Priority shall be given under this section to fleets where the use of alternative fuels would have a significant beneficial effect on energy security and the environment.

(e)Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for carrying out this section, $25,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1993, 1994, and 1995.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

42 U.S.C. § 13239

Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare

Last Updated

Sep 22, 2026

Release point: 119-110