FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2020
Contact:
Lyz Hoffman, Public Information Officer, (805) 961-8819
Apply for Clean Air Grant Funding
On-Road, Off-Road, Marine, Agricultural, and Infrastructure Projects Qualify
PLUS: Take New Survey about Air Quality in Santa Barbara County
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. — Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District announced today that the application period for 2020 Clean Air Grant funding will open on September 8. Approximately $1.6 million is available for voluntary emission reduction grant projects.
Different from last year, the District will accept applications during a 45-day window, instead of on a first-come, first-served basis. The District will prioritize projects operating in a Low-Income Community (as defined by AB 1550) and projects proposing zero-emission technology, with the goal of distributing funds equitably throughout the county. An AB 1550 map is shown below, and additional information can be viewed on CARB’s Community Investments webpage.
Individuals, businesses, and nonprofits looking to replace old equipment with newer, cleaner models, or transition to zero-emission vehicles, equipment, and/or fueling infrastructure, are encouraged to apply. Successful projects are eligible for a maximum grant of up to $150,000, or 80 percent of eligible project costs, whichever is less. Examples of eligible projects include:
On-Road Heavy-Duty Vehicles
Heavy-duty trucks and buses
School buses
Solid waste collection vehicles
Transit fleet vehicles, including urban buses
Public agency and utility vehicles
Emergency vehicles
Off-Road Equipment
Tractors
Forklifts
Loaders and dozers
Excavators
Agricultural utility vehicles
Marine Vessels (regulated and non-regulated commercial vessels)
Agricultural Engines
Alternative Fueling Infrastructure
Over the past 33 years, the District has collaborated with local operators and awarded more than $40 million to various engine replacement projects throughout Santa Barbara County. These projects have eliminated several thousand tons of smog-forming pollution and particulate matter, both of which harm human health. Here are some testimonials from previous recipients:
Our new tractor has made a real difference with field efficiencies. The tractor is a huge asset to the company. Plus, it’s pretty nice to sit inside of it and feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. Thanks a bunch for all your help through the replacement processes.
– S&S Seeds (Los Alamos)
The tractors we have purchased with grant assistance are much more reliable. It is a big benefit to replace aging problematic equipment with new units that have less chance of breakdowns. We have also seen greater efficiency on fuel consumption.
– Plantel Nurseries (Santa Maria)
Morale is higher, as is comfort, which helps operators better enjoy their usually long work hours. It is very noticeable how much longer we can work without refueling. The new technology is great. Thank you so much for all your help.
– Santa Barbara Farms (Lompoc)
“Feedback from previous recipients of our grants is clear: this program is both great for business and for the environment,” said Aeron Arlin Genet, District Director. “If your company or organization is considering upgrading your older engines or infrastructure for newer, cleaner technologies, a Clean Air Grant can help you do so for a fraction of the cost.”
For more information, visit Grants.
New Survey!
We want to hear about top air quality concerns in Santa Barbara County. Please take a few minutes to take this brief survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SantaBarbaraCountyAirQuality2020
¡Nueva encuesta!
Queremos escuchar su opinión sobre lo que más le preocupa de la calidad del aire en el condado de Santa Barbara. Por favor tómese un par de minutos para completar esta breve encuesta: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CalidadDelAireDelCondadoDeSantaBarbara
