The LEEF Program is reopening soon! Applications will be posted on this webpage starting on July 11, 2024. The program is first-come, first-served. If you would like to be added to a notification list to receive emails about the program relaunch, please email [email protected].
The Landscape Equipment Electrification Fund (LEEF) Program provides incentive funds for businesses, public agencies, public schools, and non-profits to trade in their gasoline/diesel landscape equipment for electric equipment.
Why?
Gasoline- and diesel-powered landscape equipment emit a host of air pollutants including nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon dioxide, and other pollutants. It is surprising to learn just how much pollution lawn equipment emits! Today, operating the best-selling commercial lawn mower for one hour emits as much smog-forming pollution as driving a top-selling 2017 passenger car about 300 miles – approximately the distance from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. For the best-selling commercial leaf blower, one hour of operation emits smog-forming pollution comparable to driving a passenger car about 1100 miles, or approximately the distance from Los Angeles to Denver.
Who is Eligible for Funding?
The LEEF Voucher is available to the following entities that are located in or do business within Santa Barbara County and will commit to use the equipment a majority (greater than 50%) of the time within Santa Barbara County:
- Commercial landscaping businesses
- Nonprofit organizations
- The following entities are eligible if they provide in-house landscape maintenance for their grounds and are located within Santa Barbara County:
- Public agencies
- Public schools, school districts, and universities
- Commercial businesses (non-landscaping)
What do the Vouchers Cover?
In order to receive reimbursement, a piece of gasoline/diesel landscape equipment must be destroyed for every piece of electric landscape equipment purchased through the program. Electric equipment must be new, cordless, and can be purchased from any retailer or manufacturer of electric landscape equipment.
The voucher will cover up to the following amount for each piece of equipment traded in. Batteries and chargers for each piece of equipment count towards the funding amounts listed below. The voucher does not cover additional costs such as taxes, fees, accessories and delivery charges. The participant is required to pay at least 15% of the eligible cost of new equipment (excluding small businesses and public agencies).
| Maximum Funding Amounts per Equipment Type |
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How Does the Application and Refund Process Work?
- Fill out and return a complete application to the District. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- The District will review your application, determine eligibility of your organization, and if eligible, issue your organization a voucher with a maximum funding amount based on the equipment your organization proposes to purchase and dispose of.
- Purchase the approved electric equipment from any manufacturer or retailer. Existing gasoline/diesel equipment must be disposed of with a participating dismantler.
- Submit paperwork to the District for reimbursement within 60 days of voucher issuance including:
- Signed voucher
- Receipts of purchased equipment
- Certificate of Destruction (Form provided with the voucher) and receipt from dismantler
- Forms provided by the District to set up a direct deposit
- The District will reimburse your organization for the voucher amount. Actual reimbursement amounts may be reduced based on the final cost of eligible equipment identified in the purchase receipt.
Program Materials
State Regulation – 2024
CARB approves updated regulations requiring most new small off-road engines be zero emission by 2024
Contact
Please contact us via email at [email protected] with any questions.
