The California Air Resources Board on Tuesday, Sept. 8, announced the delivery last week of the first heavy-duty diesel truck purchased through the Voucher Incentive Program, part of a statewide effort to cut toxic diesel pollution.
The owner of Lodi Backhoe, a small business in Lodi, was given the keys to a new 2009 dump truck purchased with Voucher Incentive Program funding assistance, replacing an older, dirtier model. The San Joaquin Valley air district was the first in the state to issue a voucher.
“We are happy to see the program help small business owners purchase new cleaner-running trucks that comply with our air quality regulations,” says CARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. “As a result, California residents will enjoy cleaner air and suffer fewer cases of respiratory disease and asthma.”
The Voucher Incentive Program, or VIP, is geared to small California-based fleets to help replace their older, polluting trucks with newer, cleaner models. More than $15 million is available through the program, open to any owner to fund heavy-duty truck replacements statewide. Between $30,000 and $35,000 is available per grant, depending on the age of the truck. Eligible trucks must operate 75 percent of the time in California with engines 1993 model year or older.
Participating truck dealerships can help business owners check eligibility and apply for a voucher. Grants are made on a first-come first-served basis, and qualifying applications are reviewed and approved within five business days. For a list of participating dealerships, click here.
VIP is part of the state’s overall plan to cut toxic diesel emissions 85 percent by 2020. In December, CARB adopted statewide clean truck and bus regulations to bring California closer to meeting federally mandated air-quality standards and deadlines. The San Joaquin Valley currently is working toward meeting clean-air standards for ozone and particulate matter emissions.
For additional program information or to apply for a voucher, go to www.truckstop.arb.ca.gov or call CARB’s diesel hotline at 866-634-3735.
