The California Air Resources Board on Thursday, Feb. 26, approved more than $700,000 in grants to bolster the commercialization of three cutting-edge clean air technologies. The projects, funded under CARB’s Innovative Clean Air Technologies program, include demonstrations of a big-rig truck trailer aerodynamic device, a specialized drivetrain for commercial vehicles, and a stationary biogas engine.
“Taking an entrepreneurial idea to commercial success is often the most challenging part of business,” says CARB Chairman Mary Nichols. “These grants are the seed money that will bring California new, green technologies that will enliven our economy and clean our air.”
Three projects were selected for their potential to support CARB programs and initiatives, and lead to emissions reductions in California:
At least 50 percent of a project’s total cost must come from matching funds, and 10 percent must be committed by the grantee; criteria for project selection include the potential air quality benefit, readiness for commercialization in California, project quality and synchronicity with CARB’s existing programs.
CARB says its staff reviews proposals looking for technologies and projects that promote emissions reductions in California by introducing a new prevention or control technology, augmenting the degree of control provided by an existing technology, reducing the cost or other practical impediment, or increasing scope of application. Proposals that meet these and other criteria then are recommended to the board for its approval.
Since its inception in 1993, the Innovative Clean Air Technologies program has provided 63 grants, for a total of about $12.7 million, including Thursday’s grants. Any new, technically challenging technology or application that supports CARB’s programs and goals, while benefiting the state’s economy, may be considered for a grant. For more information about the Innovative Clean Air Technologies program and projects it supports, go to www.arb.ca.gov/research/icat/icat.htm.
