The California Valley Air District announced that it has money for heavy-duty diesel owners of small fleets to replace their older, polluting trucks with newer, cleaner models. The Voucher Incentive Program is a new, streamlined option funded through the Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Attainment Program. More than $15 million is available through the program, which is 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. Trucks with 1993 and older engines are eligible. Grants are made on a first-come first-served basis, and applications will be approved within five business days. “This is a valuable way to encourage owners-operators of older trucks to make an investment in newer, cleaner models, and it fills a great need,” says Seyed Sadredin, the district’s executive director and air pollution control officer.
Eligible trucks must operate 75 percent of the time in California but need not be based in the Valley. Additional criteria include:
The replacement truck/s must meet at least 2007 emissions standards and be purchased through a participating dealership, and the old truck destroyed. Trucks purchased through the program are subject to three-year reporting. A list of participating dealerships is available here.
The program is part of the state’s overall diesel emissions reduction plan started in 2000. For additional program information or to apply for a voucher, call the grants and incentives department at 559-230-5800 or the California Air Resources Board’s diesel hotline at 866-634-3735. Check www.valleyair.org for website updates and to sign up for automated e-mail information or CARB’s website at www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/moyer/voucher/voucher.htm.
The Valley Air District covers eight counties, including San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare and the Valley air basin portion of Kern.
