Placer County air district opens $3M grant program for cleaner vehicles, equipment
The Placer County Air Pollution Control District has opened its annual Clean Air Grant Program, offering up to $3 million for cleaner vehicles, equipment upgrades and charging infrastructure.
The application for the grant program is open through May 31.
“The $3 million in funding for our Clean Air Grant Program comes from a variety of federal, state and local sources,” said Lauren Moore, a Placer County Air Pollution Control specialist.
“The majority comes from the California Air Resources Board , primarily through its Carl Moyer and Community Air Protection programs,” she said. “This year, we also have funding from California Air Resources Board’s CHIRP program and an EPA Targeted Airshed Grant, as well as our local District funds.”
Of the $3 million, Moore said $737,000 is set aside for projects located in or benefiting low-income or disadvantaged communities.
“That said, this amount represents a minimum commitment,” she said. “We are always able and willing to allocate more funding to projects in low-income communities depending on the applications we receive.”
Eligible projects include replacing heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks, buses and refuse haulers; upgrading off-road equipment used in construction and agriculture; installing EV charging or hydrogen fueling stations; converting agricultural pumps from diesel to electric; replacing emergency generators with cleaner models; and replacing gas- or diesel-powered utility terrain vehicles with electric models.
Adam Baughman, deputy air pollution control officer for the district, said the program helps local organizations invest in cleaner technology.
“Cleaner equipment doesn’t just improve air quality, it can also reduce fuel use and maintenance costs,” he said. “This program helps local organizations invest in upgrades that benefit both their bottom line and the health of our community.”
