Documented by Kendra Staub
What happened: At its Thursday meeting, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Board approved the project plan to provide incentives to replace older public fleet vehicles with new, clean-air vehicles within the AB 617 communities of south central Fresno, Arvin/Lamont and Shafter.
The plan will provide assistance for public agencies looking to replace fleet vehicles in these communities, but board members said that rebates remain available for residents and businesses looking to purchase electric vehicles Valleywide.
Through the Drive Clean rebate program, residents and businesses who purchase or lease a new, clean-air vehicle from the eligible list can apply for a rebate.
Applications for assistance with replacing vehicles older than 2006 have been placed on hold until additional funding is received, but an interest list is available. Assistance for repairing cars that won’t pass smog remains available as well.
The district offers free car emissions tests at Tune In, Tune Up events on Saturdays throughout the San Joaquin Valley. The next event scheduled in Fresno is on Dec. 9 at the Fresno Fairgrounds.
Electric landscaping equipment: Rebates for electric lawn mowers and landscaping equipment also remain available for residents and businesses.
The Clean Green Yard Machines Residential Rebate Program provides rebates for residents who replace a gas/diesel-powered lawn mower with a new electric lawn mower or purchase new electric-powered mowers or landscape equipment.
Residents of the following counties are eligible to apply: Fresno, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare and the Valley Air Basin portion of Kern County. Enhanced incentives of up to $500 are available to residents of AB617 Communities, including south central Fresno.
The Zero-Emission Landscaping Equipment Voucher Program provides incentives for San Joaquin Valley landscapers, public agencies and businesses to replace their old gas-powered landscape equipment with new electric options.
Small businesses may be eligible for up to 100% of the cost of new electric mowers, leaf blowers, edgers, trimmers, chainsaws, pole saws, brush cutters, additional batteries and chargers.
Program guidelines are available here.
Las pautas del programa en español están disponibles aquí.
Up next: The Valley Air District Board will meet again on Sept. 21.