CARB to offer up to $16 million for clean trucks

The California Air Resources Board has approved between $11 and $16 million for the third year of funding toward the purchase of lower-emitting and fuel-efficient hybrid and zero-emissions trucks and buses.

The money is part of a $40 million funding for the third year of the program, which promotes the purchase of the next-generation of clean cars, trucks, and off-road equipment.

“This money is going to put thousands of ultra-clean vehicles on our roads within the year,” said CARB chairman Mary D. Nichols. “That means better air quality sooner, and real progress in making a dent in our dependence on petroleum.”

Vouchers or rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The program, which has been used to help fund approximately 3,000 hybrid and zero-emissions cars, trucks, and buses totaling $58 million, also includes between $15 and $21 million for funding of consumer rebates of up to $2,500 for the purchase of zero-emissions or plug-in hybrid passenger vehicles, and $2 to $3 million toward locomotive, truck, and bus technology demonstration projects.

For more information on the program and how to apply for a voucher or rebate, visit http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aqip/aqip.htm