California Funding Program Qualifying More Fleet Owners for Cleaner-Running Trucks and Retrofits

Ultra-low-sulfur diesel engine. Photo from Cleanmpg.com.

California has some of the nation’s toughest emissions standards for diesel vehicles operating within the state, even if they’re outside-based.

The state’s Air Resource Board has just approved changes to an existing $28 million financial assistance program that will increase the number of independent truck fleet owners qualifying to purchase new cleaner-running vehicles in California.

The changes made to the statewide Voucher Incentive Program (VIP) are designed to help owners comply early with the statewide truck and bus regulations passed in 2008.

“This will help a lot of small businesses owner comply with the law, and also ensure we continue the state’s efforts to fight pollution from diesel trucks and clean up the air,” said a statement by ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols

The approximately $28 million available through the program will be used to fund both truck replacements and exhaust retrofits statewide. The new vehicle parameter changes will qualify the following types of fleet owners for funding assistance:

• Medium heavy-duty trucks with a gross vehicle weight of 19,501 pounds and above now qualify, compared to previously only heavy heavy-duty trucks with a declared vehicle weight greater than 60,000 pounds.
• Trucks with mileage as low as 15,000 miles per year are now eligible, compared to previously when a truck had to operate a minimum of 30,000 miles per year or consume 4,700 gallons of diesel fuel per year during the previous two years.
• High-mileage trucks can get up to $45,000 in voucher money, compared to previously when the maximum amount of a voucher was $35,000.
• Owners with 2002 and older engines may qualify for a newer truck, where previously only trucks with 1993 and older engines were eligible.
• Now there’s also a new funding option for up to $10,000 per truck for an exhaust retrofit.

Participating truck dealerships and retrofit installers will be available to help business owners check eligibility and apply for vouchers. These vouchers/grants will be made on a first-come, first-serve bases, and qualifying applicants will be reviewed and approved within five business days.

Besides vouchers for this program, the ARB has several other financial assistance programs that provide vouchers/grants, rebates, loans, and loan guarantees to help owners with the purchase of cleaner trucks and equipment.

For these programs, funding may be available for the following types of vehicles:

• Trailers
• Transport refrigeration units, also called TRU’s or reefers.
• Medium heavy-duty diesel trucks (14,000 to 33,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating)
• Heavy heavy-duty diesel trucks (33,001 pounds or more gross vehicle weight rating).

The ARB has a tool that can help owners find financial assistance that they may be qualified for. In addition, questions regarding the agency’s financial assistance programs for trucks, or its diesel regulations can be answered by the Diesel Hotline at 866-634-3735.

Beyond the requirements that are necessary for this year, the following are also important compliance dates for diesel-fueled tractors with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 33,000 pounds that enter California ports or intermodal rails yards:

• January 1, 2012
  • 2004 model year engines must have exhaust retrofits.
• January 1, 2013
  • 2005-2006 model year engines must have exhaust retrofits.
• January 1, 2014
  • All tractor engines must meet at least 2007 emission standards.
• January 1, 2021
  • Phase-in of 2010 model year engines or equivalent starts.

More information can be found describing requirements that apply to diesel trucks, buses, trailers, and reefer units in California at ARB’s Driving Towards a Cleaner Future.

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