Elishia Sharie, Author at Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project

CORE Advocates Learning Symposium: Clean Construction Equipment

CORE Project Administrators are hosting a series of learning sessions featuring panelists covering various subjects in the zero-emissions off-road industry. These learning sessions are intended to provide industry insights and testimonials about operating CORE-funded equipment, and other topics covering an array of zero-emission off-road technology. Our first CORE Advocates Learning Symposium will bring together zero-emission construction equipment sellers and industry experts who will discuss the benefits and challenges of adopting electric equipment, including purchasing and leasing options.

by Elishia Sharie

CORE x USGBC: Debunking the Myths Around Clean Construction

by Elishia Sharie

Professional Landscape Service Equipment Voucher Funds are Exhausted

Funding for the California CORE Project’s Professional Landscape Service Equipment segment has now been exhausted.

California Senate Bill 170 appropriated approximately $27 million toward the funding of Professional Landscape Service Equipment, which launched in November 2022, giving hundreds of small businesses and sole proprietors across California the opportunity to take advantage of a momentous voucher incentive project to transition to zero-emission landscaping equipment.

Additional funding opportunities for landscaping equipment can be found using CALSTART's Advanced Vehicle Technology and Infrastructure Funding Finder Tool or a local air district (https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/california-air-districts)

The results of the CORE Project’s Professional Landscaper Service Equipment segment between November 2022 and September 2023 can be found below.

by Elishia Sharie

Request for Proposal: Annual Survey of Clean Off-Road Equipment (CORE) Voucher Recipients

The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to solicit qualified survey companies to conduct a comprehensive study on the experiences, preferences, and challenges faced by purchasers of zero-emission equipment under the Clean Off-Road Equipment (CORE) Incentive Project. Through this survey, we aim to understand the real-world applicability, benefits, and potential areas of improvement for the CORE initiative, thereby ensuring the program not only meets but exceeds its environmental goals while also addressing the practical needs and concerns of its participants.

View the Full RFP

by Elishia Sharie

$182 Million In CORE Heavy-Duty Funding Available July 18, 2023

CORE FY 22-23 Heavy-Duty Funding Segment Opens for New Voucher Requests

Date: July 18, 2023

Time: 9:00 a.m. PST

How to Participate

The Fiscal Year 2022-23 Funding Plan for Clean Transportation Incentives allocated $182 million to the Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Program (CORE). CORE is intended to accelerate the adoption of cleaner, commercially available off-road technologies by providing a streamlined way for fleets ready to purchase specific zero-emission equipment. On July 18, 2023, CALSTART the CORE Project Administrators will open the FY 22-23 CORE funding for CORE eligible zero-emission heavy-duty off-road equipment vouchers.

The Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE) is intended to accelerate deployment of advanced technology in the off-road sector by providing a streamlined way for fleets to access funding that helps offset the incremental cost of such technology. CORE targets commercial-ready products that have not yet achieved a significant market foothold. By promoting the purchase of clean technology over internal combustion options, the Project is expected to reduce emissions, particularly in areas that are most impacted; help build confidence in zero-emission technology in support of CARB strategies and subsequent regulatory efforts where possible; and provide other sector-wide benefits, such as technology transferability, reductions in advanced-technology component costs, and larger infrastructure investments.

CORE provides vouchers to California purchasers and lessees of zero-emission off-road equipment on a first-come, first-served basis, with increased incentives for equipment located in disadvantaged communities and small businesses.

Did you know that some CORE funded equipment can be used to meet regulatory compliance requirements? Recent CARB adopted proposed amendments to the In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Fleets Regulation include voluntary compliance flexibilities for fleets that incorporate zero-emission technology into their off-road fleets. For more information, visit https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/ordiesel, see section 2449.1(d) and (e) of the regulation for detailed information.

To participate in the CORE Project, owners/operators reach out to CORE-approved Dealers here: https://californiacore.org/dealerlist/

by Elishia Sharie

DOLE going ELECTRIC with Terminalift at the Port of San Diego - Electric Reach Stacker

Terminalift electric reach stacker is utilzied by companies such as Dole at the Port of San Diego. Terminalift plans to transition their whole lineup of port equipment to electric in the near future.

by Elishia Sharie

World AG Expo 2023

CORE team and industry partner STIHL booth at World Ag Expo 2023 CORE team member testing out zero-emission equipment

The CORE team had a great time participating in the 2023 World AG Expo in Tulare CA, the world's largest annual agricultural exposition! More than 1,200 exhibitors displayed the latest in farm equipment, communications and technology on 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space. Free seminars focused on a variety of topics important to dairy producers, farmers, ranchers and agribusiness professionals. This was a great space for the CORE team to connect with industry leaders and community members as well as share information about the Project's new equipment categories and funding opportunities. CORE now funds zero-emission Agricultural Equipment and Professional Landscape Service Equipment, learn more!

Looking forward to returning in 2024. More information about the World AG Expo: https://www.worldagexpo.com/

by Elishia Sharie

New CORE Partnerships for Professional Landscape Service Equipment

The California CORE Project has partnered up with the American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA) and Univision to amplify the news about CORE's new funding category, Professional Landscape Service Equipment. AGZA will help CORE connect with professional landscapers by organizing in-person and online events where landscapers can test out zero-emission professional landscaping equipment, connect with industry professionals and learn more about CORE voucher incentives. Univision will support CORE by utilizing their wide network and multiple methods of communication to inform and educate Spanish speakers about CORE funding opportunities and how to apply for voucher incentives. Through these partnerships, CORE will effectively reach small business landscapers and sole proprietors who would most benefit from receiving CORE voucher incentives for zero-emission Professional Landscape Service Equipment.

CORE x AGZA x Univision Partnership Announcement Graphic English

by Elishia Sharie

La nueva categoría de financiamiento de CORE proporciona más de $27 millones de dólares para los profesionales de jardinería de pequeñas empresas

A partir del 7 de Noviembre de 2022, los profesionales de jardinería de pequeñas empresas que califiquen pueden comprar cortadoras de césped, sopladoras y otro equipo de jardinería cero emisiones con descuento a través de una nueva categoría de financiamiento que se ofrece a través del Proyecto de Incentivos con cupones para Equipo Todoterreno Limpio (Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project, CORE) del Consejo de Recursos del Aire de California. Administrado por CALSTART, la nueva categoría de financiamiento del programa CORE tiene una asignación de más de $27 millones de dólares de fondos de cupones para servicios profesionales de jardinería operados por pequeñas empresas o propietarios únicos.

CALSTART administra el programa CORE y su nueva categoría de financiamiento para CARB. CARB anunció por primera vez esta nueva oportunidad de financiamiento en octubre.

“Los jardineros profesionales a menudo operan con márgenes de ganancias muy ajustados y pueden tener dificultades para actualizarse a una nueva tecnología”, dijo Jacob Whitson, gerente de programa de CALSTART, “Los nuevos incentivos de vales para jardinería de CORE les permitirán adoptar más fácilmente equipos profesionales de cero emisiones para sus negocios, mientras que a su vez insta a los fabricantes a expandir sus ofertas en este mercado”.

“Este nuevo equipo más limpio y silenciosocon amplia disponibilidad elimina la exposición a gases nocivos para los profesionales que operan estas máquinas y para cualquier persona cercana”, dijo Sydney Vergis, jefa de la División de Control de Fuentes Móviles de CARB. “Los fondos de los incentivos del proyecto CORE ayudarán a que más equipos de cero emisiones lleguen a las manos de los profesionales de la jardinería, al mismo tiempo que ayudan a California a cumplir sus objetivos climáticos y de aire limpio”.

Los compradores de equipos pueden solicitar cupones para los siguientes tipos de equipo de jardineríaa partir de hoy, 7 de noviembre de 2022:

Bordeadoras
Cortasetos
Desbrozadoras
Motosierras
Sierras de pértiga
Aspiradoras
Sopladoras de hojas portátiles
Sopladoras de hojas de mochila
Podadoras de empuje
Podadoras con operador a bordo/de pie
Baterías
Cargadores
Equipo de administración de energía

El sitio web de CORE presenta una lista de fabricantes de equipos de servicio de jardinería de cero emisiones aprobados y una lista de distribuidores autorizados en todo California y otros estados.

Para reunir los requisitos para los cupones, las pequeñas empresas deben ofrecer servicios de jardinería que ayuden a reparar, instalar o subcontratar el desarrollo de sistemas e instalaciones de jardinería para jardines públicos y privados y otras áreas que están diseñadas para mejorar estética, arquitectónica, hortícola o funcionalmente los terrenos dentro o alrededor de una estructura o una extensión o parcela de tierra. Además, la empresa debe ser de propiedad y operación independientes con una oficina principal que se encuentre en California. Finalmente, la empresa debe tener 100 empleados o menos y un promedio de ingresos brutos anuales de $15 millones de dólares o menos durante los tres años anteriores.

Para promover una amplia aplicación de los fondos CORE, se reservarán $10 millones de dólares de la asignación total de fondos durante 180 días naturales para garantizar que las microempresas tengan acceso a participar. Los $17 millones de dólares restantes se reservarán para pequeñas empresas.

Para enviar una solicitud para un cupón, los compradores de los vehículos deben seleccionar el equipo del catálogo y comunicarse con un distribuidor aprobado para enviar una solicitud de cupón. El concesionario enviará la solicitud de cupón al Centro de Procesamiento de cupones y el comprador del vehículo recibirá el incentivo CORE en el punto de venta.

Se han asignado otros $17.2 millones de dólares en fondos de cupones para equipo de trabajo pesado para las categorías de equipos agrícolas y de construcción respaldadas por CORE, que incluyen: cabezas tractoras terminales, unidades de refrigeración para transporte montadas en camiones y remolques, montacargas grandes y equipo de manejo de carga, unidades de energía móviles, equipos de apoyo en tierra para aeropuertos, embarcaciones comerciales portuarias y transportadores de vagones y locomotoras de cambio. La primera ronda de CORE dio como resultado más de 460 cupones para vehículos y equipos de suministro de vehículos eléctricos por un total de más de $62 millones de dólares, siendo las cabezas tractoras de terminal el tipo de equipo más solicitado. La segunda ronda de CORE se lanzó en julio de 2022 y tuvo una gran demanda. Actualmente, hay financiamiento disponible. Visite https://californiacore.org/ticker/ para obtener más información.

by Elishia Sharie

New CORE Funding Category Provides More Than $27 million for Small Business Landscape Professionals

Starting November 7, 2022, qualified small business landscape professionals can purchase discounted zero-emission lawn mowers, blowers and other landscape equipment through a new category of funding offered through the California Air Resources Board’s Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE). Administered by CALSTART, the CORE program’s new funding category has an allocation of more than $27 million of voucher funds for professional landscape services operated by small businesses or sole proprietors.

CALSTART administers the CORE program and its new funding category for CARB. CARB first announced this new funding opportunity in October.

“Professional landscapers often operate on very tight profit margins and can find it challenging to upgrade to new technology,” said Jacob Whitson, CALSTART’s lead project manager, “CORE’s new landscape voucher incentives will allow them to more easily adopt zero-emission professional equipment for their businesses, while in turn encouraging manufacturers to expand their offerings in this market.”

“Now widely available, this new cleaner, quieter equipment eliminates exposure to harmful fumes for the professionals operating these machines, and for anyone nearby,” said Sydney Vergis, chief of CARB’s Mobile Source Control Division. “The CORE project incentive funds will help get more zero-emission equipment into the hands of landscape professionals — while also helping California meet its clean air and climate goals.”

Equipment purchasers can request vouchers for the following types of landscape equipment starting today, November 7, 2022:

Edgers
Hedgers
String trimmers
Chainsaws
Pole saws
Vacuums
Handheld leaf blowers
Backpack leaf blowers
Walk-behind mowers
Ride-on/Stand-ride mowers
Batteries
Chargers
Power management equipment

CORE’s website features both a list of approved zero-emission landscape service equipment manufacturers and a list of approved dealers throughout California and other states.

To be considered for voucher eligibility, small businesses must offer landscape services that help repair, install, or subcontract the development of landscape systems and facilities for public and private gardens and other areas that are designed to aesthetically, architecturally, horticulturally, or functionally improve the grounds within or surrounding a structure or a tract or plot of land. Additionally, the business must be independently owned and operated with a principal office located in California. Finally, the company must have 100 or fewer employees and average annual gross receipts of $15 million or less over the previous three years.

To promote broad application of CORE funding, $10 million of the total funding allocation will be set aside for 180 calendar days to ensure microbusinesses have access to participate. The remaining $17 million will be set aside for small businesses.

To submit a voucher request, vehicle purchasers must select eligible equipment from the equipment catalog and contact an approved dealer to submit a voucher request. The dealer will submit the voucher request to the Voucher Processing Center and the vehicle purchaser will receive the CORE incentive at the point of sale.

Another $125 million in heavy-duty voucher funds have been allocated for construction and agriculture equipment categories supported by CORE, including: terminal tractors, truck- and trailer-mounted transport refrigeration units, large forklifts and cargo-handling equipment, mobile power units, airport ground-support equipment, commercial harbor craft and railcar movers and switcher locomotives. The first round of CORE resulted in over 460 vouchers for vehicles and electric vehicle supply equipment totaling over $62 million, with terminal tractors being the most requested equipment type. The second round of CORE launched in July of 2022 and saw high demand. Currently, there is funding available. Visit https://californiacore.org/ticker/ to learn more.

by Elishia Sharie