CORE Newsletter: May 2026
Program Updates
CARB CORE Workgroup Webinar Coming Soon
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) will host a virtual public workgroup on July 2 to announce the final funding allocations to CORE, the official funding launch date, and Implementation Manual updates. Stakeholders, including equipment purchasers, dealers, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), are encouraged to provide public feedback on Implementation Manual policy changes. CORE funding is expected to open by mid-September. The final Implementation Manual will be published in Mid-July and will serve as the guidelines for FY26-27. CARB webpages will be updated in the coming days to reflect the most up-to-date Workgroup information.
- Date: July 2, 2026
- Location: Virtual
- Hosted by: CARB
Apply for Equipment Eligibility
There’s still time for OEMs to apply to join the CORE-eligible equipment catalog. Zero-emission heavy-duty off-road equipment manufacturers can submit documents outlined in Attachment A to CARB to be considered. Applications are reviewed year-round and on a first-come, first-served basis.
The deadline for application priority review this year is July 7. Applications received before this date will be reviewed before the CORE voucher system opens. OEMs are encouraged to apply well before funding launch, so submit your application soon.
To submit your application or for questions about your eligibility status, please email [email protected].
Tools & Resources
Introducing the Dealer Newsletter
CORE has created a new channel for providing critical project information and resources to approved dealers and OEMs: The CORE Dealer Newsletter. This new, dedicated resource will provide timely updates and essential program information. Each edition will include key funding updates, policy and requirement changes, opportunities for collaboration with the CORE team, and helpful guidance to address common questions and support your participation in the project.
The newsletter will be distributed throughout the funding cycle, with the next issue planned for July 2026. All currently approved dealers and OEMs will be automatically enrolled to receive this issue.
We’re excited to launch this new channel and look forward to continuing to support your success as a valued CORE partner.
Upcoming Events
Pistachio Day
Pistachio Day brings together growers and ag professionals for a focused look at the decisions shaping today’s pistachio operations, from crop management strategies to emerging technologies. The event offers a valuable opportunity to gain insights and connect with peers across California’s pistachio industry.
The CALSTART San Joaquin Valley team will be on-site, sharing how CORE vouchers can support the adoption of zero-emission agricultural equipment, helping growers modernize operations, reduce emissions, and advance long-term sustainability.
- Date: June 17, 2026
- Location: Tulare, CA
- Hosted by: JCS Marketing
CORE in the Community
ACT Expo
ACT Expo brought together a global community of leaders advancing clean transportation, highlighting strong momentum around zero-emission technologies and real-world deployment. CORE was proud to be part of the event, connecting with partners and stakeholders exploring pathways to cleaner fleets and equipment. The conversations and collaboration throughout the week reinforced a shared commitment to accelerating the adoption of cleaner technologies—and the important role programs like CORE play in helping turn that momentum into action.
California Green Building Conference 2026
At the February 19 Turlock Walnut Conference, CORE and Cal Fleet Advisor connected with more than two dozen growers and agricultural professionals. Program staff connected with attendees, who expressed openness to zero-emission solutions, including solar, batteries, and infrastructure, as ways to stabilize long-term operating costs and reduce environmental impact. The event highlighted clear opportunities for education, collaboration, and infrastructure planning. This conference helped CORE staff strengthen partnerships with regional nonprofits, exploring a farmer-focused infrastructure, and advance conversations with leads and partners to help expand zero-emission adoption across the Central Valley’s strong and engaged agriculture community.
California Tribal Leaders Energy & Safety Summit
The Fifth Annual Tribal Leaders Energy Summit created a collaborative space to exchange perspectives on resilient energy systems, community priorities, and long-term sustainability. CORE was glad to be part of the conversation, engaging with Tribal communities, sharing program opportunities, and supporting hands-on experiences with zero-emission heavy-duty equipment. The event was a powerful reminder of the leadership and innovation driving clean energy progress across Tribal nations, and the importance of partnership in advancing a more resilient future.
Almond Day Conference
CALSTART’s San Joaquin Valley team attended the Almond Day Conference, hosted by JCS Marketing in Fresno, CA. Project administrators connected with California nut growers to share how CORE can support the transition to clean, zero-emission agricultural equipment.
Lake Berryessa Electric Boat Festival
CORE presented at the Electric Marine Industry Leadership Summit, an invite-only forum bringing together leaders across government, policy, technology, and industry to help shape the future of the electric marine ecosystem. The summit focused on advancing collaboration, investment, and real-world progress toward zero-emission marine solutions. CORE’s deputy director, Emily Spath, presented on how incentive funding can help support the adoption of zero-emission marine equipment and participated in the zero-emission vessel ride-and-drives.
CORE Newsletter: February 2026
Tools & Resources
Electrified Construction Guide
Electric construction equipment powered by low- or zero-carbon electricity is a practical strategy for decarbonizing during the construction phase. Developed by U.S. Green Building Council California (USGC-CA) with input from CORE Project Administrator, Emily Spath, this electrification guide outlines the key considerations for implementing an electric equipment strategy on job sites, with a focus on contractor use cases and decision-making. When considered during pre-construction planning, electric equipment can outperform diesel alternatives while reducing air and noise pollution and lowering embodied carbon.
Upcoming Events
2026 San Diego Ride & Drive
Ready to feel the power of innovation? This April, CALSTART and CARB are hosting the San Diego Ride & Drive to offer a hands-on experience with the latest zero-emissions off-road equipment, giving you the chance to test-drive groundbreaking machines designed for high-performance operation.
From rugged construction gear to advanced large forklifts, past events have showcased over 70 Class 2b–8 trucks, buses, vans, and off-road equipment. This free event is a great opportunity to explore the future of clean transportation — not just by looking, but by driving.
Whether you want to display your equipment, host a booth at the resource fair, or sign up to ride, we've got a spot for you. Spaces fill up fast, so don't wait to register.
- Date: April 29, 2026
- Location: San Diego, CA
- Hosted by: CALSTART & CARB
California Green Building Conference 2026
As California’s longest-running and largest green building conference, the impactful 25th Annual California Green Building Conference brings together more than 1,000 green leaders for a powerful day of ideas, collaboration, and action. CORE is a proud sponsor of this event, as it connects sustainability innovators, industry professionals, equipment manufacturers, and community changemakers to explore bold solutions, celebrate leadership, and help shape the future of California’s built environment.
- Date: May 27- May 28, 2026
- Location: Berkeley, CA
- Hosted by: U.S. Green Building Council California
California Tribal Leaders Energy & Safety Summit
For the fifth year in a row, CALSTART will host the Tribal Leaders Energy Summit, bringing together investor-owned utilities and Tribal leaders to prompt discussion around energy sovereignty, improved grid resiliency, and emergency management. CORE will attend to connect with tribal leaders, spread awareness of the project, and offer zero-emission heavy-duty equipment onsite to test drive. This is a free event, so be sure to attend to learn how tribes are leading the way toward a clean energy future.
- Date: May 18 – May 20, 2026
- Location: Alpine, CA
- Hosted by: CALSTART
CORE in the Community
World Ag Expo - February 10-12
CORE administrators and CALSTART’s San Joaquin Valley office connected with the international farming community at the annual World Ag Expo in Tulare, CA. During this exhilarating event, the team met with leading manufacturers to discuss zero-emission agricultural equipment innovations while spreading the word about CORE’s vouchers to California’s farmers ahead of the FY25-26 funding cycle. There was strong interest amongst California’s growers and ranchers about joining the CORE project, as indicated by CORE’s elevated web traffic. This colorful expo is a can’t-miss opportunity for those in the agriculture industry to see the advancements in clean farming, so be sure to sign up to attend in 2027.
To learn how clean agriculture equipment can change your farming operations, email [email protected].
California Walnut Conference – February 19
At the February 19 Turlock Walnut Conference, CORE and Cal Fleet Advisor connected with more than two dozen growers and agricultural professionals. Program staff connected with attendees, who expressed openness to zero-emission solutions, including solar, batteries, and infrastructure, as ways to stabilize long-term operating costs and reduce environmental impact. The event highlighted clear opportunities for education, collaboration, and infrastructure planning. This conference helped CORE staff strengthen partnerships with regional nonprofits, exploring a farmer-focused infrastructure, and advance conversations with leads and partners to help expand zero-emission adoption across the Central Valley’s strong and engaged agriculture community.