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World AG Expo 2023

By Industry Events

            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/

February 27, 2023

New CORE Partnerships for Professional Landscape Service Equipment

By Uncategorized

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 EnglishCORE x AGZA x Univision Partnership Announcement Graphic Espanol

January 6, 2023

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

By Funding Opportunity, Funding Updates

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.

November 4, 2022

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

By Funding Opportunity, Funding Updates

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.

November 4, 2022

Technology and Market Assessment of Zero-Emission Off-Road Equipment

By Industry Opportunities, Off-Road Equipment

Following advancements made with zero-emission (ZE) on-road vehicles, electrification is progressing rapidly across the many segments in the off-road equipment category. This report provides a comprehensive survey of the technological status and market readiness of ZE off-road equipment. It includes in-depth analyses of various off-road markets, assessing their technological strengths and identifying areas for further market development in order to more rapidly electrify this equipment to meet climate and air quality goals. This report will be updated on a periodic basis in support of the publication of the California Air Resources Board’s Appendix D: Long-Term Heavy-Duty Investment Strategy.

DOWNLOAD THE WHITE PAPER 

October 27, 2022

Landscape Equipment Manufacturers and Dealers Invited to Participate in New CORE Funding Program 

By Uncategorized

$27 million in Incentives Available to California-based Small Landscape Businesses for  Zero-Emission Lawn Mowers, Leaf Blowers, other Equipment

The California Air Resources Board today announced the opening of a new funding category offered through its Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE), which will make point-of-sale discount vouchers available for zero-emission professional landscape service equipment. This new funding category, administered by CALSTART, has an allocation of over $27 million of voucher funds for professional landscape services operated by small businesses or sole proprietors.

Before voucher funding can be made available to these small businesses, manufacturers are invited now to submit an equipment eligibility application for the new program. Once evaluated and approved, the zero-emission equipment will be listed on the CORE website as eligible for purchase using a discount voucher. Moreover, dealers interested in selling professional landscape equipment through CORE can also visit the CORE website to schedule required training.

Those interested in participating in the CORE project as an eligible professional landscape service manufacturer or approved dealer will need to apply by October 21, 2022. Applications received after October 21 will be accepted but the equipment or dealer may not be approved and listed in time for the opening of the program. If you’re considering participating in the CORE project, make sure to get your application in on time. For manufacturer and dealer participation information, go to  How To Participate.

Professional landscape service equipment accounts for a significant percentage of greenhouse gas emissions, and creates considerable noise pollution in the communities in which they’re operated. This new voucher incentive — set to open up for applications as early as November — will help offset the initial purchase cost of alternative zero-emission equipment.

The types of zero-emission professional landscaping equipment eligible for CORE vouchers include:

  • Edgers
  • String Trimmers
  • Hedgers
  • Chain- and pole saws
  • Handheld blowers and vacuums
  • Backpack blowers and vacuums
  • Walk-behind mowers
  • Ride-on/stand-ride mowers
  • Chargers
  • Power management equipment
  • Batteries <700Wh
  • Batteries ≥700Wh

“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.”

First announced in 2020, CORE incentives were initially offered only to freight-handling businesses and fleets. Starting in 2022, CORE expanded to include the commercial harbor craft, agriculture and construction sectors in addition to the newly opened landscaping arena.

CORE is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, improving public health and the environment, and providing meaningful benefits to the most disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households.

About California Air Resources Board (CARB)
CARB’s mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. CARB is the lead agency for climate change programs and oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health-based air quality standards.
 
About CALSTART
A national nonprofit consortium with offices in New York, Michigan, Colorado, California, Washington, D.C., central Europe and partners world-wide, CALSTART works with 300+ member company and agency innovators to build a prosperous, efficient and clean high-tech transportation industry. We knock down barriers to modernization and the adoption of clean vehicles. CALSTART is changing transportation for good.

September 22, 2022

$125M in Incentives for Off-Road Zero-Emission Equipment Available through the California CORE Project

By Funding Opportunity, Uncategorized, Funding Updates, News

Vouchers for Tractors, Forklifts, Construction Equipment and More Help Reduce Emissions and Improve Air Quality

PASADENA, CA – The California Air Resources Board (CARB) opens the second round of its Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE) today, providing point-of-sale discounts on off-road zero-emission equipment. The project is administered by CALSTART and has $125M in funding available, more than double the amount allocated to the project when it first launched in January 2020. Originally only for freight, in 2022, CORE is expanding to include funding for the commercial harbor craft and agriculture and construction sectors.

Participation in the project has been streamlined for ease of use, and key elements include:

  • Qualified participants will receive vouchers for point-of-sale discounts on off-road zero-emission equipment, up to a maximum of $500,000 per voucher
  • There is no requirement to “scrap,” sell, or retire existing equipment
  • Additional funding may be available for charging/refueling infrastructure, equipment operated in disadvantaged communities, and small businesses

“California is backing up its commitment to clean the air in overburdened communities and carry out the direction of the Governor’s Executive Order with a significant investment in zero-emission vehicles and sustainable transportation,” CARB Deputy Executive Officer Craig Segall said. “CORE is specifically designed to assist industry sectors that currently use off-road equipment and can help clean up the communities hardest hit by air pollution.”

“The streamlined process incorporates feedback from program participants and we are anticipating significant interest in this second round,” said Niki Okuk, deputy director at CALSTART.  “The industry is continuing its transition to zero-emissions and CORE provides a clear market signal that helps bring new products to the market.”

CORE supports the following nine equipment categories:

  • On- and off-road terminal tractors
  • Truck- and trailer-mounted transport refrigeration units (TRUs)
  • Large forklifts and cargo-handling equipment
  • Airport ground-support equipment
  • Railcar movers and switcher locomotives
  • Mobile power units (MPUs) and mobile shore-power cable management systems
  • Construction equipment
  • Agricultural equipment
  • Commercial harbor craft

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.

CORE is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, improving public health and the environment, and providing meaningful benefits to the most disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households.

About California Air Resources Board (CARB)

CARB’s mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. CARB is the lead agency for climate change programs and oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health-based air quality standards.

About CALSTART

A national nonprofit consortium with offices in New York, Michigan, Colorado, California, Washington, D.C., central Europe and partners world-wide, CALSTART works with 300+ member company and agency innovators to build a prosperous, efficient and clean high-tech transportation industry. We knock down barriers to modernization and the adoption of clean vehicles. CALSTART is changing transportation for good.

 

July 18, 2022

CORE Project Administrators attend ACT Expo in Long Beach

By Uncategorized, blog

Terminal Tractor

LONG BEACH, Calif.—CORE Project Administrators attended the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo—North America’s largest advanced transportation technology and clean fleet event—on May 9th and 10th to engage CORE Project participants and other prospective stakeholders who may qualify for voucher incentives.

Part of the objective was to inform stakeholders of the May 10th CORE Workgroup hosted in conjunction with CARB Staff and the publication of the revised Implementation Manual, which includes key programmatic updates and the addition of three new off-road equipment categories: commercial harbor craft, construction, and agriculture.

ACT Expo Particpants

CORE Project Administrators received feedback from current participants in the terminal tractor and forklift categories from manufacturers such as Kalmar Ottawa, Orange EV, BYD, and Wiggins Lift, Co., and distributed informative material at the expo.

The team also attended media events for Carrier Transicold and Volvo Construction Equipment, where state-of-the-art electric transport refrigeration unit (TRU) technology was presented, and a new lineup of zero-emission construction equipment was announced. Through networking and outreach, the benefits of CORE’s incentive opportunities were communicated to key stakeholders who are accelerating the shift to zero-emission off-road equipment for a future of cleaner air and healthier communities.

With the addition of the lawn and garden segment projected to launch late in 2022, CORE Administrators also spoke with OEMs in the landscaping category that have expressed interest in CORE. Landscaping technologies that will be eligible under CORE are yet to be determined.

June 3, 2022

CARB Reopens CORE Project with $125M in Incentives to Encourage Deployment of Zero-Emission Technology in Off-Road Applications

By Program Updates, Funding Updates, Funding Opportunity

CALSTART-administered Project Provides Point-of-sale Discount Vouchers for Zero-Emission Off-Road Heavy-Duty Equipment

PASADENA, CA – What could be done with $125 million to reduce the environmental harm being done by off-road equipment? The California Air Resources Board (CARB) aims to find out and has announced the second round of its Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE), tripling the amount of allocated funding from the previous round for equipment used in agriculture, airport, railyard, port, construction, and marine operations.

CORE first opened in February 2020 and closed that August after the total allocation of $44.6 million was exhausted. Due to high demand, $30 million of the FY 2021-22 allocation was appropriated ahead of CARB’s board meeting to fund vouchers on a contingency list. The project’s relaunch, scheduled to begin in July 2022, will have $125 million in available funds.

CORE is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities.

CORE encourages and assists purchasers and lessees of off-road equipment – agricultural tractors, forklifts, airport cargo loaders, container loaders, railcar movers and the like – in acquiring zero-emission versions of this equipment. While conventional internal-combustion engine (ICE) off-road equipment accounts for only a small percentage of all vehicles in California, shifting over to zero-emission equipment can help reduce the significant amount of greenhouse gasses these vehicles release.

The project is streamlined for ease of use. Those who qualify will be provided vouchers by CORE for point-of-sale discounts on off-road equipment, up to a maximum of $500,000 per voucher, and will not have to retire or sell their existing ICE equipment (called a “scrappage” requirement). There will also be additional funding for charging/refueling infrastructure equipment operated in disadvantaged communities and for small businesses.

“California is backing up its commitment to clean the air in overburdened communities with a significant investment in zero-emission vehicles and sustainable transportation,” CARB Deputy Executive Officer Craig Segall said. “CORE is specifically designed to assist industry sectors that currently use off-road equipment and can help clean up the communities hardest hit by air pollution.”

The project, administered by the national clean transportation non-profit CALSTART, is expected to reduce emissions, particularly in the most impacted areas; help build confidence in zero-emission technology in support of CARB strategies and subsequent regulatory efforts; and provide benefits such as technology transferability, reductions in advanced-technology component costs and larger infrastructure investments.

“CORE increases awareness and uptake of zero-emission equipment across many industry sectors and also sends market signals to manufacturers who can bring more of this equipment to the market,” said Niki Okuk, deputy director at CALSTART.  “We are looking forward to the new products coming online and the improvements in emission reductions and air quality.”

There are nine funding categories of zero-emission equipment that CORE supports, including:

  • On- and off-road terminal tractors
  • Truck- and trailer-mounted transport refrigeration units (TRUs)
  • Large forklifts and cargo-handling equipment
  • Airport ground-support equipment
  • Railcar movers and switcher locomotives
  • Mobile power units (MPUs) and mobile shore-power cable management systems
  • Construction equipment
  • Agricultural equipment
  • Commercial harbor craft

The equipment eligible under these categories is manufactured and sold by such companies as:

  • Orange EV
  • Kalmar
  • Kalmar Ottawa
  • ITW
  • Wiggins
  • BYD
  • Dannar
  • AEM
  • Freewire
  • Zephir-Trackmobile
  • Worldwide Forklifts
  • Shuttlewagon
  • eNow

To become an approved CORE manufacture or dealer visit californiacore.org. If you are a purchaser interested in zero-emission equipment visit the project page for more information.

About California Air Resources Board (CARB)

CARB’s mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. CARB is the lead agency for climate change programs and oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health-based air quality standards.

About CALSTART

A national nonprofit consortium with offices in New York, Michigan, Colorado, California, Washington, D.C., central Europe and partners world-wide, CALSTART works with 300+ member company and agency innovators to build a prosperous, efficient and clean high-tech transportation industry. We knock down barriers to modernization and the adoption of clean vehicles. CALSTART is changing transportation for good.

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May 23, 2022

Dole Advances on Goal of 100% Electric Cargo Handling Equipment at San Diego Port Terminal – Funded in Part via CORE

By News

Dole Company Photo

Dole Food Company announced a $1.5 million dollar electrification project at its West Coast port operation. This project has funded five new electric utility tractor rigs (UTRS) to add to Dole’s growing electric fleet of container transfer trucks.

These new terminal UTRs—adding to two existing electric vehicles currently in operation at the facility—are funded in part via the Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE) administered by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). 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 costs of such technology.

Dole will retire four diesel-powered UTRs with these new battery electric units, resulting in a substantial emission reduction.

As per the research submitted in Dole’s application to CORE, each new UTR will avoid 0.3194 tons NOx/year over the 10-year life for a total reduction of 3.194 tons NOx per UTR and a cumulative project emissions reduction of 12.776 tons NOx over the 10 years.

With these changes, Dole now affirms 35 percent of its port transfer UTRs are electric, well on its way to meet the company goal to be 100 percent electrified in its UTR fleet by 2030…

(READ THE FULL ARTICLE)

May 6, 2022

World AG Expo 2022

By Industry Events

World Ag Expo CORE Team

The CORE team hosted a booth at the 2022 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 share information about the Project’s new equipment categories and funding opportunities. We will definitely be returning in 2023!

More information about World AG Expo: https://www.worldagexpo.com/

February 20, 2022

California CORE Project FY21-22 Changes

By Program Updates, Funding Updates, News

On Friday, November 19, 2021 the California Air Resources Board (CARB) conducted a Board Meeting via Zoom to present programmatic changes to current clean transportation incentives, including potential changes to the California Clean Off-Road Equipment (CORE) Project. CARB announced it has allocated approximately $195 million to continue funding the CORE Project for FY21-22.

Potential changes to the CORE Project for FY21-22: Based on Board priorities and input received from stakeholders, staff is considering the following changes to the program:

  • Equity and Small Business Considerations: Staff will evaluate methods to build awareness and make funds more accessible to small businesses while continuing to prioritize the deployment of CORE-funded equipment in low-income, disadvantaged, underserved and rural communities. This includes a $30 million set-aside for zero-emission small off-road equipment purchases made by small California landscaping companies or sole proprietors following legislative direction.
  • New Equipment Categories: Staff has received interest from manufacturers of off-road equipment types that are not currently eligible to participate in CORE, such as those used in construction, agriculture, and lawn and garden. Staff sees a significant opportunity to expand the eligible equipment categories to include equipment used in these industries.
  • Voucher Amounts, Off-Ramps for Mature Equipment Categories, and Other Programmatic Changes: CORE is intended to spur market growth of advanced technology in off-road equipment. Staff will continue to adjust voucher levels in a way that continues to move the needle to advance technology, ensure equipment diversity, and maximize the impact of available funding. Potential adjustments could include reducing voucher amounts for equipment categories that are further along in their commercialization arc, establishing project caps, and adjusting enhancements, as appropriate.

These changes and plans to reopen the project to new voucher requests, and other topics to be included in the FY 2021-22 Implementation Manual will be discussed in more detail in upcoming CORE Workgroup meetings beginning of 2022. Information about upcoming workgroup meetings will be announced via GovDelivery notice soon (follow link to subscribe to CORE GovDelivery email notifications if you have not already). CALSTART will provide more details via email.

For questions or comments, please email [email protected].

December 14, 2021

CORE Helps to Fund Deployment of 53 Zero-Emission TRUs!

By Fleets, News

United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) deploys 53 all-electric transport refrigerated trailer units (TRUs) with help from CORE funding! The natural and organic food company anticipates that the all-electric units will save about 135,000 gallons of diesel fuel annually while lowering particulate-matter pollutant emissions and greenhouse-gas emissions. UNFI is one of the first wholesalers to employ the technology, taking action to improve global environmental issues.

Read more UNFI’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions here: https://bit.ly/3hmB6da 

August 17, 2021

Open Now: Solicitation for Combustion Freight and Marine Grant Funding in California

By Industry Opportunities, Funding Updates, Funding Opportunity

Approximately $26 million in Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust funding is available to entities throughout California for Combustion Freight and Marine Projects. This category is intended to accelerate the replacement of older, higher polluting engines throughout the state of California, including but not limited to areas that are disproportionately impacted by air pollution, such as freight corridors, ports, and rail yards. The funding is now available statewide on a first-come first-served basis until funding is exhausted.

Learn more today: https://bit.ly/3hjs5QB

July 7, 2021

Now Open for Solicitation: Zero-Emission Freight and Marine Grant Funding in California

By Funding Opportunity, News

Up to $34 million now available in California Grant Funding for Zero-Emission Freight and Marine Projects on behalf of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust Program. Funding is available statewide (CA) on a first-come, first-served basis until September 22, 2021 or until funding is exhausted.

Learn more about this funding opportunity and determine your eligibility today: https://bit.ly/3vwCUUq

June 15, 2021

2021 California Climate Investments Annual Report Released!

By News

California Climate Investments (CCI) releases 2021 Annual Report! Another record year for CCI – $3.1 billion invested in more than 51,000 projects across California with 1 billion prioritizing underserved and low-income communities. These investments aim to improve public health, fire prevention, affordable housing, and energy efficiency, as well as significant reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases. Read more about how CCI is putting cap and trade dollars to work to improve quality of life for all Californians.

Click here for the full report: https://bit.ly/3xNhjt5

May 6, 2021

$30 million now available for trucks, switcher locomotives and marine vessels in California

By News

DIAMOND BAR – Today, the second Volkswagen (VW) Environmental Mitigation Trust funding program was announced for projects across California. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) Governing Board today approved $30 million in funding for Combustion Freight and Marine Projects that will replace or upgrade engines for older, in-use vehicles such as freight trucks, switcher locomotives, ferries, tugboats and towboats. The VW Environmental Mitigation Trust program is intended to fund projects that will fully mitigate the excess NOx emissions caused by the vehicles included in the statewide VW settlement. The first installment of funds for the Combustion Freight and Marine Projects category will provide up to $30 million for projects to repower or replace older, in-use vehicles and equipment with the cleanest commercially available internal combustion or hybrid technologies certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) including:

• On-road replacements of Class 7 and 8 freight trucks (including waste haulers, dump trucks and
concrete mixers) or low NOx engine upgrades;
• Freight switcher locomotive replacements or engine upgrades to Tier 4; and
• Ferry, tugboat and towboat upgrades to Tier 4 or hybrid with Tier 4-equivalent NOx emissions.

A second solicitation for the remaining allocation of $30 million for this category is expected to be released in late 2021 or early 2022.

To be eligible to participate, new engines, vehicles and equipment funded through this program must be operated in California for a minimum of three years. The existing vehicle, equipment or engines that will be replaced or upgraded is required to be scrapped. South Coast AQMD will administer the funding statewide with CARB providing program and fiscal oversight. Applications for the program must be submitted online at http://www.aqmd.gov/vw/ by 1:00 p.m./PST, Wednesday, March 4, 2020. The VW Environmental Mitigation Trust is a nationwide program that provides funding for California to fully mitigate the excess NOx emissions caused by VW’s use of illegal emissions testing defeat devices in VW diesel vehicles. More than 50 percent of the total project funds are expected to benefit disadvantaged and low-income communities. Read the complete SCAQMD release.

December 6, 2019

California Air Resources Board announces new incentive program for clean off-road freight and cargo handling equipment

By Uncategorized, Program Updates, Funding Updates, News

SACRAMENTO – The California Air Resources Board today announced the launch of a new $40 million program designed to accelerate the purchase and use of zero-emission off-road freight technologies.  The “Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project” (CORE) will feature a streamlined voucher process for buyers to receive funding that will offset the higher costs of clean, zero-emission equipment including terminal tractors, transport refrigeration units, cargo-handling equipment and more.

“Forward-thinking, savvy business owners will want to take advantage of CORE because it will enable them to replace their dirty older equipment and get the cleanest, most advanced models available for about the same price as the diesel- or gas-powered version.  The result is equipment that saves businesses on fuel costs and has zero tailpipe emissions—a winner for the pocketbook and the community,” said CARB Executive Officer Richard W. Corey.

Under the CORE program  a business owner could receive $180,000 to cover the difference between a zero-emission tractor and one that is powered by diesel. The program also encourages deployment of cleaner technology in disadvantaged communities by providing up to 10 percent higher incentives for zero-emission equipment that will be used in these areas..  Awards can’t exceed $500,000 per piece of equipment.

CORE is based on California’s popular Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP), which is helping to facilitate and commercialize use of clean on-road technologies by transit agencies throughout the state. From its inception in 2009, more than $447 million has been allocated to HVIP.  The investment will bring the total number of ultra-clean trucks and buses operating on California’s roadways to more than 7,000 over the next two years with more on the way, as demand for vouchers continues to grow. Additionally, HVIP has helped more than 1,100 California fleets buy cleaner vehicles.

CALSTART, a national nonprofit consortium that works with innovators to advance modernization and adoption of clean vehicles, administers HVIP, and was recently awarded the contract to administer the CORE program.  Both programs are funded by California Climate Investments, the statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment—particularly in disadvantaged communities.

CORE targets commercialized zero-emission products, including the types of equipment listed below. Other equipment categories may be added in the future.

  • On- and off-road terminal tractors
  • Transport refrigeration units
  • Forklifts (greater than 8,000 lbs. lift capacity)
  • Container handling equipment
  • Airport cargo loaders
  • Wide-body aircraft tugs
  • Railcar movers
  • Rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes

To obtain CORE discounts, business owners will work with CORE-approved dealers to choose the appropriate equipment. Buyers will receive the discount at the point of sale. The dealer then submits a CORE voucher request form on behalf of the buyer and is reimbursed once all required paperwork is provided and the new zero-emission equipment is delivered to the buyer. Funds for the new program are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Anyone interested in buying equipment through the CORE program should note that their fleets must already be in full compliance with the state’s existing applicable regulations (Truck and Bus, TRU, Off-Road, Large Spark Ignition, Cargo-Handling, etc.).  The CORE program cannot be used to bring fleets into compliance.

CORE funding is expected to be available before the end of the year.

More Information

August 5, 2019