Zero Emissions – CARB Cal Fleet Advisor for Small Businesses

AutoInformed.com on CARB Phasing Out Diesels

Market incentives to clean the air instead of Koch Brothers campaign contributions to keep the air and politicians dirty.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and transportation nonprofit CALSTART  today said they are accepting applications for Cal Fleet Advisor, a free assistance program to help owners and operators of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and fleets make the transition to zero-emissions. Heavy-duty trucks are the largest source of smog-forming nitrogen oxide emissions, and emit ~40% of the state’s particulate matter – despite being only about 7% of the vehicles in the state.

“The transition to zero-emissions transportation – and to cleaner air – means working collaboratively with the owners and operators who provide a critical service to California’s economy by transporting goods across the state,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. “Cal Fleet Advisor is an example of the innovative outreach and assistance that California has committed to provide to make a zero-emissions future a reality.”

Last April, CARB approved the Advanced Clean Fleets rule. It  established a phased-in transition to accomplish Governor Gavin Newsom’s (D) goal of fully transitioning the trucks that travel across the state to zero-emissions technology by 2045.

Under the new rule,almost  universally opposed by fossil-fuel financed Republicans climate-change rejectors, some vehicle types where zero-emissions technology is currently available must start the transition by 2024. Other vehicle types have later deadlines, and options to transition a percentage of their fleets to meet required zero-emissions milestones.

Cal Fleet Advisor was launched to provide personalized guidance in understanding and meeting the requirements, including getting information about funding and other assistance that will be made available. Participants in Cal Fleet Advisor will receive assistance through an assigned program expert that will serve as a single point of contact for questions and needs, including an individualized action plan that will provide information about approved technology and funding options for fleet owners and single operators.

The program will focus on smaller businesses and independent owner-operators, with an emphasis on disadvantaged communities that often have challenges accessing government assistance programs. Drayage owner-operators are encouraged to apply, as the requirements for their transition toward zero emissions start in 2024. Other services provided will include document tracking assistance and liaison support as needed.

Learn more about Cal Fleet Advisor, application requirements and how to receive personalized assistance, at the  Cal Fleet Advisor website.

About Ken Zino

Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
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