Zero Emissions – CARB Cal Fleet Advisor for Small Businesses

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.