The California Air Resources Board has launched a loan program to help the state’s small businesses achieve early compliance with the board’s off-road diesel regulations. In partnership with the California Pollution Control Financing Authority, $5 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds will be available.
The funds are available to upgrade off-road diesel vehicles used in construction, agriculture, mining and industrial operations for businesses unable to obtain financing for this purpose through conventional loans.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Small business with 500 or fewer employees
- Majority of the employees must live in California
- Majority of the business operation takes place in California
- Company has a Diesel Off-Road On-line Reporting System (DOORS) identification number.
Fleets of all sizes are eligible for the loan assistance program. The loan may be used to cover engine repowers (upgrades to cleaner Tier 2 to Tier 4 engines that are ARB-certified or remanufactured), replacement of an older vehicle with one of the same type and similar horsepower equipped with a cleaner Tier 2 to Tier 4 engine, ARB-verified diesel emission control devices or exhaust retrofits, and projected maintenance costs for exhaust retrofits, installation and extended warranties for purchased vehicles.
Interested parties can apply by completing an application at a CalCAP Off-Road Lender or by visiting the ARB website, calling 1-866-6DIESEL or e-mailing [email protected].
