Clean Air Grants - Locomotives

The 2025 Clean Air Grants for Locomotives is a funding opportunity administered by the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (District), aiming to reduce pollutant emissions from locomotives operating within Santa Barbara County, California. This grant program supports public health by facilitating the early replacement of high-emission, in-service locomotives with cleaner technologies before such upgrades are required by law or through normal replacement schedules. Funding is provided through a combination of the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Carl Moyer Program, the Community Air Protection Program, the Funding Agricultural Replacement Measures for Emission Reductions (FARMER) Program, and DMV surcharge revenue. The program specifically targets locomotive replacement projects, with a strong emphasis on zero-emission technology and projects located in disadvantaged communities, as identified by the SB 535 Disadvantaged Communities map. Eligible applicants may receive grants ranging from $10,000 to $250,000, with potential for higher awards approved on a case-by-case basis by the District Board of Directors. Grant amounts are determined by factors such as equipment usage, emission reductions, cost-effectiveness, eligible costs, and fund availability. Notably, all emission reductions must be surplus to regulatory requirements and cannot be used for emission credit trading or compliance programs. To qualify, the existing locomotive must be classified as Class 1, 2, or 3, be operational, and have been in use 100% within Santa Barbara County over the past 24 months. Applicants must demonstrate proof of usage through records such as hour meter logs and fuel usage documentation. The existing engine must be destroyed by puncturing the engine block with an 18-inch or larger hole, confirmed by District staff. The replacement locomotive must also operate exclusively within the county and be equipped with a Tier 4 Final diesel engine or cleaner technology. The project must meet CARB’s cost-effectiveness thresholds as outlined in the most recent Carl Moyer Guidelines. The application period for the 2025 cycle opens on Monday, July 28, 2025, and closes on Friday, September 5, 2025. Late applications will not be accepted. Applications can be submitted by email, mail, or in person. Required documentation includes proof of ownership and operation of the existing locomotive, compliance forms, usage records, and detailed specifications for the new locomotive including manufacturer quotes and certifications. Only complete applications will be considered, and funds are awarded on a reimbursement basis after the applicant has financed the total project cost. Applicants may submit only one locomotive grant project per entity. The District will evaluate applications based on criteria such as geographic location, emission reduction potential, technology type, and cost-effectiveness. Projects selected for funding will undergo a pre-inspection to verify the existing equipment’s operability. If funds are exhausted before the review of all applications, remaining applicants will be notified. Throughout the life of the project, recipients must submit annual usage reports, install non-resettable digital hour meters, and comply with audit inspections and CARB regulations. For questions or assistance, applicants may contact Jim Fredrickson at (805) 979-8328 or email Grants@sbcapcd.org. Spanish language support is available. Applications and further program details can be accessed via the District’s website. All applicants must sign a regulatory compliance statement confirming adherence to all relevant air quality rules and regulations.

Applicants should ensure pre-inspection readiness, compile 24-month usage logs, confirm compliance with Carl Moyer Guidelines, and secure all supporting documentation prior to submission.