Arts, Culture and Heritage Grants 2025

The Placer County Air Pollution Control District's Clean Air Grant (CAG) Program is designed to provide monetary grants to private companies and public agencies. The core mission of this program aligns with the broader goal of improving air quality by incentivizing actions that reduce emissions from heavy-duty engines. This goes beyond existing legal or regulatory requirements, encouraging a proactive approach to environmental stewardship. The program's strategic priority is to accelerate California's transition towards zero and near-zero emission technologies, addressing both local air quality and broader climate change concerns. The target beneficiaries of the CAG Program are diverse and include private companies, public agencies, and specific segments within these, such as small fleets for off-road funding, and entities operating school buses. A significant portion of the funds is reserved for projects located within or directly benefitting low-income communities, indicating a strong focus on environmental justice and equitable distribution of environmental benefits. The impact goals are centered on achieving surplus emission reductions, particularly from heavy-duty on-road and off-road equipment, and supporting infrastructure for cleaner technologies. The program prioritizes several key areas. These include agricultural portable and stationary engine repower and infrastructure, alternative fuel infrastructure (such as battery charging, natural gas, and hydrogen fueling stations), heavy-duty on- and off-road equipment replacement, repower, and retrofit, and school bus replacement. There is a clear emphasis on zero-emission technology and infrastructure, which is a guiding principle for the program. The District also considers special projects for sensitive receptors, further demonstrating a commitment to protecting vulnerable populations from air pollution. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in air toxics, criteria air pollutants, and greenhouse gas emissions. The program aims to achieve these reductions through investments that directly benefit impacted communities. While specific measurable results are not detailed in terms of quantifiable targets (e.g., "reduce NOx by X tons"), the guiding principles suggest a commitment to considering cost-effectiveness and exposure reduction in funding decisions, implying a data-driven approach to evaluating impact. Transparency in project selections and reporting is also a stated guiding principle, which will contribute to the accountability and effectiveness of the program.