Yesterday, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) handed out the first check from a new pot of $15 million for clean vehicle rebates. 

Yesterday, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) handed out the first check from a new pot of $15 million for clean vehicle rebates. San Diego County Supervisor Ronald Roberts handed the $2,500 check to the proud new owner of a 2011 Nissan LEAF during a ceremony at the California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE).

“Clean transportation plays a critical role in meeting our state’s long-term air quality goals, and we know that California’s tough vehicle standards draw infrastructure investments and continue to drive innovation,” Roberts said. “This is one reason why California leads the nation in the clean transportation race.”

California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP), which promotes the purchase of zero-emission or plug-in hybrid passenger vehicles, is now in its third year. Golden State residents can receive rebates of $900 to $2,500 for EVs, PHEVs, fuel cell vehicles and electric motorcycles. The latest round of cash should fund 6,000 to 8,000 rebates. CARB also provides incentives for hybrid and electric trucks, locomotives and construction equipment, and offers free public workshops about clean vehicle options. Funding comes from smog abatement and vehicle registration fees.

For information about CVRP rebates, see www.energycenter.org/cvrp.