Summary
- California Air Resources Board (CARB) launched the $242 million Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) to help low-income Californians purchase zero-emission vehicles
- DCAP offers grants and loans up to $12,000 for eligible participants in exchange for scrapping older vehicles
- Participants can use the grant to purchase zero-emission cars, motorcycles, e-bikes, and also receive $2,000 for electric charging costs
- DCAP aims to provide transportation options to underserved communities across the state and expand access to areas not covered by existing programs
- The program aligns with California’s goals of achieving carbon neutrality and a clean air future, ultimately reducing air pollution and greenhouse gases from the transportation sector.
Article
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has launched a new program called the Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP), which aims to provide grants and loan assistance to low-income Californians for the purchase of zero-emission vehicles. Administered by the Community Housing Development Corporation, DCAP will prioritize individuals with limited credit and financial challenges, empowering them to secure reliable transportation while fostering financial stability and environmental responsibility. The program will benefit communities in parts of the state that do not already have assistance programs, including tribes and rural areas.
Eligible participants in DCAP can receive up to a $12,000 grant for purchasing or leasing a new or used zero-emission vehicle, along with an additional $2,000 for electric charging costs. The program also offers low-interest loans for the purchase of zero-emission cars, motorcycles, or e-bikes. Priority participants must be at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. The program ensures that the application process does not pose a barrier and offers purchase assistance and vehicle loans capped at 8% through partnerships with credit unions.
DCAP expands access to areas of the state that are not currently covered by air district programs like Clean Cars 4 All (CC4A), which has helped thousands of Californians purchase cleaner vehicles since 2015. The program helps in removing older, polluting vehicles from the roadways and replacing them with cleaner alternatives. The average replacement vehicle obtained through CC4A has an equivalent fuel economy of 80 mpg, contributing significantly to air quality improvement and climate goals.
The transportation sector in California is the largest source of air pollution and greenhouse gases, impacting public health, especially in disadvantaged communities. DCAP and other vehicle-purchase incentive programs play a crucial role in supporting the state’s air quality and climate goals, aligning with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s order for all new car and passenger truck sales in California to be zero emission by 2035. State clean vehicle incentives can be combined with federal program funding, making the switch to clean vehicles more affordable and accessible for all Californians.
DCAP will offer tailored assistance to ensure that low-income Californians are not priced out of clean transportation options. The program will prioritize communities across the state that do not have access to existing assistance programs, ultimately helping residents secure reliable and environmentally friendly transportation while promoting financial stability and inclusion. Through partnerships with credit unions, DCAP offers purchase assistance and low-interest loans to eligible participants, ensuring equitable access to clean air vehicles and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility in California.
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