Auburn, CA: More than $3 million is now available to help Placer County businesses, nonprofits, and public agencies replace older equipment, reduce air pollution, and lower operating costs.

The Placer County Air Pollution Control District (PCAPCD) has opened its annual Clean Air Grant Program, which funds cleaner vehicles, equipment upgrades, and new fueling and charging infrastructure. These projects help reduce harmful emissions that affect public health, especially for children, older adults, and those with respiratory conditions, while also improving efficiency and reliability.

Applications are open from April 1 through May 31, 2026.

โ€œCleaner equipment doesnโ€™t just improve air quality, it can also reduce fuel use and maintenance costs,โ€ said Adam Baughman, Deputy Air Pollution Control Officer. โ€œThis program helps local organizations invest in upgrades that benefit both their bottom line and the health of our community.โ€

Eligible projects include:

  • Replacing heavy-duty vehicles like trucks, buses, and refuse haulers
  • Upgrading off-road equipment, such as those used in construction and agriculture
  • Installing EV charging or hydrogen fueling stations (single-family residential projects are not eligible)
  • Converting agricultural pumps from diesel to electric
  • Replacing emergency stationary generators with cleaner models
  • Replacing gas- or diesel-powered utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) with electric models
A tractor is working on a field to prepare the soil for planting crops

Projects are selected through a competitive process, and all equipment must meet current regulations to qualify. A portion of funding is set aside for projects that benefit low-income communities.

Applications must be submitted through the PCAPCDโ€™s online forms at: https://placerair.org/1739/Clean-Air-Grant-Program.

About the Placer County Air Pollution Control District:

The Placer County Air Pollution Control District works to improve air quality and protect public health across the region. The District partners with local communities to reduce pollution from vehicles, equipment, and other sources โ€“ helping Placer County residents breathe easier from Roseville to Lake Tahoe.