Annual Carl Moyer Program to Launch Next Week

Program Provides Cash for Cleaner Engines

The Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District announced that it will be accepting applications for its Year 19 Carl Moyer Program next week. The program provides grant funding to help reduce emissions from diesel engines and off-road equipment.

This year’s application period will run September 18-October 20, 2017. A total of $472,000 will be awarded based on cost-effectiveness and public health benefits, and funding will be limited to one grant per company. Grant awards might be less than the maximum amount, depending on available funds.

Under the program, the District seeks proposals from private and public entities in Santa Barbara County for projects that reduce air pollution from diesel engines, specifically for marine diesel engine repowers and off-road equipment replacements. The District receives the grant funds for the program through the California Air Resources Board.

Carl Moyer, who passed away in 1997, helped shape the state’s leadership in air quality. His namesake program started in 1998 and has created tremendous benefits for California’s air. Statewide, the program has provided more than $1 billion to clean up engines and reduce smog-forming emissions and particulate matter. Countywide, the program has contributed $7.7 million for 147 projects that have cut 1,300 tons of smog-forming pollution and particulate matter.

In recent years, the District has helped replace 36 pieces of agricultural and construction equipment in Santa Maria, Lompoc, Buellton, and Carpinteria, along with repowering 58 marine diesel engines in commercial fishing vessels in Santa Barbara.

“I often hear that the operational- and fuel-efficiency is much better with the newer and cleaner engines,” said Jim Fredrickson, the program’s administrator at the District.“This grant program can help local businesses take that next step to being cleaner and improving their bottom line.”

For more information, including details on how the Year 19 Carl Moyer Program will operate, visit www.ourair.org/moyer-programs.