Grant programs for diesel engine upgrades accepting applications starting Jan. 1

Published on

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY – Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD) is accepting applications, due March 31, 2024, for several programs to upgrade diesel engine vehicles with a low emission engine.

According to MDAQMD, diesel exhaust is a serious public health risk, and is considered to be the No. 1 airborne carcinogen in California. To address these health risks, the state is phasing out diesel trucks and large vans to reduce toxic air contaminants. 

MDAQMD has several grant programs to help upgrade diesel engines and reduce toxic air contaminants emissions.

The Carl Moyer Program
The Carl Moyer Program provides monetary grants to private companies and public agencies to clean up their heavy-duty engines beyond what’s required by law. The program funds retrofitting, repowering or replacing engines with newer and cleaner ones.

MDAQMD has awarded more than $13 million to eligible projects. 

California Air Resources Board (CARB) and DMV Surcharge Fees provide the funding for the program. 

FARMER Program
CARB developed the Funding Agricultural Reduction Measures for Emission Reductions (FARMER) program to reduce agricultural-related emissions. 

The California Legislature allocated $135 million for grants, rebates, and other financial incentives for agricultural harvesting equipment, heavy-duty haul trucks, agricultural pump engines, tractors, and other equipment used in agricultural operations.

School bus replacements
MDAQMD also invites applications for the replacement of old diesel school buses with zero-emission buses. Community Air Protection Program (CAPP) funds the school bus replacements. 

The Carl Moyer Program also has provided funding for this program.

RELATED: Big rigs and buses made prior to 2010 no longer allowed on CA roads

MDAQMD is the air pollution regulatory authority for the High Desert portion of San Bernardino County and the Palo Verde Valley in Riverside County. A board of 13 members that represent nine incorporated municipalities and two counties govern the agency.

For more information on these programs visit https://www.mdaqmd.ca.gov/grants or contact MDAQMD’s Grants Section at 760-245-1661, ext. 3004 or email [email protected] 

spot_img

Latest articles

CDFW to capture and collar deer, elk, and wolves via helicopter in Northern California

CALIFORNIA — The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced December 29 that...

Recovery underway for three deceased hikers on Mount Baldy

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY – On Dec. 29, 2025, at about 11:30 a.m., San Bernardino...

California truck driver facing charges after leading multi‑county semi‑truck chase

A California man is being held without bond after leading law enforcement on a...

Ballot measure would tax California billionaires 5% once

CALIFORNIA — A proposed statewide ballot initiative would create a one‑time tax on California...

More like this

California rewards $50,000 for unsolved mystery, offers additional $50,000 for other cold cases

CALIFORNIA – Governor Gavin Newsom announced December 22, a $50,000 reward payment to three...

California tech companies partner with federal government to offer $200K jobs — no degree required

CALIFORNIA — The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced on December 15 a new...

California minimum wage to increase in 2026 as local cities and industries push higher pay

CALIFORNIA – California’s statewide minimum wage will increase to $16.90 per hour on Jan....