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Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust - Zero-Emission Transit Bus is a grant from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) that provides funding to replace older, polluting vehicles with clean zero-emission alternatives across California.
Administered through the VW Environmental Mitigation Trust, this program offers five funding categories totaling $360 million, including $130 million for zero-emission transit, school, and shuttle buses and $90 million for zero-emission Class 8 freight vehicles. Funding is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis for most categories, with infrastructure funding awarded competitively.
Applicants must scrap the old vehicle being replaced to qualify, ensuring verified emissions reductions and improved air quality in communities statewide.
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How to Apply for VW Environmental Mitigation Trust Funding | California Air Resources Board California Air Resources Board How to Apply for VW Environmental Mitigation Trust Funding Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust for California What types of vehicles or equipment are eligible and how do I apply for funding? Five categories of vehicles and equipment are eligible for funding, as shown in the table below.
Select below to apply for funding or get information on when funding will be available: Project Category Application Type Total Amount Allocated Zero-Emission Transit, School, and Shuttle Buses First-Come/First-Served $130 Million Zero-Emission Class 8 Freight and Port Drayage Trucks First-Come/First-Served $90 Million Zero-Emission Freight and Marine Projects heavy-lift forklifts and port cargo handling equipment airport ground support equipment ocean-going vessel shore power ferry, tugboat, and towboat zero-emission repowers First-Come/First-Served $70 Million Combustion Freight and Marine Projects Low NOx Class 7-8 freight trucks (including waste haulers, dump trucks, and concrete mixers) or engine repowers Tier 4 freight switcher locomotives or engine repowers Tier 4 or hybrid ferry, tugboat, and towboat repowers First-Come/First-Served $60 Million Light-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Competitive Solicitation $10 Million In all cases except ocean-going vessel shore power and light-duty zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, funding can only be provided to replace existing internal combustion engines or vehicles.
The existing vehicle, equipment, or engine in the owner's fleet must be scrapped. (800) 242-4450 | helpline@arb. ca.
gov 1001 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 P. O. Box 2815, Sacramento, CA 95812 Gavin Newsom Opens a New Window.
Secretary for Environmental Protection Yana Garcia Opens a New Window. Chair, California Air Resources Board Lauren Sanchez Opens a New Window. The California Air Resources Board is one of six boards, departments, and offices under the umbrella of the California Environmental Protection Agency.
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: California public and private transit agencies eligible to replace existing internal combustion engine vehicles; existing vehicles must be scrapped as a condition of funding. Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates $130,000,000 total for zero-emission buses Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is rolling deadlines or periodic funding windows. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
Federal grant success rates typically range from 10-30%, varying by agency and program. Build a strong proposal with clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and a well-justified budget to improve your chances.
Requirements vary by sponsor, but typically include a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capability statement, and key personnel CVs. Check the official notice for the complete list of required attachments.
Yes — AI tools like Granted can help research funders, draft proposal sections, and check compliance. However, always review and customize AI-generated content to reflect your organization's unique strengths and the specific requirements of the solicitation.
Review timelines vary by funder. Federal agencies typically take 3-6 months from submission to award notification. Foundation grants may be faster, often 1-3 months. Check the program's timeline in the official solicitation for specific dates.
Many federal programs offer multi-year funding or allow competitive renewals. Check the official solicitation for continuation and renewal policies. Non-competing continuation applications are common for multi-year awards.