Valley Clean Air Now

Education, advocacy, and outreach initiatives are aimed at enhancing awareness and accessibility of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) among drivers and riders in marginalized and hard-to-reach communities in California. These activities involve direct engagement efforts, filling information gaps, overcoming barriers, and presenting opportunities to expedite ZEV adoption in these communities.Moreover, VCAN has implemented a county-wide vehicle repair pilot program in Nevada, with the goal of improving air quality across the valley. This program provides financial assistance for emission-related vehicle repairs, with a particular focus on assisting low-income residents who own highly polluting vehicles. Additionally, VCAN addresses the shortage of trained ZEV technicians by expanding ZEV maintenance training programs in community colleges and high schools, specifically those catering to students in disadvantaged communities.To further promote education and outreach regarding low carbon fuel standards and overcome obstacles in the electric vehicle program, VCAN is actively targeting equity communities. This effort involves increasing awareness and participation in the program by using unconventional communication channels to engage with customers effectively.

Vehicle Replacement Program: Due to COVID, switched to a phone bank system which assisted vehicle owners in replacing old, high emitting passenger vehicles with efficient and technologically advanced vehicles with a variety of incentives ranging from $2,500 to $9,500, depending on the income level of the participant and the vehicle being purchased or leased. All vehicles replaced were destroyed and recycled to ensure no future operation. Installed home electric vehicle chargers for customers who bought plug-in vehicles through the Clean Cars 4 All program.

Tune in and Tune Up: Due to COVID, switched from in-person events to a phone bank system to distribute Tune in and Tune Up vouchers for up to $850 in free emissions related repairs at local STAR-certified smog shops. The program efficiently converts program funds into quantifiable emissions reductions. $1 million in Tune In & Tune Up spending produces 1,150 repairs resulting in approximate annual reductions of 65 tons of carbon monoxide, 8.5 tons of hydrocarbon and 7 tons of nitrogen oxide. Tune In & Tune Up has been shown to be among the most cost-effective methods to reduce vehicle emissions in California.