California Air Resources Board

To increase awareness of and solicit engagement and input related to its Clean Transportation Incentives, CARB has developed a suite of outreach and engagement strategies, resources, and opportunities. As outlined in the Senate Bill (SB) 350 Barriers Report, a key barrier to low-income residents’ access to zero-emission and near zero-emission transportation and mobility options is understanding the transportation needs of low-income residents and disadvantaged communities, and residents’ awareness of clean transportation and mobility options. Recommendations to address this barrier include:

• Develop a comprehensive outreach plan and community-based materials for engaging with low-income residents and disadvantaged communities across the State; and,
• Expand and better coordinate education, outreach, and exposure for clean transportation and mobility options (including incentive programs), and to improve accessibility of information and streamline outreach efforts.

Outreach and Engagement Efforts

In 2018, CARB developed the SB 350 Outreach Strategic Roadmap, which identifies strategies that support objectives to streamline outreach and improve community engagement to priority populations. Since this time and to implement the strategies outlined in the Roadmap, CARB has initiated the following outreach and engagement activities:

• Access Clean California - In response to priority recommendation five of the SB 350 Barriers Report, Access Clean California (originally called the One-Stop-Shop Pilot Project) was developed in 2018. Access Clean California takes a multi-dimensional approach to outreach with the ultimate goal of streamlining access to, and coordinating outreach for, the State’s clean transportation and clean energy consumer-based equity projects. Access Clean California helps families in underserved communities learn about and apply for incentives.
• Annual Clean Transportation Funding Plan Engagement - A wide variety of outreach and engagement opportunities to more equitably develop the annual Clean Transportation Incentives Funding Plan.
• Clean Transportation Regional Outreach Coordinators - Dedicated staff assigned to specific regions within the State to coordinate and conduct outreach on mobile source incentives and regulatory efforts. Anyone interested in coordinating outreach to a community should request a consultation with their region’s liaison.
• Collaboration and Networking Forums - CARB and its administrative partners have created several collaboration and networking forums related to clean mobility and equity incentives.
  • Clean Transportation Equity Incentives Symposium
  • Clean Mobility Forum
  • Clean Mobility Equity Alliance
  • Zero-Emission School Bus Forum
• Community Tours - Understanding the unique challenges and needs of California’s priority populations is critical to designing and operating effective incentive programs. CARB has initiated a series of tours of various communities to learn about specific challenges, engage with local residents, and gather information to better shape incentive programs.
• Cal Fleet Advisor - Cal Fleet Advisor is a free technical assistance and advisory program that has supported over 1,000 medium- and heavy- duty fleets in California. With Cal Fleet Advisor, dedicated advisors provide industry-specific insights, answer questions, offer resources and referrals, and provide technical support to help fleets obtain zero-emissions vehicles.
• Drive Forward - A new initiative reaffirming California’s leadership in clean air and climate policy and charting the next phase of the State’s light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicle programs.
• One-Stop Truck Events - A series of free, informational events across California focused on medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. These events provide an opportunity for fleet owners, operators, and communities to listen to presentations, participate in one-on-one discussions and meet CARB regulatory experts and incentive program staff on topics related to medium- and heavy-duty vehicles including regulatory requirements, incentive funding, and zero-emission vehicles. 
• Zero-Emission Ride and Drive Events - Free zero-emission truck and off-road equipment showcases and ride & drive events across the state. Past ride & drive events have featured over 70 zero-emission Class 2b-8 trucks, buses, vans, and off-road equipment. The events allow fleet owners, operators, and community members to become familiar with various zero-emission technologies, talk to dealers, manufacturers and service providers, and learn more about incentive opportunities. 
• Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Equity Task Force - Brings together leaders in zero-emission transportation such as environmental justice advocates, automakers, state government, and other key organizations to develop strategies to expand communities’ access to ZEVs and zero-emission mobility.