SACRAMENTO - The California Air Resources Board and the California Pollution Control Financing Authority, part of the State Treasurer’s Office, have hit the $100 million mark in financial assistance to small-business truckers.

The funding is provided through a program that provides small businesses with financial assistance to obtain loans or lease-to-own arrangements so they can purchase newer, cleaner trucks ahead of schedule for state clean truck and bus regulations. 

“The success of this program means that truck owners are serious about using the financing options available to them to prepare for the truck regulations we have in place,” said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols.  “California residents get to enjoy cleaner air and more hardworking truckers are prepared to comply with ARB’s clean air regulations.”

“Reaching the $100 million mark represents a milestone in providing truckers with an affordable way to reduce emissions, increase fuel efficiency and save themselves money,” said State Treasurer Bill Lockyer. “We have helped diesel truck owners through our loan guarantee program that may not have otherwise received financing to upgrade their vehicles.  It’s a win-win for truckers and the environment.”

The loan assistance program provides loans and lease-to-own opportunities (known as Terminal Rental Adjustment Clause or ‘TRAC’ leases) to the small business owner that has 100 or fewer employees and generates $10 million or less in annual revenue primarily in California. 

The program—officially known as “Providing Loan Assistance for California Equipment” or PLACE provides additional funding opportunities to small businesses in today’s tight credit market. So far the program has been instrumental in issuing 1,511 purchasing loans and 88 leases, totaling 1599 financing agreements.  These funds helped purchase 1,671 clean trucks and 183 exhaust retrofits (installing special filters on older trucks that capture 85 percent of the soot in the exhaust). 

The loan guarantee programs are designed to assist truckers who are prepared to comply ahead of schedule for two separate regulations:  the statewide clean Truck and Bus regulation; and the Heavy Duty (Tractor Trailer) Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Reduction regulation. Both were adopted in 2008 and are part of the state’s overall commitment to cut toxic diesel emissions 85 percent by 2020.  

Diesel Exhaust contains a variety of harmful gases and over 40 other known cancer causing compounds. California identified diesel particulate matter as a toxic air contaminant based on its potential to cause cancer, premature death and other health problems.  

For more information on the state’s diesel reduction programs call 1-866-6DIESEL, email 8666DIESEL@arb.ca.gov or visit www.arb.ca.gov 

For more information about PLACE program financing go to http://www.treasurer.ca.gov/cpcfa/calcap/arb/