SACRAMENTO – The California Air Resources Board (ARB) is now accepting grant proposals for a total of $25 million in available funding from the Alternative Fuels Incentives Programs for the purposes of incentivizing biofuels and high efficiency, low emitting vehicle technology.

Funds from the program, made available by the passage of AB 1811 in 2006, will help develop specific measures to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. These funds are to be awarded by June 30, 2007, consistent with an expenditure plan jointly developed by the ARB and the California Energy Commission (CEC).

ARB and CEC staff are proposing that monies be expended in the following categories:

• Infrastructure for dispensing E85 (fuel that is 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline) and potentially other alternative fuels ($7 million)
• Startup of small biofuels production facilities ($5 million)
• Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle demonstration projects ($5 million)
• Transit bus projects ($2 million)
• Incentives for PZEVs and ZEVs ($1.5 million)
• Alternative fuel vehicle research ($3.5 million)
• Funding for consumer education and outreach ($1 million)

The deadline for submitting a grant proposal is March 19, 2007. ARB and CEC staff will review the proposals in March 2007 and develop recommendations for awarding grants in April 2007. ARB and CEC staff will update the Board in May and awards will be made in late May and June 2007.