The California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced it has $125 million in funding for the second year of the Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Program (CORE), more than tripling the first year’s budget of $44.6 million.

CORE opened in February 2020 but closed in August 2020 after the program’s $44.6 million was depleted. The reopening is scheduled for July 2022.

CORE is adding a new category for small off-road engines (SORE) landscaping equipment backed by $30 million in funding as appropriated by SB 170. It is meeting with stakeholders including the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) and Far West Equipment Dealers Association (FWEDA) to discuss plans for developing metrics and guidelines for commercial landscapers to acquire electric alternatives.

The program was developed to aid purchasers or lessees of traditional off-road equipment transition to electric counterparts. California wants to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across all sectors whether through incentive programs like CORE or with restrictions like the ban on sales of new gas-powered small off-road engines taking effect in 2024.

To participate equipment manufacturers must meet California CORE technology eligibility requirements and become a CORE-eligible manufacturer, including reading and understanding the CORE Implementation Manual. Manufacturers can also fill the role of a dealer for their own equipment.

Any dealer who has an affiliation with a CORE-eligible manufacturer can become an approved CORE dealer. Dealers must pass a quiz, submit required documentation and participate in a training call with a CORE project administrator to become an approved dealer. Approved manufacturers and dealers listed in a dealer locator on the CORE website.

Any off-road equipment user in California is eligible for the vouchers. To participate, equipment purchased must be domiciled and operated for at least 3 years in California after the voucher redemption date. Equipment users must also submit activity reports for 3 years.

The size of the fleet does not affect voucher amounts, and equipment users have no limitation on the number of vouchers for which they can apply.

CORE qualified buyers will receive a voucher for a point-of-sale discount up to $500,000 for off-road equipment. The program’s additional funding for charging stations is available for small businesses or equipment used in disadvantaged communities.

Funds are available for the following equipment categories:

CORE is a part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that uses revenue from Cap-and-Trade programs to fund GHG emission reducing projects. Currently, $18.3 has been appropriated to California Climate Investments with just over half being implemented.

To learn more about this program or become a certified CORE dealer or manufacturer, visit californiacore.org.