Equitable Access to Zero-Emissions Vehicles Fund.

Existing law establishes the Air Quality Improvement Program for the purpose of funding air quality improvement projects relating to fuel and vehicle technologies. Under existing law, the State Air Resources Board is required to administer the program and to provide preference in awarding funding to projects with higher benefit-cost scores that maximize the purposes and goals of the program. Existing law also authorizes the state board to give additional preference in funding awards to projects based on specified criteria, including the ability of the project to promote the use of clean alternative fuels and vehicle technologies, as specified. This bill would establish the Equitable Access to Zero-Emission Vehicles Fund and would make moneys in the fund available, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for a new vehicle rebate program and for other specified purposes. The bill would require the state board, by July 1, 2025, to establish a program to offer rebates for the purchase of zero-emission vehicles and other specified vehicles from moneys made available from the fund. The bill would require the state board to submit a biennial report to the Legislature that includes certain information relating to the expenditures from the fund.