Press Release

Begins October 13, 2020 Monterey, CA – October 14, 2020

Starting on October 13, 2020, residents in disadvantaged communities and low-income areas and households in Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties can save money while improving the air quality in their homes and neighborhoods by changing out old wood burning devices with cleaner alternatives. The Monterey Bay Air Resources District is offering incentives between $1,000 to $3,500 to replace an old wood stove, fireplace insert or open hearth fireplace with a cleaner burning device. The non-EPA certified wood stove, wood insert, or open hearth fireplace must be replaced with a new low emissions EPA certified wood, natural gas, propane, wood pellet stove or fireplace insert, or a ductless mini-split heat pump, or electric heater. The incentive amount will depend on what type of replacement device is selected and the applicant’s household income. To be eligible for the program, a homeowner or renter must currently use a non – EPA certified wood stove, wood insert, or open hearth fireplace as a primary source of heat.

The first phase of the program will be offered only to disadvantaged communities and low-income areas and households. The incentives will be distributed to qualifying applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are depleted. Applicants who have been income qualified by Central Coast Energy Services under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program will be eligible for the highest incentive amounts. Remaining funds will be available to all residences in Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties on December 7, 2020.

The Wood Stove Change-Out program is part of a California Climate Investments’ statewide Woodsmoke Reduction Program which puts Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment—particularly in disadvantaged communities.

If you have questions about the program or to verify eligibility, call (831) 647-9411 or email: woodstove@mbard.org.

For further details about the program check the Grants link at www.mbard.org

Richard A. Stedman

Air Pollution Control Officer

Ann O’Rourke

Executive Assistant/Outreach Coordinator

Monterey Bay Air Resources District

24580 Silver Cloud Court, Monterey, CA 93940

831.647.9411

831.718.8028 (direct line)

orourke@mbard.org