The awards are provided through the Energy Commission’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program, created by Assembly Bill 118. The program provides approximately $100 million annually to encourage the development and use of alternative and renewable fuels and new vehicle technologies. These projects also leverage private funding, attracting additional investment in clean energy technology.

The award recipients are:

• Arcadia Unified School District (Los Angeles County) will receive $300,000 to install a new compressed natural gas fueling system. This will allow the district to expand its fleet to 15 compressed natural gas vehicles, which are less polluting than conventional-fuel vehicles.

• Calexico Unified School District (Imperial County) will receive an award of $83,329 to upgrade its publicly accessible compressed natural gas station.

• Buy-down incentives, totaling $122,000, will be awarded for 15 alternative-fuel vehicles. These incentives help to pay the difference between the cost of conventional gasoline- or diesel-powered vehicles and new vehicles that use propane or natural gas. Eligible vehicles meet all emission requirements of the Air Resources Board and are fully warranted by their manufacturers. Purchased vehicles must be registered and driven in California at least 90 percent of the time for three years.

In addition, the Commission unanimously approved an order delegating authority to the Commission’s Executive Director or designee to approve awards of $75,000 or less in AB 118 funds as well as minor amendments to agreements under the AB 118 Program. This change will streamline the approval process for changes to AB 118 grants and contracts, helping awardees stay on track to complete their projects, and allowing California to more quickly reap these projects’ benefits in reducing greenhouse gas and petroleum consumption.