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APCD amends old‑car buyback contract to raise incentive to $2,000 and extend program to 2026
Summary
The board approved a sixth amendment to the district’s voluntary accelerated vehicle retirement contract to increase the retire‑a‑car incentive to $2,000 per vehicle, set eligibility to model year 2003 and earlier, and extend the contract through Dec. 31, 2026.
The Ventura County Air Pollution Control Board voted unanimously on June 24 to approve the sixth amendment to the contract for the voluntary accelerated vehicle retirement program (the district’s old‑car buyback program).
Tyler Harris, division manager, presented the amendment and said the California Air Resources Board updated program guidance to allow higher per‑vehicle incentives and different eligible model years. The proposed amendment increases the district’s per‑vehicle incentive to $2,000 and designates model year 2003 and earlier as eligible.
Why it matters: The program pays vehicle owners to retire older, higher‑emitting cars; increasing the incentive aims to boost participation and accelerate emissions reductions.
Program effects and rationale: Harris said CARB had identified a $3,000 incentive level as cost‑effective, but the district opted for $2,000 in the expectation that the smaller increase would still raise participation while stretching available funds. Staff told the board the change lowers the number of vehicles that can be retired with existing funding from a target of 428 vehicles to a projected 389 vehicles, but staff argued the program currently has low activity and the change is warranted to maximize participation.
Contract term: The amendment extends the contract through Dec. 31, 2026, giving time to liquidate approved funds.
Board action: A motion to approve the sixth amendment carried unanimously. The board asked about community outreach to promote the program; Harris said the district’s public information officer will issue a press release and staff welcomed board assistance in local outreach.
Ending: The district intends to issue outreach materials and rely on community events and social media, and staff will return with any further program updates after the amendment is implemented.
