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On May 13, 2026, we attended the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s (South Coast AQMD) Second Public Webinar on the WAIRE Mitigation Program. Here is what you need to know.
Program Background
South Coast AQMD is currently developing the WAIRE Mitigation Program, which will provide incentive funding for eligible NOx and Diesel Particulate Matter emission reduction projects at warehouses and surrounding communities. The program will be funded through mitigation fees collected by South Coast AQMD under the WAIRE Rule.
Year One: A Simplified Approach
South Coast AQMD staff is currently developing the first year of the WAIRE Mitigation Program and plans to keep the program “as simple as possible in its first year.” To that end, South Coast AQMD anticipates funding only purchased Class 4-8 zero-emission (ZE) vehicles, ZE off-road yard trucks, and electric charging/hydrogen fueling stations during the first year of the program.
One important note: all charging or fueling infrastructure funded under the program, except for infrastructure solely for charging or fueling off-road yard trucks, must be “publicly accessible.” South Coast AQMD is currently evaluating the definition of publicly accessible.
What Is Not Expected to be Funded in Year One
South Coast AQMD does not anticipate offering funding in the first year for:
- Leased ZE or near-ZE vehicles
- Energy storage projects
- Green hydrogen projects
- Electric transport refrigeration unit (eTRU) charging projects
Future Years & Application Timeline
For future years, South Coast AQMD staff is currently evaluating whether they will provide funding for:
- Leased ZE vehicles
- Low NOx trucks
- Class 2b and Class 3 delivery vehicles
- Decommissioning of diesel fueling equipment, if paired with ZE charging infrastructure
South Coast AQMD tentatively plans to open the Grant Management System for application intake in August 2026.
Looking Ahead
We will continue to monitor developments related to the WAIRE Mitigation Program and other air quality programs. For more information on the WAIRE Rule and other climate-related programs, please see our prior publications including Federal Climate Disclosure is Fading, But the Obligations Are Not and CARB Moves Forward on Climate Disclosure Regulations While SB 261 Remains on Hold.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
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