SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has designated $19 million in grants for its Hybrid Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Program, which provides public and private fleets statewide with hybrid vehicles that are designed to reduce smog-forming and greenhouse gas emissions.　

More specifically, the program will provide vouchers on a first-come, first-served basis to help fleets purchase fuel-efficient hybrid medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. At least $2 million of these funds will be set aside for California public fleets to increase the number of hybrid vehicles.

"This program created an opportunity for California businesses to upgrade their trucks and proves that there is demand for technology that provides clean and fuel-efficient vehicles," said CARB Executive Officer James Goldstene.

Interested public and private fleets can reserve a voucher for up to $40,000 through a participating dealership at the time the vehicle is ordered. The voucher will be redeemed at the time of purchase.　

The program is part of the Air Quality Improvement Program, which was established in 2007 by AB 118, to provide funding for advanced technology vehicles and equipment. CARB’s voucher program is implemented by CALSTART, a nonprofit organization that works with businesses, fleets and government to develop and implement clean, efficient transportation solutions.　

In the inaugural year of the program last year, CARB provided almost $20 million to help California fleets purchase over 650 hybrid trucks and buses. Almost half the vouchers were for urban beverage-delivery vehicles and about 20 percent were for package-delivery vehicles, officials said.　

For more information about the voucher incentive program that details a full list of eligible vehicles, visit www.californiahvip.com.