Woodsmoke Reduction Program

Countywide Program is CLOSED

If you reside in Los Osos or Paso Robles, please click here!

Please note that we will provide preference to low income households for the first 60 days of the program (January 6, 2020 through March 6, 2020), however we will accept all applications. Below are some updates and changes for this next round of funding. You can call 805-781-1003 if you have any questions or would like to check in on the status of the funding. 

The San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) is implementing the Woodsmoke Reduction Program throughout San Luis Obispo County.  The Woodsmoke Reduction Program is part of a statewide program supported by the “California Climate Investments” (CCI) program that provides grants, as shown in the table below, to qualified applicants who replace existing wood burning stoves or fireplaces that are used as a primary source of heat in their home.  Applicants can replace their old device with a natural gas, propane heating device, or a U.S. EPA certified wood stove or wood stove insert. Questions about our program and to see if you qualify, email us at woodsmoke@slocleanair.org.

Program Guidelines for 2020

COUNTYWIDE - Woodsmoke Reduction Program Application for 2020

Approved Program Vendors, Updated January 3, 2020

** ALL projects participating in this program are REQUIRED to get a permit by their local jurisdiction. The replacement device must be permanently installed by a professional, appropriately licensed dealer approved by the APCD for this program. Self-installation of heating devices is not allowed. 

Program Requirements/Features

• NEW - Expanded change out options including pellet stoves and inserts and electric stoves or inserts. 
• Projects will have 90 days to complete their project and submit all required documentation. 
• Eligible projects will be awarded first-come, first-served.
• Low-income applicants that can demonstrate eligibility may be eligible to receive an Enhanced Incentive amount - we will provide preference to low income households for the first 60 days of launching the program. 
• Applicants MUST certify that their wood burning device is used as a primary source of heat in their home and specify the annual amount of wood they burn.
• Applicants must work with an APCD-Approved Dealership/Installer and work may NOT begin and no deposits shall be made prior to receiving an APCD voucher.
• If you have previously applied for our historic Wood Burning Change Out Program, you will be required to submit a new application and application materials.
• Households that have previously participated in the Woodsmoke Reduction Program and received an incentive are not eligible. 
• Vacation home properties are not eligible for this program. The change-out must be located in a primary residence or long-term rental property. 

SLO County households that are not low-income can apply at any time, but funding will not be committed for their projects until 60 days following the launch of the program (March 6, 2020).  Eligible applicants that do not qualify as low-income will qualify for a Standard Incentive

If you would like to review the California Air Resources Board’s Woodsmoke Reduction Pilot Program Guidelines for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Appropriation, they are accessible by clicking here. 

Low Income Eligibility

Low-income households may be eligible to replace their heating device for little or no cost. To qualify for this extra incentive, applicants must demonstrate low-income eligibility. 

Documents required for income verification of all household members: 

Proof of participation in an existing federal or state low-income assistance program may establish eligibility for this incentive program.  Please see the items below for examples of the programs we accept as forms of low-income documentation with your application.  The name of the applicant for this incentive program must match the name on the assistance program document:  

• Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program
• Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 
• California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program with a participating California utility company 

If you do not participate in any of the above listed low-income assistance programs, you may also qualify if adjusted gross income of your household for 2018 did not exceed the low-income limits, as 

defined by the California Department of Housing and Community Development.  Please see the 

table below to determine if you qualify. If you believe you qualify, provide a completed copy of the summary of your Tax Return Transcripts or federal income tax form 1040 (Pages 1 & 2) for tax year 2018 for all members of the household who filed taxes. You can obtain a free Tax Return Transcript at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript.    

 

Helpful Tools & Websites

IRS website to request a summary of your Tax Return Transcripts if you are qualifying for a low-income Enhanced Incentive. 

Cord Usage Guide

**Please note, when determining usage on your application: a cord of wood is 4 feet x 4 feet x 8 feet, split and tightly stacked –  approximately 128 cubic feet (see the picture below). A grocery store bundle is typically 6-8 pieces of tightly stacked wood and is approximately 0.75 cubic feet.

0.00586 cord = 1 bundle (0.75 cubic feet)
0.1 cord = 17 bundles
1/4 cord = 43 bundles
1/2 cord = 85 bundles
3/4 cord = 128 bundles
1 cord = 170 bundles (128 cubic feet)

The Woodsmoke Reduction Program is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment– particularly in disadvantaged communities. The Cap-and-Trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling, and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are located within and benefiting residents of disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households across California. For more information, visit the California Climate Investments website at: www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov.