Cool Air Rebate Program provides financial assistance to qualified low income Californians
The Cool Air Rebate Program (CAR) officially launched in Fresno, California at California Smog Repair at 4123 W. Shaw Avenue on Thursday, July 18, 2024. The CAR Program provides financial assistance to eligible Californians to repair leaking mobile air conditioning systems that use R-134a refrigerant in cars and light duty trucks.
To be eligible for the program, you must live in California and own a car manufactured between 1993 and 2019, or have an older vehicle that has been retrofitted with R-134a refrigerant. The program income eligibility requirements are based on 200% of the 2024 federal income poverty level. More information about eligibility can be found at coolairrebate.org.
The Cool Air Rebate Program will pay participating automotive repair shops 80% of the cost of qualifying repairs up to a maximum of $1,500 per vehicle ($1,875 repair cost). Consumers are responsible for the remaining 20% cost of the repairs paid directly to the automotive repair shop at the time of service.
“We are excited about the impact this program will make on improving the lives of Californians as well as the air quality in the central valley and throughout the state,” stated Nathan Perrine, Executive Director, Car Care Council. “Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is an effort that requires participation from members of the public, private and automotive repair industry working together to achieve meaningful results. We appreciate the outpouring of support that we have received from industry partners, community organizations and governmental agencies to get us to where we are today. We appreciate being recognized by California Senator Anna Caballero for our efforts and look forward to working with other elected officials in California to promote CAR in the communities.” added Perrine.
Caption, Representative from California Senator Anna Caballero’s office presentation of a Certificate of Recognition for the Car Care Council Cool Air Rebate Program.
Increasing the number of repairs of mobile vehicle air conditioning systems, will significantly reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions being released from automobiles. This program supports environmental justice communities across California, ensuring fairness and the meaningful involvement of these communities in environmental initiatives.
Bill Hanvey, President of the Auto Care Association states, “We are thrilled to support the Cool Air Rebate Program in California. This initiative underscores our commitment to promoting sustainable automotive practices and supporting our community’s environmental goals. By offering rebates for the repair and maintenance of passenger vehicle AC systems, we aim to help residents stay cool during these record-hot summer months while reducing their carbon footprint. This program is a testament to our dedication to innovation, sustainability, and the well-being of our customers, especially those in low income areas.”
The repairs are performed by professional technicians with an EPA 609 Certification, ensuring proper recovery, recycling, and disposal of automotive refrigerants.
The program’s industry partners, including the Car Care Council (CCC), California Air Resources Board (CARB), Bureau of Automotive Repairs (BAR), Automotive Service Councils of California (ASCCA), Auto Care Association, Automotive Maintenance & Repair Association (AMRA), and CAWA Representing the Automotive Parts Industry share the same dedication to delivering exceptional service and value to our community through their support.
Community leaders involved in environmental justice have been crucial in shaping this program. Dozens of community organizations, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Valley, Building Healthy Communities, Fresno Catholic Charities, Fresno State Center for Essential Needs, Central Valley Immigrant Integration Collaborative, Central Valley Legal Services, Central Valley Veterans Roundtable, Fresno State Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, Fresno Council of Governments, Fresno Mustang Club, Fresno State Office of Community and Economic Development, Comprehensive Youth Services, Neighborhood Resource Centers, Pitaya, Resources for Independence Central Valley, The Family Service Center, Tulare Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Tulare County, West Fresno Family Resource Center (WFFRC), Marie Ellis Brown Community Center, North Star Family Center, Resources for Independence Central Valley, The Family Service Center, and One Fresno Youth Job Corps have partnered with the the Cool Air Rebate Program to help ensure program information is reaching eligible consumers and offering additional support in addressing program questions.
The CAR Program is an initiative of the Car Care Council, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating motorists about the importance of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair. The Cool Air Rebate Program is funded through unclaimed deposits on sales of small cans of R-134a in California. Each year, retailers of R-134a remit the unclaimed deposits to the Car Care Council so that the Council can administer this important program. Car Care Council works in coordination with the California Air Resources Board to facilitate the program
For more information about the Cool Aire Rebate Program contact Jennifer Zins at JenniferZins@gmail.com or 916.871.0603. For more information about the Car Care Council visit CareCareCouncil.org.
