**In the coming months, an upgraded website dedicated to INVEST CLEAN will be launched. Please check back for updates.**
NOTICE: We are now accepting proposals for Battery Electric Switcher Locomotive Program under INVEST CLEAN (#2025-15). The deadline to submit applications is September 30, 2025 at 12 PM PT. See below for details.
In July 2024, U.S. EPA awarded South Coast AQMD a Climate Pollution Reduction Grant of nearly $500 million for the INVEST CLEAN project. INVEST CLEAN is a transformational initiative aimed at overcoming barriers to transitioning the Southern California goods movement and logistics corridor to zero emission (ZE) technologies. The Project includes four measures, which are:
- Heavy Duty Charging Infrastructure Deployment Incentive Program: Incentives will be provided to install electrical charging equipment for heavy-duty trucks. Anticipated program design will provide higher incentives for items not limited to public charging locations, use of renewable energy, installations conducted by apprenticeship programs, use of labor agreements, and public accessibility.
- Battery Electric Freight Vehicle Deployment Incentive Program: Incentives will be provided for the purchase of Class 8 battery electric trucks. This measure will also provide funding to support the deployment of Class 4 and 5 battery electric vehicles in SCAG’s Last Mile Freight Program.
- Battery Electric Cargo Handling Equipment (CHE) Deployment Incentive Program: Incentives will be provided for the deployment of battery electric yard tractors and top handlers. Funding for chargers is also included in the incentive and other types of CHE equipment may be considered.
- Battery Electric Locomotive Pilot Program *NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS* : Funding will be provided for the development and operation of battery electric switcher locomotives. The program also provides funding to railroad operators for the installation of chargers needed to operate these battery electric locomotives.
- Incentives for Battery Electric Locomotives is now available. Please see the attached Request for Proposal (#2025-15) for details: INVEST CLEAN MEASURE 4 RFP
- As part of proposals that are submitted for Battery Electric Locomotives proposals, interested applicants must provide information on existing and new locomotive units as part of the submittal package. Please find the spreadsheet for existing and new locomotive information here: Locomotive Switcher Information
- Deadline to submit proposals is September 20,2025 at 12:00 PM PT and must be submitted via paper to South Coast AQMD ATTN: Procurement Unit , 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar C, 91765
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) will be working on the project to assist with data tracking which, in part, includes calculating emission reductions, tracking project deployments, and developing best practices for scaling zero emission projects across the United States. In addition, the Project’s collaboration with International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers-National Electrical Contractors Association, academia, and non-government organizations enhances the potential for significant job creation and the workforce development necessary to implement, maintain, and sustain the ZE transformation of the freight sector. Additionally, INVEST CLEAN includes a framework to implement local projects and educate stakeholders on transportation, infrastructure, and related issues.
Additional information:
Workshops:
Need More Information?
Please email INVESTCLEAN-CPRG@aqmd.gov. You may also sign-up for updates, here by selecting INVEST CLEAN (CPRG) in the Incentive Category.
This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement #5E97T15501 to South Coast Air Quality Management District. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does the Environmental Protection Agency endorse trade names or recommend the use of commercial products mentioned in this document, as well as any images, video, text, or other content created by generative artificial intelligence tools, nor does any such content necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency.