California's South Coast Air Quality Management District has approved an additional $13.5 million in funding to subsidize the conversion of diesel vehicles to cleaner fuels.

This is in addition to $25 million already committed in the last fiscal year to cleaning up vehicles.
The grants are part of the state's Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program, which aims to speed up the introduction of low-emission engines in commercial vehicles. The state eventually hopes to convert over 800 heavy duty trucks, buses and other equipment in public and private fleets.
Alternative-fueled engines, such as those using compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, propane and electricity, will be given higher priority. Cleaner diesel engines may be considered in some cases.
Program funds can be used to help purchase new vehicles, new engines or retrofit existing engines.
Fleets interested in applying for the latest round of funding must apply before January 11, 2000. For more information, call AQMD at 909/396-3253 or read about the program at http://www.aqmd.gov/news1.