This project will provide technical assistance (e.g., information, training, tools) to auto repair and maintenance businesses to help them develop and adopt source reduction practices (also known as…

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) received a $700,000 Project Grant award from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 9 under the Pollution Prevention Grants Program (CFDA 66.708), effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2027. In partnership with the California Green Business Network (CAGBN), CARB will deliver technical assistance to auto repair and maintenance businesses in Northern California to support the adoption of source reduction and pollution prevention (P2) practices. Deliverables include in-person and online training, pollution prevention tips, green business certification support, one detailed case study, one presentation at an auto industry conference, one recognition event for participating businesses, and a comprehensive P2 technical support report for Northern California auto repair and maintenance businesses and industry stakeholders.

This project aligns with National Emphasis Area 3 of the Pollution Prevention Grants Program, which focuses on automotive manufacturing and maintenance. By providing information, training, and tools to help businesses implement source reduction approaches, the initiative enables participating auto repair facilities to reduce operational costs through decreased resource consumption and waste generation while simultaneously lowering their environmental footprints and protecting public health.

This project will provide technical assistance (e.g., information, training, tools) to auto repair and maintenance businesses to help them develop and adopt source reduction practices (also known as pollution prevention [P2]). P2 means reducing or eliminating pollutants from entering any waste stream or otherwise being released into the environment prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal. P2 practices can help businesses save money by reducing their resource use, expenditures, waste and liability costs, while at the same time reducing their environmental footprint and helping to protect human health and the environment. California air resources board (carb) and california green business network (cagbn) will offer technical assistance, in person and online training, pollution prevention tips, green business certification support, one case study, one in person presentation at an auto industry conference, one recognition event for auto businesses working on pollution prevention and green business certification, and one P2 technical support report for northern california auto repair and maintenance businesses and auto industry stakeholders in accordance with the award workplan and the requirements of pollution prevention act. This assistance agreement provides full federal funding in the amount of $350,000. See terms and conditions.activities:the priorities for P2 technical assistance (information, training, and tools) align with one or more of the program's national emphasis areas (neas). The project activities include outreach, technical assistance, in person and online training, pollution prevention tips in newsletters, green business certification support, one case study, one in person presentation at an auto industry conference, one recognition event for auto businesses working on pollution prevention and green business certification, and one P2 technical support report. This project is dedicated to addressing national emphasis area 3: the automotive manufacturing and maintenance sector. IT will provide technical support to auto maintenance facilities (NAICS 8111). The technical assistance provided to this industry will directly support pollution prevention in region 9 and IT will tie back to the automotive manufacturing sector (NAICS 3361 and 3363). Subrecipient:california green business network will provide pollution prevention technical assistance to auto repair and maintenance facilities. Technical assistance will include one on one bilingual support. In addition to direct technical assistance, they will develop training and resources for a network of green business coordinators throughout the state (and beyond). Mapping and identifying auto repair and maintenance shops for outreach and technical assistance phone calls or electronic outreach to contact list of auto facilities and relevant partners 12 'P2 tips' included in auto industry newsletters 150 in person impressions and introductions 1 in person site visit training of auto facility 1 video/PPT training developed 100 businesses receive pollution prevention technical support 40 businesses receiving pollution prevention technical support go on to pursue green business certification 1 case study 1 cumulative case study, showing the program impact across the regions served 3 newsletter stories and/or blog posts sharing results and impacts 1 'trends of P2 technical support' report provided to industry stakeholders 200 unique visits to auto-repair resources video 1 conference presentation with 200+ auto industry professionals present 1 recognition event outcomes:the technical assistance conducted by the grantee will benefit auto repair and maintenance facilities. The recipient is expected to report on P2 performance measures (outputs and outcomes) and note who will benefit from the technical assistance. In addition, they commit to following up with facilities to find out whether the technical assistance