BAKERSFIELD, CA. - A new incentive program for residents is offering funding to replace high-polluting fireplaces.
The Burn Cleaner Incentive Program is an initiative to address the impact of residential wood burning in the valley. The program was recently approved for $3.6 million in funding by the district's governing board.
Applications are still being accepted for the program but there is a wait list, according to San Joaquin Valley Air.
SJVA said they have received thousands of applications from people looking to upgrade their fireplaces, which are up to 20 to 50 times cleaner with newer models.
Funding for the program began in September with an initial allocation of $2.1 million but SJVA said the demand was high and in November the program was awarded another $2 million but even that funding was quickly exhausted.
Now, the program was awarded another $3.6 million to address the increasing demand. This award brings the total funding for the program to $7.7 million.
The funding is expected to address the applicants onthe waiting list and new applicants for the remainder of the fiscal year.
However, some changes have been made in an attempt to accommodate the demand.
Vouchers for non-low-income residents are for $1,000, as opposed to the previous amount of $1,500.
The incentive for low-income residents will continue to be $2,500. Additionally, the district will continue to pay $500 for natural gas fired devices.
You can learn more and apply at valleyair.org.