In the late 1980s, South Coast AQMD recognized that technological innovation, as well as rule enforcement, would be necessary to achieve clean air standards. Shortly after, the Technology Advancement Office (TAO) was established in 1988 with the goal of expediting the development, demonstration and commercialization of cleaner technologies and clean-burning fuels.
To achieve federal and state clean air standards, the TAO staff works hard to help develop technological advances that will reduce emissions from both mobile and stationary sources much further than can be expected with current technologies.
The TAO team implements the Clean Fuels Program which has helped develop low and zero-emission engine technologies, aftertreatment systems, emissions, health studies and infrastructure. For decades, TAO has worked on bringing low and zero-emission vehicles into commercialization. Once commercialized, initial higher incremental purchase costs can be brought down through incentive programs that TAO oversees such as the AB 617 Community Air Protection, Carl Moyer, Lower-Emission School Bus, Volkswagen Mitigation Program, Proposition 1B-Goods Movement programs and EPA Diesel Emissions Reduction Act grants.
The Clean Fuels Program incorporates a variety of goals representing technology improvements to achieve clean air in the South Coast Air Basin and it is one of the primary sources of funding for TAO’s work. This program was mandated by state law and is funded by a $1 surcharge included in the annual vehicle registration fee for vehicles registered in South Coast AQMD’s four-county jurisdiction. TAO also actively pursues grant funding opportunities and collaborative projects with other government agencies.
In addition, TAO is responsible for the administration and implementation of the Replace Your Ride, Residential EV Charging Incentive Program, residential/commercial lawn and garden rebate and residential/school air filtration programs. Their staff also provide support for the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC).
To learn more about TAO, visit: http://www.aqmd.gov/ home/technology.