Lawn and Garden Equipment Program

The Lawn and Garden Equipment Program administered by the Butte County Air Quality Management District is a local incentive initiative designed to reduce air pollution by encouraging the replacement of gasoline powered landscaping equipment with zero emission electric alternatives. The program is supported through broader state aligned efforts including the Community Air Protection Program and the Carl Moyer Program, which are funded through California Climate Investments. These programs collectively aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and support public health outcomes, particularly in communities impacted by pollution. The primary purpose of this program is to provide financial assistance in the form of vouchers to residents, businesses, and commercial operators within Butte County to offset the cost of purchasing new cordless battery powered lawn and garden equipment. Eligible replacement equipment includes chainsaws, trimmers, edgers, leaf blowers, vacuums, and both walk behind and ride on mowers. The program specifically targets the removal and destruction of older combustion powered equipment, ensuring that emissions reductions are achieved through permanent replacement rather than parallel use. Funding is distributed through a voucher system with defined caps based on equipment type. Residential applicants may receive between two hundred and two thousand dollars depending on the equipment category, while commercial applicants may access significantly higher voucher amounts. The voucher may also be applied toward necessary accessories such as batteries and charging equipment, though it cannot exceed the total purchase cost including taxes and fees. Importantly, vouchers must be redeemed through participating merchants, and all replaced equipment must be destroyed in coordination with those merchants prior to receiving new equipment. Eligibility for the residential component requires applicants to be homeowners or renters residing in Butte County, California, and to have owned and operated the existing combustion equipment within the state for at least two years. The equipment being replaced must still be operational at the time of application. Applicants are limited to a maximum of four vouchers and must commit to using the new zero emission equipment for a minimum of thirty six months. Additional requirements prohibit retroactive purchases and require full disclosure of any co funding sources. The application process involves completing and submitting a voucher application form along with photographic evidence of the existing equipment. Upon approval, the district issues vouchers that can be presented to participating merchants, who apply the discount and manage the destruction verification process. Applications may be submitted via email, mail, or in person, and must include all required sections to be considered complete. Contact support is available through district staff via phone or email for applicant assistance. The program operates on a limited funding basis and will remain open until funds are exhausted or until the stated deadline of August 14, 2026. Applications are reviewed for eligibility and completeness, and incomplete submissions may be rejected. The initiative reflects a recurring environmental investment strategy aligned with state level emissions reduction goals, though specific future cycles are dependent on continued funding allocations and program authorization.

Ensure equipment photos clearly show condition and engine plate; verify eligibility requirements before applying; submit complete application to avoid rejection