#USA #South Coast AQMD #Diamond Bar #Zero-Emission #GO ZERO

South Coast AQMD Expands Go Zero Program with New Funding

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) has recently announced a significant expansion of its GO ZERO Incentive Program, fueled by an impressive public response and the successful rollout of the initial pilot. The Board approved an additional $60.2 million, building upon the initial $21 million that has already enabled over 3,700 households to transition from gas-powered heating systems to zero-emission heat pumps for both space and water heating.

The GO ZERO program first launched in September 2025, aiming to incentivize homeowners, property owners, and small businesses to swap out their gas appliances for more energy-efficient alternatives. Its popularity was remarkable, with funding for multifamily units being fully reserved within just two weeks of launch, and single-family rebates exhausted in less than six months.

Chair of the South Coast AQMD Governing Board, Michael A. Cacciotti, emphasized the program's success in empowering communities to pivot from fossil fuel reliance by making cleaner options more financially accessible. The additional funding aims not only to continue this momentum but to extend support to even more residents in the region.

What’s New in GO ZERO?

The newly allocated funds will enhance the GO ZERO program with a breakdown as follows:

• - $20 million for single-family home rebates
• - $20 million for multifamily property rebates
• - $20 million set aside for either category, depending on demand

Moreover, some exciting changes have been introduced:
1. Expanded Rebate Options: Besides heat pump water heaters, solar water heating systems will now be eligible for rebates.
2. Flexible Rebate Tiers: Rebates will range from $500 to $1,000 for most single-family households, with additional amounts for properties in overburdened communities, potentially reaching $2,000. Multifamily rebates will cap at $300,000 per property and also vary based on unit eligibility.
3. Support for Smaller Systems: Rebates now include mini-split and window heat pumps, broadening electrification options for smaller residences.
4. Controlled Access to Funding: Updated reservation criteria will help distribute funding more evenly across different property types.

To further emphasize equity, at least 75% of the funding for both single-family and multifamily incentives will continue to be directed toward applicants in overburdened communities. Moreover, homeowners and property owners have the chance to combine these GO ZERO rebates with other available incentives, significantly lowering the cost of installing qualified heat pump technologies.

The zero-emission heat pumps provided under the program not only effectively heat and cool spaces but do so while consuming far less energy than traditional gas systems. This upgrade is crucial not only for individual energy savings but also for reducing harmful emissions contributing to climate change and air pollution in the region.

For those interested in applying for the rebates, detailed information will be made available on the South Coast AQMD official website, www.aqmd.gov/gozero. As funding is limited, property owners and businesses are encouraged to submit applications promptly to secure their incentives. Eligibility also extends to small businesses that meet specific criteria, including having 100 or fewer employees or gross annual receipts of $5 million or less.

The GO ZERO program offers a promising pathway for communities and businesses to engage in environmentally friendly practices while enjoying financial incentives, shaping a cleaner and more sustainable future for the region.

For continued news, air quality alerts, and updates, be sure to visit the South Coast AQMD website or follow them on social media platforms.