Community Protection Plan - AB617
AB617 is purposed with establishing a Community Air Protection Program.
The goal of AB617 is to reduce exposure in communities most impacted by air pollution.
CAPP Projects Approved as of July 7, 2026
CAPP Projects In Review as of July 7, 2026
The Antelope Valley AQMD remains committed to enhancing its public outreach and encouraging community engagement in the District's Community Air Protection Program. Those who have suggestions or concerns for projects may contact Julie McKeehan, Grants Analyst (JMcKeehan@avaqmd.ca.gov).
Established Programs & Project Types
- On-road and Off-road Mobile Equipment including Stationary Equipment (Note: Eligible projects pay be limited to zero-emission options)
- EV Charging & Alternative Fueling Infrastructure
- Zero Emission Lawn & Garden Equipment Replacements
- Zero Emission School Transportation (public schools & transit only)
- Deployment of Air Monitoring Systems
CAP Incentives Guidelines Policies & Procedures
Community Participation/Feedback - We want to hear from you!
Community Groups and Community Members are encouraged to share ideas regarding air quality concerns and potential projects that may reduce exposure to air pollution and provide direct benefits to their community. Please email Julie McKeehan (JMcKeehan@avaqmd.ca.gov), or call (661) 723-8070 ext. 28, or visit our office in person. You can also participate by completing the survey below.
How Community Ideas Become Funded Projects
The Antelope Valley AQMD values community input and encourages residents, businesses, local agencies, schools, and other stakeholders to share ideas and concerns about improving air quality in the Antelope Valley. Community input helps the District better understand local air quality concerns and identify opportunities that may improve air quality and public health. The District considers community input together with applicable program guidelines, project eligibility requirements, and available funding when evaluating projects for funding consideration
While community input is an important part of the process, not every project idea can be funded. Community Air Protection (CAP) Incentive funding is provided through grant programs administered by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). As a result, all proposed projects must meet the eligibility requirements established in the applicable funding guidelines, including the Carl Moyer Program Guidelines, the Community Air Protection (CAP) Incentives Guidelines, or other CARB-approved funding programs.
The AVAQMD Governing Board plays an important role in representing the communities it serves and helping identify local air quality needs and priorities. Governing Board members regularly engage with residents, businesses, local agencies, and other community leaders through public meetings and ongoing community involvement. Through these interactions, they become aware of local air quality concerns, community priorities, and potential project opportunities, and communicate that information to District staff for consideration.
Regardless of how a project idea is identified, all projects are subject to the same application and evaluation process. AVAQMD maintains an open application process, meaning eligible applications are accepted throughout the year rather than through periodic funding solicitations. Every application is reviewed to determine whether it:
- meets program eligibility requirements;
- addressse an identified community air quality need;
- provides meaningful emissions reductions or other program benefits;
- complies with applicable program requirements; and
- can be funded under available grant funding.
Eligible projects are then presented at a publicly noticed Governing Board meeting, where the full Board considers staff's recommendations before taking formal action to approve or deny funding. This process helps ensure that all applicants are treated fairly, funding decisions are made transparently, and public funds are awarded in accordance with applicable program guidelines.
As CARB updates funding guidelines and expands eligible project categories, AVAQMD continually evaluates new funding opportunities that may address additional community-identified air quality needs. As CARB updates funding guidelines and expands eligible project categories, AVAQMD continually evaluates new funding opportunities that may address additional community-identified air quality needs. Although a community need may not be eligible for funding under current program guidelines, community input remains valuable because it helps AVAQMD better understand local air quality concerns and evaluate future funding opportunities as they become available.
Once downloaded, please fill out and save the survey. You can submit it via Email to Julie McKeehan (JMckeehan@avaqmd.ca.gov,) or alternatively you can also print it out and mail it to the district or deliver in-person by visiting the AVAQMD office.
To Learn more about AB617 please use the following links below:
AB617 Presentation Slides - This presentation was presented by our Executive Director Bret Banks, on March 20, 2018 at the Governing Board meeting.
Community Air Protection Program Information Website
Additionally you may also contact CARB regarding this program via Email:
English: CommunityAir@arb.ca.gov
Spanish: AireComunitario@arb.ca.gov