South Coast AQMD official announces $417M-plus Invest Clean funding opportunities to Rancho Mirage council

A South Coast Air Quality Management District official briefed the Rancho Mirage City Council on Sept. 18 about more than $417 million available through the Invest Clean program for clean transportation projects.

Javier Henriques, senior public affairs specialist for South Coast AQMD, outlined four funding streams: a charging infrastructure program to offset DC fast-charger installation costs for Class 4–8 vehicles; a truck replacement (scrap-and-replace) program to move diesel goods-movement trucks to battery electric models; a battery-electric cargo handling equipment program for yard trucks and top handlers; and a battery-electric switcher locomotive program (including charging infrastructure). Henriques said eligible applicants include charging-station developers, fleet operators, truck stops, distribution centers, warehouses and freight facilities.

Henriques provided the application deadline of 12 p.m. on Nov. 28, 2025, and directed interested parties to the Invest Clean webpage at aqmd.gov/investclean for details. He said he would supply the clerk with the announcement and linkage so the city can share the information.

Council did not take formal action on the announcement; Henriques' remarks were presented as informational during nonagenda public comment and are intended to help local fleet owners and freight facilities prepare applications.