Woodsmoke Reduction Program

Woodsmoke Reduction Program

Status: Active

Geographic Scope: California statewide. Participating districts include: Butte County AQMD, Calaveras County APCD, Colusa County APCD, Eastern Kern APCD, Feather River AQMD, Glenn County APCD, Great Basin Unified AQMD, Imperial County APCD, Lake County AQMD, Lassen County APCD, Mariposa County APCD, Mendocino County AQMD, Monterey Bay ARD, North Coast Unified AQMD, Northern Sierra AQMD, Northern Sonoma County APCD, Placer County APCD, San Luis Obispo APCD, Santa Barbara County APCD, Shasta County APCD, Siskiyou County APCD, Tehama County APCD, Tuolumne County APCD, and Yolo-Solano AQMD.

Focus Areas: Residential wood burning reduction; replacement of old, inefficient wood stoves, wood inserts, and fireplaces with cleaner, more efficient home heating devices.

Background: Established by Senate Bill 563, the program promotes voluntary replacement of highly polluting wood-burning devices. Funded through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). Part of California Climate Investments (CCI), a statewide program that uses cap-and-trade dollars to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve public health.

Health Rationale: Woodsmoke contains benzene, formaldehyde, acrolein, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Health impacts include eye and respiratory tract irritation, reduced lung function, bronchitis, asthma complications, harmful birth outcomes, cardiovascular impacts, and premature death. A 2015 study found that woodsmoke reduction programs decreased hospitalizations for cardiovascular disease, particularly in rural areas.

Eligibility

• Target Audience: California residents using uncertified wood stoves, wood inserts, or fireplaces as their primary heat source
• Device Eligibility: Devices not on the U.S. EPA current and historical list of certified wood heaters
• Income-Based: Incentive amounts vary by household income and location; some households qualify for full replacement cost

Administration

• Overseen by: California Air Resources Board (CARB)
• Implemented by: California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA) in coordination with local air pollution control districts
• Funding Allocation: CAPCOA works with districts to determine district-specific funding availability

Resources

• Program Guidelines 2021-2022: Available for reference
• U.S. EPA certified wood heaters list: Check model against current and historical lists to determine if device is uncertified