Weingart Foundation Clean Vehicle Policy
For capital requests to support the purchase of vehicles, Weingart Foundation prioritizes applications that to the maximum extent possible commit to the purchase of “clean” vehicles that limit air polluting emissions. Applications will be prioritized for vehicles that meet the following criteria:
  • Vans & minivans:
    Earn an air pollution score of 6 or higher on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Vehicle Guide (the equivalent of an emissions rating of Tier 2 Bin 5 or lower). These vehicles can be easily identified at http://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/Index.do.

  • Commercial trucks (light and medium duty) and buses:
    Vehicle engines in compliance with 2010 EPA emissions standards. Please note that effective January 1, 2010 all new engines are federally mandated to be compliant with these standards.

  • Heavy duty tractors and trailers:
    Are certified through the US EPA SmartWay program, which uses equipment specifications to identify the cleanest engines. For a list of major manufacturers that make SmartWay tractors and trailers, go to http://www.epa.gov/smartway/transport/what-smartway/tractor-trailer-markuse.htm.
Exceptions. Consideration may be given to agencies that need a vehicle falling outside these guidelines if it can be demonstrated that the vehicle is the cleanest of its type and class that is reasonably available, or if there are specific prohibitive barriers to meeting the guidelines. Weingart Foundation recognizes that in selecting a vehicle other issues such as cost, fuel economy, reliability and safety are also important factors.

Costs. The Foundation recognizes that the purchase of cleaner vehicles may likely result in higher up-front costs. However, Weingart Foundation believes that the additional positive impact on environmental health in communities is of worthwhile long-term benefit. Consideration for the difference in vehicle cost will be given in reviewing proposals and determining grant amounts.

If you have questions specific to this policy, please contact Vy Nguyen, Program Associate, at (213) 688-6319 or vnguyen@weingartfnd.org.