Clean transit, poor oversight
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Set us as preferred California’s clean truck and bus incentive program was designed to expand the zero-emission vehicle market and improve air quality in heavily polluted communities.But the $1-billion program has been roiled by allegations of fraud, waste and poor oversight.
Although state officials insist California’s clean truck and bus subsidy program has helped reduce air pollution and planet-warming gases, a Times investigation found that those claims rely heavily on assumptions and estimates, instead of actual data.Some state-funded trucks and buses were rarely driven due to issues with vehicle performance and maintenance.
In at least one case, California paid nearly $1 million in public funds for “vehicles that did not exist,” according to court records.A premier California green transportation initiative is roiled by accusations of fraud, waste and poor oversight.Officials insist it is managed effectively.Nikola Corp.’s former CEO was indicted for fraud.
His company’s vehicles were the most heavily subsidized in California’s $1-billion clean truck incentive program on average.If you have participated in California’s clean truck and bus subsidy program, known as HVIP, and would be open to sharing your story, we would like to hear from you.About this investigationGet Boiling Point, our newsletter exploring climate change, energy and the environment, and become part of the conversation — and the solution.By continuing, you agree to our Terms of Service, which include arbitration and a class action waiver.
You agree that we and our third-party vendors may collect and use your information, including through cookies, pixels and similar technologies, for the purposes set forth in our Privacy Policy such as personalizing your experience and ads.Follow UsTony Briscoe is an environmental reporter with the Los Angeles Times.
His coverage focuses on the intersection of air quality and environm...