California

The California E-Bike Incentive Project is a statewide consumer-facing incentive program that aims to provide point-of-sale voucher incentives — for the purchase of electric bicycles (e-bikes) — to residents in disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households with an annual household income of less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The base incentive voucher is $1,750, but applicants with certain qualifications can receive as much as $2,000.

Note that this is a voucher, not a rebate, so it is discounted at the time of purchase. The money can also be used to buy safety equipment such as helmets, locks, and lights, as well as cover delivery costs.

Applications are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Who’s eligible?

You have to be at least 18 years old and make less than 300% of the federal poverty level. That means a two-person household making less than $61,320 a year would qualify.

How it’s funded

$7.5 million in funding is available for the voucher program. The money is from the state’s general fund and is overseen by the California Air Resources Board.

Applications open every three to four months until funding is exhausted.

For more information and to apply:

https://ebikeincentives.org/

California Takes Action on Bird Flu Outbreak

Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in response to California’s rising bird flu cases. The announcement follows confirmation from the CDC of a severe human case in Louisiana.

“This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak,” said Newsom. While the risk to the general public remains low, the state is taking preventive measures to control the virus’s spread.

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California is set to phase out plastic shopping bags entirely by 2026, following a new law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. This new legislation builds on the state’s existing ban on thin plastic bags, which has been in place for years. Previously, shoppers could still buy thicker plastic bags, marketed as reusable and recyclable, but the new law eliminates that option.

Starting in 2026, shoppers who don’t bring their own bags will be offered only paper bags at checkout. State Sen. Catherine Blakespear, a supporter of the bill, cited a study revealing that plastic bag waste per person in California increased from 8 pounds per year in 2004 to 11 pounds in 2021. According to Blakespear, the earlier ban didn’t significantly reduce overall plastic use, prompting the need for this stricter measure. She emphasized the environmental harm caused by plastic waste, stating, “We are literally choking our planet with plastic.”

Environmental group Oceana praised Newsom for the decision, noting that it will help protect California’s coastline, marine life, and communities. Christy Leavitt, Oceana’s plastics campaign director, called the ban a significant step in addressing the global plastic pollution crisis.

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