Modoc County residents may qualify for financial assistance to replace or permanently retire older wood-burning stoves and fireplaces through a state-funded air quality program designed to reduce wood smoke pollution.
The program is administered locally by the Modoc County Air Pollution Control District as part of the AB 617 Wood Smoke Reduction Program. It offers incentives for residents to replace older wood- or pellet-burning devices with cleaner heating options, including electric stoves and heat pumps.
According to the California Air Resources Board, air pollution affects millions of Californians daily, harming public health, agriculture, property and the environment. Residential wood burning has become an increasing source of air pollution statewide, particularly during winter months when heating use rises and cold, calm conditions cause smoke and other pollutants to linger near ground level.
The California Air Pollution Control Officers Association reports that smoke from wood burning contains a complex mixture of gases and fine and coarse particulate matter, as well as harmful pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, acrolein and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Health effects range from eye and respiratory irritation to more serious outcomes, including reduced lung function, bronchitis, asthma complications, adverse birth outcomes, cardiovascular impacts and premature death.
The program is open to Modoc County residents who currently use a wood or pellet stove, insert or fireplace. Low-income households, residents of disadvantaged communities and those living on tribal lands may be eligible for higher incentive amounts.
Standard-income households may receive up to $2,500 to replace a wood, pellet, gas or propane stove or insert, covering up to 85% of eligible costs. Electric stoves or inserts are eligible for up to $2,500, and electric heat pumps may qualify for up to $2,000, with both options covering 100% of eligible costs.
Residents who qualify as low-income or who live in disadvantaged communities or on tribal land may receive up to $7,000 toward the replacement of a wood, pellet, gas or propane stove or insert, an electric stove or insert, or an electric heat pump.
Incentives are also available for residents who choose to permanently retire their existing devices without replacement. Eligible participants may receive up to $500 for retiring a wood or pellet stove or insert, or up to $1,000 for retiring a fireplace.
Applicants must submit photographs of their existing heating devices and use an authorized contractor with the required city or county permits. Old devices must be permanently disabled and disposed of, and replacement devices must be maintained for up to 10 years. If a heat pump is installed and the original device is retained, the old device may be used only during emergency power outages.
Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis until exhausted. An IRS W-9 form is required.
For more information, contact the Modoc County Air Pollution Control District at 202 W. Fourth St. in Alturas or call 530-233-6401.
The program is funded through California Climate Investments and administered in coordination with the California Air Resources Board and the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association.
