Project Clean Air Repair
Region
MinnesotaTimeline
2017 - presentProject Clean Air Repair (Project CAR) is a program designed to assist qualified clients with free vehicle emissions control repairs to support those in need and reduce air pollution. Older cars often have outdated or broken emission controls and exhaust equipment.
Environmental Initiative has established partnerships with car repair shops in Minnesota to reduce emissions from older passenger vehicles. Garages are reimbursed for identifying and fixing vehicle exhaust systems in cars of lower-income residents. Covered repairs include:
- Catalytic converters
- Evaporative emission control system (EVAP)
- EGR valves
- Oxygen sensors
By partnering with garages to repair broken or faulty emissions systems, Environmental Initiative is cleaning up some of the highest polluting cars on the road while reducing barriers to reliable transportation.
- More information: Twin Cities (PDF) →
- More information: Central Minnesota (PDF) →
- More information: Northern Minnesota (PDF) →
Need a repair? Review the repair process guide to see how it works.
Recent accomplishments
1,003
Cars repaired since 2017.
14
Participating partner garages.
55
Tons of emission reductions achieved.
“The amount of exhaust leaking from my car was very toxic to me, as well as to the environment and likely contributed to my health problems, which meant I was unable to work. This repair will greatly improve my health and hopefully I will be able to recover and get back to work.”
Latest news
From one garage to 1,000 repairs: Project CAR hits milestone
Project Clean Air Repair (CAR) recently completed its 1,000th vehicle emissions system repair! Over nine years, Project CAR has grown into a statewide initiative, eliminating 55 tons of ozone-forming emissions while supporting reliable transportation for Minnesota communities.
Project CAR nears 1,000 free emissions repairs
Project Clean Air Repair (Project CAR) is approaching a milestone that felt distant when the program launched in 2017: it’s 1,000th free vehicle emissions repair.
Why environmental storytelling outshines data alone
Curious about how to tell environmental stories that connect? Danami-Maurice Champion, BairStories highlights how Environmental Initiative made the shift from topic-based communications to emotive, environmental storytelling through Project Clean Air Repair.
The value of collaboration
Through our partnership with Cars for Neighbors, we’re making no-cost emission system repairs on vehicles for community members. Thank you to BairStories for collaborating with us to highlight this work.
Project Contacts
Rural and urban communities experience high air pollution from mobile sources such as cars. Expand Project CAR by talking to our experts today about offering financial support for this important clean air effort.
Questions? Contact us via email or call us at 612-425-4934.
Our partners
Participating garages
