Project Clean Air Repair

Region

Minnesota

Timeline

2017 - present

Topics

Project 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 Older cars often have outdated or broken emission controls and exhaust equipment.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 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.

Download and share the Project CAR flyer (PDF)

Partner garage locations

Call one of our participating partner garages to arrange an inspection. Garage staff will confirm your eligibility and perform the emission system repairs. Environmental Initiative will be invoiced directly for the work.


          Recent accomplishments

          674

          Cars repaired since 2017.

          6

          Participating partner garages.

          37

          Tons of emission reductions achieved.

          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.

          photo of mechanic repairing a car

          “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.”

          Project CAR customer at The Lift Garage

          Clean Air Stories

          Environmental Initiative helps local lawn care business go electric

          Parkway Lawn Service in Minneapolis has transitioned from gas-powered to electric lawn equipment, significantly reducing emissions and improving environmental health.

          Clean Air Minnesota earns spot as finalist for Harvard’s Roy Family Award

          Clean Air Minnesota is a finalist for the 2024 Roy Family Award for Environmental Partnership from Harvard University's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. This recognition highlights our collaboration to reduce air pollution and enhance environmental quality through innovative, voluntary efforts.

          Minnesota program that fixes old cars for free announces expansion into the East Metro

          Environmental Initiative is expanding Project Clean Air Repair (Project CAR) to the East Metro through a new partnership with Turbo Tim's. Low to no cost emission system repairs are now available in eight auto repair shops ahead of summer driving, air quality seasons.

          See All Air News

          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.

          Our Partners