Project Clean Air Repair
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 Older cars often have outdated or broken emission controls and exhaust equipment.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.
Recent accomplishments

730
Cars repaired since 2017.

6
Participating partner garages.

40
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.

“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.”
Clean Air Stories
State lottery dollars were renewed by voters. What comes next?
Minnesota voters extended lottery funding for the environment in November. Explore what this significant investment means for air, land, water, wildlife, and communities statewide.
Environmental Initiative receives $1.1 million grant to reduce diesel emissions
Project Green Fleet recently partnered with three Minnesota-based fleets to submit a funding application that secured just over $1.1 million to replace six diesel vehicles.
Ballot breakdown: How voting yes supports Minnesota’s environment
Minnesotans have a unique opportunity this election to renew critical lottery funding that protects our air, water, and natural spaces. Learn more about what's on the ballot and how you can help.
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.

Eben Kowler
Partnership Manager he/him Email Eben Kowler Office: 612-334-3388 ext. 8119 Cell: 612-851-6940