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 Older cars often have outdated or broken emission controls and exhaust equipment.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

808
Cars repaired since 2017.

8
Participating partner garages.

44
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
We all have a role to play in cleaning up our air
More than 800 vehicle emissions systems have been repaired through Project Clean Air Repair. Local automotive repair industry leaders Cathy Heying and Tim Suggs share how their work goes beyond just fixing vehicles and extends to supporting the communities they serve, including the environment.
Be air aware with the Air Quality Index
Do you know how air quality can affect your health? You might not be able to see it, but the air you breathe could contain dangerous pollutants. The Air Quality Index can let you know what the quality of the air outside is before you open a window or step out for a walk.
Program that fixes old cars for free expands to greater Minnesota through Wayne’s Automotive partnership
Project Clean Air Repair's expansion will bring the program’s outreach, benefits, and services into northern Minnesota.
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.
