Woodsmoke Reduction Program — Northern Sierra AQMD
Last verified 2026-05-17
⚠️ Status (May 2026): The general Woodsmoke Reduction Program for Nevada, Sierra, and Plumas counties is not accepting new applications. The district is keeping a long‑term waitlist for when funding returns. A separate, actively funded program exists right now if you live in or near the City of Portola in Plumas County — see "Portola wood stove change‑out" below. [Source: myairdistrict.com/grants-incentives (accessed 2026-05-17)]
What this program is
The Woodsmoke Reduction Program pays you to swap out an old, smoky wood stove or fireplace for something cleaner — a new EPA‑certified wood stove, a pellet stove, an electric stove heater, or an electric heat pump. The money comes from California Climate Investments (cap‑and‑trade dollars) and is handed out by your local air district. [Source: caclimateinvestments.ca.gov/woodsmoke (accessed 2026-05-17)]
Who can qualify (when funding is open)
To get a voucher you must:
- Live in Nevada, Sierra, or Plumas County.
- Use a non‑EPA‑certified wood stove or fireplace as your primary heat source.
- Have a stove or fireplace that was manufactured before July 1, 1988.
[Source: myairdistrict.com (accessed 2026-05-17)]
How much you can get
Statewide caps were raised on April 1, 2025 and still apply in 2026:
- Standard voucher: up to $2,500 for a new wood, pellet, or electric stove; up to $5,000 for an electric heat pump.
- Enhanced (low‑income) voucher: up to $7,000 for a wood, pellet, or electric stove; up to $12,000 for an electric heat pump.
You qualify for the enhanced amount if you live in a CARB‑designated low‑income or disadvantaged community, OR your household income is at or below 80% of the state median, OR you're enrolled in a low‑income assistance program (Medi‑Cal, CalFresh, LIHEAP, etc.).
CCI low‑income map: https://webmaps.arb.ca.gov/PriorityPopulations
[Source: ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/residential-woodsmoke-reduction/woodsmoke-reduction-program (accessed 2026-05-17)]
How to apply right now
For Nevada, Sierra, or Plumas county residents (general program): Applications are closed. To get on the waitlist for the next funding cycle, do one of these:
- Fill out the Long‑term Waitlist Form and mail it to the district, or email it to office@myairdistrict.com.
- Call (530) 274‑9360 and give them your name, mailing address, email, and phone.
When funding reopens, the district contacts the waitlist first. Funding is first‑come, first‑served, with priority for low‑income households.
If you live in or near Portola (Plumas County) — apply now
NSAQMD is actively running the Greater Portola Area Wood Stove Change‑Out Program in 2026. It replaces the general Woodsmoke Reduction Program for people inside the Portola PM2.5 non‑attainment zone. Anyone — renter or owner, any income — can apply.
- Zone 1 (City of Portola): up to $13,500 for a heat pump, up to $5,000 for a wood/pellet stove.
- Zone 2 (surrounding area): up to $13,500 for a heat pump, up to $3,500 for a wood/pellet stove.
- Old device must be 20+ years old (10+ years if it's pellet, kerosene, propane, or a heat pump).
- Call (530) 832‑0102 or visit https://www.myairdistrict.com/portola-woodstove-change-out-program
[Source: myairdistrict.com/portola-woodstove-change-out-program (accessed 2026-05-17)]
Common pitfalls (don't lose your voucher)
- Do not remove your old stove until your application is approved. Removing it first disqualifies you.
- Do not buy the new stove first. Get written approval, then buy.
- Use a district‑approved retailer for the install. Self‑installs and outside contractors are not covered.
- Don't fudge the application. False or incomplete info disqualifies you.
Where to get help
- Northern Sierra AQMD (main): (530) 274‑9360, office@myairdistrict.com, 380 Sierra College Drive, Suite 220, Grass Valley, CA 95945
- CARB statewide program line: (800) 242‑4450, woodsmokereduction@arb.ca.gov
If you're in a different participating air district, contact them directly:
629 Entler Avenue Suite 15, Chico, CA 95928 • 530-332-9400 | |
100 Sunrise Blvd. #F, Colusa, CA 95932 • 530-458-0590 | |
720 N Colusa Street, Willows, CA 95988 • 530-934-6500 | |
541 Washington Avenue, Yuba City, CA 95991 • 530-634-7659 | |
1855 Placer Street, Suite 101, Redding, CA 96001 • 530-225-5674 | |
1834 Walnut Street, Red Bluff, CA 96080 • 530-527-3717 |
Sources
- Northern Sierra AQMD Grants & Incentives: https://www.myairdistrict.com/grants-incentives
- Portola Wood Stove Change‑Out Program: https://www.myairdistrict.com/portola-woodstove-change-out-program
- CARB Woodsmoke Reduction Program: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/residential-woodsmoke-reduction/woodsmoke-reduction-program
- California Climate Investments — Woodsmoke: https://www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov/woodsmoke
The Woodsmoke Reduction Program is administered by the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District in coordination with other air districts, the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA), and the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and funded by California Climate Investments.
Freshness update (2026-05-30): Re-verified. The general Woodsmoke Reduction Program for Nevada/Sierra/Plumas counties still appears to be waitlist-only (call (530) 274-9360 to get on the list) — confirm current funding when you call. The Greater Portola Area Wood Stove Change-Out Program IS active for 2026 and worth a call at (530) 832-0102 ext. 3 if you're in or near Portola. One correction to the Portola amounts above: pellet stoves get more than wood stoves there. Current Portola vouchers are: electric heat pump up to \$13,500 (both zones); wood stove up to \$5,000 (Zone 1) / \$3,500 (Zone 2); pellet stove up to \$6,500 (Zone 1) / \$4,500 (Zone 2). Old device must be 20+ years old for a wood stove (10+ years for pellet, kerosene, propane, or electric/heat-pump replacements).