Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Claim up to $20,000 toward an EV!

Claim up to $20,000 Toward an EV!

Federal tax credits have expired, but California is charging ahead — CEC makes it easy to see which state incentives you qualify for.

California’s demand for zero-emission vehicles is surging, even as federal support wanes. In Q3 of 2025, a record 29.1% of all new cars purchased in the state were zero-emission vehicles, proving California’s commitment to a clean energy future is stronger than ever.

You can still claim up to $20,000 when you switch to an electric vehicle, and CEC can help you figure out which programs you qualify for and which incentives you can stack for maximum savings.

Here’s a breakdown of the key state and local programs offering rebates and incentives. These can be applied to an EV purchase or lease.

*You must be in network to qualify for utility company rebates.

See what’s possible when you stack your savings.

If you live in a Disadvantaged Community (DAC), you could qualify for up to $20,000 in combined incentives, including:

• $12,000 from the Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP)
• $4,000 from Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)
• $4,000 from Central Coast Community Energy (3CE)

For low-income residents in Santa Barbara earning under ~$30,000 annually, you could stack up to $18,000 in savings:

• $10,000 from Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP)
• $4,000 from Southern California Edison (SCE)
• $4,000 from Santa Barbara Clean Energy (SBCE)

To get started:

1. Visit https://cecsb.org/electrify-your-life and fill out the EV Assistance form,
2. Email CEC Climate Programs associate Kat Orellana at korellana@cecmail.org, or
3. Call Kat Orellana at (805) 730-0209.

Other Opportunities

Gather for good this holiday season at CEC’s Environmental Hub

The holidays are just around the corner — host your end-of-year celebration in a space that reflects your values!

Introducing the Sustainable Chill Guide: Energy-Efficient Refrigeration for a Healthy Planet

Commercial refrigeration units consume a lot of energy and the refrigerants that keep them cool contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. By replacing old units with healthy, energy-efficient options, businesses can lower their energy bill, reduce their environmental impact, and keep their perishable goods fresher for longer. The Community Environmental Council and the Santa Barbara County Food Action Network have developed a guide for California small businesses that explains the benefits of healthy refrigeration, offers affordable solutions, and points to funding sources and resources to help make the switch.

View Sustainable Chill: A Guide to Healthy, Energy-Efficient Refrigeration.

Become a Resilience Hub and Help Your Community Prepare for Disasters

The California Central Coast faces growing challenges from extreme heat, wildfire smoke, flooding, and poor air quality. Community resilience hubs — trusted local spaces like schools, libraries, community centers, and churches — can provide aid and resources before, during, and after these events. CEC can help activate your site to:

1. Provide clean air during smoke events

2. Act as cooling locations during extreme heat

3. Distribute food

4. Serve as an emergency shelter or hub for emergency services

5. Facilitate disaster preparedness training and neighborhood organizing

6. Host off-grid charging during power outages or shutdowns

Take our short survey to learn more and get support or use our toolkit to get started today.

Upcoming Events

The Issue with Tissue Screening and Filmmaker Discussion

Thursday, October 30, 2025

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

CEC’s Environmental Hub

1219 State St., Santa Barbara

Join CEC and the Sierra Club Santa Barbara/Ventura Chapter for The Issue with Tissue film screening, followed by an enlightening discussion with writer, director, and producer Michael Zelniker, moderated by CEC board member and UC Santa Barbara professor Dr. David Pellow. This documentary reveals the powerful connection between the boreal forest and the Indigenous Peoples who call it home — and the deforestation threats they now face from the toilet paper industry. Scientists, activists, and First Nations Elders and Leaders speak out on why conserving this ancient forest is not only necessary, but deeply human. Before the screening, enjoy a Halloween-themed reception featuring refreshments, snacks, and a chance to mingle with fellow attendees. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., film starts at 6:45 p.m. Learn more and register.

Climate Fridays Santa Barbara

Friday, November 7, 2025 (AND every first friday in 2025)

3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

CEC’s Environmental Hub

1219 State St., Santa Barbara

Join CEC, the Society of Fearless Grandmothers Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Sierra Club on the first Friday of each month. At these events, climate activists, students, community partners, and friends gather to learn about regional climate change issues and how to take collective action to protect our planet. November’s gathering will focus on regenerative agriculture and feature guest speakers from Harris Gaviota Farm, SEEAG, White Buffalo Land Trust, and CEC. Learn more and register.

Youth Climate Workshop

Saturday, November 8, 2025

1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

CEC’s Environmental Hub

1219 State St., Santa Barbara

Students in grades six through 12 who want to take meaningful climate action are invited to a free, hands-on workshop at CEC’s Environmental Hub. Join CEC staff and local leaders to dive into environmental policy advocacy and learn how to use your voice to stand up for climate justice. You’ll hear from inspiring guest speakers from the Environmental Defense Center and Make Polluters Pay Santa Barbara as they share how their organizations are leading the charge on high impact campaigns in our communities. A lively panel discussion with local elected officials will give you an opportunity to learn what they are doing on environmental action and connect with them one-on-one afterwards. Co-hosted by CEC and Santa Barbara High School’s Environmental Advocacy Club, the workshop will include complimentary snacks and drinks, opportunities to collaborate with peers, and tools to help you lead positive change in your community. Learn more and register.

Day in the Park: Sustainability Community Fair

Saturday, November 15, 2025

12:30 – 4:00 p.m.

Leroy Park

4689 11th St., Guadalupe

Join the Guadalupe–Nipomo Dunes Center, the County of Santa Barbara, and community partners for a free, family-friendly afternoon celebrating our community and the sustainable future we’re building together. Hosted at Guadalupe’s Leroy Park, this event offers something for everyone: free food, live music, kids’ activities, and a chance to get to know your neighbors. Discover sustainability tools and tips, learn about local projects that are improving life in Guadalupe, and speak directly with organizations who want to hear your ideas and feedback. This is your opportunity to have a voice in shaping a more resilient Guadalupe. Learn more.

Día en el Parque: Feria Comunitaria de Sostenibilidad

Sábado 15 de noviembre de 2025

12:30 – 4:00 p.m.

Leroy Park

4689 11th St., Guadalupe

Vecinos de Guadalupe, ¡unámonos para un día de conexión, aprendizaje y diversión! Comparte ideas, conoce los proyectos locales y descubre recursos que ayudan a nuestras familias y a nuestra comunidad a crecer. Disfruta de comida gratis, música y actividades gratuitas para niños. Nuestros aliados estarán presentes para escuchar, responder preguntas y brindar información en los idiomas que hablamos en nuestra comunidad. ¡Ven a celebrar Guadalupe con nosotros! El evento es organizado por el Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center y el Condado de Santa Bárbara. Más información.

A Green Holiday Market

Thursday, December 4, 2025

4:00 – 8:00 p.m.

CEC’s Environmental Hub

1219 State St., Santa Barbara

Celebrate the season sustainably at CEC’s Green Holiday Market, a festive evening filled with eco-friendly shopping, creative crafting, and community cheer. Explore a curated lineup of vendors offering thoughtful, sustainably-made gifts, including ceramics, jewelry, paper goods, and vintage finds. This collaborative event, hosted by Beachside Babes Market and CEC, will feature flash tattoos, the chance to craft your own upcycled charm bracelet or necklace, and sustainable gift wrapping from local Girl Scouts. Come sip on cozy cocoa or cider as you browse and get your holiday shopping done while supporting Santa Barbara makers and the planet. Learn more.

Support Critical Work Like This

Recognized as a 2020 California Nonprofit of the Year and a City of Santa Barbara Climate Hero, CEC is led by CEO Sigrid Wright, 2022 Congressional Woman of the Year. See our most recent impact report to learn how we are serving California’s Central Coast by advancing rapid and equitable solutions to the climate crisis.

Learn more about how you can invest in CEC’s work to accelerate regional climate solutions at cecsb.org/donate.