With the passing of Senate Bill 1275 on vehicle retirement and replacement, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has taken the first steps to create carsharing programs for electric cars in low and moderate income communities.

According to CARB, it will begin soliciting proposals for such programs and hopes to launch the first pilot programs this summer.

To help make this process as effective, The Greenlining Institute has released “Electric Carsharing in Underserved Communities: Considerations for Program Success.” Greenlining’s analysis guides policymakers through issues such as insurance, credit and payment options, parking, infrastructure and outreach, says the company.

“Low and moderate income communities are hit first and worst by pollution and must be part of the solution to dirty air and climate change,” said Joel Espino, lead author of the report. “California’s smart climate policies have created a first of its kind opportunity to invest in clean vehicle car-sharing programs geared to the needs of underserved communities.”

Among other things, the report urges CARB to:

• Solicit and follow the input of local community groups, the people who know the needs of their communities and can guide considerations such as location, outreach and publicity.

• Accelerate the placement of electric car-charging infrastructure in apartment complexes.

• Create partnerships between carsharing operators, utilities, charging station companies and community-based organizations.

Funding for these programs comes from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund created by AB 32, the state’s climate change and clean energy law.

For more information on how California climate policies are bringing new opportunities to underserved communities, visit upliftca.org.