The Northern Sierra AQMD received its first TAG that funded the wood stove change out, one cord wood shed, and chimney sweep voucher program in 2016 (known as 2015 TAG). Over the next few years we applied for and received two additional TAG grants in the years 2018 and 2020. Each grant has a five year cycle with the possibility to seek up to two years extension. By statute, all TAG grants have to be completed after 7 years. The 2015 TAG award was at the tune of $2.3 million dollars and we received a two year extension, completing the grant close out process to EPA in 2024 with official notification of grant closure in April of 2025. 

The 2018 TAG was received in the amount of $3.2 million in May of 2020. The District received a two year extension for this grant as well with a new expiration date of April, 2027. At the District level we are preparing to close this grant out by the end of 2026 as the program funds have almost fully been utilized. The 2018 TAG continued existing programs 2015 funded, expanded chimney sweep voucher offerings, and funded the green waste and firewood programs which were not previously in the 2015 workplan. 

Finally, the 2020 TAG grant was awarded in January 2022 to the tune of $2.6 million dollars. The district received a two year extension with a grant expiration date of July 2028. This grant funds all of the previous programs in addition to allowing old pellet stoves to qualify for change out to a new pellet stove. At the District level we will need to plan to complete all programs no later than May of 2028. This means that 2027 is the last full year of our programs that many residents have learned to utilize annually over the course of a decade plus. There is currently, roughly (as of early October 2026), $1.7 million remaining in the 2020 TAG. 

We as District staff are eternally grateful for the EPA for granting us three TAGs over the years and CARB for working with the District as a Subgrantee to deliver meaningful, tangible benefits to our community. Through community participation and use of federal funds we have succesfully reached Attainment for the 2012 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) which was what the funds were given to us to accomplish. 

Thank you to the Greater Portola community for your active participation in the TAG programs and your direct contribution to the improved winter time air quality where we call home.