Understanding California’s WAIRE Program

Warehouse owners and operators in California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) face growing pressure to reduce emissions and comply with new regulations. Navigating these requirements can be complex, leaving many unsure of the best path forward. Understanding the SCAQMD’s Warehouse Actions and Investments to Reduce Emissions (WAIRE) program is the first step toward creating a clear compliance strategy that avoids penalties and supports a more sustainable supply chain.

This guide breaks down the essential components of the SCAQMD WAIRE Program, including who it affects, how the point system works, and what funding opportunities are available to help you meet your goals.

Key takeaways

The California SCAQMD WAIRE program reduces emissions around warehouses by requiring use of, or investment in, near-zero and zero-emission equipment.  

Covered entities must monitor their warehouse operations closely to ensure compliance with the point-based system and avoid being penalized.  

The upcoming WAIRE mitigation program will offer stackable funding opportunities, making investments in compliant technology more economical for warehouse owners and operators.  

What is the WAIRE program and point system?

The WAIRE program requires owners and operators of warehouses with 100,000 square feet or more of indoor floor space in a single building to reduce nitrogen oxide and diesel emissions.  

WAIRE operates on a point-based system. Each year, warehouse owners and operators must earn a specific number of points to meet their Warehouse Points Compliance Obligation (WPCO). This target is determined by the volume of truck traffic to and from the warehouse.  

Points can be earned in several ways, primarily through actions that reduce emissions. According to a January 2026 report from the SCAQMD, the most common methods for earning points include:

• Using zero-emission (ZEV) or near-zero-emission (NZE) yard tractors.
• Documenting visits from ZEV and NZE trucks.
• Installing ZEV charging or fueling infrastructure.
• Acquiring ZEV trucks for your fleet.

If an owner or operator earns more points than required in a compliance period, they can bank the surplus for the next period or transfer them to another warehouse they own or operate. By 2026, the program reaches 100% coverage, meaning enough points must be accrued by the 2027 AWR submission deadline to cover the warehouse's entire WPCO.

Compliance fees support sustainability investments

As an alternative to earning points, owners and operators can choose to pay a mitigation fee, and from these fees, the SCAQMD is developing an incentive program. The WAIRE Mitigation Program will help fleets and warehouse operators fund the transition to more sustainable warehouse and transportation operations. The funding will prioritize zero-emission trucks and infrastructure, and focus on communities near the covered warehouses, helping to improve local air quality directly. The application window is tentatively scheduled to open in August 2026 and close in November 2026. The program is expected to launch with up to $73 million available in its first year.  

A key benefit of the WAIRE Mitigation Program funding is that its funding is stackable, to the point where 85% of the total eligible cost of a new equipment purchase can be covered, which will significantly lower the cost of acquiring compliant equipment. Additional financial incentive sources include HVIP funding or the California Clean Fuel Reward Program (opens June 26, 2026).  

Capitalizing on the California WAIRE Program

The California WAIRE Program establishes a clear framework for reducing emissions from warehouse-related activities. Through its flexible point system, mitigation fees, and upcoming financial incentives, the program encourages a shift toward cleaner transportation technologies. For warehouse owners and operators, staying informed about compliance deadlines, reporting requirements, and funding opportunities is critical to successfully navigating this regulatory landscape.  

A successful energy transition requires a comprehensive strategy, not just new equipment. With CleanMile, you can use your transportation data to create effective sustainability initiatives and make real progress toward reducing your Scope 1 and 3 transportation emissions. Contact us today for expert guidance on navigating your alternative energy transition and the subsidies available to your transportation network.

WAIRE Menu & Point System

Frequently asked questions about the California WAIRE program

How does the California WAIRE program reduce emissions? 

The California WAIRE program reduces emissions by requiring warehouse owners and operators to take specific actions that promote clean transportation. This is achieved through a point system where points are earned for activities like using electric yard tractors, documenting visits from zero-emission trucks, or installing charging infrastructure. Alternatively, paying a mitigation fee funds clean truck and infrastructure projects in nearby communities.

Who is affected by the California WAIRE program? 

The program applies to owners and operators of warehouses located in the South Coast Air Quality Management District that are 100,000 square feet or larger. Warehouse owners are responsible for submitting basic building information, while operators must submit detailed reports on site operations and their annual compliance efforts.

What happens if you do not earn enough points?

If a warehouse operator fails to earn enough points to meet their annual Warehouse Points Compliance Obligation (WPCO), they must pay a mitigation fee for the deficit. The funds from these fees are used to support emissions-reduction projects in communities near the non-compliant warehouses.

Is there financial help available for compliance?

Yes. The SCAQMD is creating the California WAIRE Mitigation Program, which will provide incentive funding for fleets and warehouse operators. This program can cover up to 85 percent of the cost of new zero-emission equipment and infrastructure, when combined with other funding opportunities like HVIP, reducing the financial burden of compliance.