The California Air Resources Board has tripled the annual budget of its Clean Vehicle Rebate Project from $5 million to $15 million.
The money will be used to reimburse new electric vehicle owners and leasers up to $2,500.
San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts, a member of the Air Resources Board, presented the first of the rebate checks to Kim Adelman of Poway Tuesday morning.
Adelman recently bought a Nissan Leaf.
Roberts said the rebate program is one reason the air in San Diego is the cleanest it's been in 50 years.
"The incentive program is a real significant part of our overall program of reducing greenhouse gases, reducing air pollution throughout the state of California," said Roberts.
In addition to the rebates, many low emission vehicle buyers are eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit.
