Motor vehicles, while an essential mode of transportation in a rural state like Vermont, are a major source of air pollutants that are associated with a variety of public health and environmental threats. A vehicle that possesses malfunctioning emission control systems can emit 50% more pollution than when it was originally manufactured. To decrease transportation-related costs for those individuals who can least afford them while protecting public health and air quality for all Vermonters, the Vermont Legislature has authorized the development and implementation of the Vermont Automotive Emissions Repair Assistance Program (AERAP). This program aims to provide financial assistance to low-income Vermonters for the proper diagnosis and repair of vehicles failing the emissions test component (On-Board Diagnostic II, or OBD II) of the annual State vehicle inspection. Currently, AERAP is operating as a pilot and is not able to accept diesel-powered vehicles at this time.
Participating Repair Facilities
- All Service Citgo - Bennington, VT
- VIP Tires and Service - Shelburne, VT
Motorists who live in Bennington or Chittenden Counties, or are willing to travel to a participating facility, are encouraged to apply.
Eligibility Criteria
- Total gross household income must be less than or equal to 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.
- Vehicle must be registered in Vermont.
- Vehicle must have passed the safety portion of the State vehicle inspection but failed the OBD-II portion within 30 days of applying.
- Vehicle must have not failed the OBD-II portion of the State vehicle inspection due to readiness or for having a tampered emissions control system.
- Vehicles that are still covered by their emissions warranty are not eligible.
- Currently, diesel vehicles cannot be covered by the program due to the limited nature of the pilot.
Program Application
Contact Information
To learn more about AERAP, the application process, or future project plans, please contact AERAP staff at the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s Air Quality & Climate Division at:
- 802-447-6447 (Bennington area phone number),
- 802-651-1630 (Shelburne area phone number), or
- via e-mail at ANR.decAERAP@vermont.gov.
Application Guidance Materials
Below are an assortment of materials to assist motorists with the AERAP application process:
- AERAP Application Guidance - Part 1. A short video on the AERAP application process, including eligibility details and gathering required information.
- AERAP Application Guidance - Part 2. A short video on the AERAP application process, including how to complete and submit an application.
- AERAP Overview. A full description of the program, its scope of work and workflow.
- AERAP Workflow. A simplified handout that explains the AERAP workflow.
- VECI Label Guidance. Guidance on how to locate and interpret the Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) label on your vehicle. Applicants are required to submit information from the VECI label on the AERAP application form.
- AERAP Application Guidance. A comprehensive document covering the the AERAP application process, complimentary to the video guidance.