The City of Palm Desert is working to make the world a better place.  We save resources and money by encouraging new ways of thinking that have a positive impact on the environment, our local economy, and all who live, work, and play in Palm Desert.  Our innovative leadership will make Palm Desert a resilient city, better positioned to manage inevitable natural and economic challenges.

The Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee helps develop appropriate policies and actions to meet the City's environmental goals and to ensure the City's resources continue to be conserved and managed effectively.

For more information about Palm Desert's sustainability efforts, please contact the Special Programs Department at (760) 776-6342, or email alawrence@palmdesert.gov

Efficiency Rebates

There is a wide range of energy efficiency and sustainability related rebates and incentives available to Palm Desert residents and businesses.

Public agencies and utility companies offer rebates on all sorts of items including: pool pumps, evaporative coolers, electric vehicle chargers, HVAC systems, and much more.

Additionally, some agencies offer programs for A/C tune-ups, refrigerator recycling, and incentives for purchasing or leasing new or used electric vehicles.

Click on the agency below to view a list of current available rebates, incentives, and programs. Phone numbers are listed to call for more information.

• Coachella Valley Water District - (760) 398-2651
• Imperial Irrigation District - (760) 396-5656
• Southern California Edison - (800) 655-4555
• Southern California Gas Company - (877) 238-0092
• Southern California Air Quality Management District - (909) 396-2000

Electric Vehicle Chargers

In 2019, transportation accounted for the largest portion (29%) of total U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Transitioning to alternative modes of transportation, including electric vehicles, will have a major impact on reducing GHG emissions.

To help facilitate this transition, the City of Palm Desert has installed eight electric vehicle charging stations throughout the community and upgraded four existing charging stations at the Civic Center Complex.

This work was funded by the AB 2766 program, a matching grant from the Southern California Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), and the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC).

By partnering with various property owners and public agencies, the City will continue to improve and expand its charging station infrastructure throughout the community to benefit electric vehicle drivers and the environment.

To find out more about AB 2766 or SCAQMD's other programs, please visit their website at aqmd.gov. For further information about the City's electric vehicle projects, please call Public works at (760) 776-6473, or email bescobedo@palmdesert.gov 

AB2766 Programs Storm

Southern California Air Quality Management District's (AQMD) AB 2766 Subvention Fund Program provides a funding source for cities and counties to develop clean transportation programs and reduce vehicle emissions.  Currently, Palm Desert and the other cities in the Coachella Valley contribute 75% of their AB 2766 funds annually to a Regional PM-10 Street Sweeping Program managed by the Coachella Valley Association of Governments.  This program helps create cleaner, healthier air for residents and tourists in the Coachella Valley by reducing PM-10 (particulate matter of less than 10 microns) which comes from dust generating activities such as vehicles traveling over paved or unpaved streets and construction activities.

The remaining AB 2766 funds go towards City specific programs and purchases.  Some recurring programs include the City's Employee Rideshare Program, which rewards employees who carpool or use alternative transportation to commute to work, and Sunline Transit Agency's Student Art Contest Bus Wrap Sponsorship.  This annual program encourages students from K-12 to submit sustainability themed artwork for the chance to have it displayed on a hydrogen electric fuel cell bus or a local bus shelter in the Coachella Valley.  In the past, the City has also used these funds to purchase Chargers and the City is currently planning to use funds to purchase and install bike racks throughout Palm Desert.

To find out more about AB 2766 or AQMD's other programs, please visit their website at aqmd.gov. For further information about Palm Desert's air quality efforts, please call Public Works at (760) 776-6473, or email bescobedo@palmdesert.gov.

Stormwater Pollution Prevention

The Riverside County Watershed Protection Program works to reduce stormwater pollution in our waterways.  Through community-wide partnerships, their aim is to protect, preserve and enhance the quality of Riverside County’s watersheds and to keep our water clean. As a resident of Palm Desert, you can help protect the quality of our waterways. Please visit Riverside County Watershed Protection to learn how.

Find an Electric Vehicle Charging Station