BOARD MEETING DATE: June 12, 1998 AGENDA NO. 30(b)

BOARD MEETING DATE: June 12, 1998 AGENDA NO. 30(b)

REPORT:

Legislative Committee

SYNOPSIS:

A Special Legislative Committee meeting was held on
May 15, 1998, to reconsider the position on SB 432 (Lewis)
adopted by the Governing Board on May 8, 1998.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Approve the legislative position recommended below.

James W. Silva, Vice-Chairman

Legislative Committee

Attendance

The Legislative Committee met on May 15, 1998, at 9:15 a.m. Jim Silva, Vice-Chair, and Committee members Michael Antonovich and Nell Soto were present. Pursuant to the Procedures for Standing Committees of the Governing Board, adopted March 8, 1996, Vice-Chair Silva appointed Board Vice-Chair Norma Glover and Board Member Wayne Nastri as ad hoc members of the Legislative Committee for the May 15, 1998, meeting only.

Senate Bill 432 (Lewis) -- Rideshare Programs

Dr. Wallerstein stated that Senator Lewis agreed to meet with him and Board Vice-Chair Norma Glover to discuss the details of the Governing Board's action on May 8, 1998, to support SB 432 contingent upon relief of the $1.5 million a year contribution to the Regional Transportation Agencies Coalition (RTAC) and Senator Lewis' support for
AB 2194 (Washington) -- Clean Fuels Reauthorization. After discussions, Senator Lewis agreed to address the $1.5 million to RTAC in SB 432, but had concerns regarding support for AB 2194. Dr. Wallerstein added that Senator Lewis' concerns did not stem from an adverse reaction to the clean fuels strategies, but rather the extension of fees on vehicles which the Senator has generally not supported in the past. Senator Lewis, however, does support the AB 1368/SB 1857 diesel clean-up package, which is an indication that the Senator is supportive of clean air legislation.

Dr. Wallerstein further explained that the Special Legislative Committee meeting was scheduled because Senate Bill 432 is scheduled for hearing in Assembly Appropriations on May 20, 1998, and Senator Lewis is requesting a Support position from the AQMD. The Senator has agreed to relieve the AQMD of the $1.5 million annually to RTAC and will take "no position" on AB 2194.

Mr. Nastri motioned for the Legislative Committee to adopt an interim position, on behalf of the Governing Board, to Support SB 432 without requesting Senator Lewis to support AB 2194. The AQMD’s support position, however, is still predicated on relief from the $1.5 million annual payment to RTAC. The motion was unanimously approved.