Back

PROPOSAL:

Reaffirm AQMD Policy Supporting the Purchase and Use of Alternative Fuel Vehicles in Transit Fleets

SYNOPSIS:

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) recently approved in concept the purchase of more than 2,000 buses over the next six years. A proposal that half these be diesel was withdrawn. However, such a proposal is of concern and suggests it is appropriate to reaffirm the AQMD's long-standing policy encouraging the purchase and use of alternative fuel vehicles in transit fleets due to the adverse health effects associated with diesel exhaust emissions.

COMMITTEE:

Not applicable

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

1. Adopt the attached resolution reaffirming the South Coast Air Quality Management District's policy encouraging the purchase and use of alternative fuel buses in transit and other fleets.

2. Direct the Executive Officer to continue to assist other agencies in the analysis and evaluation of the benefits of cleaner, alternative fuels vs. diesel.

Dr. William A. Burke
Chairman of the Board

Background

In 1984, the AQMD Governing Board made several findings [ Resolution 84-36] concerning the adverse health impacts of particulate emissions from diesel engines in taking action to urge the Environmental Protection Agency to set stringent standards for heavy duty diesel vehicle emissions. The findings included (a) that diesel particulate emissions contribute to the exceedance of the federal and state fine particulate standard in the South Coast Air Basin and (b) that NOx emissions from trucks and buses adversely affect the respiratory system, contribute to ozone formation and acid deposition problems in Southern California, and cause crop and materials damage.

In March, 1997, the Board adopted a position [ March 14, 1997, Agenda No. 35 - in response to a Department of Energy proposal to increase utilization of diesel engines for sport utility vehicles] to encourage federal agencies to promote advancement of engine design, exhaust treatment and clean fuel usage to meet emission requirements. In October, 1997 [ October 10, 1997, Agenda No. 38] , in adopting the Environmental Justice Initiatives, the Board reiterated its policy position to "incentivize the early clean-up or removal of diesel engines in the Basin." And just last month, the Board unanimously approved Supervisor's Mikels' motion that the Board support a designation of diesel -- whether it is exhaust or fuel or particulates -- as a toxic air contaminant, if the scientific data demonstrates that it meets the criteria of a toxic air contaminant. In addition, in August of this year, the California Air Resources Board determined that diesel particulate emissions are a toxic air contaminant based on the potential to cause human cancer.

In recent months, staff has become concerned that the commitment of LACMTA and other transit providers to alternative fuels may be weakening. LACMTA recently approved in concept the purchase of over 2,000 buses over the next six years. Fortunately, a proposal that half those new buses be diesel was withdrawn. Given the state of science regarding the adverse health effect of diesel and the demonstrated benefits of cleaner, alternative fuels, the fact that such a proposal was made at all is of concern. As the agency responsible to protect the public health by ensuring that air pollution is reduced, the South Coast AQMD must be vigilant in its support of the use of alternative fuels and in providing expertise and assistance in the evaluation of fleet replacement choices.

Proposal

The South Coast Air Quality Management District should continue its environmental leadership throughout Southern California by clearly and unequivocally reaffirming its long-standing policy supporting the purchase and use of alternative fuel vehicles, including transit fleets.

In addition, the AQMD, with its long history of advancement of clean fuels technologies, should commit appropriate resources within the FY 1998-99 budget to support the analysis of issues related to the use of alternative fuels vs. diesel and make its considerable expertise available to assist other agencies in reaching informed decisions.

Fiscal Impacts
None.

Attachments
None.

RESOLUTION NO. 98-_____

A Resolution of the South Coast Air Quality Management District Board reaffirming its policy encouraging the use of alternative, less polluting fuels in vehicles, including transit buses and other fleets.

WHEREAS, the AQMD Governing Board has a long-standing policy of encouraging the development, purchase, and use of alternative, clean-fueled vehicles; and

WHEREAS, the California Air Resources Board has now identified diesel particulate as a toxic air contaminant; and

WHEREAS, achievement of the new federal PM_2.5 and ozone standards will necessitate significant reductions in NOx emissions from diesel-powered vehicles; and

WHEREAS, several transit agencies, including Sunline Transit in Riverside County, Riverside County Transit, South Coast Area Transit in Ventura County, and the Sacramento Transit Authority have had positive experiences with alternative-fuel bus fleets; and

WHEREAS, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) has the largest compressed natural gas (CNG) bus fleet in the country (approximately 600 in service and another 500 on order); and

WHEREAS, the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) is paying for the entire differential purchase cost for CNG buses and the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC) provides additional funds for CNG bus purchases; and

WHEREAS, the California Air Resources Board, on September 24, 1998 adopted its Resolution No. 98-49 calling on state, local and federal agencies, including air districts, public transit agencies, school and community college districts, and others, to join ARB in supporting immediate and continuing efforts to replace diesel-fueled school and public transit buses with cleaner alternative-fuel buses;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Coast Air Quality Management District Governing Board does hereby reaffirm its policy encouraging the purchase and use of alternative fuel vehicles, including transit fleet vehicles; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Coast Air Quality Management District staff, in its continuing commitment to implement the Air Quality Management Plan's emissions reductions strategies, will continue to assist other agencies in the analysis and evaluation of the benefits of cleaner, alternative fuels vs. diesel and make its considerable expertise available to assist other agencies in reaching informed decisions.

AYES:

NOES:

/ / /