BOARD MEETING DATE: February 18, 2000 AGENDA NO. 25
Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review
SYNOPSIS:
Below is a summary of key issues addressed at the MSRC’s January 27, 2000, meeting, which was conducted jointly with its Work Program Development Subcommittee. Although I was not present at this meeting, staff has prepared this report for your information. The next MSRC meeting is Thursday, February 24, at 1:30 p.m.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Receive and file.
Norma J. Glover
AQMD Representative on MSRC
Approval of Minutes
Minutes from the October 22 and November 18, 1999, MSRC meetings were unanimously approved, as submitted. The minutes are attached for your information (Attachments 1-2).
Reconsideration of Policy on Funding Mandated Programs in Consideration of
Proposed Fleet Rule 1190
The MSRC's January 27, 2000, meeting was a joint meeting with its Work Program Development Subcommittee, consisting primarily of Technical Advisory Committee members, responsible for developing the components of the next work program. Included within this discussion was a presentation by AQMD staff on Proposed Fleet Rule 1190 and re-consideration of its policy relative to not funding mandated programs required by federal, state or local agencies. Concerns expressed on Rule 1190 revolved around overall cost to the Basin, cost-effectiveness of the rule, reliability of technology, and model availability for medium-duty alternative fuel vehicles. AQMD staff agreed to update the MSRC on the rule and key issues at its next meeting, as well as to provide cost-effectiveness calculations. The MSRC also directed its Technical Advisor to research costs and benefits of providing an incentive program to remove older diesel light-duty vehicles off the roads. Finally, the MSRC formed an ad-hoc working group consisting of both MSRC and TAC members to review its policy relative to not funding mandated programs required by federal, state or local agencies in light of Proposed Fleet Rule 1190. Concerns revolved around the MSRC's inability to fund all vehicles which would be affected by the initial requirements of the rule and how parameters can be drawn between funding Rule 1190 versus other local mandated programs. AQMD legal counsel also agreed to explore how Rule 1190 can help the SIP and conformity for the region.
Follow-On Contract with CEC for $375,000 for Statewide Infrastructure
Incentive Program
The MSRC's FY 1997-99 Work Program included $250,000 for a statewide program administered by the CEC to provide incentives for the installation of EV charging infrastructure at residences or work places. The program provides up to 50% of the total cost of the off-board equipment and its installation (up to 40% from the CEC, 40% from auto manufacturers, and for purchases or leases within the Basin up to 20% from the MSRC). The MSRC's FY 1999-00 Work Program included another $375,000 for continued participation in this program. However, based upon program needs at the time the original contract was scheduled to end, the CEC chose not to extend the contract nor invoice for the additional monies. Recently, the CEC identified a financial need for the $375,000 based upon automaker infrastructure installation projections and an announced contract between Ford and the United States Post Office for the single largest EV fleet in California. Consequently, the CEC requested that a new contract be executed to utilize the $375,000. The MSRC uanimously approved this follow-on contract, and an item has been included on our February 18, 2000, agenda to consider this contract.
Change of Contractor for EVCharge Applications
The MSRC's FY 1997-99 Work Program included $2 million for the second phase of EV charging infrastructure planning and implementation, intended to reduce mobile source emissions by providing public charging infrastructure to support EV usage in the Basin. Through a simplified application process, this program provided matching funds to construct EV charging stations in underserved areas. The application process ended August 31, 1999. In November 1999 we approved the final EVCharge applications, including 14 applications totaling $212,207.27 to Edison EV on behalf of various businesses located within the AQMD's boundaries. Subsequently, Edison EV exited the EV supply business and sold its assets and obligations to the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). SMUD, an active promoter of EV development, has agreed to assume all MSRC obligations. The MSRC unanimously approved this change of contractor, and an item has been included on our February 18, 2000, agenda to approve this request.
Neighborhood EV Demonstration Projects
The MSRC's FY 1999-00 Work Program included $200,000 for participation in a statewide demonstration program conducted by the CEC of neighborhood/low-speed EVs. Our Board approved this work program contract in September 1999. The CEC released a PON in August 1999, and members of the MSRC's Technical Advisory Committee participated on the CEC's evaluation committee. For this region two worthy projects were recommended for funding, which the MSRC unanimously approved at its meeting on January 27, 2000, with direction to the CEC to proceed with program implementation. One project is with the City of Palm Springs to demonstrate 21 vehicles for use by city, police and community representatives. The second project is with the Anaheim Transportation Network to demonstrate 10 vehicles in the community, especially use by low-income families.
The MSRC intends to follow these projects closely to ensure that gasoline vehicles are being displaced rather than bicycling or transit use. In addition, there are two classes of these neighborhood EVs, one registered as a low-speed vehicle limited to 25 miles/hour by statute and a second with capabilities of traveling 60 miles/hour with a 60-mile range. The intention is to include both classes in the demonstration. In addition, the MSRC directed its staff to look into expanded use of the vehicles, such that they could be retrofitted with carrying capabilities for use by work crews.
Approval of EV Charging Station Signage Guidelines
The MSRC's FY 1997-99 Work Program included funding for installation of directional signage for 100 sites funded under its EV Quick Charge Program. The MSRC also tasked its consultant, The Planning Center, to develop guidelines to assist site owners during installation and construction of charging station sites. Now that most of the directional signs have been installed, The Planning Center, in conjunction with the signage installer, Safeway Signs, has finalized the guidelines. The MSRC unanimously approved these guidelines, which will be useful for future site owners when they develop their signage plans. MSRC staff will work with the Technical Advisory Committee to disseminate the guidelines appropriately.
New Contract Language for Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Sites
Based on the AQMD's Carl Moyer contracts, the MSRC unanimously approved new contract language to address closure or removal of refueling stations outside the basin. The language will only apply to alternative fuel infrastructure contracts and prohibits a contractor from removing a fueling site from the geographical boundaries of the AQMD, or closing a site for a period of five years unless the station becomes inoperable. If a contractor chooses to remove or close a site prior to the agreed upon five year timeframe, the contractor will be liable to return a prorated share of the MSRC's funding. Additional issues were also addressed for these type of contracts to: 1) ensure public access of all LNG fleets within the region and those traversing the ICTC; 2) liquidate the 10% withhold, allowing 20% of the withhold amount to be invoiced each year after the first year the station is operable; and 3) elimination of the traditional final report.
Final Reports Received and Approved
The MSRC unanimously received and approved five final reports for:
All final reports are filed in the AQMD's Library.
Contract Administrator Report
The MSRC's AB 2766 Contract Administrator provided a written status report on all open contracts from FY 1994-95 through the present. This Contract Administrator Report is attached for your information (Attachment 3).
1 - Approved October 22, 1999, Minutes
2 - Approved November 18, 1999, Minutes
3 - Contract Administrator Report
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