BOARD MEETING DATE: February 1, 2002
AGENDA NO. 17

Approve Workplan to Implement Strategic Alliance Initiatives Proposed by Chair Norma J. Glover

SYNOPSIS: 

At the January 11, 2002 Board Meeting, Chair Norma Glover presented eight Strategic Alliance Initiatives for Board consideration. These proposed Initiatives are set forth to strengthen and create new partnerships at the local, state and federal level. These initiatives are intended to add momentum to AQMD's quest for clean air and also show that AQMD values and needs the assistance and work of others. This letter provides staff's initial implementation proposal for each initiative, including resource requirements and proposed timelines. Upon Board approval, staff will proceed with the implementation of the initiatives.

COMMITTEE: 

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Approve the Workplan to implement the Strategic Alliance Initiatives.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

At the January 11, 2002 Board Meeting, Chair Norma Glover presented eight Strategic Alliance Initiatives for Board consideration. The proposed Initiatives are set forth to strengthen and create new partnerships at the local, state and federal level. These initiatives are intended to add momentum to AQMD's quest for clean air and also show that AQMD values and needs the assistance and work of others. At the January Board meeting, Chair Glover also directed staff to submit a preliminary implementation Workplan at the February Board meeting.

Strategic Alliance Initiatives

To take AQMD to the next level of excellence, Chair Norma Glover has proposed a set of eight Strategic Alliance Initiatives to complement AQMD’s existing, ongoing programs. Taken together, the initiatives illustrate that AQMD is going to actively seek alliances in the public and private sectors to further its air quality goals. Overall, the initiatives are intended to embody these points:

• AQMD has a proven performance record in reducing emissions from all sources and successfully handles an unparalleled scope of permitting operations. As a veteran and continued leader in the arena of air quality management, South Coast’s hard-won findings and demonstrations should increasingly serve to inform and invigorate national air quality policy.
  
  
• AQMD will actively pursue strategic alliances with other stakeholders, as a tool to emphasize that federal policies must better help the regions with the dirtiest air. In a time of limited budgetary resources, such alliances will also pursue leveraged funding that is more in line with the urgency represented by non-attainment of health-based standards in high-population areas.

The Strategic Alliance Initiatives are as follows:

• Initiative #1. Modernization of the Emission Reduction Credit System.
  
  

• Initiative #2. Petition U.S. EPA to Review Outdated Policy Interpretations of the Clean Air Act.
  
  

• Initiative #3. Creation of a Natural Gas Vehicle Partnership.
  
  

• Initiative #4. Formation of a Multi-Regional Alliance for Clean Air.
  
  

• Initiative #5. Strategic Alliance on Advanced Air Pollution Research.
  
  

• Initiative #6. Strategic Alliance on Environmental Justice for Calendar Year 2002.
  
  

• Initiative #7. Strategic Alliance on Clean Fuel Vehicle Funding.
  
  

• Initiative #8. Negotiated Rulemaking Pilot Program.

The attached Workplan elaborates on each initiative and provides staff’s initial implementation proposal, including background, objective and proposed timeline. The actions outlined in the proposed Workplan will build upon AQMD’s national and international reputation as a leader in air pollution policy and control. Implementation of these initiatives will also bring Southern California closer to achieving healthful air for all residents.

Proposal

Staff has prepared a Strategic Alliance Initiatives Workplan, attached, and also proposes that the initiatives be implemented within the resources already allocated for FY 2001-02 to the maximum extent possible. Where additional resource needs are identified, recommendations will be made to augment the FY 2001-02 Budget or to provide funding in the FY 2002-03 Budget. In addition, funding will be sought from CARB, U.S. EPA and other public and private entities, as appropriate or needed. Upon Board approval, staff will proceed with implementation of the Initiatives.

Resource Impacts

It appears that the majority of the Workplan can be accomplished within the existing Budget through rearrangement of some task priorities and timelines. Individual initiatives target the securing of outside funding as a principal objective. In one case, a budget augmentation is required from AQMD’s reserves.

Attachment

Strategic Alliance Initiatives Draft Workplan

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