South Coast Air Quality Management District

Technology Committee

SYNOPSIS: 

The Technology Committee met on September 27, 2002. Major items included Technology Advancement items reflected in the regular Board Agenda for the October and November Board meetings, one information item and one written report only. A summary of these topics with the Committee's comments is provided. The next Technology Committee meeting will be on October 25, 2002 at 12:00 p.m. in CC-8.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Receive and file.

Hal Bernson, Chair
Technology Committee

Attendance: Committee Chair Hal Bernson participated by video-teleconference, and Committee Vice Chair Leonard Paulitz was in attendance at District headquarters. Pursuant to the Procedures for Standing Committees of the Governing Board, adopted March 8, 1996, Committee Chair Hal Bernson appointed Board member Cynthia Verdugo-Peralta ad hoc member of the Technology Committee for the meeting of September 27, 2002 only.

Committee Chair Bernson suggested the Committee consider a consent calendar format for this meeting, with the exception of agenda item #6. Hearing no objections, agenda items #1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were approved by consent.

OCTOBER AGENDA ITEMS

1. Execute Contracts for On-Road and Marine Categories Under
   FY 2001-02 Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program - On March 29, 2002, proposals were received in response to an RFP for the Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program. On June 2, 2002, the Board approved projects for a total cost of $8,792,798. Staff recommends award of two additional contracts to the On-Road and Marine project categories and the modification of two previous awards under the 2001-02 Moyer Program. Total additional cost to the Carl Moyer Program Special Revenue Fund will not exceed $530,580.
   Approved by consent.
   
   
2. Execute Contract to Purchase Global Positioning System Units for Marine Vessels and Amend April 5, 2002 Board Action to Include Inadvertently Excluded Contractors - In order to increase enforcement activities on marine vessels that are funded under AQMD and State programs, staff proposes to in-stall global positioning system (GPS) units and/or data loggers on a maximum number of 113 Board approved marine vessels at a cost not to exceed $275,000. The AQMD will provide the appropriate funding to each marine vessel operator or contractor from this proposed amount to purchase GPS units and/or assorted equipment that meet the needs of the AQMD. On April 5, 2002, Board approved funding for marine auxiliary engines for a total amount of $566,547 allocated from the State Emission Mitigation Fund. Two applicants, Seaboard Marine and Westoil Marine, were inadvertently excluded from the list of applicants and project summaries in the original Board letter. Staff recommends executing contracts with Seaboard Marine and Westoil Marine as part of the original Board action. Total funding for marine auxiliary engines will not change.
   Approved by consent.
   
   
3. Issue RFP to Develop Production of LNG Fuel in the South Coast Air Basin - At the September 21, 2001 Meeting, the Board set aside up to $3,000,000 from the Clean Fuels Fund to develop production of LNG fuel in the South Coast Air Basin, and directed staff to work with potential stakeholders, including local fleet operators, state and federal agencies to seek further co-funding. Staff recommends issuance of an RFP to solicit cost-share proposals for the production of LNG fuel in the South Coast Air Basin. Total funding available under this RFP is $1,551,318 from the Clean Fuels Fund. Project funding will range up to 50% of the project costs.
   Approved by consent.
   
   
4. Execute Contracts to Upgrade and Expand Existing Liquefied Natural Gas Fueling Infrastructure at Orange County Transportation Authority - In order to upgrade and expand the existing LNG fueling infrastructure at Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), staff proposes to cost-share with OCTA to add an additional LNG fueling station at its Anaheim or Garden Grove locations. The total cost of the proposed addition is estimated to range from $1.4 million – 1.8 million. This additional fueling capacity is needed to address the current and future needs of OCTA’s fleet of LNG transit buses. Staff proposes that partial funds reverted back to the AQMD from its AES, Rule 1309.1, and Clean Fuel Program projects be utilized to fund this project. Total AQMD funds available under this cost-share agreement shall not exceed $1,000,000.
   Approved by consent.

NOVEMBER AGENDA ITEM

5. Appropriate Funds from Clean Fuels Fund and Execute Lease and Purchase Agreements for One New Advanced Technology Vehicle and Amend Proposal For One Recently Approved Advanced Technology Vehicle for Alternative Fuel Vehicle Loan Program - AQMD tests and demonstrates new advanced technology vehicles with a variety of low-emission and clean-fuel technologies. As part of the Technology Advancement Alternative Fuel Vehicle Loan Program, vehicles are procured as new technologies become available. It is proposed that the AQMD lease one new Nissan 2002 Altra electric vehicle for three years. Total lease cost to the AQMD for this vehicle will not exceed $12,000, including incentive. It is also proposed to assume the lease of a Ford Th!nk City electric vehicle demonstration model for approximately two years at a cost not to exceed $6000, including incentive.
   Approved by consent.

INFORMATION ITEM

6. Discussion of Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine for Power Generation - Per the request of the Executive Officer and Governing Board members, Mr. Matt Miyasato, Program Supervisor in Science &Technology Advancement, presented an overview of Stuart Energy’s concept for backup power for buildings and hydrogen refueling station.
   
   Committee members present agreed that hydrogen-powered fuel cells need to be incentivized to encourage public acceptance. Dr. Liu indicated staff will come back to the Board within a few months for an integrated system demonstration at the District. It was moved (Verdugo-Peralta), seconded (Paulitz) and unanimously approved to go ahead with this recommendation.
   
   
7. WRITTEN ONLY REPORTS
   Written information only was presented on a completed project to evaluate hybrid electric vehicles.

Other Business - There was no other business.

Public Comment Period - There was no public comment.

The meeting was adjourned.
Attachment A - Attendance
 

/ / /