BOARD MEETING DATE: April 4, 2003
AGENDA NO. 28

Mobile Source Committee

SYNOPSIS: 

The Mobile Source Committee met Friday, March 28, 2003. 
Following is a summary of that meeting.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Receive and file.

S. Roy Wilson, Ed.D., Chair
Mobile Source Committee

Attendance

The meeting started at 9:03 a.m. Present: Committee Chair Roy Wilson, Committee Vice Chair Jane Carney, and Committee Members William Craycraft (arrived at 9:15 a.m.), Jim Silva (arrived at 9:10 a.m.), and Ron Loveridge (arrived at 9:25 a.m.). Absent: Committee Member Fred Aguiar.

INFORMATION ITEMS
 

1)	Status Report on Draft 2003 AQMP
	Staff provided a status report on the draft 2003 AQMP. Recent activities included the release of the draft 2003 AQMP along with a number of appendices (i.e., Health Effects, Current Air Quality, Base and Future Year Emissions Inventory, and Control Strategies) on February 25, 2003. In addition, six public workshops were held throughout the 4-county region. The workshops were attended by over 250 people. Recent trends in air quality and emission reductions were presented. Maximum ozone concentrations as well as the number of days and population exposure exceeding the federal ozone standard have significantly decreased since 1990. VOC and NOx emissions have also decreased based on existing regulations by AQMD, CARB, and U.S. EPA. Major VOC and NOx sources include passenger cars and light and medium duty trucks and consumer products for VOC emissions; and heavy-duty diesel trucks, passenger cars, light and medium duty trucks, and federal sources for NOx emissions. The majority of VOC and NOx emissions (i.e., 80%) are under the jurisdiction of CARB and U.S. EPA. Despite significant improvements in air quality, the Basin still exceeds the federal ozone (1-hr) standard and the federal PM10 standards. In order to demonstrate attainment with the federal ozone standard, a 50% reduction in VOC emissions (i.e., approximately 320 tons/day) and a 30% reduction in NOx emissions (i.e., approximately 200 tons/day) are needed by 2010. The AQMP’s SIP commitments include both short- and long-term commitments. The short-term commitment for all agencies including AQMD, CARB, and SCAG is approximately 97 tpd of VOC and 51 tpd of NOx reductions. Two scenarios are provided in the draft 2003 AQMP for the long-term commitment depending on whether the Plan assigns individual commitments to each agency or whether agency responsibility is determined at a later date. Overall, the total long-term commitment (the so-called "black-box") represents about 2/3 of the total VOC reductions and 3/4 of the total NOx reductions needed for attainment demonstration. Two options are also provided in the Plan, with or without reductions from federal sources. Several bar graphs were also provided illustrating the emission target by agency in the 1994 and 1997/1999 SIPs as well as the draft 2003 AQMP. Based on implementation of the proposed control strategies (short-term and long-term), the Basin will demonstrate attainment with the PM10 standards in 2006 and the federal ozone standard in 2010. However, these reductions will not be adequate to attain the future PM2.5 and 8-hr ozone standards. Key policy issues discussed included: selection of air quality model and meteorological episode; black box emission-reduction assignments; potential 1-hr ozone attainment strategies; and federal responsibility and fair share concerns.
2)	Report on CARB’s Control Strategy in Draft 2003 AQMP
	A presentation on the state and federal strategy in the Draft 2003 AQMP was given by CARB staff, Cynthia Marvin (Chief, Air Quality and Transportation Planning Branch). An overview of the strategy was provided. State and federal controls cut emissions from 1997 to 2010, despite growth, by over 400 tpd of VOC (50% reduction) and over 400 tpd of NOx (40% reduction). CARB undertook a two-year public process to develop defined new measures which propose to reduce emissions by 71 tpd of VOC and 46 tpd of NOx by 2010. CARB will also conduct ongoing evaluation of additional strategies. With regard to control measures in the Draft 2003 AQMP, CARB’s presentation focused on control measures on Passenger Vehicles, Heavy-Duty Trucks and Off-Road Engines. Passenger Vehicle Control Measures: one of the biggest single measures is a requirement to replace worn-out emission controls. Other measures focus on vehicles already on the road, i.e., pickups, vans and SUVs; addition of heavier vehicles to Smog Check program; and implementation of a new evaporative emissions test as part of Smog Check. Heavy-Duty Truck Control Measures: one of the most important measures under this category is the acceleration of computer reprogramming on trucks with emission control defeat devices. Other measures include: reduction of idling time from new and existing trucks; cutting diesel particles from existing trucks; control of vapors from gas cargo tankers; and increasing truck inspections in communities. Off-Road Engine Control Measures include: adding basic vehicle technology on new lawn and garden equipment, forklifts, etc.; requirement of some new forklifts/rentals to be electric-powered; transfer of truck controls to new heavy equipment; cutting diesel particles from existing equipment; retrofitting/replacement of engines in existing harbor craft; reduction of land-based emissions at ports; and use of on-road, low-sulfur diesel fuel retrofit technology. Cynthia Marvin also reported on federal plan components. Existing controls will reduce emissions from federal sources 30% between 1990 and 2010. Also, new federal strategies currently in development include: new standards for diesel off-road equipment; low-sulfur diesel fuel for off-road engines; and diagnostics and in-use testing for trucks. Upcoming schedule for CARB: technical workshop on April 22 which will be linked to AQMD headquarters via video-conference; proposed strategy to be available in May; hearing on the subset of 6 State measures for San Joaquin Valley PM10 plan in June; hearing on full State measures and local element of the 2003 AQMP in the Fall. Committee Member Ron Loveridge asked CARB staff to identify the most contested measures. CARB staff responded that, as indicated by AQMD staff, it appears to be the measure requiring some new forklifts to be electric-powered. Currently the majority of forklifts are propane-powered and the propane industry is concerned that it will be greatly impacted by this measure. However, CARB staff considers the measure requiring acceleration of computer reprogramming for emission control defeat devices to be most challenging. Dr. Barry Wallerstein, Executive Officer, noted that staff was approached by the propane industry and was informed that the industry would send a group of speakers to represent them at the April Board meeting. In addition staff suggested that this issue be added on the agenda of a future Mobile Source Committee meeting. Dr. Wallerstein asked for the Committee’s approval for this and Chairman Wilson agreed.
3)	Report on SCAG’s Transportation Control Measures in Draft 2003 AQMP
	A presentation on SCAG’s transportation control measures was given by SCAG staff, Molly Hoffman (Planning & Policy). The presentation covered an overview of Transportation Conformity, Transportation Strategy and Transportation Control Measure (TCM) commitments. Transportation Conformity requires consistency between air quality and transportation planning and is designed to ensure continued progress toward attainment. Conformity requirements decree that transportation activities cannot create a new air quality violation, cannot increase the frequency or severity of an existing violation or delay timely attainment. The Transportation Strategy consists of two parts: Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP) which is comprised of Transportation Control Measures (TCM). The RTP is required by federal law, contains a long-range view of the regional transportation system with a 2030 planning horizon year timeframe, and is updated every three years. It provides strategic direction for investments and a socioeconomic forecast for local regions, and it ensures conformity with the Clean Air Act. The RTIP is the implementation vehicle for the RTP, as it programs funds for transportation projects and prioritizes these projects. It is updated every two years, and also ensures conformity with the Clean Air Act. The TCMs are based on different categories within the RTP. This is a six-year program and SCAG’s enforcement commitment is timely implementation of these TCMs. The TCMs are strategies to reduce on-road emissions by adjusting traffic patterns and modifying vehicle use. There are 16 measures listed in the Clean Air Act as options. TCMs do not cover measures that are vehicle-oriented, technology-based, fuel-based, or maintenance-based. TCMs included in the Draft 2003 AQMP are: TCM-A: High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) improvements; TCM-B: Transit and System Management; and TCM-C: Transportation Demand Management (TDM). TCM-A covers projects for new HOV lanes, intermodal connectivity, and evaluation of occupancy requirements. TCM-B covers evaluation and improvement of transit expansion; passenger, bike and pedestrian facilities; park-and-ride lots and intermodal transfer; station improvements; and traffic signalization. TCM-C covers projects for rideshare and transit marketing, and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).
4)	Operational Diesel Idling Emissions – Proposed Interim HRA Methodology and Mitigation Measures for CEQA Analysis
	Staff reported on proposed interim HRA methodology on operational diesel idling emissions for CEQA analysis. Six areas of guidance have been identified: Identification of source categories; source characterization; modeling methods; receptors; exposure adjustments; and mitigation measures. Potential source categories are: ship loading and unloading; train idling; and truck idling at truck stops. Criteria for source characterization are based on: operating profile and emissions rates. Modeling methods to be recommended are: industrial source complex; local meteorological data; point source, volume, or area source treatment; and applicable release height adjustment. For receptor network design the following factors will be considered: property line; use of uniform receptor grid; and identification of sensitive locations, such as schools, hospitals, etc. Potential mitigation measures include: use of alternative fuels; use of APUs while idling; electrification; idling restriction; and use of low sulfur diesel/emulsified fuel and particulate traps. Staff noted that reports on HRA methodology for additional source categories will continue to be presented to the Committee in the future. Committee Member Jane Carney commented on the work done by staff on this methodology as "a big step forward." Dr. Barry Wallerstein referred to a letter from Erin Sheehy of Environmental Compliance Solutions to the Committee Members concerning the legality of requiring a risk assessment for diesel emissions from rail, marine vessels and trucks for inclusion in CEQA analyses for AQMD Lead Agency projects; he summarized staff’s reasoning for this approach and indicated that a written response will be prepared. Committee Member Craycraft brought up the issue of truck trailers with refrigeration units and there was a discussion on development of measures to control idling time for this type of vehicles.
5)	Clean Air Choice Program Update
	Staff presented an update on the Clean Air Choice Program which was originally initiated in 2001 as a pilot program. This car labeling program was designed as a consumer awareness campaign to help new car buyers identify the lowest-emitting cars, sport utility vehicles, pickups, and vans on the market. Eligible vehicles were CARB certified as Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV), Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV), or Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV). The pilot program was implemented in L.A. County, where 151 out of 248 (61%) dealerships participated in the program. The AQMD has received positive feedback on the program and has received a request from the LA New Car Dealer Association to continue the program. The proposed enhancements to the program comprise a three-prong approach: Manufacturers, Automobile Dealerships, and Consumers. The Manufacturers component would develop a Clean Air Choice vehicle certification program modeled after the Clean Air Solvent Program. The criteria being contemplated include emission rates and fuel economy. The Automobile Dealership component would focus on presentations at regional dealership meetings; an AQMD recognition program; vehicle labeling; and technical support. The Consumer component would focus on public outreach programs and consumer incentives. Staff proposed the program performance be evaluated from the following: annual DMV vehicle registration data; periodic vehicle buyer surveys, number of phone inquiries received by AQMD; number of website visits; and number of dealerships participating in the program. The proposed Workplan included the development of the program elements from May through September 2003; update of outreach materials from May through June; and a program kickoff in September 2003. The Committee agreed with this Plan and emphasized the need for four-county outreach efforts.
6)	Rule 2202 Activity Report
	Rule 2202 Summary Status Report submitted, no comments.
7)	Monthly Report on Environmental Justice Initiatives
	Item #4 – CEQA Commenting: a. CEQA Document Commenting Update: Written report submitted, no comments.
8)	Other Business
	None.
9)	Public Comment
	None.

The meeting adjourned at 10:35 a.m.

Attachment

Attendance Roster

SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
MOBILE SOURCE COMMITTEE

MARCH 28, 2003


ATTENDANCE ROSTER
 

/ / /