BOARD MEETING DATE: July 11, 2003
AGENDA NO. 33

Overview of the Clean Cities Programs within the AQMD Boundaries

SYNOPSIS:

At its June 6, 2003 meeting, the Board directed staff to report back on the Clean Cities Coalitions in the South Coast District to understand what the coalitions are doing and how AQMD can leverage their participation and their outreach to the communities. Staff was also asked to explore opportunities for enhanced interaction with the U.S. Department of Energy on Clean Cities activities. This letter summarizes the current and recent activities of the local Clean Cities Coalitions. Also discussed is the interaction between the AQMD and the local Clean Cities Coalitions and potential future cooperative efforts.

COMMITTEE:

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Receive and file report.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

The Clean Cities program was created in 1992, and is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The Clean Cities Program supports public-private partnerships that deploy alternative fuel vehicles and build supporting alternative fuel infrastructure. As part of the Clean Cities activities, an annual conference is held to highlight the activities of the Clean Cities Program and to inform interested parties on current and future alternative fuel technologies. Recently, AQMD was a major sponsor of the 9^th Annual Clean Cities Conference held in Palm Springs. The mission of the Clean Cities Program is to enhance our nation's energy security and air quality by supporting public and private partnerships that deploy clean-burning AFVs and build their associated fueling infrastructure. The Clean Cities Program main goals are:

• One million AFVs operating exclusively on alternative fuels by 2010.
• One billion gasoline gallon equivalents per year used in AFVs by 2010.
• Seventy-five percent of Clean Cities coalitions self-sustaining by 2005.

Unlike traditional command-and-control programs, Clean Cities takes a voluntary approach to AFV development, working with coalitions of local stakeholders to help develop the AFV industry. The program is based on strong local initiatives and a flexible approach to building alternative fuels markets, providing participants with options to address problems unique to their cities and fostering partnerships to help overcome them.

There are approximately 80 coalitions across the country, five in the AQMD area. The Clean Cities Program draws local stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. Represented are local, state and federal agencies; public health and transportation departments; transit agencies; and other government offices; as well as auto manufacturers, car dealers, fuel suppliers, public utilities, and professional associations. Participation in all Clean Cities activities is voluntary.

Clean Cities Coalitions within the AQMD

There are five clean cities coalitions in the local area; AQMD is a member of all of them. The coalitions in order of designation are:

• Long Beach Clean Cities Coalition - The coalition is active in participating in the Carl Moyer program by encouraging its members to apply and passing along information. The coordinator reports that the program should be more active in the following year.
• Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Clean Cities Coalition – The coalition is actively participating in the Carl Moyer program. SCAG has hosted and participated in Carl Moyer workshops throughout the life of the program. SCAG Coalition participated in the National Clean Cities conference. They are currently working on an annual stakeholders meeting to be held in July of this year. The coalition has signed new MOUs, securing fifteen new members in the coalition.
• Los Angeles City Clean Cities Coalition – The coalition is actively participating in the Carl Moyer program, and has assisted in securing funding for alternative fueling facilities and demonstration projects in the city of Los Angeles. The "Environmental Affair" is a monthly newsletter published by the coalition for public distribution.
• Coachella Valley Clean Cities Coalition - Most recently, the coalition co-sponsored the annual Clean Cities National Conference. It has assisted in securing funding for alternative fueling facilities and demonstrations in the Coachella Valley. Most notable is the work done with Sunline Transit to develop the nationally recognized facilities at Thousand Palms.
• The Northwest Riverside County Clean Cities Coalition – The coalition is currently working on a model air quality plan for the Inland Empire, and is involved in developing a public outreach plan for local jurisdictions. Most recently, the coalition cosponsored the Clean Cities National Conference. AQMD also participates in the Coalition’s general assembly which attracts approximately 250 local elected, business leaders, public members and city staff.

The Clean Cities coordinators have all participated in the outreach efforts for AQMD’s implementation of the Carl Moyer program. Los Angeles, Northwest Riverside and Coachella Valley have already volunteered to hold outreach meetings for next year’s Carl Moyer Program.

In the past, AQMD has sponsored several Clean Cities related outreach events, such as ride & drives and the alternative fuel vehicle expo. The AQMD has also supported the Interstate Clean Transportation Corridor (ICTC) project. The goal of the ICTC is to develop a clean fuels interstate corridor along the I-80, I-5, I-10, I-15, and California Route 99, between California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona. The ICTC has been essential in assisting the Clean Cities coalitions in attracting alternative fuel fleets and supporting infrastructure. The ICTC was presented at the Clean Cities National Conference in Palm Springs as a model by which to develop other clean fuel corridors. The goals of the ICTC and the Clean Cities Program are mutually supportive.

Clean Cities Coalitions have generously shared their membership lists and advertised to their members and on their various web sites. Events such as these have been sponsored by a District outreach contract. The Board will be considering the issuance of an open solicitation for coordination of next year’s activities as part of another agenda item at its July 2003 meeting. The intent of the outreach contract is to bring together in one place all the information necessary to allow decision makers to understand and make fully informed decisions about alternative fuel vehicle technologies. The outreach efforts and events are generally well attended by Clean Cities members. By creating a venue where vendors and users can meet and discuss needs, costs and products as well as be educated about funding sources, assists in furthering the goals of the Clean Cities Program.

9^th Annual Clean Cities Conference
One of the objectives of the Clean Fuels Program is public outreach on advanced mobile source technologies. In support of this objective, the AQMD was a Silver Sponsor at the 9^th annual Clean Cities Conference held in May in Palm Springs. AQMD staff assisted in bringing the conference to Palm Springs, participated on the planning committee, provided speakers for the event and worked to ensure significant attendance. The Conference had 1,041 registrants and 897 actually attended, which was the most attendees ever to attend a Clean Cities national conference. (Previous conferences had 635 attendees in Oklahoma City; 849 in Philadelphia; and 723 in San Diego.)

The conference this year was highly successful and served to strengthen the ties between the local coalitions and the AQMD. AQMD looks forward to continuing to work with the Clean Cities Coalitions to support our mutual goals.

Additional Support and Resources

Information on the Clean Cities Program is accessible through the DOE's Clean Cities Hotline (1-800-CCITIES); Clean Cities program managers at all of DOE's regional offices for help with local alternative fuels market development efforts; the Alternative Fuels Hotline at 800-423-1DOE; or by visiting the Alternative Fuels Data Center at www.afdc.doe.gov. The Clean Cities Home page can be accessed at www.ccities.doe.gov, and offers helpful information including:

• Clean Cities Vehicle Support Guidelines
  Chart outlines the levels of support DOE offers for various types of AFVs.
• Vehicle Buyer's Guide for Fleet Incentives and Laws
  Funding resource guide with up-to-date information about how and where stakeholders can find funding for AFV-related programs.
• Alternative Fuel News
  Free to Clean Cities coordinators, this quarterly magazine features news and developments in the Clean Cities Program.
• The Clean Cities Facts
  This fact sheet covers the nuts and bolts of the Clean Cities Program and includes a map that displays the program participants.

Future AQMD Participation

AQMD staff will continue to participate in the Clean Cities Program. Currently, staff is working on conducting outreach on the Carl Moyer Program utilizing the Clean Cities Coalitions as part of this effort. In the next few months, staff will be participating in coalition annual meetings. Additionally, staff is looking into the possibility of partnering with the local coalitions to secure funding for alternative fuel vehicle and infrastructure purchases. Participation on the National Conference Planning Committee served to strengthen the relationship between the local coordinators, DOE, and the AQMD staff. AQMD will be working on future conferences with DOE and will continue to pursue additional funding programs that could benefit the South Coast Air Basin and Coachella Valley.

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