BOARD MEETING DATE: May 6, 2005
AGENDA NO. 42

Approve Resolution to Fund Retirement and Cleanup of Internal Combustion Engines of Agricultural Pumps with Funds Generated under AB 923

SYNOPSIS:

At its December 3, 2004 meeting, the Board approved a resolution regarding incentive funding programs under AB923. This action is to clarify that the previously approved funds for agriculture is for retirement and cleanup of internal combustion engines of agricultural pumps with funds generated under AB 923.

COMMITTEE:

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Approve the attached resolution to fund retirement and cleanup of internal combustion engines in agricultural operations with funds generated under AB 923 (Firebaugh).

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

On September 23, 2004, the Governor signed AB 923 (Firebaugh) which resulted in a significant increase in funding for programs that achieve emission reductions from vehicular sources and off-road engines. (Health & Safety Code §44229.) One of the four incentive programs covers agricultural sources. Due to the broad spectrum of equipment and activities under agricultural sources, staff believes that a clarification is needed as to the types of emission reduction projects that the Board intends to fund under AB923.

Proposal

Eligible incentive programs that can be funded under AB 923 with the Board’s approval are:

1. Carl Moyer Program (heavy-duty vehicle/equipment);
2. Lower-Emission School Bus Program;
3. Light-duty vehicle remote sensing, repair, and scrapping; and
4. Agricultural sources

This action is to approve the attached resolution that any portion of funds accumulated or generated in the foreseeable future under AB 923, and appropriated by the Board for agricultural sources, will be used for the retirement and cleanup of internal combustion engines in agricultural operations.

Benefits to AQMD

The successful implementation of the current incentive programs (Carl Moyer, School Bus and MSRC) has resulted in significant reductions in PM10 and NOx emissions in the AQMD. The influx of additional funding will continue the successful progress toward cleaning the air with the implementation of incentive programs. The expanded scope of the incentive programs with funds generated under AB 923 will, among others, reduce emissions from agricultural operations.

Resource Impacts

There are no additional monetary impacts as a result of this action.

Attachment

Resolution

RESOLUTION NO. 05-

                    A Resolution of the South Coast Air Quality Management District Board to Fund Retirement or Cleanup of Internal Combustion Engines of Agricultural Pumps

                    WHEREAS, under Health & Safety Code §40400 the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) is the local agency with the primary responsibility for the development, implementation, monitoring and enforcement of air pollution control strategies, clean fuels programs and motor vehicle use reduction measures; and

                    WHEREAS, the AQMD is authorized by Health & Safety Code §40402 and 40440 to implement programs to reduce transportation emissions, including programs to encourage the use of alternative fuels and low-emission vehicles; to develop and implement other strategies and measures to reduce air contaminants and achieve the state and federal air quality standards; and

                    WHEREAS, the AQMD is designated as an extreme nonattainment area for ozone and as such is required to utilize all feasible means to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards; and

                    WHEREAS, Health and Safety Code §44225, as amended by Assembly Bill 923, provides incentive funding which will be held in the Carl Moyer trust fund and may be used for one of the following: the Carl Moyer Program; school buses; light-duty vehicles; and agricultural sources as allowed under Health and Safety Code §44229(b);

                    THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Governing Board of the South Coast Air Quality Management District, State of California, in regular session assembled on May 6, 2005, does hereby approve, that any portion of funds accumulated or generated in the foreseeable future under AB 923 and appropriated by the Board for agricultural sources will be used for the retirement and cleanup of internal combustion engines;

                    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Executive Officer is authorized and directed to take all steps necessary to carry out this Resolution.

________________________                 __________________________
Date                                                         Clerk of the Board

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