BOARD MEETING DATE: May 5, 2006
AGENDA NO. 31

Overview of the Clean Cities Programs within the AQMD Boundaries

SYNOPSIS:

At its July 11, 2003 meeting, the Board directed staff to regularly report back the activities of 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.  This letter summarizes the current and recent activities of the local Clean Cities Coalitions. 

COMMITTEE:

Technology, April 28, 2006, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Receive and file

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.  The Clean Cities Program supports public-private partnerships that deploy alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) and build supporting alternative fuel infrastructure.  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.

Unlike traditional command-and-control programs, Clean Cities takes a unique, voluntary approach to AFV development, working with coalitions of local stakeholders to help develop the AFV industry. The program thrives 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.

AQMD Participation

There are five clean cities coalitions in the local area; AQMD is a member of all of them. AQMD has coordinated with the local Clean Cities Coalitions to assist in disseminating the Carl Moyer Program information, and holding workshops.

AQMD has also sponsored Clean Cities events, such as “Car Care for Clean Air” and “Advancing the Choice” events.  AQMD looks forward to continuing to work with the Clean Cities Coalitions to support our mutual goals.

Coalition Activities

The local coalitions have provided the following information on their current activities and are presented in order of coalition establishment. 

Long Beach Clean Cities Coalition

The City of Long Beach Fleet Services Bureau hosted “The Long Beach Clean Cities Coalition Particulate Trap Core Cleaning Demonstration” event on Friday, August 19, 2005.  The focus was on cleaning the filter/core elements in diesel motor particulate traps and particulate traps in general.   The presenters included representatives from: CARB - covering current regulations; AQMD - explaining grant funding opportunities; and representatives from four manufacturers of diesel particulate traps and/or cleaners – Lubrizol, Johnson Matthey, Cleaire and Donaldson.  This was followed by a demonstration of the Combiclean B19-0004 core/filter cleaner (installed at the City facility), display of a LNG sweeper and LNG packer, and a tour of the Fleet Maintenance facility.   There were 32 participants.

To-date, five particulate trap cores have been cleaned with no issues.   Core cleaning services are available to non-City of Long Beach organizations.   The City of Long Beach contact is Vern Helbig at (562) 570-5428.   The fee is $98 per core.

The City of Long Beach currently operates 52 LNG vehicles, including 32 LNG refuse haulers and 20 LNG street sweepers.   Below is a breakdown of maintenance experience.

The installation of a larger LNG fueling facility is eagerly anticipated to address potential future interruptions in LNG fuel delivery.  Off-site fabrication work is progressing with on-site construction/ground breaking is expected to occur in April 2006.  The expansion will increase LNG storage capacity from approximately 6,000 to 16,000 gallons.   The facility will be accessible to the public.  

Seven hybrids have been purchased since June 2005 with two on order.  AB 2766 Subvention Funds will cover the differential costs associated with the purchase of ten gasoline/electric hybrid vehicles to replace dedicated gasoline vehicles.   Additionally, $59,000 was awarded for four electric tram/cart vehicles.

Staff attended the Regional Clean Cities Coordinator's Peer Exchange Event held in August.

Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Clean Cities Coalition

The SCAG Coalition worked with Southern California Gas, Clean Energy, Mayor of Alhambra, AQMD staff, OEM’s, and dealers including Honda, Toyota, Miles Automotive and Wondries Automotive to plan the “Advancing the Choice” Event held July 21, 2005, which promoted alternative fuel vehicle availability to stakeholders and the general public.  The event included a first time ever public auction with 23 Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) available for bid resulting in the sale of five CNG vehicles.

The Coalition established a membership fee structure comparable to that of other coalitions.  The coalition has received approximately $20,000 in AFV event sponsorship funds and membership fees from Cities and Stakeholders.

Letters were sent to cities with CNG stations to encourage their commitment to post CNG signage on local streets.  Written commitments were obtained from CalTrans Districts 7 and 12 to ensure cities that once their signs were posted at the local level, CalTrans would post freeway signage so commuters could follow signage from the freeway exit directly to CNG stations.

Los AngelesCity Clean Cities Coalition

The City of Los Angeles Clean Cities inventory has just been completed and identified 2,259 alternative fuel vehicle/hybrid electric vehicles (AFV/HEV) in the City’s fleet of vehicles.  The City has 786 hybrid sedans and 931 CNG/LNG vehicles.  In the 2005-06 fiscal year, the City received grants from AQMD to partially fund the purchase of 25 new CNG street sweepers, 50 new LNG refuse collection vehicles, and 6 new CNG articulated airfield buses.  A new LNG refueling facility was established in the Harbor District with a 5,400 LNG gallon capacity and the facility will be servicing 15 LNG refuse collection vehicles. 

An initial training effort was completed to educate City employees about the operation and maintenance of alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles.  During the course of the year, 24 newsletter articles were published on the subject of alternative fuel technology advancements, with over 30,000 readers reached via web and paper distribution.  The City held meetings of the fleet manager group to discuss the Carl Moyer grant and other funding opportunities, as well as provide regulatory updates. 

The City participated in a tour of local hydrogen fueling stations led by CARB for the Governor’s Hydrogen Highway Program and the local Environmental Justice representative.

In October 2005, the City coordinated the “Beyond-a-Billion” Event, celebrating energy awareness month and the billionth gallon of gasoline saved through the use of alternative fuel in vehicles nation-wide over the past 10 years (1994-2004).  All Clean Cities (CC) Coordinators within the AQMD were invited and they, as well as public and private partners were acknowledged.  The event was aired on local television and CC Coordinators received post-event recognition from a U.S. Senator from California.  The event included an advancing the choice display of alternative fuel vehicles, operated by either the City or the County of Los Angeles.  The Clean Cities Coordinator and/or Chair attended the annual, regional, and Washington D.C. Clean Cities conferences, participating in peer exchanges, presentations, and informational updates.  The City continues to monitor new alternative fuel technology and regulatory developments and to coordinate with other stakeholders.

The Western Riverside County Clean Cities Coalition (WRCCCC)

The Coalition developed a middle school outreach program to educate students on air quality issues and increase awareness of alternative fuels.  Coalition staff contacted schools within their jurisdiction area and offered to give presentations on air quality and the role of alternative fuels. 

On February 9, 2006, the Coalition held its 7th Annual “Advancing the Choice” Expo at the Moreno Valley Conference and Recreation Center welcoming nearly 100 participants. Mayor Ronald Loveridge suggested seven ideas for local jurisdictions to consider assisting in improving the air quality in the region.  This included the adoption of the Regional Air Quality Task Force’s (which was spearheaded by the WRCCCC) document “Good Neighbor Policies for Warehouse and Distribution Centers”.  He also challenged jurisdictions to include an air quality element into their General Plans.  Staff members from the AQMD, CARB, and the California Environmental Protection Agency discussed current and planned state and local regulations and the Governor’s Strategic Growth Plan that outlines $52 Billion to address goods movement and air quality mitigation needed in the future.

American Honda Motor Corporation recently presented the keys to a Honda Civic GX to the Western Riverside County Clean Cities Coalition.  The Coalition has partnered with American Honda to promote alternative fuels and vehicles at their outreach events. 

The Coalition observed Car Care Month, by hosting “Car Care for Clean Air Events” in the Cities of Riverside, Perris, Hemet, Corona/Norco and the City of Moreno Valley. These events focus on educating the community on the importance of maintaining and repair their vehicles while also helping to maintain our region’s air quality.

Coachella Valley Clean Cities Coalition

The Coalition has hired a new Coordinator.  Scott Fischler is the new coordinator for the
Clean Cities Coachella Valley Region.  The Coalition is now housed at the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce. 

Additional Support and Resources

Information on the Clean Cities Program is accessible through the DOE's Clean Cities Hotline (1-800-CCITIES), the 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 visit the Alternative Fuels Data Center. The Clean Cities Home page can be accessed at http://www.ccities.doe.gov/ .  The following sources offer volumes of helpful information, examples include:

• Clean Cities Vehicle Support Guidelines
  Chart outlines the levels of support DOE offers for various types of AFVs.
• Vehicle Buyer's Guide for Fleets 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.

AQMD Future Participation

AQMD staff will continue to participate in the Clean Cities Program.  Currently, the clean cities coalitions are assisting in the Carl Moyer Program outreach.  In the next few months, staff will be participating in coalition annual meetings and other special events.