BOARD MEETING DATE: September 7, 2007
AGENDA NO. 31

REPORT:

Mobile Source Committee

SYNOPSIS:

The Mobile Source Committee met Friday, July 27, 2007.  Following is a summary of that meeting.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Receive and file the attached report.

Dr. S. Roy Wilson, Vice-Chair
Mobile Source Committee

Attendance

The meeting started at 9:11 a.m. Committee Vice Chair Roy Wilson and Committee Member Bill Campbell participated via videoconference. Committee Member Jane Carney joined the meeting via teleconference at 9:17 a.m., wherein she only listened to the proceedings and did not actively participate in the discussion. The following items were presented:

INFORMATION ITEMS:

1) Status Report on 2007 AQMP and State Strategy

A status report on the 2007 AQMP and State Strategy was provided by Dr. Laki Tisopulos, Assistant DEO of Planning, Rule Development & Area Sources. On June 1, 2007, the Board approved the 2007 Final AQMP. In addition, the Board adopted, on July 13, 2007, the 2007 Final Transportation Conformity Budgets. The adopted 2007 Final AQMP and the adopted 2007 AQMP Transportation Conformity Budgets have been transmitted to CARB for approval and subsequent submittal to the U.S. EPA. CARB postponed considering its State strategy as well as the AQMD’s 2007 AQMP until September 2007. Dr. Tisopulos also mentioned that the CARB Board adopted their Regulation for In-Use Off-Road Diesel Vehicles, and that Mary Nichols was appointed as the new chair of CARB.

2) Approve Updates to Advanced Air Pollution Research Plan

Philip Fine, Atmospheric Measurements Manager in Science & Technology Advancement, gave a presentation on the Update to the Three-Year Advanced Air Pollution Research Plan for FY 2007-10. The plan provides a framework for conducting and coordinating research to support the broad spectrum of activities conducted at AQMD. The presentation included updates from the previous Plan Update, examples of proposed projects in nine research areas, and the projected costs.

Board member Bill Campbell asked about higher costs in the first year of the Plan, to which Dr. Tisopulos replied that while some projects are being conducted in-house with existing budgeted funds, other projects will require the identification of additional funding and further Board approval.

Board member Campbell expressed concern that the Committee members were not provided with the presentation handout for this item. He requested that staff submit all handouts to Committee members prior to the meeting, to allow adequate time for the review of the items being presented.

3) Airport Monitoring Studies Summary

Philip Fine, Atmospheric Measurements Manager in Science & Technology Advancement, gave a presentation on past, current and future air monitoring activities related to airports. The presentation included some previous studies in Orange County and at LAX, some current work at General Aviation airports, and the upcoming study at LAX to be conducted by Los Angeles World Airports. Dr. Fine also described a recently submitted air toxics proposal to U.S. EPA that aims to supplement the LAX monitoring effort with additional mobile platforms.

Joe Blackburn, a member of the public, commented on PM pollution and suggested that District staff look at the splitting up of tires as airplanes land because a lot of soot and black dust not only comes from engines as they take off but also from tires splitting up as they land.

4) Annual Report on AB2766 Funds from Motor Vehicle Registration

Carol Gomez, Transportation Manager, presented the annual status report on the AB 2766 Subvention Program Fund usage and program results for FY 2005-06. AB 2766 was signed into law September 1990. Current statute authorizes a $6 motor vehicle registration fee surcharge of which 40% of the first four dollars is subvened to local governments on a quarterly basis to implement projects that reduce mobile source emissions.

The program’s financial summary reflects a beginning balance of $28.4 million; funds received totaled $19.6 million; project spending totaled $19.9 million; earmarked funds totaled $18.7 million; and funds remaining after earmarking totaled $9.4 million. Expenditures in the 11 project categories indicated that Transportation Demand Management, Alternative Fuels, Traffic Management and Public Transportation had the highest spending allocations with Public Education and Market Based Strategies having the least. Staff also reported on the number of projects funded and quantified over the last six fiscal years. During FY 2005-06, 374 projects were funded, of which 169 had reported emission reductions that resulted in approximately 4,536 tons of emissions (VOC, NOx, PM10 and CO/7) reduced. Average cost-effectiveness was $0.99 per pound of emissions reduced.

AQMD staff provided ongoing technical guidance to local government staff through meetings, telephone calls and training sessions. The overall summary of reports from local governments reflected an increase in emissions reductions and cost effectiveness.

AQMD staff will maintain focus on providing technical assistance to local governments and continue to interface with CARB. Staff will continue to coordinate with AQMD Finance staff to monitor the outcome of bi-annual audit results. Further, staff will also coordinate with COGs and local governments to request more detailed program data on funds allocated towards COG-sponsored programs. The full staff report will be presented to the Board at its September 7, 2007 meeting, and upon its approval will be forwarded to CARB.

Vice Chair Wilson commented that progress is being made with the AB 2766 Subvention Fund Program and that the training sessions that are being conducted seem to be paying off.

5) Rule 2202 Activity Report

Written report submitted. No comments.

6) Monthly Report on Environmental Justice Initiatives-CEQA Document Commenting Update

Written report submitted. No comments.

7) Report on Scientific, Technical & Modeling Peer Review Advisory Group

Written report submitted. No Comments.

8) Other Business

None.

Mr. Joe Blackburn, who operates a company that offers rental cars powered by biodiesel, suggested that staff look at the benefits of biodiesel as an alternative to reducing air pollution, and referenced a report by Dr. Michael Briggs of the University of New Hampshire. Matt Miyasato, Technology Demonstration Manager, stated that staff is looking at biodiesel as an alternative fuel.

The meeting adjourned at 9:50 a.m.

Attachment
Attendance Roster

SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
MOBILE SOURCE COMMITTEE
JULY 27, 2007
ATTENDANCE ROSTER