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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 442-10TO: HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL FROM: CITY MANAGER DATE: DECEMBER 13, 2010 REPORT TYPE: CONSENT DEPARTMENT: PLANNING& COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT CMR: 442:10 SUBJECT: Adoption of Resolution Supporting the California Air Resources Board's Leadership in Promoting Clean and Energy Efficient Motor Vehicles, Energy Independence, Zero Emission Technologies and Improved Quality of Life in California RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Council adopt the attached resolution supporting the California Air Resources Board's Leadership in Promoting Clean and Energy Efficient Motor Vehicles, Energy Independence, Zero Emission Technologies and Improved Quality of Life in California. BACKGROUND The California Air Resource Board is responsible for monitoring and implementing state's Low Emission Vehicles program adopted in 1990. The Low Emission Vehicles program includes the development of standards aimed at incrementally reducing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by new vehicles produced or sold in California. One of the programmatic elements of the Low Emission Vehicles program is an Advanced Clean Car program that consists of two main components, Low Emission Vehicle and Zero Emission Vehicle policies. The Low Emission Vehicles policy provides emission standards for new vehicles to help reduce emissions from fossil-fuel use vehicles. The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) policy promotes the development of technology for electric and hydrogen fuel cell cars and the deployment of Clean Fuel Cell outlets throughout the state. The Air Resource Board's Clean Car Program policies are consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan in helping to sustain the quality of life of the community and support the development of technologies that help to foster economic development activities in the City. The American Lung Association has requested in emails to the Mayor, that the City of Palo Alto register its support for the Air Resources Board's Clean Car Program with the attached resolution and letter. CMR: 442:01 Page 1 of2 RESOURCE IMPACT There is no immediate resource impact in submitting a resolution supporting the Air Resource Board's Advanced Clean Car program. POLICY IMPLICATIONS Supporting the development and use of progranls and technologies that reduce vehicle emissions and that help to sustain the community's quality of life are consistent with the goals of the City's Comprehensive Plan. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Adoption of this resolution is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Action (CEQA). PREPARED BY: ' , DEPARTMENT HEAD: CIJRTIS WILLIAMS Director of Planning and Community Development CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: ATTACHMENTS JAMES KEENE City Manager A. Resolution Supporting the CARB's Leadership and Clean Car Program B. Letter from Mayor to California Air Resources Board C. Air Resource Board's Clean Car Campaign Fact Sheet COURTESY COPIES: Jenny Bard, American Lung Association, 115 Talbot Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 CMR: 442:01 Page 2 of2 ** NOT YET APPROVED ** ATTACHMENT A Resolution No. ----- Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Supporting the California Air Resources Board's Leadership in Promoting Clean and Energy Efficient Motor Vehicles, Energy Independence, Zero Emission Technologies and Improved Quality of Life in California WHEREAS, California is experiencing a public health crisis due to poor air quality, with over 90% of Californians living in areas that exceed federal health-based ozone standards; and WHEREAS, exposure to elevated levels of ozone and other pollutants such as particulate matter annually contributes to hundreds of thousands of asthma attacks and tens of thousands of hospitalizations and premature deaths due to heart and lung disease; and WHEREAS, recent research conducted by the RAND Corporation found that hospital care related to elevated pollution levels in' California cost nearly $200 million from 2005 to 2007; and WHEREAS, the impacts of global climate change are projected to compound this air quality and public health crisis; and WHEREAS, motor vehicles are significant emitters of ozone precursors, particulates and air toxics, and the single largest anthropogenic source of global warming causing greenhouse gas emissions in California; and WHEREAS, California's dependence on petroleum for 97 percent of its transportation needs and its reliance on imported oil leaves California susceptible to volatile pricing and supply disruptions; and WHEREAS, California has been a national leader in advancing cleaner vehicle technologies by developing and implementing motor vehicle regulations under its federal Clean Air Act authority; and WHEREAS, the California Legislature enacted AB 1493 (Pavley, 2002) directing the California Air Resources Board to adopt regulations to achieve the maximum feasible and cost-effective reduction in greenhouse gases from passenger vehicles; and the California Air Resources Board adopted clean vehicle regulations in 2004; and WHEREAS, thirteen other states and Washington D.C. have adopted California's regulations; and WHEREAS, in coordination with the Obama Administration and America's automobile manufacturers, the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Department of Transportation have based new national standards on California's clean car regulations; and 101129 sh 8261483 ** NOT YET APPROVED ** WHEREAS, in 2010, the California Air Resources Board plans to develop and adopt new regulations to reduce vehicle enlissions of criteria air pollutants and greenhouse gases and to promote the development and deployment of clean fuel infrastructure and zero emission vehicle technology options for consumers; and WHEREAS, strengthening California's motor vehicle programs will improve California's air quality, promote energy independence, support new jobs and investments in clean technology, help California achieve its goal of reducing global warming emissions, and will continue California's long history of national leadership on air quality and environmental policy. NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Palo Alto does RESOLVE as follows: SECTION 1. That the City of Palo Alto urges the State of California and the California Air Resources Board to continue its national and international leadership role in reducing greenhouse gases and promoting clean vehicle technologies by moving forward quickly to develop and adopt expanded Low Emission Vehicle (LEV III) standards to r~duce criteria air pollutants and greenhouse gases and to strengthen the state's Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) and Clean Fuels Outlet (CFO) infrastructure programs to protect the health of California's economy, environment and its people. SECTION 2. The Council finds that this resolution is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act and, therefore, no environmental impact assessment is necessary. INTRODUCED AND PASSED: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTENTIONS: ATTEST: City Clerk Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED: Sr. Deputy City Attorney City Manager Director of Planning & Comm. Environment 101129 sh 8261483 ** NOT YET APPROVED ** WHEREAS, in 2010, the California Air Resources Board plans to develop and adopt new regulations to reduce vehicle emissions of criteria air pollutants and greenhouse gases and to promote the development and deployment of clean fuel infrastructure and zero emission vehicle technology options for consumers; and WHEREAS, strengthening California's motor vehicle programs will improve California's air quality, promote energy independence, support new jobs and investments in clean technology, help California achieve its goal of reducing global warming emissions, and will continue California's long history of national leadership on air quality and environmental policy .. NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Palo Alto does RESOLVE as follows: SECTION 1. That the City of Palo Alto urges the State of California and the California Air Resources Board to continue its national and international leadership role in reducing greenhouse gases and promoting clean vehicle technologies by moving forward quickly to develop and adopt expanded Low Emission Vehicle (LEV III) standards to reduce criteria air pollutants and greenhouse gases and to strengthen the state's Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) and Clean Fuels Outlet (CFO) infrastructure programs to protect the health of California's economy, environment and its people. SECTION 2. The Council finds that this resolution is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act and, therefore, no environmental impact assessment is necessary. INTRODUCED AND PASSED: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTENTIONS: ATTEST: City Clerk Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED: Sr. Deputy City Attorney City Manager Director of Planning & Comm. Environment 101129 sh 8261483 Mary Nichols, Chairman California Air Resources Board 1001 I Street Sacramento, CA 95812 Re: Strong Clean Cars Standards Dear Chairman Nichols, All ACHMENl B The City of Palo Alto applauds the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for its national leadership in the development of motor vehicle regulations that have reduced air pollution and improved public health in California and across the United States. Although our state has made progress in combating air pollution over the past 30 years, the fact remains that the vast majority of California residents still breathe unhealthy air, exposing them to an increased risk of respiratory illnesses and even premature death. Air pollution is particularly harmful to our most vulnerable populations, such as infants and children, the elderly, those living in low-income communities or those suffenng with chronic illnesses like asthma or heart disease. Unfortunately, global warming is expected to compound these problems by further threatening the quality of the air we breathe and increasing our public health ,burdens. As transportation represents the leading source of air pollutants and greenhouse gases in California, reducing passenger vehicle emissions is a key component in our fight against air pollution, global warming and a variety of chronic illnesses. Our State's commitment to leading the nation in vehicle emission standards has played a critical role in helping protect the health of our environment and of our citizens. These regulations also incentivize the development of new vehicle technologies and fueling infrastructure, which helps to create jobs, reduce our dependence on oil and save California families and businesses on transportation costs. These standards are critical to achieving California's air pollution and greenhouse gas reduction goals, which are both issues of concern in our community. For these reasons, as the State of California develops rules to support the next generation of clean passenger vehicles, the City of Palo Alto urges CARB to push forward in 2010 to develop and adopt expanded Low Emission Vehicle (LEV III) standards to reduce criteria air pollutants and greenhouse gases, and to strengthen the state's Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) and Clean Fuels Outlet (CFO) programs to ensure that the cleanest advanced vehicles and fuels are available to consumers. Sincerely, Patrick Burt Mayor of City of Palo Alto ATTACHMENT C , .&. ' CQt~,OY~ Clean Cars Camp • lin California's Clean Cars Program FACT SHEET California's Clean Cars Program is set to bring the next generation of clean, low-polluting cars and light trucks into the driveways of California's families. The California Air Resources Board will be voting on important updates to the Clean Cars Program in early 2011. Advanced Clean Cars Will Dramatically Cut Our Oil Dependence and Leave Us Less Vulnerable to Volatile Oil Prices. • 97% of California's transportation relies on oil.i • Just before the recent financial collapse, oil spiked to $147 a barrel.ii o Huge spikes in oil prices preceded four of the last five global recessions.iii o Oil prices con'tinue to rise.iV • The price of gasoline has increased 60% over the last year. • Every day, Californians spend $82 million on gasoline and diesel.v • New automotive fuel efficiency standards would save Californians more than $13 billion in 2030.vi Advanced Clean Cars Will Reduce Dangerous Air Pollutants, Improving California's Air Quality. • Largely due to traffic pollution, California is home to some of the worst air pollu'tion in the nation.vii • Every year, at least 9,200 premature deaths can be attributed to California's air Four Different Standards Make Up The Clean Cars Program 1. Vehicle Global Warming Standards [LEV III-GHG): This program will make sure new cars and light trucks produce fewer emissions that contribute to global warming. [The updated rules will apply to vehicles starting in 2017.) 2. Low Emission Vehicle Program (LEV III-,Criteria Pollutant): This program will make sure new cars and light trucks produce fewer harmful emissions that contribute to smog and hurt public health. (The updated rules will apply to vehicles starting in 2014.) . 3. Zero Emission Vehicle Program (ZEV): This program will make sure that the newest, gasoline-free, ultra-clean vehicle technologies - such as electric and hydrogen fuel cell cars -are brought to California. (The updated rules will apply to vehicles starting in 2015.) 4. Clean Fuels Outlet: This program will make sure we have the infrastructure -Including hydrogen for fuel cells and public charging for electric vehicles -in place to support clean, alternative fuel pollution.viii cars. • Children iX and low-income families x are especially vulnerable to health problems caused by poor air quality. • Hospital care costs related to bad air quality cost California nearly $200 nlillion from 2005 to 2007.xi California Clean Cars Campaign I www.calcleancars.org October 2010 Strong Advanced Clean Car Standards Will Stimulate the Economy and Bring New Jobs to California. • New data shows that employment in California's green economy grew 36% from 1995 to 2008 while total jobs in California expanded only 13%.Xii o As the economy slowed between 2007 and 2008, total employment fell 1 %, but green jobs continued to grow 5%.xiii • Many clean, green car companies, such as Tesla, are based in California. o Their suppliers of high-tech components, such as Quantum Technologies and Coulomb Technologies, are also based here. Advanced Clean Cars Will Reduce C02 Pollution and Help Mitigate the Worst Effects of Climate Change. • Passenger cars and light trucks represent 40% of California's greenhouse gas pollution.xiv • Climate change is happening now as evident by sea level rise, reduced Sierra snowpack, increasing wildfires and worsening air quality.xv California is a Pioneer in Bringing Advanced Clean Car Standards to the Nation. • Thirteen other states adopted California's previous Clean Cars Program. • Our standards formed the basis for the national vehicle program that President Obama announced in May 2009 and that became law in April 2010. • New advanced clean car standards will establish another rung in the ladder for states and the federal government to reach. California Must Remain Competitive in the Global Economy and Lead the Nation in the Advanced Clean Car Technology Industry. • China is spending $12 million an hour on clean technology investment.xvi • California has attracted more clean technology venture capital than any other state.xvii The California Energy Commission: http://energyalmanac.ca.gov/petroleum/index.html. New York Times: ~.t.:.l-I..~"!"w'!"=~~~~~.l-' iii ClMB World Market: http://research.cibcwm.com/economic public/download/soctOB.pdf iv Bloomberg: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=2060 1 OB7 &sid=a ERkSvnAUV U. v California Energy Commission: http://www.energy.ca.gov Ire ports/l 00-03-0 19F .PDF. ~ G060mpg.orgCoaIiHon:~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~m vii Los Angeles Times: D..!JJJd1ill.!!~WQJl.l.!l.li;~..QilllU!,!UJllSJ.!JlI.L§;;.WQ!;'&u'J.Sdjl.DSt:.Q!!::.QQJll1W!;m::.£\ll~~ viii California Air Resources Board: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/health/pm-mort/pm-report 201O.pdf. ix The New England journal of Medicine: http://contenLneim.orq/cgilcontent/short/35111111057. x American Lung Association in California. State of the Air 2010: www.stateoftheair.org. xi Rand Corporation: http://www.rand.org/pubs/technical reports/TR777/. xii Next 10: http://www.nextlO.org/next]O/publications/greenjobs.html. xiii ibid xiv Climate Change FAQ: http://climatechange.ca.gov/publications/faqs.html. xv ibid xvi American Progress: http://www.americanproqress.orq/issuesI2009/06/pdflpodesta germanyl.pdf. xvii Clean tech Group LLC: http://cleantech.com/newsI5755/cleantech-thrivinq-AB32-data. California Clean Cars Campaign I www.calcleancars.org October 201 0