BOARD MEETING DATE: March 6, 2009
AGENDA NO. 27
REPORT:
Technology Committee
SYNOPSIS:
The Technology Committee met on February 20, 2009. Major topics included Technology Advancement items reflected in the regular Board Agenda for the March Board meeting. A summary of these topics with the Committee's comments is provided. The next Technology Committee meeting will be on March 20, 2009 at 12:00 p.m. in CC-8.
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
Receive and file.
Roy Wilson, Chair
Technology Committee
Attendance: Committee Members Dr. William Burke, Supervisor Wilson, and Councilmember Tania Reyes Uranga participated by video-teleconference; Mayor Dennis Yates was in attendance at District headquarters.
MARCH BOARD AGENDA ITEMS
- Execute Contracts for FY 2007-08 “Year 1” Proposition 1B Goods Movement Emission Reduction Program, Issue Program Announcement for Trucks Serving Intermodal Rail Yards and Locomotives and Recognize Funds from U.S. EPA to Execute Contract for Truck Retrofits
In May 2008, CARB allocated $24,037,500 to the AQMD under the “Year 1” Proposition 1B – Goods Movement Program to fund non-drayage trucks, trucks serving ports and intermodal rail yards and locomotive projects. In response to AQMD’s program announcement, 311 proposals were received requesting $63.6 million in funding. However, while the non-drayage truck category was heavily oversubscribed, the other two categories were undersubscribed. These actions are to: a) execute contracts under the Proposition 1B – Goods Movement Program in an amount not to exceed $17,520,000, contingent upon receipt of funds from CARB, b) issue program announcement for the undersubscribed categories of locomotives and trucks serving ports and intermodal rail yards, and c) recognize $1 million in grant funds from U.S. EPA to execute contract for retrofit of heavy-duty trucks.
Councilmember Reyes Uranga asked why there were such a low number of responses and how a greater number of applicants would be ensured when the program announcement is reissued. Staff responded that the previous grant was only for retrofits. In December, when CARB’s on-road truck regulation was adopted, it discouraged operators from applying. In addition, the operators indicated that they preferred replacements rather than retrofits. Staff has worked with CARB to amend the grant such that if there is an under-subscription for retrofit projects, truck replacements may be allowed. Staff has been in contact with potential applicants who have over 800 trucks and are willing to take advantage of this funding opportunity. Staff is confident there will be ample applicants for this program opportunity notice.
Moved (Councilmember Reyes Uranga), seconded (Mayor Yates), and unanimously recommended for approval.
- Execute Contracts to Demonstrate NOx and PM Emissions Control on Construction Equipment in Showcase Program
Diesel-powered construction equipment emit significant amounts of NOx and PM into the South Coast Air Basin. The AQMD, MSRC and CARB are overseeing a large NOx and PM retrofit demonstration effort called the Showcase Program. The Board previously awarded contracts to the California Department of Transportation and the City of Los Angeles to demonstrate NOx and PM retrofit devices on construction equipment as part of the Showcase Program. This action is to amend the awards by executing contracts directly with the technology vendors, Johnson Matthey Inc. and ServoTech Engineering, instead of the fleet operators to demonstrate combined selective catalytic reduction and diesel particulate filter technologies on construction equipment. The total project costs are estimated to be $860,200 with the AQMD cost not to exceed $265,200 from the Clean Fuels Fund.
Moved (Mayor Yates), seconded (Councilmember Reyes Uranga), and unanimously recommended for approval.
- Execute Contract to Cosponsor LNG Fueling Station at Ports
In 2008, AQMD provided funding to California Cartage Company to replace 132 heavy-duty Class 8 diesel-fueled trucks with LNG-fueled trucks. These trucks will serve the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and are in need of convenient and accessible fueling. This action is execute a contract with California Cartage Company to install a LNG fueling station at the Ports at an AQMD cost not to exceed $532,500 from the Clean Fuels Fund. The remaining project cost of $532,500 will be funded by the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
Dr. Burke indicated that he was glad to see the Ports are supportive of the project.
Moved (Dr. Burke), seconded (Mayor Yates), and unanimously recommended for approval. Councilmember Reyes Uranga abstained from this item.
- Technology Advancement Office Clean Fuels Program Annual Report and
Plan Update
The Technology Advancement Office is required to prepare and submit to the State legislature an Annual Report for the past year and a Plan Update for the current calendar year. Staff has reviewed the Clean Fuels Program with the Clean Fuels Advisory Group, the Technology Advancement Advisory Group, and other technical experts. Additionally, staff presented the 2009 Clean Fuels Program Draft Plan Update for review and comment to the Board at its October 3, 2008 meeting. At this time, staff is in the process of reviewing and assessing the potential impacts of the Federal Stimulus bills and their inclusion into the Plan. The final Clean Fuels Program Annual Report and Plan Update for Board approval is anticipated in April, 2009.
Mayor Yates questioned whether the number of open contracts was a result of contractors not performing. Staff responded that they are working on providing this information. Supervisor Wilson asked that the entire Committee be given the results of this analysis when available.
- Staff Recommendations in Response to Federal Stimulus Bills
In response to the recent development in federal stimulus bills and the Board’s expectation, the staff has prepared a number of project proposals for Board consideration.
Staff provided a comprehensive list of projects that the federal government could consider under the stimulus plan for the Committee to consider. Mayor Yates asked if it is staff’s plan to present all of this information on their visit to Washington next week. Staff indicated that it is the intent to present this comprehensive set of proposals to demonstrate the AQMD’s capabilities and needs. The set of proposals could serve as a menu for the federal government to choose from so the stimulus funding can move forward quickly.
Mayor Yates further asked if the stimulus money will go directly to applicants or to the state and then applicants will need to apply to the state. Staff indicated that some funds are specific to the state, cities, and county, and others are competitively bid. Staff has focused on areas where the AQMD could play a direct role in administering. Staff would work with local governments and other regional stakeholders to apply for funding. As such, staff will need to start to outreach to those entities.
Public Comment Period - None.
The meeting was adjourned.
Attachment
A - Attendance
Attachment A – Attendance
Peter Greenwald, Senior Policy Advisor............................................AQMD
John Olvera, Principal Deputy District Counsel ...................................AQMD
Pom Pom Ganguli, Public Affairs...................................................AQMD
Philip Crabbe III, Public Affairs.....................................................AQMD
Sam Atwood, Media..................................................................AQMD
Ana B. Cholo, Media.................................................................AQMD
Matt Miyasato, S&TA ...............................................................AQMD
Henry Hogo, S&TA...................................................................AQMD
Fred Minassian, S&TA ..............................................................AQMD
Dipankar Sarkar, S&TA .............................................................AQMD
Dean Saito, S&TA ...................................................................AQMD
Randall Pasek, S&TA ................................................................AQMD
Brian Choe, S&TA ...................................................................AQMD
Adewale Oshinuga, S&TA ..........................................................AQMD
Vicki White, S&TA ..................................................................AQMD
Larry Watkins, S&TA ...............................................................AQMD
Drue Hargis, S&TA..................................................................AQMD
Pat Krayser, S&TA ..................................................................AQMD
Donna Vernon, S&TA ...............................................................AQMD
Penny Shaw Cedillo, S&TA .........................................................AQMD
Laura Garrett, IM ...................................................................AQMD
Bob Ulloa .............................................................................Board Assistant
Nicole Nishimura ....................................................................Board Assistant
Roy Kim.......................................................................CA Fuel Cell Partnership