BOARD MEETING DATE: September 11, 2009
AGENDA NO. 23

REPORT:

Mobile Source Committee

SYNOPSIS:

The Mobile Source Committee met Friday, July 24, 2009.
Following is a summary of that meeting.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Receive and file the attached report.
 

Roy Wilson, Vice-Chair
Mobile Source Committee

Attendance

Vice-Chair Roy Wilson (via videoconference) called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Present were Committee Members Josie Gonzales and Bill Campbell (via videoconference). Absent were Chair Ronald Loveridge and Committee Members Jane Carney and Jan Perry. The following items were presented:
 

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:

1. Relationship of Various AQMD Mobile Source Emission Programs
   This item was deferred to the September meeting.
    
2. Update on State and Federal Regulatory Activities
   Henry Hogo, Assistant Deputy Executive Officer, provided a report on state and federal mobile source regulatory activities that occurred during the first half of 2009 and upcoming regulatory activities scheduled for the remainder of 2009.
   
   During the first six months of 2009, CARB adopted or amended four regulations. In January, the CARB Board adopted regulations for aftermarket control parts on highway motorcycles, strengthening the warranty requirements for aftermarket emissions control parts; amended the In-Use Off-Road Diesel Vehicle Regulation to extend the use of credits for early retrofits; and adopted test procedures for aftermarket parts certifications for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. In May, the CARB Board adopted requirements for on-board diagnostics on heavy-duty trucks.
   
   In addition to the criteria pollutant regulations, the CARB Board adopted three measures related to greenhouse gas emissions control. In March, the CARB Board adopted a regulation requiring all tire pressure checks as part of vehicle maintenance services. The Low Carbon Fuel Standard was adopted in April 2009, which calls for a 10% reduction in carbon intensity by 2020 from transportation fuels. Lastly, in June 2009, the CARB Board adopted regulations for test procedures and standards for “cool cars.” This regulation would set standards for vehicle window glazing to reduce the amount of radiant heat that enters the vehicle, allowing the interior temperature to remain cooler, and reducing the load on the engine from the air conditioner. This will enable the use of a smaller, more efficient air conditioner, which results in lower greenhouse gas emissions. While the three regulations are focused on greenhouse gas emission reductions, there are potentially some co-benefits in reducing criteria pollutant emissions and ambient ozone levels.
   
   Relative to future state regulatory activities, staff indicated that CARB amended the In-Use Off-Road Diesel Vehicle Regulation on July 23, 2009, based on the legislative directive to provide relief to affected fleets due to the current economic conditions. The CARB Board will be considering amendments to four existing regulations in the Fall. CARB staff will be proposing to add additional vessels subject to the Commercial Harbor Craft Regulation and the Ocean-Going Vessels While At-Berth Regulation. CARB staff will be conducting a public workshop on July 29, 2009 to propose regulations for vessel speed reduction from Ocean-Going Vessels. CARB staff will also be proposing requirements to reduce evaporative emissions from pleasure craft. The CARB Board on July 23, 2009 directed its staff to move forward with amendments to the zero emission bus element of the Statewide Transit Bus Regulation. Proposed amendments will move the date for procuring zero emission buses to beyond 2012.
   
   The CARB Board will hear several reports on locomotive/railyard emission reduction efforts (September); Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Program amendments (December); and control of main propulsion engines from ocean-going vessels (Fall). The CARB Board will provide direction for future regulatory activities in these areas.
   
   Relative to federal regulatory activities, staff indicated that U.S. EPA adopted a regulation for on-board diagnostics in heavy-duty vehicles in February 2009. U.S. EPA has started a joint rulemaking effort (with U.S. Department of Transportation) to establish greenhouse gas emission standards and corporate averaged fuel efficiency (CAFÉ) standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles. U.S. EPA is also proposing amendments to the National Renewable Fuels Standards with a primary focus on setting standards for biofuels and biodiesel. Lastly, U.S. EPA proposed NOx emissions controls for Category 3 marine engines in July 2009. The proposed rule would set new Tier 2 and Tier 3 NOx emissions standards for marine engines at or above 30 liters. The rule would apply to new U.S. flagged vessel builds only. Staff believes that the proposed rule will not provide sufficient emission reductions for the region to meet the federal PM_2.5 air quality standard by 2014. The U.S. EPA will be conducting a public hearing on August 6, 2009 in Long Beach. Staff plans to prepare comments for the public hearing and provide written comment by September 2, 2009 (the due date for written comments).
    
3. Status Report on PM10 Redesignation Requests
   Joe Cassmassi, Planning and Rules Manager, provided an update of the status of the proposed PM10 Redesignation Requests and Maintenance Plans for the South Coast Air Basin and Coachella Valley.  Drafts of the requests and maintenance plans have been circulated to U.S. EPA, CARB and SCAG for review, comments and interagency discussion on conformity.  The Basin request for PM10 redesignation meets the criteria specified by the CAA for acceptance.  Documentation of PM10 events will be posted for public review and comment before being forwarded to U.S. EPA.   The documentation and review of the draft Coachella Valley request is near completion.  Staff’s analysis indicates that the requirements have been met for redesignation; however, U.S. EPA is challenging that finding due to PM10 data submitted to U.S. EPA’s AQS data system from the Torres Martinez Tribal Lands. Supervisor Campbell asked what the implications are if the Basin is redesignated for PM10 attainment. Staff responded that they would shift to “maintenance mode” for PM strategies.   
   
   The Torres Martinez data indicated violations of the PM10 standard in 2007.  Staff believes that the monitor is improperly sited for ambient purposes and reflects localized impacts of emissions from the immediate unpaved area adjacent to the instrument.  In addition, the data did not undergo extensive quality assurance or flagging for exceptional events.  Supervisor Gonzales questioned why the instrument was sited in that location and how many residents were represented by the monitoring area.  Mr. Cassmassi responded that the area was sparsely populated and that the District was not consulted on the actual siting of the equipment.  Supervisor Wilson added that the monitor was placed at the Tribal community center site to potentially assess localized impacts from illegal burning taking place on Tribal Lands, several miles to the east and south.    Actions taken by U.S. EPA and the Tribal Authorities in 2006 essentially curtailed the illegal burning by the beginning of 2007.  In January 2007, the District set up a temporary PM10 monitor (that met U.S. EPA’s siting criteria) at a public school approximately one-half mile away from the Torres Martinez monitoring site.  No PM10 violations were measured at the school site for the six months of monitoring.  Supervisor Campbell also expressed concerns about the selection of the Torres Martinez site and together with the committee commented on the impact of using the Tribal data in the attainment determination. Supervisor Wilson requested that efforts be taken to establish further monitoring at the school site. Supervisor Wilson also stated that illegal dumping activities have taken place and requested that the current situation be brought to U.S. EPA’s attention.
   
   Mr. Cassmassi stated that the discussions with U.S. EPA were ongoing and that the District would hold a public workshop and following Board adoption, formally submit the requests to CARB and U.S. EPA.  U.S. EPA will have 18 months to act on the redesignation requests and submit their findings for public comments through the Federal Register.  Barbara Baird, District Counsel, stated that if the PM10 redesignation requests are rejected, U.S. EPA would have to provide an explanation.
    
4. Rule 2202 Activity Report
   Written report submitted. No comments.
    
5. Monthly Report on Environmental Justice Initiatives – CEQA Document Commenting Update
   Written report submitted. No comments.
    
6. Other Business
   
   None
    
7. Public Comment
   
   None
    

The meeting adjourned at 10:10 a.m.
 

Attachment (DOC, 45k)

Attendance Roster