BOARD MEETING DATE: July 9, 2010
AGENDA NO. 35
REPORT:
Technology Committee
SYNOPSIS:
The Technology Committee met on June 18, 2010. Major topics included Technology Advancement items reflected in the regular Board Agenda for the July Board meeting. A summary of these topics with the Committee's comments is provided. The next Technology Committee meeting will be on July 23, 2010 at 12 p.m. in CC-8.
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
Receive and file.
Josie Gonzales, Chair
Technology Committee
Attendance: Committee Members William Burke, Marion Ashley, and Miguel Pulido participated by video-teleconference. Committee Chair Josie Gonzales and Committee Member Judith Mitchell were in attendance at District headquarters. Committee Member Dennis Yates was absent.
JULY BOARD AGENDA ITEMS
- Execute Contracts to Develop Prototype Natural-Gas-Fired, Fan-Type Central Furnaces with Reduced NOx Emissions
In November 2009, the Board authorized $1,000,000 to fund development of compliant prototypes, to assist furnace manufacturers in meeting the new NOx limit established by Rule 1111, which goes into effect October 1, 2014. An RFP was issued on February 5, 2010, and four proposals were received requesting a total of $1,447,737. This action is to execute four contracts in a total amount not to exceed $1,000,000 to develop prototype furnaces meeting the 14 ng/J (nanograms per joule of useful heat) rule limit. The Southern California Gas Company has offered $447,737 in cofunding so that all four proposals can be fully funded.
Dr. Burke asked whether there may be any conflict of interest in AQMD receiving funds from the Gas Company. District Counsel responded that they have reviewed this issue and believe there is none because the funds are specific to this project.
Councilmember Mitchell inquired how many of the bidders offered to share the intellectual property developed in their project with other manufacturers. Staff responded that only one bidder offered to do so. The Councilmember then asked whether there was a significant risk that the resulting technology would not be widely available and competition among manufacturers may be reduced. Staff responded the four bidders included manufacturers that have over 80 percent of the market in Southern California.
Moved by Ashley; seconded by Mitchell; unanimously approved.
- Adopt Resolution Accepting Terms and Conditions for 2010 Multidistrict Award Under On-Road Heavy-Duty Vehicle Voucher Incentive Program (Year 12) and Approve Match Funds to CARB Funds
This action is to adopt a resolution recognizing up to $1,471,433 in 2010 Multidistrict funds from CARB to continue implementation of the Carl Moyer On-Road Heavy-Duty Vehicle Voucher Incentive Program (VIP) and accept terms and conditions for the Multidistrict award. As required by CARB, AQMD will provide an equal match to the CARB funds comprised of $690,895 from SB 1107 Multidistrict returned funds and up to $780,538 from the AB 923, Carl Moyer Program Fund.
Supervisor Ashley asked why the VIP is only eligible for small fleets of three or fewer trucks. Staff responded as of January 1, 2011 large fleets (four or more) are subject to the On-Road Private Truck & Bus Regulation adopted by CARB. The VIP Guidelines specify that large fleets are not eligible due to the regulation, and the program is intended to assist small fleet operators.
Councilmember Mitchell asked if municipalities may participate in the VIP. Staff answered that due to CARB’s Fleet Rule for Public Agencies & Utilities, municipalities are not eligible for funding through the VIP.
Moved by Mitchell; seconded by Ashley; unanimously approved.
- Execute Contract for FY 2009-10 “Year 12” Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program
On May 7, 2010, proposals were received in response to the program announcement that was issued for the “Year 12” Carl Moyer Air Quality Standards Attainment Program. This action is to execute a contract to repower 16 switcher locomotives in an amount not to exceed $10,532,035 from the Carl Moyer Program SB 1107 Fund.
Councilmember Mitchell asked, as a point of clarification, if the locomotives would operate only in the Ports. Staff answered yes.
Board Member Dr. Joseph Lyou’s assistant, Ms. Nicole Nishimura, asked if this project had any bearing on the Railyard Commitments that CARB and the railroads are working on (discussed at Mobile Source Committee earlier this morning). Staff responded that this is related because it demonstrates that technologies are available, and can be used as an option for additional controls at the railyards.
Moved by Mitchell; seconded by Ashley; unanimously approved.
- Issue RFP to Conduct In-Use Emissions Testing and Demonstrate Retrofit Technology for Control of On-Road Heavy-Duty Engines
Newly introduced on-road heavy-duty engines must meet the stringent 2010 state and federal exhaust emissions standards for NOx and PM. These engines are either stoichiometric engines with a three-way catalyst or lean burn engines with exhaust gas recirculation, selective catalytic reduction and diesel particulate filter devices. The in-use emissions from these new technologies are not well characterized, nor are their in-use impacts on air quality. This action is to issue an RFP to conduct in-use emissions testing on new natural gas and diesel engines. In addition, if the in-use testing identifies emissions higher than allowable limits, the proposers would evaluate and demonstrate further aftertreatment mitigation technologies.
Moved by Ashley; seconded by Mitchell; unanimously approved.
- Amend Contract to Develop and Demonstrate Fleet of Medium-Duty Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles
The California Energy Commission (CEC) recently finalized a $5 million award to cofund the U.S. Department of Energy American Recovery and Reinvestment Act project to develop and demonstrate over three hundred plug-in hybrid electric medium-duty trucks. Although this CEC award was already recognized as revenue by a previous Board action, this action is to amend the contract with Electric Power Research Institute to include the CEC’s $5 million, for a total project cost not to exceed $49.5 million.
Councilmember Mitchell asked which fleets will operate the plug-in vehicles.
Staff replied the operators would be mainly electric utility companies and some shuttle bus operators nationwide.
Supervisor Gonzales requested periodic updates to the Technology Committee on the progress of this project.
Moved by Mitchell; seconded by Burke; unanimously approved.
Mayor Pulido joined the meeting at 12:45.
- Execute and Amend Contracts for the Operation and Maintenance of Hydrogen Fueling Stations
At its March 2010 meeting, the Board approved the release of an RFP to solicit proposals for the operation and maintenance of the hydrogen fueling station at the City of Burbank. This action is to recognize cofunding from the Department of Energy-National Renewable Energy Laboratory, CARB and the California Energy Commission, and to execute a maintenance and operation contract with Hydrogen Frontier, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $1,060,000 from the Hydrogen Fueling Station Special Revenue Fund. This action is to also amend the contract with Hydrogenics for the continued maintenance of the AQMD hydrogen station while plans to upgrade the station are in progress, in an amount not to exceed $100,000 from the Clean Fuels Fund.
Councilmember Mitchell inquired about the cost of building a hydrogen station. Staff responded it can cost $1-2 million, and up to $7 million for stations using renewable technology. The cost depends on the technology used. If natural gas reforming is used, cost can be substantially lower.
Councilmember Mitchell commented the current operation and maintenance of hydrogen vehicles is expensive. Will the cost of hydrogen go down with increased volume/sales? Staff answered that with increased volume the cost is projected to decrease, and all of the stakeholders are evaluating scenarios to accelerate this process.
Moved by Mitchell; seconded by Pulido; unanimously approved.
Public Comment Period - There was no public comment.
Other Business – There was no other business.
The next meeting will be July 23. The meeting was adjourned.
Attachment (DOC, 26k)
A - Attendance