BOARD MEETING DATE: November 5, 2010
AGENDA NO. 31
REPORT:
Technology Committee
SYNOPSIS:
The Technology Committee met on October 15, 2010. Major topics included Technology Advancement items reflected in the regular Board Agenda for the November Board meeting. A summary of these topics with the Committee's comments is provided. The next Technology Committee meeting will be on November 19, 2010 at 12 p.m. in CC-8.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Receive and file.
Josie Gonzales
Technology Committee Chair
Attendance: Committee Chair Josie Gonzales and Committee Member Judith Mitchell were in attendance at District headquarters. Committee Member John Benoit participated by video-teleconference. Committee Members William Burke, Miguel Pulido, and Dennis Yates were absent due to a conflict with their schedules.
NOVEMBER BOARD AGENDA ITEMS
- Execute Contracts to Conduct Conceptual Feasibility Studies for Reduction of Near Roadway Pollutant Exposures
Numerous air monitoring and health studies document elevated pollution levels and health risks in areas immediately adjacent to busy roadways and freeways. In addition to reducing on-road tailpipe emissions, other mitigation measures may be effective in reducing the pollution exposure of those living, working or playing in these affected areas. On March 5, 2010, an RFP was released for conceptual research studies to assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of roadside pollution mitigation measures, and six proposals were received. Based on the results of the technical evaluation process, this action is to execute three contracts in a total amount not to exceed $250,000 to study the reduction of pollutant exposures using near roadway mitigation measures.
Staff presented the proposal to fund three conceptual feasibility studies looking at exposure mitigation measures next to busy roadways. Committee Member Mitchell stated that while there might be some repetition in the studies, and that she would eventually like to see additional active filtration measures studied, that this was a good start. Committee Chair Gonzales also stated that she would like to see additional “out of the box” solutions assessed, and not stick to what we know or traditional techniques. She mentioned that staff should look at approaches being taken elsewhere in the world to address this issue. Staff replied that while research on the effects of barriers has been conducted, there have been conflicting results. These proposed projects will help develop better, validated models to better assess new roadside measures, including active measures. It was also stated that the Planning Center proposal is flexible, and assessment of the active approaches can be accomplished within that project.
Moved by Mitchell; seconded by Benoit; unanimously approved.
- Execute Sole Source Contract for Buy-Down Incentive Program for CNG Home Refueling Appliance
Since May 6, 2005, the AQMD has implemented a buy-down incentive program for the Phill natural gas home refueling appliance (HRA) manufactured by FuelMaker Corporation to broaden the consumer base of light-duty natural gas vehicles. In April 2009, FuelMaker Corporation filed bankruptcy and was acquired by Fuel Systems Solutions, Inc. In July 2010, sale of the HRA in California resumed through an exclusive distributor, Gas Equipment Systems, Inc. (GESI). This action is to execute a sole source contract with GESI for an amount not to exceed $60,000 from the Clean Fuels Fund to provide a buy-down incentive of $1,000 per HRA.
Council Member Mitchell asked about the cost of the unit. Staff answered $4500.
Moved by Mitchell; seconded by Benoit; unanimously approved.
- Execute Contract To Provide Technical Assistance for Alternative- Fueled Trucks Funded Under AQMD’s Heavy-Duty Diesel Truck Replacement Program
The AQMD has received grant awards from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency for LNG truck projects approved under AQMD’s Heavy-Duty Diesel Truck Replacement Program, including administrative funds. AQMD’s administration of the program consists of project outreach and solicitation, project evaluation, inspections, contracting, invoice processing, project monitoring and other activities to comply with all program requirements. AQMD is required to monitor the operation of each LNG truck on a quarterly basis for a period of two years. This action is to execute a contract with Clean Fuel Connection to provide technical assistance for quarterly reporting and other program administrative activities in an amount not to exceed $80,000.
Moved by Benoit; seconded by Mitchell; unanimously approved.
- Execute Contracts to Support Electric Charging Infrastructure
Southern California has an established but obsolete network of public charging for electric vehicles. State and federal funds are being invested in our region to support the deployment of plug-in electric vehicles including charging infrastructure. These awards, however, do not include installation costs or coordination among awardees. This action is to help coordinate charging infrastructure rollout by executing contracts with Clipper Creek, Coulomb Chargepoint and ETEC ECOtality to replace existing chargers and install new chargers in high priority locations for a total cost not to exceed $210,000 from the Clean Fuels Fund.
Committee Chair Gonzales requested staff provide updates on the program and criteria to be used in site selection as chargers are installed and further ensure the hardware will be upgradeable in the future.
Moved by Mitchell; seconded by Benoit; unanimously approved.
- Execute Contracts to Cofund Electric and Natural Gas Hybrid Heavy-Duty Trucks
Battery electric and hybrid heavy-duty trucks represent potential near-term opportunities for zero- and low-emission technologies for goods movement activities. The challenges remain in demonstrating the durability and capability of these new technologies on various heavy-duty applications. In July 2010, the California Energy Commission awarded $2,100,000 to Daimler Trucks to develop ten natural gas hybrid Class 8 trucks under the AB 118 program and $1,000,000 to TransPower to develop up to two Class 8 battery electric trucks. Both projects, however, are still in need of additional support to proceed. This action is to execute contracts with Daimler Trucks in an amount not to exceed $900,000 and with TransPower in an amount not to exceed $497,000 from the Clean Fuels Fund for the above-mentioned battery electric and natural gas hybrid heavy-duty truck demonstration projects.
This item was withdrawn by staff.
INFORMATIONAL ITEM ONLY
- Clean Fuels Program Draft Plan Update (presentation only)
At the October 2010 Board meeting, the Board provided comments and input on the staff’s proposed priorities for the Clean Fuels Program Draft Plan Update for 2011. Staff has addressed these comments and proposes adjustments to the funding priorities. Major emphasis remains on electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, their infrastructure and expanding their market deployment, development and demonstration of clean engine systems, and expansion of alternative fuel infrastructure.
Public Comment Period – There was no public comment.
Other Business – There was no other business.
The next meeting will be November 19.
Attachment (DOC, 31k)
A - Attendance