HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/18/2008 - STAFF REPORTS - 2.O. F A LM Spy
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DATE: June 18, 2008
SUBJECT: Letter of Support for SB 1646: Re-Authorization of the South Coast Air
Quality Management District's Clean Fuels Program
FROM: David H. Ready, City Manager
BY: Gary L. Calhoun — Consultant
SUMMARY
On June 2, 2008, the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) Executive Committee
approved a Letter of Support for Senate Bill 1646 (SB 1646) which would reauthorize the South
Coast Air Quality Management District's Clean Fuels Program. CVAG is asking that each City pass
a Resolution supporting this legislation and send a letter of support to the author of the Bill, State
Senator Padilla.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Adopt Resolution No. "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, SUPPORTING SENATE
BILL 1646 (PADILLA) THE REAUTHORIZATION OF THE SOUTH COAST AIR
QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT'S CLEAN FUELS PROGRAM."
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute a letter of support.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
The South Coast Air Quality Management District's (AQMD) Clean Fuels Program is a
successful public-private partnership which over the past twenty years has helped to clean the
air by finding and nurturing clean fuels technology.
Senate Bill 1646 (SB 1646) is proposed legislation by State Senator Alex Padilla which would
remove the 2009 sunset on AQMD's authority under the Vehicle Code to levy a $1 fee on motor
vehicles registered within the District to fund the Clean Fuels Program.
Since 1988, AQMD has leveraged $140 million in Clean Fuels funds collected to obtain an
additional $448 million in matching funds from various partners including the private sector,
academia and the federal government. AQMD's efforts have resulted in Clean Fuels Program
projects valued in excess of$588 million.
ITEM NO. 10•o.
City Council Staff Report
June 18, 2008 -- Page 2
Letter of Support for Senate Bill 1646
While the South Coast Air Basin has made significant progress, it still has experienced
significant air quality issues. Achieving federal and state clean air standards in Southern
California will require emission reductions from both mobile and stationary sources beyond
those obtainable using current technologies.
The Clean Fuels Program has extensive oversight including review by AQMD's Technology
Advancement Advisory Group and Clean Fuels Advisory Group. The Program is also reviewed
by the Technology Committee of the AQMD Governing Board. Annual independent financial
audits are provided and the program is reviewed annually through the public hearing process at
the AQMD Governing Board.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no impact to the City's General Fund.
Gary L. Calhoun, Staff Liaison David H. Ready, City er
Attachments:
1. Resolution Approving a Letter of Support for Senate Bill 1646 (SB 1646) which re-
authorizes the South Coast Air Quality Management District's Clean Fuels Program.
2. Proposed Letter of Support for Senate Bill 1646 (SB1646)
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A LETTER
OF SUPPORT FOR SENATE BILL 1646: THE RE-
AUTHORIZATION OF THE SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY
MANAGEMENT DISTRICT'S CLEAN FUELS PROGRAM
WHEREAS, state and local governments throughout the United States are adopting
emission reduction targets and programs and this leadership is broad based, bipartisan
and collaborative; and
WHEREAS, the City of Palm Springs is committed to a regional effort to support
policies and implement programs which promote, encourage and foster clean air efforts
that strive to achieve federal and state clean air standards; and
WHEREAS, the City of Palm Springs believes cleaner air is a critical factor in
preserving the Coachella Valley quality of life and economy, and the fabulous views for
which it is known by tourists and residents alike; and
WHEREAS, that on June 2, 2008, the Executive Committee of the Coachella Valley
Association of Governments has approved a Letter of Support for Senate Bill 1646.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS DOES HEREBY RESOLVE
AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City of Palm Springs does hereby support SB 1646 (Padilla)
reauthorization of the South Coast Air Quality Management District's Clean Fuels
Program.
ADOPTED this 181h day of June, 2008.
David H. Ready, City Manager
ATTEST:
James Thompson, City Clerk
Resolution No.
Page 2
CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss.
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS )
I, JAMES THOMPSON, City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, hereby certify that
Resolution No. _ is a full, true and correct copy, and was duly adopted at a
regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs on June 18, 2008,
by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
James Thompson, City Clerk
City of Palm Springs, California
00000�
June 18, 2008
The Honorable Alex Padilla
Senate District 20
State Capitol, Room 4032
Sacramento, CA 95814
Re: SUPPORT FOR SENATE BILL 1646
Dear Senator Padilla:
The City Council of the City of Palin Springs wishes to show its strong support for your
proposed legislation, SB 1646, the reauthorization of the South Coast Air Quality
Management District's (SCAQMD's) Clean Fuels Program which is expected to hit sunset
law limits in 2010.
Over the past two decades that this program has been in place, the SCAQMD has effectively
leveraged 5140 million in Clean Fuels funds to obtain over $448 million in matching funds
from the private sector and other partners to research, demonstrate and commercialize clean
fuels projects resulting in significant emissions reductions in their District.
While the South Coast Air Basin has made great strides in improving its air quality over the
past twenty years, the region is still experiencing significant air quality issues. Hence, it is
critical that the Clean Fuels Fund continue in order to provide the fiords necessary to address
and implement programs to improve the air quality and to mitigate climate change
challenges.
The City of Palm Springs strongly supports this legislation and stands ready to assist you in
your efforts that will lead us towards cleaner air and healthier cities.
Sincerely,
Steven P. Pougnet
Mayor
cc: City Council
David Ready, City Manager