HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 5786 RESOLUTION NO. 5786
A RESOLUTION OF THE DOWNEY CITY COUNCIL
REAFFIRMING THE NEED FOR ZERO EMISSION VEHICLES
AS MANDATED IN CALIFORNIA'S LOW EMISSION VEHICLE
AND CLEAN FUEL REGULATIONS
WHEREAS, the South Coast Air Basin is the smoggiest region in the nation and is
classified as an "extreme" nonattainment area for ozone in accordance with the requirements
of both federal and state Clean Air Acts; and
WHEREAS, the nine million gasoline and diesel - powered vehicles in the basin produce
almost two- thirds of the smog; and
WHEREAS, electric vehicles produce no tail pipe emissions, and are 97 percent cleaner
than gasoline - powered cars, even accounting for emissions from power plants which generate
the electricity to recharge electric vehicle batteries; and
WHEREAS, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) adopted a Low Emission Vehicle
(LEV) and Clean Fuels Program which requires that two percent of the vehicles produced for
sale in the state must be zero - emission vehicles (ZEV) starting in 1998, five percent by 2001,
and ten percent by 2003; and
WHEREAS, the ARB is required to evaluate the progress in achieving the standards set
forth in the Low Emission Vehicle regulation in 1994; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Downey City Council makes the
following findings, based on the latest technical information available and past Board actions:
1. The federal health -based ambient air quality standard for ozone is exceeded in
the Basin by the largest margin in the United States.
2. Exceedances of this federal ambient air quality standard cause impairment of
health in the Basin.
3. Exceedances of this of this federal ambient air quality standard severely impact
public health as well as the quality of life in the Basin.
4. The vehicle miles travelled and socioeconomic growth projections for the
region, forecast increased on -road motor vehicles emissions estimates
compared to those in the current Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP).
5. There is strong evidence that on -road motor vehicle emission factors are
significantly underestimated and greater emission reductions from the mobile
source sector may be required that those set forth in the current AQMP to
attain the federal ozone air quality standard by 2010.
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Resolution No.
5786
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6. The California Low Emission Vehicle and Clean Fuels regulation is a significant
and critical part of the implementation strategy needed in the South Coast Air
Basin to attain clean air.
7. Any delays in the implementation of the Low Emission Vehicle ro ram will
p 9
delay attainment of air quality standards.
y provided Additional emissions averaging beyond those currently b
y ARB
regulations would increase in -use vehicle emissions and further delay
attainment of AQMP mobile source emission reductions.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that with respect to the ARB's ZEV mandate, the Downey
City Council finds the following:
1. Zero - emission vehicle technology continues to mature to meet the ARB ZEC -
mandate.
2. Two advanced performance batteries (sodium- nickel - chloride and nickel metal
hydride) are projected to be commercially available in 1998, and are already
being subject to on -road in- vehicle testing by auto makers.
3. Zero emission technology does not degrade in -use, but remains zero for the
entire lifetime of the vehicle, while recent data indicates that emissions from
current in -use vehicles can increase by two to three times.
4. In direct response to the ZEV mandate, significant entrepreneurial investment,
as well as manufacturing plans, have been made by small, medium, and large
California companies that could result in significant job creation. CAL T 9 CALSTART
has spearheaded this initiative and has made excellent progress.
5. Specialty Vehicles, a zero emission bus manufacturer located in the City of
Downey, is one example of such entrepreneurial investments.
6. On -going technology activities -- especially in the development of fuel cells for
mobile sources -- are proceeding at a rapid rate and along with other ZEV
technological advancements will provide the power sources of the future. Fuel
cell vehicles will be operating on the roads in the I '
p g t e atter 1990 s.
7. The certainty of the ZEV mandate is essential for ZEV technology to effectively
compete for scarce resources, and to attract the capital investment needed for
power source manufacturing and infrastructure facilities.
8. Without the full implementation of the State Air Resources Board (ARB's) Low -
Emission Vehicle program - including the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate - there
is simply no credible prospect for Southern California ever attaining healthful air
quality.
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Resolution No. 5786
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BE IN FURTHER RESOLVED that public education, entrepreneurial activity, and ZEV
marketing activities will not occur if the public perceives a weakening of the ZEV regulations
by the ARB.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that relaxation of the ZEV regulations by the ARB will
require the South Coast Air Quality Management District to seek additional emission
reductions from local stationary sources which can only be achieved at greater expense to
local businesses; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Downey City Council reaffirms its support to the
State of California to continue its Low Emission Vehicle and Clean Fuels regulation, especially
the Zero - Emission Vehicle mandate.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 26th day of April, 1994
Mayor t
Robert S. Brazelton
ATTEST:
f - y 3
/4/ Y`e�°+® s/ 'L" +�,jy`" / !• Y 'f Syr { ,Y°�•'•r
City Clerk
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true copy of a Resolution adopted by the
City Council of the City of Downey at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 26th day of April,
1994, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: 3 COUNCILMEMBERS: McCaughan , Riley , Lawrence
NOES: 2 COUNCILMEMBERS: Boggs , Brazel ton
ABSENT: ° COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None
4,t, l rte'
City Clerk
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