AQMD PROPOSED RULE 1190 -
LOW EMISSION OR ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES

 

Recommendation:

That the City Council authorize a letter over the Mayor's signature expressing the City's opposition over the proposed mandate as presently drafted.

Background:

The proposed Rule 1190 would require any new or replacement vehicles be a low emission or alternative fuel. This rule would apply to government vehicles of all sizes. Police, Fire and Paramedic rescue would be exempted to start.

As you know, the City has purchased, over the last five years, a number of alternative fuel vehicles. Generally speaking, the vehicles have performed well for the specific tasks but many are only suited to those specific tasks. These vehicles are partly limited by the lack of fueling stations or range. In addition, I do not believe larger trucks are available in alternative fuel engines. The alternative fuel vehicles are also more costly. The purchases we have made have been through grants or through special programs, without this help they would be costly compared to gas or diesel vehicles.

It would seem that the best approach for the AQMD would be to continue the grants and special programs to allow the clean air fleet to grow and see that fueling stations are developed to truly make the vehicles a viable option. This would increase the demand and the manufacturers would increase their production, hopefully bringing the cost down as well as increasing the types of vehicles offered.

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