Since the inception of the MSRC’s Clean Transportation Program more than 25 years ago, significant progress has been made in reducing emissions from motor vehicles, especially as it pertains to vehicle exhaust emissions. Emissions from motor vehicles, including light, medium, and heavy duty vehicles, are on the order of 90% cleaner today as compared to 25 years ago, and overall air quality has improved measurably within the South Coast AQMD.

While measurable progress has been made in reducing vehicle emissions, the South Coast region still fails to meet federally mandated air quality standards.  These standards for smog forming pollutants will become even stricter by year 2023.  According to the South Coast AQMD, air pollutant emissions must be reduced by an additional 75% in order to meet the 2023 federal ozone standard.  While air quality challenges are daunting, a roadmap to achieve these mandated reductions in smog-forming pollutants exists.

The 2016 Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) is the regional blueprint for achieving the federal air quality standards for healthful air.  The 2016 AQMP recognizes the critical importance of working with other agencies to develop funding and incentives that encourage the accelerated transition to cleaner vehicles and mobility strategies.  As a means to “jumpstart” the awareness of, and most importantly, the implementation of proven air quality improvement measures as outlined in the 2016 AQMP, the MSRC is offering to partner directly with cities and counties within the South Coast AQMD on an innovative Local Government Partnership Program.  This program emphasizes an accelerated transition to zero and near-zero emission vehicles along with essential supporting infrastructure.

Staff is currently looking at opportunities to do its part of reducing air emissions by exploring options on expanding the installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at some of its City facilities.  Staff has been successful at securing funding from Electrify America as part of the Volkswagen settlement to cover the cost to install four (4) dual port electric vehicle charging stations (8 total stations) at Parking Structure P3.  Currently, Parking Structure P3 has the infrastructure capability for a total of thirteen (13) electric vehicle charging stations.  In an effort to maximize this potential, staff is proposing to utilize the MSRC funds to cover the cost to purchase and install the remaining five (5) electric charging stations. 

If this item is approved, staff will formally request for the funds from MSRC.  If granted the funds, an agreement to formalize the terms and conditions will be brought to City Council for approval at a later date.