Title
Air Quality Management District (AQMD) recommending the Board, acting as the AQMD Board of Directors, authorize AQMD to utilize allocated AB 2766 funding to implement an electric vehicle charger incentive program for County residents.
FUNDING: California Department of Motor Vehicles AB 2766 Subvention Funds.
Body
DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND
El Dorado County is classified as nonattainment for the federal ozone standard. Motor vehicle emissions are the primary anthropogenic contributors to ground level ozone. In 1990, AB 2766 authorized air districts to assess motor vehicle registration fees to reduce motor vehicle emissions and implement the California Clean Air Act (CCAA). On December 11, 1990, the Board of Directors adopted Resolution #90-488 that set the fee at $2.00 per registered vehicle. On June 14, 2001 the Board of Directors adopted Resolution #01-21 thereby increasing the fee from $2.00 to $4.00 per registered vehicle.
To date the Board has authorized the award of 98 motor vehicle emission reduction projects with AB 2766 funding. Those project have included shuttles, bike paths, video conference equipment and electric vehicles. In 2014 the Board authorized the implementation of the Drive Clean electric vehicle incentive program for County residents. To date over 740 residents have participated in the Drive Clean program. AB 2766 funding has also been used to purchase and install over 100 public chargers at farms, businesses, libraries, office buildings and other locations throughout the County.
In the Board adopted Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 AQMD budget, $59,900 of AB 2766 funding has been allocated for a residential charger program. The proposed incentive program will be implemented similarly to the wood stove, lawn mower and Drive Clean incentive programs. The attached Guidelines specify how the residential charger incentive program will be implemented.
US Department of Energy surveys indicate that over 80% of electric vehicle charging is done at home. In some cases level 2 (240V) chargers can simply be purchased and plugged into an existing 240V outlet in a resident's garage. In other cases the resident must have electrical work done to provide 240V power for the charger. If electrical work is required, payment of the incentive amount will be contingent upon receipt of the final building permit to confirm the electrical work was done properly. All completed installations will be inspected by AQMD staff to confirm operability.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose not to implement this program and direct staff to pursue other opportunities to reduce emissions from motor vehicles.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
The Board has awarded funding for the motor vehicle emission reduction projects, they have allocated funding for public electric vehicle chargers and have directed staff to implement the Drive Clean electric vehicle incentive program.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
For FY 2023-24, $59,900 has been allocated. Sufficient AB 2766 funding is anticipated to be available in subsequent fiscal years.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Forward a signed copy of the Minute Order to AQMD.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Healthy Communities
CONTACT
Dave Johnston, APCO
x7578