Title
Environmental Management Department, Air Quality Management District (AQMD), recommending Chairman be authorized to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) No. 031-MOU-08/09-BOS with Sacramento Municipal Utilities District (SMUD) to provide funding in the amount of $5,000 for the term of March 1, 2009 to June 30, 2009 to support the regional Mow Down Air Pollution Program.
FUNDING: AQMD Emissions Reduction Budget.
Body
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BUDGET SUMMARY: |
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Total Estimated Cost |
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$ 5,000.00 |
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Funding |
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Budgeted |
$ 5,000.00 |
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New Funding |
$ |
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Savings |
$ |
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Other |
$ |
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Total Funding Available |
$ 5,000.00 |
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Change To Net County Cost |
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$ 5,000.00 |
Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost:
No impact to net county cost. Funds available in the AQMD Emissions Reduction Budget.
Background:
The Sacramento Region is currently designated as "severe" federal ozone nonattainment area under the Clean Air Act (CAA). In compliance with federal laws and regulations, on February 10, 2009, the AQMD Board adopted Resolution 021-2009 to approve and implement the Sacramento Regional Attainment Plan (Plan). The Plan demonstrates attainment of the federal ozone standard as expeditiously as possible, but no later than our attainment deadline of June 15, 2009. Among numerous emission reduction strategies outlined in the Plan are new and existing incentive programs for off-road equipment, which include residential lawn and garden equipment.
The terms of the MOU are retroactive and the Chairman's signature is required for its execution. The MOU was originally drafted for signature by the Purchasing Agent. However, after review it was determined that the AQMD Board should be the approving authority for the MOU.
Reason for Recommendation:
The purpose of the Rechargeable Lawnmower Incentive Program (Mow Down Air Pollution) is to reduce emissions from residential lawn and garden equipment use in the Sacramento region. In addition to complying with the approved Regional Attainment Plan, this program increases public awareness about the negative effects gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment has on air pollution.
Since the inception of the Mow Down Air Pollution program in 1997, a total of 11,139 old gas mowers were exchanged for electric lawn mowers, which has reduced impact to regional air quality by estimated 118.5 tons of gasoline emissions. This incentive program also helps reduce storm water pollution and promotes recycling (390.3 tons of metal were recycled since 1997). The AQMD has been an active participant in the program along with Sacramento Metropolitan AQMD, SMUD, Yolo-Solano AQMD, Placer County APCD, California Air Resources Board and the City and County of Sacramento Recycling Divisions. In 2004, SMUD has agreed to take on the lead role for the program as well as administer AQMD funds for the 2009 Lawn Mower Program.
Action to be taken following Board approval:
Forward signed MOU to AQMD for further processing.
Contact:
Marcella McTaggart x5306
Concurrences:
County Counsel and Risk Management have approved the MOU.