TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, General Manager
SUBJECT: Annual Update on California Air Resources Board (CARB) Regulations
BRIEFING ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider receiving annual update on compliance with California Air Resources Board (CARB) Regulations.
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Environmental Improvement
Initiative - Zero Emission Programs
District compliance in meeting the California Air Resources Board regulations helps improve the air quality in the greater Bay Area and aligns with the District’s Strategic Plan Initiatives.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
Fiscal impacts related to this update on CARB regulations are all related to the enactment of the Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) regulation by CARB in December 2018. The ICT requires the District to transition to zero-emission buses which will have impacts on both capital and operating budgets in the years to come.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
Air quality is a top environmental concern in California and the greater Bay Area. Motor vehicles are a major source of airborne smog-producing pollutants, and diesel engines have been a source of emissions, including particulate matter (PM) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx).
The Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) regulation replaces the previous Fleet Rule for Transit Agencies (Fleet Rule). California transit agencies are no longer required to report and update their fleet information under the Fleet Rule. The first reporting deadline under the ICT regulation was March 31, 2021; however, the reporting period this year will remain open through June 30, 2021 to allow sufficient time for reporting. This initial report will contain data from year 2017 that will determine the District’s fleet size per the ICT regulation. District staff has been compiling this information and will meet the required due date. Subsequent annual reporting will continue every year thereafter through March 31, 2050. All transit agencies must annually submit this report to the CARB Executive Officer.
Going forward, annual updates to the Board on compliance with the CARB regulations will be provided in the Annual State of the District’s Bus Fleet report.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES:
The advantages of remaining in full compliance of the CARB regulations is avoidance of potential financial penalties for non-compliance. The disadvantage is the cost of emission control devices, along with the additional cost of maintenance throughout the life of the buses.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS:
There were no alternatives evaluated, as the District is required to remain in compliance with CARB regulations to avoid financial penalties.
PRIOR RELEVANT BOARD ACTION/POLICIES:
Staff Report 20-179: Annual Update on California Air Resources Board (CARB) Regulations
ATTACHMENTS:
None.
Prepared by:
Stuart Hoffman, Technical Services Manager
In Collaboration with:
Ryan Lau, External Affairs Representative
Approved/Reviewed by:
Cecil Blandon, Director of Maintenance
Salvador Llamas, Chief Operating Officer