State of California
AIR RESOURCES BOARD
Summary of Board Meeting
December 21, 1995
Air Resources Board
Board Hearing Room, Lower Level
2020 "L" Street
Sacramento, California
MEMBERS PRESENT: Hons. John D. Dunlap, III, Chairman
Eugene
A. Boston, M.D.
Joseph
C. Calhoun, P.E.
Lynne
T. Edgerton, Esq.
M.
Patricia Hilligoss
John
S. Lagarias, P.E.
Jack
C. Parnell
Ron
Roberts
Doug
Vagim
AGENDA ITEM # 95-13-4 |
Continuation of a Public Meeting to Update the Board on the Zero-Emission Vehicle Program SUMMARY OF AGENDA ITEM: At the November Board meeting, the Board directed the staff to propose modifications to the ZEV program and to provide a status report to the Board in December and a final proposal no later than March 1996. At the December Board meeting, staff presented three concepts to the Board and received comments from thirty-nine witnesses. In order for the staff to have additional time to review the proposals, the Chairman directed a continuation of the Board meeting to December 21, 1995. At that time, the staff recommended a proposal to the Board. The proposal is largely based on one of the three concepts presented to the Board at the December 14 Board meeting, namely, Concept B. The staff proposal suggests suspending the ZEV mandate through 2002, and initiating a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the ARB and each automaker. The MOAs would provide placement of ZEVs in California prior to the 10 percent requirement in 2003 for demonstration purposes, among other criteria. Major stakeholders who presented comments to the Board included representatives of automobile manufacturers, the oil industry, environmental groups, California businesses, electric utilities, and battery companies. Auto manufacturers generally supported the staff proposal, with the exception of the 10 percent requirement beginning in 2003. Auto manufacturers stated that it is essential that the 10 percent requirement be delayed until 2004 due to the need for additional time to develop advanced batteries and the risks associated with producing both ZEVs and a "49-state car" for Northeast states. Environmental group representatives voiced several concerns about the staff proposal, mostly regarding details which had not yet been determined. These include questions regarding the enforcement mechanism of the MOA, penalties for noncompliance, automaker volume ramp-up plans beyond demonstration ZEVs, justification for the proposed modifications, how emissions equivalence will be determined, and whether technology investment will continue at its current pace. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Board directed the staff to pursue the proposed modifications and negotiate details with the auto manufacturers for consideration at a March 1996 Board Meeting. ORAL TESTIMONY: Bernie Richter Assemblyman Kelly M. Brown Ford Motor Company Samuel A. Leonard General Motors Dave Hermance Toyota John Schutz Nissan R & D Eric Ridenour Chrysler Melissa Kasnitz CALPIRG Tim Carmichael Coalition for Clean Air Tom Austin Sierra Research Peter Welch California Motor Car Dealers Assoc. Ted Costa People's Advocate, Inc. Chuck Olson Citizen Bill O'Brien Hawker Energy Products, Inc. Arthur Cartwright SEVA Joe Caves Union of Concerned Scientists Jamie Phillips Planning & Conservation League Stephen Heckeroth Sup. Charles Peterson Bonnie Holmes Sierra Club Janet Hathaway Natural Resources Defense Council Jerry Mader Advanced Battery Task Force Paul Knepprath American Lung Association of Calif. Bill Van Amberg CALSTART David Modisette Calif. Electric Transportation Coalition Anita Mangels Californians Against Hidden Taxes Bill Wason BAT International Clare Bell Electric Auto Association Michael Semmens Electrosource Lewis K. Uhler National Tax Limitations Committee Ben Knight Honda R & D, North America FORMAL BOARD ACTION: None RESPONSIBLE DIVISION: MSD STAFF REPORT: No |