California Incentives and Laws

Last Updated August 2006

State Incentives

Funding for Emission Reductions – South Coast

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) administers the Air Quality Investment Program (AQIP). The AQIP is a fund created by the SCAQMD, which allows employers within the SCAQMD’s jurisdiction to make annual investments into a SCAQMD administered fund to meet employers' emission reduction targets. The program utilizes revenues collected to fund alternative mobile source emission/trip reduction strategies, including AFV projects, on an on-going basis. Programs such as procurement of low-emission, alternative fuel or zero emission vehicles, and old vehicle scrapping would be considered for funding.

Point of Contact

Shashi Singeetham
Air Quality Specialist
South Coast AQMD
Phone (909) 396-3298
Fax (909) 396-3608
ssingeetham@aqmd.gov
http://www.aqmd.gov/trans/aqip.html
 

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Parking Incentives – San Jose

San Jose provides free parking at meters and in municipal lots for owners of hybrid vehicles. The free parking is only available to vehicles purchased from San Jose dealerships and only new vehicles can apply.

Point of Contact

Department of Transportation
City of San José
Phone (408) 535-3850
dotpermits@sanjoseca.gov
http://www.sanjoseca.gov/transportation/whatsnew/hybrid/index.htm
 

Funding for Air Quality Improvement Programs in Ventura County

The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District offers the Clean Air Fund, which is administered by the Ventura County Community Foundation. The Clean Air Fund provides grants for air quality improvement projects in the county, such as smog reduction. The Clean Air Fund Advisory Committee is interested in projects that will have significant emission impacts or support innovative air pollution reduction technologies. Currently, only earnings from the permanent endowment are available for Clean Air Fund grants, approximately $35,000 per year.

Point of Contact

Stan Cowen
Air Quality Engineer
Ventura County APCD
Phone (805) 645-1408
Fax (805) 645-1444
stan@vcapcd.org
 

High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane Exemption

Qualified alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) can use HOV lanes regardless of the number of occupants in the vehicle. An identification sticker and FasTrak account must first be obtained from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV); only 85,000 decals will be made available. From January 1, 2004 until January 1, 2011, qualified AFVs are the following: 1) Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (SULEVs) or Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) which also meet the federal Inherently Low Emission Vehicles (ILEV) evaporative emission standard; 2) Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs) produced during Model Year 2004 (MY2004) or earlier that also meet the federal ILEV standard; 3) certain HEVs produced during MY2004 or earlier that have a fuel economy rating of 45 miles per gallon (mpg) or greater and also meet the state ULEV, SULEV, or Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) standards. Enactment of the 2005 Federal transportation bill (Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), Public Law 109-59) allowed full implementation of this incentive. Additionally, certain vehicles registered to an address in the 9-county San Francisco Bay region would be permitted to use the toll-free and reduced-rate passage privilege on specified bridges if the owner of the vehicle has obtained an automatic vehicle identification account. (Reference Assembly Bill 2600, 2006 and 1407, 2006 and California Vehicle Code Sections 5205.5 and 21655.9)

Point of Contact

Motor Vehicle Information Hotline
California Air Resources Board
Phone (800) 242-4450
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/carpool/carpool.htm
 

Funding for Heavy-Duty Vehicle Emission Reductions - Sacramento

The Sacramento Air Quality Management District’s (SCAQMD) Heavy-Duty Low-Emission Vehicle Incentive Program offers a variety of financial incentives to entities that lower nitrogen oxide emissions from heavy-duty vehicles (both on and off-road) with Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings over 14,000 pounds. This includes purchasing new AFVs as well as retrofitting older diesel vehicles to ensure lower emissions. Private businesses and public agencies in the six-county Sacramento federal ozone non-attainment area are eligible to apply for this program.

Point of Contact

Freya Arick
Associate Air Quality Planner/Analyst
Sacramento AQMD, Heavy-Duty Vehicle Incentive Program
Phone (916) 874-4891
Fax (916) 874-4899
farick@airquality.org
http://www.airquality.org
 

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Parking Incentives - Sacramento

Sacramento offers free parking to individuals or small businesses certified by the city's Emerging Small Business Development that own or lease electric vehicles (EVs) with an EV parking pass in downtown parking lots C, G, H, I, K, P, and R. Free charging stations are located in lot I.

Point of Contact

Parking Facilities Division
City of Sacramento
Phone (916) 808-5110
http://www.cityofsacramento.org/transportation/parking
 

Electric Vehicle (EV) Parking – Los Angeles Airport

The Los Angeles Airport (LAX) offers free parking and recharging for EVs in the lower/arrivals level of Parking Structures 1 and 6.

Point of Contact

LAX Parking Services Division
Phone (310) 646-9070
http://www.lawa.org/lax/laxframe.html
 

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Parking Incentives – Los Angeles

Los Angeles allows free meter parking for selected hybrid vehicles and AFVs powered by electricity, compressed natural gas, and hydrogen. To qualify, the vehicle must display California Department of Motor Vehicles High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane access stickers. The program for hybrid vehicles expires on June 30, 2007. All other parking restrictions - including posted time limits, no parking during street cleaning times, and peak hour tow away periods - must be obeyed.

Point of Contact

Department of Transportation
City of Los Angeles
Phone (213) 972-8470
http://www.lacity.org/ladot/freepark.htm
 

Alternative Fuel Vehicle, Refueling Infrastructure and Idle Reduction Grants - San Joaquin Valley

The San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) Heavy-Duty Engine Incentive Program provides incentive funding for the incremental cost associated with purchasing reduced emission technology for heavy-duty vehicles. Eligible funding categories include heavy-duty on-road vehicles with Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings over 14,000 pounds off-road self-propelled vehicles, locomotives, marine vessels, electric forklifts, electric airport ground support equipment and stationary agricultural irrigation pump engines. Eligible fuel types include compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and electricity.

The Heavy-Duty Engine Program also has an Alternative Fuel Infrastructure component that provides grants for the development of infrastructure to dispense alternative fuel for heavy-duty vehicles. Additionally, the Heavy-Duty Engine Idle Reduction Incentive Program provides incentive funds for technologies that result in a significant reduction of on- and off-road heavy-duty vehicle idling in the San Joaquin Valley. Applications must be completed and approved before the engine is purchased, and funds are provided on a first come, first served basis.

Point of Contact

Todd DeYoung
Supervising Air Quality Specialist.
San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District
Phone (559) 230-5858 or (559) 230-5800
todd.deyoung@valleyair.org
http://www.valleyair.org/transportation/heavydutyidx.htm
 

Lower-Emission School Bus Grants

The Lower-Emission School Bus Program provides grants to school districts to replace older, higher-emitting school buses with lower-emitting models that meet the latest federal motor vehicle safety standards. There was $12.5 million available for new bus purchases for the 2005-2006 fiscal year, targeted at replacing about 100 of the oldest buses that remain on the road (pre-1977 model year buses) and for purchasing either lower-emitting alternative-fuel or diesel buses. In addition, $12.5 million is available to school districts and private school transportation companies that contract to school districts to retrofit in-use diesel buses with emission control devices. These devices must be verified by the ARB to reduce toxic particulate matter emissions by at least 85 percent for each retrofitted school bus. Through a combined strategy of new bus purchases and in-use retrofits, the program provides California's school children with cleaner, safer buses. Check with local air districts to learn how the Lower-Emission School Bus Grants are distributed.

Point of Contact

Cherie Rainforth
California Air Resources Board, Lower Emission School Bus Program
Phone (916) 323-2507
crainfor@arb.ca.gov
http://arb.ca.gov/msprog/schoolbus/schoolbus.htm
 

Point of Contact

Krista Fregoso
Air Pollution Specialist
California Air Resources Board, Lower Emission School Bus Program
Phone (916) 445-5035
Fax (916) 322-3923
kfregoso@arb.ca.gov
http://arb.ca.gov/msprog/schoolbus/schoolbus.htm
 

Alternative Fuel Incentive Development

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and California Energy Commission (CEC) have been asked to develop a joint plan, allocating $25 million in incentives, to promote the use and production of alternative fuels. Incentives would be provided for projects that promoted high efficiency, high mileage, alternative fuel light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles, for both individual and public fleets, in California; incentives to replace the current state vehicle fleet with clean, high mileage alternative fuel vehicles; incentives for the construction of both publicly accessible alternative fuel retail refueling stations and fleet refueling facilities, including E-85; production incentives for alternative fuel production in California; and funding for research, development, and testing of alternative fuels and advancing vehicle technology. (Reference Assembly Bill 1811, 2006)

Vehicle Emission Reduction Grants - Sacramento

The Sacramento Emergency Clean Air and Transportation Program was created to provide grants to offset the advanced introduction costs of eligible projects that reduce on road emissions of nitrogen oxide within the Sacramento federal ozone non-attainment area. Eligibility for grant awards include projects for zero- or very low-emission covered vehicles or covered engines to replace older heavy-duty diesel vehicles or engines. Also, implementation of practical, low-emission retrofit technologies, repower options, advanced technologies, and low sulfur diesel or alternative fuel mixtures for covered engines and vehicles may qualify. (Reference California Health and Safety Code, Sections 44299.50 through 44299.55)

Point of Contact

Kristian Damkier
Air Quality Engineer
Sacramento Metropolitan AQMD
Phone (916) 874-4892
kdamkier@airquality.org
http://www.saccounty.net/portal/business/codes-and-records.html
 

Funding for Emission Reductions

The Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program provides incentive based funding for the incremental cost of purchasing cleaner than required engines and equipment. Eligible projects include cleaner on-road, off-road, marine, locomotive and agricultural engines, as well as forklifts, airport ground support equipment, and auxiliary power units. The Carl Moyer Program provides funds for significant near-term reductions in nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions, Reactive Organic Gases, and particulate matter (PM) emissions. Additionally, the Carl Moyer program has been expanded to include heavy-duty fleet modernization projects, and projects for cars and light-duty trucks. Check with local air district to learn how the Carl Moyer funding is distributed. (Reference California Health and Safety Code Section 44280)

Point of Contact

Edie Chang
Manager - Carl Moyer Off-Road Section
California Air Resources Board
Phone (916) 322-6924
Fax (916) 322-3923
echang@arb.ca.gov
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/moyer/moyer.htm
 

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Refueling Infrastructure Grants and Loans

The AB 2766 program provides incentive funding for projects that reduce on-road and off-road motor vehicle pollutant emissions (mainly nitrogen oxides and to a lesser extent particulate matter). The program provides applicants with grant money to implement activities or purchase equipment that reduces air pollution from vehicles, including purchasing alternative fuel vehicles and building alternative fuel and advanced technology infrastructure. Check with local air districts to learn how the AB 2766 Motor Vehicle Registration Funds grants are distributed. Some programs include: Yolo-Solano AQMD, South Coast AQMD, Bay Area AQMD (Vehicle Incentive Program and Transportation Fund for Clean Air), Antelope Valley AQMD, Feather River AQMD, Kern County AQMD, Mojave Desert AQMD, Monterey Bay Unified APCD, North Coast Unified APCD, and Northern Sierra AMD .

Point of Contact

Andrea Gordon
Senior Environmental Planner
Bay Area AQMD
Phone (415) 749-4940
Fax (415) 749-4741
agordon@baaqmd.gov
http://www.baaqmd.gov
 

Point of Contact

Juan Ortellado
Transportation Fund for Clean Air Program
Bay Area AQMD
Phone (415) 749-5183
jortellado@baaqmd.gov
http://www.baaqmd.gov
 

Alternative Fuel Research and Development

Innovative Clean Air Technologies Program (ICAT) is an Air Resources Board program that co-funds demonstration projects of innovative technologies that can reduce air pollution. Its purpose is to advance such technologies toward commercial application, thereby reducing emissions and helping the economy of California. In general, the ICAT program can support any innovation in technology that focuses on preventing or controlling air pollution from any type of emission source in California. ICAT can support technologies applicable to any stationary, mobile, indoor, or agricultural emission source or to consumer products. Proposals related to current ARB programs, like increasing the alternatives to diesel fuel and diesel engines, increasing efficiency of zero-emission vehicles, and fuel cells and hydrogen technology, are of particular interest.

Light and Medium-Duty Vehicle Incentive Component - San Joaquin Valley

The REMOVE II program provides incentives for the purchase of low-emission passenger vehicles, light trucks, small buses, and trucks under 14,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. The purpose of this program is to encourage the early introduction of low-emission vehicles in the San Joaquin Valley. The program pays between $1,000 and $3,000 per vehicle depending on the emission certification level and size of the vehicle. Vehicles must be powered by alternative fuel, electric, or hybrid electric engines/motors.

Technology Advancement Clean Fuel Program – South Coast

The AQMD's Technology Advancement provides clean fuels funding for research, development and demonstration projects that are expected to help commercialize advanced low-emission transportation technologies. Funds may not be used to pay for products that are already commercially available. Projects are solicited via specific requests for proposals on an as-needed basis; unsolicited proposals are accepted as well. Approximately $10 million in funding is available annually.

Point of Contact

Matt Miyasato
Air Quality Specialist
South Coast AQMD
Phone (909) 396-3249
mmiyasato@aqmd.gov
http://www.aqmd.gov/tao/Demonstration/index.htm
 

Natural Gas Vehicle Incentive - Vacaville

The City of Vacaville’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Vehicle Incentive Program provides an incentive to offset the incremental cost of purchasing CNG vehicles when compared to similarly equipped gasoline-powered vehicles. This incentive provides up to $7,000 for a new dedicated CNG vehicle lease or purchase from selected dealerships. The program is available to those who live or work in the northeastern half of Solano County, essentially the cities of Vacaville, Dixon, and Rio Vista.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Incentive - Vacaville

The City of Vacaville sponsors an EV lease buy-down program, which provides financial incentives to qualifying participants to reduce the cost of EV leasing. The buy-down program provides up to $6,000 in incentives to any qualifying participant who leases or purchases a new freeway capable EV from an Original Equipment Manufacturer.

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Incentives - Vacaville

The City of Vacaville provides incentives for any new battery-electric vehicles, dedicated CNG vehicles, Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), and the Phill Home Refueling Appliance (HRA) from FuelMaker for refueling CNG vehicles at home.

Point of Contact

Ed Huestis
Program Manager
Vacaville City Hall
Phone (707) 449-5424
ehuestis@cityofvacaville.com
http://www.cityofvacaville.com/departments/public_works/cng_program.php
 

Free Metered Parking - Hermosa Beach

Downtown Hermosa Beach offers free metered parking at silver poled meters for vehicles with the Clean Air Decal. Vehicles may park for the maximum time limit designated on the meter. This includes hybrids as long as the state of California recognizes the High Occupancy Vehicle sticker.

Point of Contact

Ennis Jackson
Hermosa Beach Police
Phone (310) 318-0249
ejackson@hermoosabch.org
 

Free Metered Parking - Santa Monica

The City of Santa Monica offers 100% electric, 100% compressed natural gas, or hybrid vehicles carrying the Clean Air Decal free meter parking. Vehicles may park for the maximum time limit designated on the meter.

Point of Contact

Lynne Taffert
Santa Monica Police Department
Phone (310) 458-2226
lynne.taffert@smgov.net
 

State Laws and Regulations

Alternative Fuel Tax

The excise tax imposed on compress natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as vehicle fuels can be paid through an annual flat-fee rate sticker tax based on vehicle weight as follows:

Alternatively, owners and operators may pay excise tax on CNG of $0.07 per cubic feet, LNG $0.06 per gallon, and LPG of $0.06 per gallon. Excise taxes on ethanol and methanol containing not more than 15% gasoline or diesel fuel are reduced to $0.09 per gallon. (Reference California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 8651 to 8651.8)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) License

In order to equalize the vehicle license fee between AFVs and conventional fuel vehicles, the incremental cost of the purchase of an AFV is exempt from the vehicle license fee (of 2%) when it costs more than the most comparable conventional fuel vehicle, as determined by the California Energy Commission. This reduction applies towards new, light-duty AFVs that are certified to meet or exceed ULEV standards. This program runs from January 1, 1999 to January 1, 2009. (Reference California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 10759.5)

Emission Reduction Requirements – Non-Attainment Fee

Air Pollution Control Districts (APCD) in California that have not attained state and federal air quality standards may collect an annual surcharge of up to $6.00 per vehicle as part of the California DMV registration fee. These funds are used for projects related to reducing pollution from motor vehicles. Each APCD runs its own program and has a different funding level. (Reference California Vehicle Code Section 9250.2)

Emissions Reduction Requirements - San Joaquin Valley

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) is authorized to do the following: 1) Adopt rules and regulations that require the use of best available control technology for new and modified sources of pollution, promote the use of cleaner burning alternative fuels, and encourage and facilitate ridesharing for commuters; 2) Impose a $1 fee on the initial registration and renewal of registration of motor vehicles in the district to be used to reduce air pollution from motor vehicles in the district through activities including the establishment of a clean fuels program; and 3) Establish expedited permit review and project assistance mechanisms for facilities or projects that are directly related to research and development, demonstration, or commercialization of electric and other clean fuel vehicle technologies. (Reference California Health and Safety Code Sections 40603 and 40605)

Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Requirements

New 2005 model year and subsequent model year passenger cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty vehicles will be certified as ZEVs if the vehicles produce zero exhaust emissions of any criteria pollutant (or precursor pollutant) under any and all possible operational modes and conditions with certain excepts for fuel-fired heaters.

Manufacturers must produce and deliver for sale in California a minimum percentage ZEV’s each model year as follows:

Manufacturers can comply with the ZEV requirements through multiple alternative compliance options that include other low emission vehicles. (Reference California Code of Regulations Title 13, Division 3, Chapter 1, Section 1962)

Point of Contact

Zero Emission Vehicle Program
California Air Resources Board
Phone (800) 242-4450
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/zevprog/zevprog.htm
 

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Program Support

The California Energy Commission is directed to prepare an integrated energy policy report on or before November 1, 2003, and every 2 years thereafter. This integrated report contains an overview of major energy trends and issues facing the state, including those related to transportation fuels, technologies, and infrastructure. The report also examines potential effects of alternative fuels usage, vehicle efficiency improvements, and shifts in transportation modes on public health and safety, the economy, resources, the environment, and energy security. (Reference California Public Resources Code Section 25302)

Biofuels Specifications

The Department of Food and Agriculture, Division of Measurement Standards has adopted performance and drivability specifications for E85 fuel (85% ethanol mixed with 15% gasoline) and biodiesel fuel as follows:

E85 fuel must meet the specifications set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International) in the latest version of "Standard Specification for Fuel Ethanol (Ed75 - Ed85) for Automotive Spark-Ignition Engines D 5798," contained in the ASTM publication entitled: Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Section 5, Volume 05:03.

Biodiesel blending stock and biodiesel fuel blends must meet the following specifications:

1) The diesel fuel used for blending must meet the specifications set forth by ASTM International in the latest version of "Standard Specification for Diesel Fuel Oils D 975," contained in the ASTM publication entitled: Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Section 5, Volume 05:01;

2) Biodiesel blending stock must meet the specifications set forth by ASTM International in the latest version of "Standard Specification for Biodiesel Fuel (B100) Blend Stock for Distillate Fuels D 6751," contained in the ASTM publication entitled: Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Section 5, Volume 05:04; and

3) Any finished biodiesel blend must meet the specifications set forth by ASTM International in the latest version of "Standard Specification for Diesel Fuel Oils D 975," contained in the ASTM publication entitled: Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Section 5, Volume 05:01.

Additionally, biodiesel blends must have the words "Biodiesel fuel (BXX)," where XX represents the volume percent biodiesel in the fuel, used to describe the name of the product on all dispensers, advertising signs, and storage tank labels. Every biodiesel blend dispenser dispensing blends greater than B5 must display signs which read as follows: "This fuel contains biodiesel. Check the owner's manual or with your engine manufacturer before using."

(Reference California Code of Regulations Title 4, Division 9, Chapter 6, Article 5, Sections 4145, 4147, and 4148)

Idle Reduction Requirement - Trucks

requirement and emission performance requirement for technologies used as alternatives to the truck’s main engine idling. The new engine requirements require 2008 and newer model year heavy duty diesel engines to be equipped with a non-programmable engine shutdown system that automatically shuts down the engine after five minutes of idling or optionally meets a 30 gram per hour nitrogen oxide idling emission standard. The in-use truck requirements require operators of sleeper berth equipped trucks to manually shut down their engine when idling more than five minutes at any location within California beginning in 2008. The penalty for violating this measure is $100 per violation. (Reference Section 2485, Ch. 10 - Mobile Source Operational Controls, Article 1 - Motor Vehicles, Division 3. Air Resources Board, title 13, California Code of Regulations)

Point of Contact

Daniel Hawelti
Idle Reduction
California Air Resources Board
Phone (626) 450-6149
dhawelti@arb.ca.gov
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truck-idling/truck-idling.htm
 

Idle Reduction Requirement – School Buses

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has established an airborne toxic control measure (ATCM) that limits school bus idling and idling at or near schools to only when necessary for safety or operational concerns. This ATCM is intended to reduce diesel exhaust particulate matter and other toxic air contaminants from heavy-duty vehicle exhaust.

Hydrogen Energy Plan

The state's 21 interstate freeways are now designated as the "California Hydrogen Highway Network," and the state is committed to working with legislators, energy providers, automakers, and others to achieve the following by 2010: 1) Build a network of hydrogen refueling stations, 2) Ensure that hydrogen vehicles are commercially available for purchase, 3) Incorporate hydrogen vehicles into the state fleet, 4) Develop safety standards for hydrogen refueling stations and vehicles, and 5) Establish incentives to encourage the use of hydrogen vehicles and encourage the development of renewable sources of energy for hydrogen production. Regulations would require the reporting of the amount and method by which the hydrogen fuel is dispensed and how the fuel is produced and delivered. The Hydrogen Highway Plan must be implemented in an environmental responsible and advantageous manner that contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gases, criteria air pollutants, and toxic emissions. (Reference Senate Bill 1505, 2006, and Executive Order S-7-04, 2004)

Emission Reduction Requirements

A public transit bus rule adopted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulates public transit fleets and sets emission reduction standards for new urban transit buses. The rule allows transit fleets to choose one of two options in order to reduce their emissions to the required levels: using alternative fuels or clean diesel. A solid waste collection vehicle (SWCV) rule adopted by CARB regulates SWCV weighing 14,000 pounds or more, run on diesel fuel, have engines in model years from 1960 through 2006, and collect waste for a fee. Each year through 2010, waste companies are required to install Best Available Control Technology devices or purchase vehicles that run on compressed or liquefied natural gas, in order to reduce the diesel smoke coming from some of their waste collection trucks. (Reference California Code of Regulations Title 13, Division 3, Chapter 1, Article 2, Section 1956.1)

Point of Contact

Kathleen Mead
Manager, Retrofit Implementation Section
California Air Resources Board Mobile Source Division
Phone (916) 324-9550
Fax (916) 322-3923
kmead@arb.ca.gov
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/bus/bus.htm
 

Low-Speed Vehicle Access to Roadways

Low-speed vehicles are defined as motor vehicles having four wheels on the ground and an unladen weight of 1,800 lbs. or less, that are capable of a minimum speed of 20 miles per hour (mph) and a maximum speed of 25 mph. Low-speed vehicles are subject to all the provisions applicable to a motor vehicle, and the drivers of low-speed vehicles are subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a motor vehicle. The operator of a low-speed vehicle shall not operate the vehicle on any roadway with a speed limit in excess of 35 mph. (Reference California Vehicle Code Sections 385.5, 21250, 21251, and 21260)

Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) Access to Roadways

Until January 1, 2009, the Cities of Lincoln and Rocklin in the Placer County are authorized to establish an NEV transportation plan subject to the same review process established for a golf cart transportation plan. NEVs are defined as low-speed vehicles. NEVs may be used on state highways by NEVs under certain conditions. A report to the Legislature is required by January 1, 2008. Additionally, discussions are encouraged between the State Legislature, the DMV, and the California Highway Patrol regarding the adoption of a new classification for licensing motorists who use NEVs.(Reference California Streets and Highways Code, Sections 1963-1963.8)

Emissions Reduction Requirements – Public Agency Fleet

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) has the authority to require government fleets and private contractors under contract with public entities to purchase cleaner, alternative fuel vehicles. The rule applies to transit buses, school buses, trash trucks and other vehicles and has set alternative fuel vehicle purchasing requirements for public and commercial fleets operation in Southern California. The rules are applicable in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange Counties. (Reference SCAQMD Rules 1191 to 1196 and 1186.1, 2000).

Point of Contact

Dean Saito
Mobile Source Strategies Manager, Technology Advancement Office
South Coast AQMD
Phone (909) 396-3044 or (800) 288-7664
Fax (909) 396-3252
dsaito@aqmd.gov
http://www.aqmd.gov/tao/FleetRules
 

Point of Contact

Fleet Rule Implementation Hotline
South Coast AQMD
Phone (909) 396-3044
fleetrules@aqmd.gov
http://www.aqmd.gov/tao/FleetRules
 

Alternative Fuels Commission

The State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, in partnership with other state agencies, are required to develop and adopt a state plan to increase the use of alternative transportation fuels by June 30, 2007. The plan must include an evaluation of alternative fuels on a full fuel-cycle assessment of emissions of criteria air pollutants, air toxics, greenhouse gases, water pollutants, and other substances that are known to damage human health, impacts on petroleum consumption, and other matters the state board deems necessary. The plan must set goals for the years 2012, 2017, and 2022. The commission must also establish a minimum fuel economy standard by January 1, 2007, and all state fleet purchases must meet the standard by January 1, 2008. "Alternative fuel" means a non-petroleum fuel, including electricity, ethanol, biodiesel, hydrogen, methanol, or natural gas that, when used in vehicles, have demonstrated, to the satisfaction of the state board, to have the ability to meet applicable vehicular emission standards. For the purpose of this requirement, alternative fuel may also include petroleum fuel blended with non-petroleum constituents, such as E85 or B20. (Reference Assembly Bill 1007, 2005, Assembly Bill 1012 and 2264, 2006)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Acquisition Requirements

On and after January 1, 2006, when awarding a vehicle procurement contract, every city, county and special district, including a school district and a community college district, is authorized to require that 75% of the passenger cars and/or light-duty trucks acquired be energy-efficient vehicles. Vehicle procurement contracts are also authorized to evaluate fuel economy and life cycle factors. By definition, this includes hybrid vehicles or alternative fuel vehicles that meets California's advanced technology partial zero-emission vehicle (AT PZEV) standard for criteria pollutant emissions. (Reference Assembly Bill 1660, 2005)

Hydrogen Specifications

By January 1, 2008, the Department of Food and Agriculture, with the concurrence of the State Air Resources Board, is required to establish specifications for hydrogen fuels for use in internal combustion engines and fuel cells in motor vehicles until a standards development organization accredited by the American National Standards Institute formally adopts standards for hydrogen fuels for use in the internal combustion engines and fuel cells in motor vehicles. Until January 1, 2007, the sum of $6.5 million is appropriated from the Motor Vehicles Account to the State Air Resources Board to fund the state’s share of various activities relating to hydrogen-powered vehicles. (Reference Senate Bill 76, 2005, and California Statutes Chapter 91)

Biofuels Use

Public agencies, utilities and solid waste collection vehicles are permitted to use biodiesel or biodiesel fuel blends up to 20% in any retrofitted on-road or off-road vehicle, or diesel engine certified by the state whether or not biodiesel is expressly identified as a fuel for use with the retrofit system. (Reference Senate Bill 975, 2005, and California Statutes Chapter 365)

Heavy-Duty Idle Reduction Requirement - Sacramento

The City of Sacramento has passed an ordinance prohibiting the idling of all heavy-duty on-road vehicles and all heavy-duty off-road equipment longer than five minutes at a given location. Vehicles, off-road equipment, and Transport Refrigeration Units are also prohibited from extended idling within 100 feet of a residence or school. (Reference Sacramento City Code Chapter 8.116)

Point of Contact

Kristian Damkier
Air Quality Engineer
Sacramento Metropolitan AQMD
Phone (916) 874-4892
kdamkier@airquality.org
http://www.saccounty.net/portal/business/codes-and-records.html
 

Biofuels Production Mandate and Alternative Fuel Use Study

The State of California plans to use biomass resources from agriculture, forestry and urban wastes to provide transportation fuels and electricity to satisfy California's fuel and energy needs. In order to increase the use of biomass in fuel production, the state will produce a minimum of 20% of its biofuels by 2010, 40% by 2020, and 75% by 2050. Additionally, the Air Resources Board and the California Energy Commission, in conjunction with other agencies will continue to participate on the Bioenergy Interagency Working Group in order to prepare a Bioenergy Action Plan. The Bioenergy Action Plan will include research and development of commercially viable biofuels production and advanced biomass conversion technologies; evaluate the potential for biofuels to provide a clean, renewable source of hydrogen; and increase the purchase flexible-fuel vehicles to 50% of total new vehicles purchased by state agencies by 2010. (Reference Executive Order S-06-06, 2006)

West Coast Global Warming Mitigation Initiative

Governors of Washington, Oregon and California approved a series of recommendations for action to combat global warming, as detailed in the West Coast Governors´ Global Warming Initiative. The conclusion was that the three states must act individually and regionally to reduce greenhouse gases. The initiative includes adopting standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles by expanding markets for efficiency, renewable energy and alternative fuels, including creating a working group on hydrogen fuel. California adopted Executive Order S-3-05 implementing the California Air Resources Board (CARB) motor vehicle greenhouse gas emission reduction regulations, in addition to further emission reduction targets for greenhouse gases. The California Global Warming Solutions Act requires the CARB, and other agencies, to adopt regulations that require limiting statewide greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and to regulate the reporting and enforcement (including fees) for greenhouse gas emissions. (Reference Assembly Bill 32, 2006)

Biodiesel Blend Use Requirement – San Francisco

The City of San Francisco has mandated that diesel vehicles used by San Francisco's public agencies must use at least a 20 percent biodiesel (B20) blend by the end of 2007. All departments using diesel shall begin using B20 as soon as practicable in all diesel vehicles and other diesel equipment. In addition, the following incremental goals in each department's use of B20: Initiate and complete biodiesel pilot project by December 31, 2006; 25% by March 31, 2007; and 100% by December 31, 2007. Departments shall then pursue actions to use increasingly higher blends, including neat biodiesel (B100).

Utilities/Private Incentives

Electric Vehicle (EV) Recharging Rate Reduction

The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) has a discounted rate (approximately 75% of the regular residential rate) for electricity used to charge an EV for residential customers. SMUD also has lower off-peak time-of-use rates for commercial customers’ EV charging.

Point of Contact

Electric Transportation Department
Sacramento Municipal Utility District
Phone (916) 732-5283
http://www.smud.org
 

Natural Gas Vehicle Home Refueling Infrastructure Incentive

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Governing Board approved an incentive program which matches the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC) buy down program for the purchase of a compressed natural gas (CNG) home refueling appliance (HRA) manufactured by Fuelmaker. The SCAQMD incentive program matches a $1,000 buy-down by the MSRC for a total of $2,000 buy-down for consumers who reside in the SCAQMD jurisdictional boundaries. Specifically, the incentive buy-down program will apply to the purchase of up to 100 units through Fuelmaker and the lease of up to 300 units through Honda.

Point of Contact

Dean Saito
Mobile Source Strategies Manager, Technology Advancement Office
South Coast AQMD
Phone (909) 396-3044 or (800) 288-7664
Fax (909) 396-3252
dsaito@aqmd.gov
http://www.aqmd.gov/tao/FleetRules
 

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Taxi Incentive

The San Francisco International Airport, in partnership with the San Francisco Taxicab Commission, allows drivers of CNG taxis a front-of-the-line incentive allowing them one jump and one trip fee waiver per shift.

Alternative Fuel and Hybrid Electric Vehicle Incentives

Farmers Insurance provides an insurance discount for hybrid electric vehicle and alternative fuel vehicle owners. Owners can cave 5% on all major insurance coverages. To qualify, the automobile must be either: 1) A dedicated fuel vehicle designed to use an alternative fuel as defined in the Energy Policy Act of 1992; or 2) An electric and gasoline hybrid vehicle. A complete Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) will be required to validate vehicle eligibility.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Recharging Rate Reduction – Los Angeles (L.A.)

The L.A. Department of Water and Power (LADWP) offers an EV recharging discount of $0.025/kWh for electricity. The discount is available for a maximum of 500 kWh/month limited to the base-period rate (off-peak hours). LADWP has proposed additional incentives for installing EV-charging equipment. LADWP also provides EV infrastructure services to help customers determine applications for EVs in fleet operations, EV maintenance services, and training.

Point of Contact

Terry Brumgart
L.A. Department of Water and Power
Phone (213) 367-0290
http://www.ladwp.com/ladwp/cms/ladwp002056.jsp
 

Southern California Edison Rate for Electric Vehicles (EV)

Southern California Edison offers a discount rate for electricity used to recharge EVs during off-peak time periods.

Point of Contact

Southern California Edison
Phone (800) 4EV-INFO
http://www.sce.com/CustomerService/RateInformation/ResidentialRates/ElectricVehicles.htm
 

California Points of Contact: