HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/17/2000, C12 - SUPPORT OF ZERO EMISSION VEHICLES council
j acEnaa Repom 1�"C12
C I TY OF SAN LU IS O B I S P O
FROM: Mike McCluskey,Director of Public WorkI J
SUBJECT: Support of Zero Emission Vehicles
CAO RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a Resolution of Support for Zero Emission Vehicles
DISCUSSION:
The American Lung Association of the Central Coast recently requested,by letter,that the Mayor
and the City Council endorse the concept of creating cleaner air, and therefore fewer lung related
disease problems,by encouraging the greater use of Electric Vehicles which are technically known
as Zero Emission Vehicles. Staff is in support with this request.
The City has recently taken ownership of five electric pick-up trucks on a three year lease program
sponsored by the State of California. We feel that the City will benefit by their presence and that
after this trial period we will have definite information to allow us to begin using this type of
vehicle in certain areas of our fleet.
Electric Vehicles are known as Zero Emission Vehicles because they have no actual tailpipe
emissions. However,some pollution is associated with this type of vehicle because some is created
at the source of where the electricity is being created. However, this amount of pollution is
miniscule when compared to the typical gasoline or diesel powered vehicle.
The resolution will be sent to the American Lung Association who will collect many such and send
the group on to the Governor and his appointed member of the California Air Resources Board.
Attachments
Resolution
I:czr/zero emission vehicles
C12-1
RESOLUTION NO. (2000 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SAN LUIS OBISPO ENCOURING THE USE OF ZERO EMISSION VEHICLES
WHEREAS, motor vehicle exhaust continues to be a major source of ground level ozone
and toxic air contaminants as well as other air pollutants, which are major contributors to asthma
and other lung disease; and
WHEREAS. 4.2 million Californians suffer from lung disease, which is growing faster
than most leading killers; and
WHEREAS, Over ninety five percent of Californians live in areas that do not meet
health-based federal or state air quality standards; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo recognizes and supports the need to reduce
the use of petroleum-based fuels and promote the use of alternative methods of transportation,
especially zero and near zero-emission technologies; and
WHEREAS, Zero Emission Vehicles have no tailpipe exhaust, no evaporative emissions from fuel
systems, no emissions from the refining of fuel and do not have emission control systems that can
degrade over time; and
WHEREAS,Electric power plants in California are among the cleanest in the world,
and even when taking power plants emissions into account, zero emission vehicles are over
ninety percent cleaner than the cleanest gasoline powered vehicle; and
WHEREAS, Using current projections, major auto manufacturers will need to produce
and offer for sale approximately 20,000 electric vehicles to comply with the state regulations that
are required for the 2003 model year; and
WHEREAS. Owners of more than a thousand electric vehicles being operated daily in
California have demonstrated that electric vehicles are a safe, reliable, and environmentally
sound transportation solution for a vast majority of trips made by California drivers; and
WHEREAS,The demand for electric vehicles has far outstripped the automobile
manufacture's willingness to voluntarily produce enough electric vehicles to meet that demand;
and
WHEREAS. The electric vehicle technology has proven itself fundamentally sound; and
WHEREAS,The electric vehicle technology and the 2003, ten percent (10%) state
mandate for zero-emission vehicles is driving automotive manufactures to develop ultra-clean
gasoline, hybrid electrics and ultimately fuel cell vehicles.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED,that the City Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo hereby urges its legislative delegation in Sacramento to ask the Governor for his support
of the existing electric vehicle mandate; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo encourages Governor Gray Davis and his appointed members of the California Air
Resources Board to take a strong stand on environmental health and the future of air quality for
C12-2
Resolution No. (2000 Series)
Page 2
all Californians and uphold the current zero emission vehicle mandate.
Upon motion of seconded by
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
the foregoing resolution was adopted this day of ,2000.
ATTEST:
City Clerk Mayor: Allen Settle
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
orn
C12-3