PROPOSAL:

Adopt Proposed Rule 1613 - Credits for Truck Stop Electrification

SYNOPSIS:

Proposed Rule 1613 will provide a mechanism for generating MSERCs from the reduction of heavy-duty truck idling emissions by the voluntary use of electricity to power truck cab electrification packages while the truck is parked at a truck stop. The proposed rule will meet the 1997 AQMP commitment for Control Measure MON-10.

COMMITTEE:

Mobile Source, September 26, 1997, Recommended for Consideration

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

1. Certify the Final Subsequent Environmental Assessment for Proposed Rule 1613 - Credits for Truck Stop Electrification, as proposed, in accordance with the attached Resolution.

2. Adopt Proposed Rule 1613 - Credits for Truck Stop Electrification, in accordance with the attached resolution.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Acting Executive Officer

Background

Proposed Rule 1613 is the sixth mobile source emission reduction credit (MSERC) program to be considered for adoption in a continuing effort to provide stationary source operators additional flexibility to meet AQMD regulations. This credit rule promotes reductions in truck engine idling. Typically, it is common practice for truckers to leave their engines idling for extended time periods while at truck stops to provide power for heating or air conditioning systems, and to keep diesel engines warm during winter months.

The truck stop electrification concept is based on providing electricity through an electrical plug inserted into trucks equipped with "electrification packages." These packages will consist of "off-the-shelf" components such as electric automatic idle control, electric engine block heater, electric fuel heater, electric device for cab air conditioning and heating, 120V electric outlet for onboard appliances and a relay to bypass the battery. The electrification packages would be installed in either new or existing trucks. With the truck engine turned off and plugged in while parked at the truck stop, electricity would provide the necessary power for onboard heating, cooling, lighting and appliances, that would otherwise be provided by the idling truck engine. The truck stop would have electric outlets installed throughout the parking lots to accommodate the truck electrification packages.

Proposal

The proposed rule provides a mechanism for the generation of VOC, NOx, and CO MSERCs to entities such as truck stop operators who voluntarily provide electricity to power truck cab electrification packages while trucks are parked at a truck stop. The emission reduction credits will be based on truck idling emission factors supplied by the California Air Resources Board (ARB) and the amount of time electricity is supplied to individual trucks by a truck stop operator. Emission credits would be issued annually based on data submitted to the AQMD for the preceding one-year time period.

Proposed Rule 1613 establishes requirements for submission of applications, issuance and quantification of credits, recordkeeping, enforcement, and an appeal process. MSERCs issued under Proposed Rule 1613 may be used as an alternative method of compliance with any rule that authorizes the use of credits.

A public workshop was held on October 1, 1997. Comments received are addressed in the final staff report. Based on these comments, the rule and staff report were modified after the Set Public Hearing on October 10, 1997 to allow MSERCs to be generated from reduced tour bus idling emissions, and to clarify monthly recordkeeping requirements. These modifications are indicated by strikeouts and underlines.

AQMP & Legal Mandates

The proposed rule meets the 1997 AQMP commitment in Control Measure MON-10 to adopt a rule that allows the issuance of MSERCs for voluntary reductions in mobile source emissions. The proposed rule is intended to provide an alternative means of compliance with AQMD regulations, as well as to promote the widespread use of truck stop electrification. The Federal Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) of 1990 encourage the use of market-based principles and other innovative approaches to facilitate attainment and maintenance of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Accordingly, the U.S. EPA has published interim guidelines on the generation of MSERCs. Similarly, ARB has published a guidance document to assist local air districts in designing on-road vehicle MSERC programs.

CEQA & Socioeconomic Analysis

Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the AQMD’s Certified Regulatory Program (Rule 110), the AQMD has prepared a Final Subsequent Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the proposed rule. The Draft SEA was released on September 15, 1997, for a 30-day review and comment period which closed on October 15, 1997. The Final SEA determined that the proposed rule generated no significant adverse environmental impacts.

A Final Socioeconomic Assessment indicates that Proposed Rule 1613, by presenting an optional compliance program, can reduce economic impacts on facilities which are subject to other applicable source-specific AQMD regulations. The cost-effectiveness of Proposed Rule 1613 ranges from $1,458 to a savings of $12,677 per ton of pollutants reduced, reflecting costs and savings for truck owners and truck stop operators, and is within the range of cost-effectiveness of other AQMD rules.

Resource Impacts

Sufficient resources have been budgeted in the AQMD Three-Year Budget Forecast.

Attachments

A. Rule Development Process

B. Resolution

C. Rule Language

D. Staff Report

E. Socioeconomic Assessment and CEQA Review

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