Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2002-058 N.C.S. 04/15/2002 Res®lution No. Zoo2-ossN.C.S. of the City of Petaluma, California RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA IN ENCOURAGING THE CITY OF PETALUMA TO ACQUIRE THE LOWEST EMISSION VEHICLES AVAILABLE, PRACTICAL AND REASONABLY COST COMPETITIVE TO HELP REDUCE UNHEALTHY EMISSIONS AND THE RESULTING AIR POLLUTION WHEREAS, the majority of California's air pollution comes from mobile sources, such as cars, trucks, and buses. Conventional gasoline-powered cars, even the newest cleanest cars, degrade with use and become serous sources of pollution. As our population grows, the gains we have made in cleaning our air with cleaner new cars and trucks will inevitably erode; and WHEREAS, "upstream emissions" from gasoline, including those from refineries and from diesel trucks delivering the fuel and from evaporating and spilled fuel are significant contributors to unhealthy air; and WHEREAS, a wide variety of low emission vehicles in many applications are now available from a variety of manufacturers in ultra-low emission (ULEV), super-ultra-low emission (SULEV), and zero-emission (ZEV) configurations. Some of these vehicles are gasoline-powered, some natural gas-powered, some hybrid electrics, and some are battery- powered electrics; and WHEREAS, zero emission vehicles especially offer the promise of assuring clean air now and for many decades to come. Reducing air pollution is a shared responsibility, requiring the cooperation and participation of all communities and their community members; and WHEREAS, cities can and should play a significant role as cities are users of vehicles . and equipment that cause. air pollution. They regularly purchase new vehicles and equipment to meet the needs of their community. As public institutions, cities have a responsibility to serve the public interest and avoid creating air pollution themselves wherever possible; and Resolution No. N.C.S. WHEREAS, cities can and should lead by example so that residents and businesses will also willingly participate in clean .air programs. One of the most important things that a city can do is to help build the market for very low and zero-emission vehicles; and WHEREAS, significant incentive funding is now available through local Air Districts and the California Air Resources Board for cities to acquire ULEVs, SULEVs, and ZEVs. These monies will make the cost of acquiring these vehicles comparable to purchasing conventional vehicles; and WHEREAS, in addition, cities are provided special funding each year through AB 2766 funds that can only be spent on reducing air pollution. Many cities have leased or purchased ULEVs, SULEVs, and ZEVs and use them in their fleets on a day-to-day basis. Their experience has been uniformly positive; and WHEREAS, despite limited availability, the ZEVs. have received rave reviews from drivers and fleet operators. Operating costs are much lower with ZEVs than conventional vehicles. Some cities have shown special leadership and have adopted procurement policies that give preference to the cleanest available vehicles suitable for each application. Exemptions are provided for public safety or emergency vehicles. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Petaluma shall identify and give preference in its vehicle procurement to the acquisition of the lowest emission vehicles available, practical and reasonably cost competitive with other vehicles appropriate for that application or where funding is available to assure that such vehicles are reasonably cost competitive. Public safety and emergency vehicles shall be exempt from this policy. Under the power and authority conferred upon this Council by the Charter of said City. REFERENCE: I hereby certify the foregoing Resolution was introduced and adopted by the Approved as to Council of the City of Petaluma at a (Regular) (Adjourned) (Special) meeting ~~r on the .........15.th......... day of .........E~ril 20..Q2, by the following vote• ity Attorney AYES: Cader-Thompson, Vice Mayor Healy, Maguire, Moynihan, O'Brien, Mayor Thompson, Torliatt NOES: None ABSENT: None ATTEST: City Clerk f Mayor Council File Res. No.........2Q02-DS$.......N.C.S.