TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute a Memorandum of Understanding, and any necessary documents or amendments, with the South Coast Air Quality Management District, to achieve emissions reductions for non-aircraft mobile sources at the Long Beach Airport. (District 5)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested for the City of Long Beach (City), in its capacity as the proprietor and certificated operator of the Long Beach Airport (Airport), to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) to achieve Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) emissions reductions from non-aircraft mobile sources, such as ground support equipment and vehicles used by Airport staff. In May 2018, SCAQMD’s Governing Board directed their staff to pursue MOUs to implement clean air action plans for non-aircraft mobile sources at five commercial airports located in the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB). The Long Beach, Los Angeles International, John Wayne, Ontario International and Hollywood Burbank Airports are all planning to participate in the voluntary agreement with SCAQMD.
Under the terms of the proposed MOU, the Airport will develop an Air Quality Improvement Plan (AQIP) that includes specific measures and initiatives that represent the Airport’s comprehensive plan to reduce emissions from non-aircraft mobile sources. Measures are programs where there are specific courses of action to reduce emissions. Initiatives are projects, or goals, that the Airport will pursue where the emissions reductions are not easily quantifiable. The Airport will implement the measures that are eligible for California State Implementation Plan (SIP) credits in hopes to achieve the emission reduction performance targets outlined in the MOU for the attainment milestone years of 2023 and 2031. SCAQMD will report the emissions reductions to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
This MOU is a project that has been determined to not have a significant adverse effect on the environment, and is therefore exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
The MOU contains the following major terms and conditions:
• Parties: SCAQMD and City of Long Beach.
• MOU Term: The initial term of the MOU will expire on December 31, 2032, unless terminated earlier. Either party may terminate the MOU with written notice to the other party at least 90 days in advance. Parties may negotiate a written extension of the term of the MOU, and any applicable additional MOU Schedules, prior to the expiration of the MOU.
• City’s Responsibilities: The City will implement AQIP voluntary airport measures, monitor and report emissions inventory of airport ground support equipment, provide related incentives to the extent possible, and support grant funding efforts at the City’s discretion.
• SCAQMD’s Responsibilities: SCAQMD will provide technical analysis for SIP credit, monitor, assess, and report emission reductions benefits, be responsible for emissions reduction shortfalls, support grant funding efforts that may exist, monitor SIP creditable AQIP measures and ensure data and other pertinent information is available to the public.
• Enforceability: The parties commit to implement the provisions in the MOU. The Parties agree that implementation of the measures of the MOU is not to be construed as a regulation or requirement of the SCAQMD. In the event that any party fails to meet its commitment(s) or anticipates an inability to meet its commitment(s), the party will provide notice to the other party within 60 days of such determination and seek to negotiate a mutually agreeable solution within 90 days of the date of the Notice. SCAQMD will not seek to enforce the measures or initiatives in the AQIP or any of its terms against the Airport’s tenants, concessionaires, vendors, or other relevant operators doing business at Airport or City facilities.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Richard F. Anthony and by Budget Analysis Officer Julissa José-Murray on November 4, 2019.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on November 19, 2019, to ensure that the MOU is in place prior to SCAQMD staff seeking adoption from their Governing Board.
FISCAL IMPACT
The requested authorization of the MOU supports the Airport’s ongoing clean air and emission reduction efforts. Upon execution of the MOU, the Airport will hire an environmental consultant to collect emissions level data for the Airport to report to SCAQMD. The cost of this emission monitoring is estimated at $50,000 annually. This and other current emission reduction efforts are budgeted as part of the Airport operating budget in the Airport Fund Group in the Airport Department. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
CYNTHIA GUIDRY
DIRECTOR, LONG BEACH AIRPORT
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
ACTING CITY MANAGER