TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and all documents necessary including any amendments, with the California Energy Commission, to receive and expend grant funding in an amount up to $200,000, for the Clean Transportation Program. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The California Energy Commission (CEC) recently awarded the City of Long Beach (City) a Clean Transportation Program grant. The Department of Public Works will receive up to $200,000 to develop a blueprint for medium- and heavy-duty (MD/HD) zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) Infrastructure. The major goal of the blueprint is to identify actions and milestones needed for implementation of MD/HD ZEVs and the related infrastructure. This grant advances CEC and the City's shared goal of promoting sustainable development in transportation to improve public health and reduce vehicle emissions.
The City’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan’s (CAAP) goals highlight a 192,659-metric ton reduction of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030, and net-carbon neutrality by 2045, citywide for both public and private-owned assets. The blueprint will plan and coordinate the deployment of MD/HD ZEVs and prioritize the heaviest population burden areas to help meet the overall goal of reducing the highest possible greenhouse gas emissions citywide.
Public Works staff will engage the necessary departments to support the development of the blueprint including the Health and Human Services Department, Fleet Services in the Financial Management Department, Development Services Department, and the Office of Equity and Office of Sustainability in the City Manager Department.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Erin Weesner-McKinley on May 19, 2021 and by Budget Management Officer Rhutu Amin Gharib on May 26, 2021.
SUSTAINABILITY
This project will attempt to quantify reductions of greenhouse gas emissions through the transition of MD/HD vehicles to ZEV. This project alone, however, will not result in any quantifiable reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases. It is planned that the implementation of the blueprint, will result in reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and the assessment conducted will project what those reductions will be.
One of the project goals is to address citywide air quality and environmental justice issues associated with the City's vehicle operations. For example, many communities in Long Beach are comprised of minority and/or low-income populations, categorized as disadvantaged communities. This project will provide the opportunity for an improved quality of life for Long Beach’s vulnerable population.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on June 15, 2021, to meet the grant requirements of CEC.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive CEC grant reimbursement revenue in an amount not to exceed $200,000 up until March 31, 2027, and there is no match requirement. Funding will be received in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department. The recommended action is for the City Council to adopt the Resolution and if the Resolution of proposed CEC grant funding is approved, staff will return to the City Council to request an appropriation increase. The recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal 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.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
ERIC LOPEZ
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER