PURPOSE

To obtain Council approval to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) supporting the goals and objectives of the Clean Cities Program.

BACKGROUND

The Clean Cities Program was established by the Department of Energy as an adjunct to the 1990 Clean Air Act amendments, to promote the entry of state and local agencies into voluntary commitments to help achieve alternative fuel use goals to improve air quality. The use of Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs), Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs), and infrastructure items such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueling stations and electric charging stations are the primary ways that local agencies can support the Clean Cities Program�s goals and provide community leadership in local Clean Air policies.

The Burbank City Council approved a MOU with SCAG in April 2001, entering into a five year agreement ensuring the City�s partnership in the Clean Cities Program through 2006. The Southern California Association of Governments would like to renew its agreement with the City of Burbank and is once again requesting the City�s partnership in the Clean Cities Program.

ANALYSIS

The City of Burbank has been adding AFVs and ZEVs to its fleet for several years now. By incorporating these environmentally friendly vehicles into our City fleet, we reduce hydrocarbon emissions in the South Coast Air Basin. Over the next several years, the City plans to add more AFVs to its growing fleet of 119 alternative fuel vehicles. Burbank�s commitment to these purchases encourages AFV market development, which is the core of the Clean Cities Program. In keeping with these core values, the City of Burbank built, and currently operates, both a CNG and hydrogen fueling station to support alternative fuel vehicles operated by the City and the public.

By becoming a signatory to the Clean Cities MOU, the City is afforded an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to a sustainable City fleet policy goal of reducing ozone and other unhealthful emissions that negatively impact the air quality in the South Coast Air Basin. The MOU also allows other cities and agencies to know that Burbank staff will be available to share and provide information that we acquire in operating a clean fleet; which will assist others in joining us in our efforts to improve air quality.

FISCAL IMPACT

No additional costs are anticipated. The City�s planned AFV fleet vehicle acquisitions and fleet management plans are compliant with the Clean Cities MOU.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends that the Council approve the proposed Resolution entitled:

RESOLUTION APPROVING A MOU BETWEEN THE CITY OF BURBANK AND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (SCAG) SUPPORTING PARTICIPATION IN THE CLEAN CITIES PROGRAM.

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