DWP General Manager S. David Freeman Urges the California Air Resources Board at Hearing to Stay the Course on Zero Emission Vehicles.Business and News Editors SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 7, 2000 At today's California Air Resources Board California Air Resources Board (CARB) is the "clean air agency" of the state of California in the United States. Established originally in 1967, it is a part of the California Environmental Protection Agency, an organization which reports directly to the California hearing, S. David Freeman S. David Freeman (1926– ) is an American engineer, attorney, and author, born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, who has had many key roles in energy policy. He currently heads The Hydrogen Car Company and is a member of the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners. , general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is the largest municipal utility in the United States, serving 3.9 million residents in 2006. It was founded in 1902 to deliver water and electricity supplies to residents and businesses in Los Angeles. (LADWP LADWP Los Angeles Department of Water and Power ), urged the Board not to water down or retreat from the goals and standards that have moved electric vehicles forward and made air cleaner. "The Zero Emission Zero emission refers to an engine, motor, or other energy source, that emits no waste products that pollutes the environment or disrupts the climate. Zero emission engines Vehicle program has revolutionized the car market by encouraging automakers and others to invest in research and development of zero-emission technologies. It has jump-started the future of automotive transportation. The electric and hybrid cars hybrid car, hybrid vehicle hybrid n → Hybridfahrzeug nt or -auto nt on the road today owe their existence to the California Air Resources Board program," said Freeman. "If the clean air requirements are watered down, does anyone believe progress will continue at the same pace? The auto industry has always been able to do a lot more than it claimed possible." Freeman testified that one of the biggest problems with Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) is availability. LADWP would add more to its nearly 100 strong EV fleet and consumers would be more receptive if additional cars were available. Freeman stated that ZEVs meet the driving needs of many Californians, and consumer demand exists. The ZEV ZEV Zero Emission Vehicle cars once offered in auto showrooms have sold out and there are waiting lists for new shipments. This situation creates a problem for the LADWP because it is mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), independent agency of the U.S. government, with headquarters in Washington, D.C. It was established in 1970 to reduce and control air and water pollution, noise pollution, and radiation and to ensure the safe handling and to procure 70 percent of its light duty vehicles this year as EVs. The requirement increases to 90 percent in 2001. A recent poll by the California League of Conservation voters The California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV) is a nonpartisan lobbying and educational organization which focuses on environmental issues affecting California. revealed that 68 percent of Californians support the ZEV program's goal of putting clean advanced technology vehicles on the road. "Electric vehicles are essential to Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. and California because of the severity of the air quality problem. Over two thirds of urban smog comes from cars and trucks," said Freeman. "We must continue the technological advancements to stay on course for cleaner air and energy efficient transportation." Freeman testified that a tremendous amount of infrastructure planning and implementation has been done since the inception of the ZEV program laying a foundation for commercialization of the sustainable electric vehicle market. LADWP is the only California utility to partner with public and government agencies and has installed more than 350 public charging stations at shopping centers, hotels, hospitals, city buildings and entertainment centers. LADWP also has deployed electric vehicles in its fleet operations. The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) program was originally adopted following a hearing in 1990 as part of the Low-Emission Vehicle regulations. The ZEV program is an integral part of California's mobile source control efforts and is intended to create a market for advanced technologies that will secure increasing air quality benefits for California now and in the future. ZEVs have significant long-term benefits because they have no emission control The selective and controlled use of electromagnetic, acoustic, or other emitters to optimize command and control capabilities while minimizing, for operations security: a. detection by enemy sensors; b. mutual interference among friendly systems; and/or c. equipment that can deteriorate or fail and generate only minimal "upstream" refueling and fuel cycle emissions in California. The standards are reviewed every two years at Board hearings. LADWP's Electric Transportation program is one of a series of GreenLA initiatives that also includes Solar Photovoltaics, Energy Efficiency and Cool Schools Tree Planting efforts. These programs are also authorized by the Public Benefit Programs under AB 1890, California's Electric Industry Restructuring Act. For information about the GreenLA programs, which also include Green Power for a Green LA and DWP's Recycling efforts, call 800/GreenLA or click on to www.GreenLA.com. Note to Editors: For a complete copy of S. David Freeman's testimony call Walter Zeisl at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power at 213/367-1342 or Marylou Ferry at Fleishman-Hillard at 213/489-8230. For additional information on DWP's Electric Transportation Program click on to www.GreenLA.com. |
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