Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, April 05, 2022
Consent
SUBJECT:
Title
CONSIDER TAKING A POSITION OF SUPPORT AND SENDING A CORRESPONDING LETTER REGARDING ASSEMBLY BILL 2074 TO CREATE A REBATE FOR MICROMOBILITY PERSONAL VEHICLES OF 30% OF THE PURCHASE PRICE UP TO $3,000.00 (CITY COUNCIL)
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I. SUMMARY
This item transmits a request for City Council to consider taking a position of support and directing staff to send a corresponding letter (included as Exhibit 1) regarding Assembly Bill 2074. This bill was introduced in February 2022 by Assemblyman Mike A. Gipson and was unanimously approved by the Transportation Committee on March 22, 2022. If signed into law, it would amend Section 44274 of the Health and Safety Code and add Section 44274.8 relating to air pollution.
Specifically, this legislation would provide incentives for purchasing micromobility devices such as electric bicycles to help reduce emissions and provide greater access to a sustainable form of transportation. The bill would require the state board, no later than July 1, 2023, to establish a Micromobility Device Incentives Project to provide vouchers to individuals for the purchase of micromobility devices.
II. RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
SUPPORT Assembly Bill 2074 and DIRECT staff to transmit a corresponding letter of support.
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III. ALTERNATIVES
TAKE another action the City Council deems appropriate and that is consistent with applicable laws.
IV. BACKGROUND
Existing law establishes the Air Quality Improvement Program that is administered by the State Air Resources Board for the purposes of funding projects related to, among other things, the reduction of criteria air pollutants and improvement of air quality. Pursuant to its existing statutory authority, the state board has established the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, as a part of the Air Quality Improvement Program, to promote the production and use of zero-emission vehicles by providing rebates for the purchase of new zero-emission vehicles.
Existing law specifies the types of projects eligible to receive funding under the program and this bill would expand the eligibility to include micromobility devices. These devices are defined as a low-speed vehicle powered by an electric powertrain with a maximum top speed of 25 miles per hour including, but not limited to, bicycles, tricycles, scooters, skateboards, neighborhood electric vehicles, and golf carts. The incentive amount provided shall be 30 percent of the cost of the micromobility device with a maximum incentive amount of three thousand dollars. Up to 10 percent of the moneys appropriated for the project may be used to support related programs, such as safety, educational, and promotional programs. The bill also provides that the state board shall encourage the participation of local small businesses, retailers, and nonprofit organizations that provide services to individuals who use micromobility devices, such as retail micromobility device shops and nonprofit community micromobility device shops, in the project.
V. FISCAL IMPACT
There is no particular fiscal impact related to this item. If Assembly Bill 2074 becomes law, City of Carson community members will be able to purchase micromobility devices through participation in the incentive program by July 1, 2023.
VI. EXHIBITS
1. Letter of Support for Assembly Bill 2074 (pgs. 3 - 4)
Prepared by: Michael George, Assistant to the City Manager