Present Circumstance Implications for Rollout Plans
April 23, 2020
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) recognizes that large transit agencies are subject to an upcoming deadline for the submittal of Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plans (Rollout Plan) under the Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) regulation. (Cal. Code Regs. tit. 13 § 2023 et seq.) Regulatory deadlines remain in place. However, CARB recognizes and understands that transit agencies’ energy and attention has shifted focus as they are responding to the evolving public health emergency and economic disruption. CARB invites large transit agencies experiencing hardship meeting this deadline due to these present circumstances to submit their plans as soon as reasonably possible. If a transit agency is unable to meet the deadline, the agency is encouraged to contact CARB at the e-mail address below individually and demonstrate its diligence in acting as expeditiously as possible under the present circumstances.
CARB recognizes that many transit agencies are working diligently with local authorities to prepare for emergency response and provide essential service in a safe, reliable way, and their resources are stretched thin. CARB is committed to supporting transit agencies’ essential duties to ensure public safety and provide transit services during this difficult time. Therefore, CARB will consider the circumstances and be reasonable when evaluating compliance with this reporting requirement. As part of CARB’s commitment to protecting public health, air quality, and climate, this would not create any disbenefit on emission reductions but continue to help transit agencies establish a blueprint towards clean transportation.
Contact
Please contact Yachun Chow, Manager of the Zero-Emission Truck and Bus section, should you have any questions.
Background
The Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) regulation was adopted in December 2018. It requires all public transit agencies to gradually transition to a 100-percent zero-emission bus fleet and encourages them to provide innovative first- and last-mile connectivity and improve mobility for transit riders. Under this regulation, a large transit agency (Cal. Code Regs.,tit.13 § 2023(b)(30)) is required to submit a board approved Rollout Plan along with its approval to the CARB Executive Officer by July 1, 2020 (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 13 § 2023.1(d)(2)(A)). A Rollout Plan describes how a transit agency is planning to achieve a full transition to zero-emission bus technologies by 2040. It includes essential elements for a smooth transition, including information on the types of zero-emission buses to be purchased, their purchase schedule, timing of their placement in Disadvantaged Communities, a schedule for related infrastructure build out, potential funding sources, and training plans.
A Rollout Plan has an informative function. It allows a transit agency to plan ahead of time and to familiarize itself with available zero-emission bus technologies before starting with purchases. It allows transit agencies to learn about potential challenges and available solutions for a smooth transition. Information gathered from the Rollout Plans will also guide the State in developing incentive funding plans, inform utilities on potential electrical and infrastructure needs, and educate the general public on environmental benefits of zero-emission bus technologies.