BILL ANALYSIS Ó AB 808 Page 1 Date of Hearing: May 20, 2015 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Jimmy Gomez, Chair AB 808 (Ridley-Thomas) - As Amended May 4, 2015 ----------------------------------------------------------------- |Policy |Business and Professions |Vote:|13 - 0 | |Committee: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |-------------+-------------------------------+-----+-------------| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |-------------+-------------------------------+-----+-------------| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ----------------------------------------------------------------- Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: YesReimbursable: No SUMMARY: This bill expands the authority of the California Department of Food and Agriculture's Division of Measurement Standards to include alternative fuels and new automotive products, and AB 808 Page 2 establishes appropriate methods of sale for such fuels that are consistent with national standards. FISCAL EFFECT: Minor and absorbable impacts to the Department of Food and Agriculture. COMMENTS: 1)Purpose. According to the author, "California is at the forefront of alternative and renewable fuel and vehicle technology. As more vehicles in California are powered by alternative fuels, it is imperative that the state protect its consumers and businesses by providing clear standards and guidelines to prevent consumer confusion and unfair business practices that could harm the marketplace. This bill will provide the necessary regulatory framework to ensure that alternative motor vehicle fuels and automotive products are regulated in a similar manner as traditional fuels and automotive products." 2)Background. The California Department of Food and Agriculture is the state agency with the authority to regulate the quality of fuel and automotive products. According to the Department, in order for the Department to comply with Executive Order B-16-12, existing law must be amended to adequately define "alternative motor vehicle fuels," thus giving the Department clear authority to regulate fuel quality, advertising, and labeling, thereby protecting consumers. Governor's Executive Order B-16-2012. Recognizing the multiple benefits of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), as well as challenges to growing the market, Governor Brown issued Executive Order B-16-2012 on March 23, 2012 that directed AB 808 Page 3 California to "encourage the development and success of zero-emission vehicles to protect the environment, stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life in the State." The Governor's Executive Order sets a long-term target of reaching 1.5 million ZEVs on California's roadways by 2025. The Executive Order also sets a longer term target of reducing transportation-related greenhouse gas emission by 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. The Executive Order established several milestones on a path toward 1.5 million ZEVs in California by the year 2025. The 2013 ZEV Action Plan was subsequently released, which identifies specific strategies and actions that state agencies will take to meet milestones of the executive order. 3)Prior Related Legislation. a) AB 1907 (Ridley-Thomas), Chapter 805, Statutes of 2014, specified requirements for the retail sale of compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas. b) AB 8 (Perea), Chapter 401, Statutes of 2013, extended until January 1, 2024, extra fees on vehicle registrations, boat registrations, and tire sales in order to fund programs, including the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program, that support the production, distribution, and sale of alternative fuels and vehicle technologies, as well as air emissions reduction efforts. c) SB 454 (Corbett), Chapter 418, Statutes of 2013, created the Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Open Access Act, which would prohibit the charging of a subscription fee on persons desiring to use an electric vehicle charging station, as defined, and would prohibit a requirement for persons to obtain membership in any club, association, or organization as a condition of using the station. d) AB 1007 (Pavley), Chapter 371, Statutes of 2005, required that, not later than June 30, 2007, the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, in partnership with the State Air Resources Board, and in AB 808 Page 4 consultation with other relevant state agencies, to develop and adopt a state plan to increase the use of alternative transportation fuels. Analysis Prepared by:Jennifer Swenson / APPR. / (916) 319-2081