BILL ANALYSIS Ó
AB 808
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Date of Hearing: May 20, 2015
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Jimmy Gomez, Chair
AB
808 (Ridley-Thomas) - As Amended May 4, 2015
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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
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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
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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
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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