BILL ANALYSIS
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|SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | SB 1170|
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THIRD READING
Bill No: SB 1170
Author: Sher (D)
Amended: 4/23/01
Vote: 21
SENATE ENERGY, U.&C. COMMITTEE : 6-0, 4/24/01
AYES: Bowen, Alarcon, Battin, Murray, Speier, Vincent
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE : 0-0, 5/31/01
AYES: Alpert, Battin, Bowen, Escutia, Johannessen,
Karnette, McPherson, Murray, Perata, Speier
SUBJECT : State vehicle fleet
SOURCE : Author
DIGEST : This bill (1) requires the California Energy
Commission and the State Department of General Services to
conduct a study and develop, by January 1, 2003,
fuel-efficiency standards for new state vehicles and
replacement tires in order to annually reduce petroleum
consumption, as specified, (2) requires the California
Energy Commission to develop, by January 1, 2003,
recommendations for consideration by the Governor and the
Legislature for a fuel-efficient tire program, as
specified, and (3) makes related legislative findings.
ANALYSIS : The State of California, through the State
Department of General Services (DGS), purchases about 1,500
fleet vehicles every year. This figure includes passenger
vehicles, but does not include patrol cars and other
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special purpose vehicles.
Under federal law, 75 percent of state fleet purchases must
be alternative fuel capable. There is no requirement for
these vehicles to actually run on alternative fuels, and,
due to limited alternative fueling infrastructure and
availability, most run on gasoline.
Current DGS policy is to buy Ultra Low Emission Vehicles
(ULEV) for the 25 percent of its fleet that is not required
to be alternative-fueled. The ULEV designation relates to
emissions, not fuel efficiency.
This bill declares as policies of the state:
1.Minimizing the use of petroleum-based fuels by state
agencies.
2.Purchasing the cleanest and most efficient automobiles
and replacement tires.
3.Maximizing the use of alternative fuels.
4.Implementing all other practicable and cost-effective
conservation measures.
The bill requires the California Energy Commission (CEC)
and DGS to adopt fuel-efficiency standards for new state
vehicles and replacement tires that result in annual
reductions in petroleum consumption.
The bill requires the CEC to adopt, by January 1, 2003,
recommendations for developing fuel-efficiency ratings for
tires.
Comments
This bill is intended to reduce petroleum consumption from
state vehicles in two ways. First, to meet the bill's
goal, DGS would be compelled to purchase more
fuel-efficient petroleum-fueled cars and/or ensure that
alternative-fueled vehicles actually use alternative fuels.
Second, DGS would purchase fuel-efficient replacement
tires.
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According to supporters, original equipment tires are three
to four percent more efficient than typical replacement
tires. Supporters suggest that requiring more efficient
replacement tires is a cost-effective method to reduce fuel
consumption.
On the issue of replacement tires, this bill further
requires the preparation of recommendations, which if
adopted, could result in fuel-efficiency standards for all
replacement tires sold in the state.
FISCAL EFFECT : Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes
Local: No
CEC staff estimate one-time costs of approximately $500,000
and one personnel year ($100,000 including benefits). DGS
staff indicate probably minor costs.
To the extent that the state purchases vehicles and tires
that are more fuel-efficient, there are potential long-term
cost savings.
SUPPORT : (Verified 5/31/01)
Clean Power Campaign
Natural Resources Defense Council
Planning and Conservation League
Sierra Club California
NC:cm 6/1/01 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: SEE ABOVE
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