Honorable Mayor and Members of the Hermosa Beach City Council
Regular Meeting of May 10, 2022
Title
APPROVAL OF LETTERS OF SUPPORT FOR PROPOSED ASSEMBLY BILL 2074 (GIPSON) PROVIDING INCENTIVES FOR MICROMOBILITY DEVICES AND 2432 (MURATSUCHI) ALLOWING CREATION OF A NEIGHBORHOOD ELECTRIC VEHICLE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
(Environmental Programs Manager Douglas Krauss)
Body
Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Staff recommends City Council:
1. Authorize the Mayor to sign letters of support (Attachments 1 and 2) on behalf of the City regarding Assembly Bill 2074 providing incentives for micromobility and Assembly Bill 2432 allowing creation of a neighborhood electric vehicle transportation plan; and
2. Submit the letters to key legislators and local stakeholders
Body
Executive Summary:
Proposed Assembly Bills 2074 and 2432 (AB 2074 and AB 2432) both aim to promote and expand micromobility. As defined by the Federal Highway Administration, micromobility refers to, “any small, low-speed, human- or electric-powered transportation device, including bicycles, scooters, electric-assist bicycles, electric scooters (e-scooters), and other small, lightweight, wheeled conveyances.” Staff recommends City Council approve a letter supporting the proposed legislation. These bills align with mobility goals established in PLAN Hermosa, the City’s general plan developed in 2017, and are both sponsored by the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG).
Background:
The City of Hermosa Beach works to increase and improve multi-modal transportation opportunities. PLAN Hermosa details a number of mobility goals including an emphasis on promoting Complete Streets and multi-modal transportation options. Additionally, the City works with the SBCCOG on their Local Travel Network (LTN), which aims to increase options and safety for neighborhood electric vehicles (NEV, i.e., “golf carts”) and other micromobility modes of transportation throughout the South Bay.
Since the SBCCOG will not know the exact nature of LTN signage or street markings until later in the program, the SBCCOG is supporting AB 2432 to provide cities the authority to adopt a plan, should it be determined that using "NEV" is important for the implementation of the LTN. AB 2074 proposes to obligate the State Air Resources Board to provide incentives for micromobility devices. This offers the potential to benefit both municipalities and community members with future incentive programs.
Discussion:
Assembly Bill 2432
Existing law defines “low-speed vehicle” for purposes of the Vehicle Code as a motor vehicle with four wheels that is capable of a minimum speed of 20 miles per hour and a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour on a paved level surface, having a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3,000 pounds. Existing law imposes certain restrictions on the use of low-speed vehicles on public streets and highways, and generally requires an operator of a low-speed vehicle to have a driver’s license. A low-speed vehicle is also known as a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV).
State laws currently authorize certain local agencies to establish a NEV transportation plan subject to requirements. A person operating a NEV in a plan area in violation of certain provisions is guilty of an infraction punishable by a fine not exceeding $100. A violation of the Vehicle Code is an infraction, unless otherwise specified. This bill would authorize the County of Los Angeles or any city in the South Bay, as defined, to establish a similar NEV transportation plan for a plan area that may include any applicable portion of the county or city located within the jurisdiction of the South Bay Cities Council of Governments, as specified, subject to the same penalties.
AB 2432 proposes to authorize the adoption of an NEV transportation plan by the County of Los Angeles or any city within the jurisdiction of the South Bay Cities Council of Governments. An adopted Neighborhood Electric Vehicle Plan would allow cities to use signage or street markings with the words "Neighborhood Electric Vehicle" or "NEV".
AB 2432 would require the transportation plan to have received a prior review and the comments of the South Bay Cities Council of Governments, Southern California Association of Governments, and any agency having traffic law enforcement responsibilities in an entity included in the plan area. Review and approval of the plans by the Department of Transportation (DOT) would be required.
If the County of Los Angeles or a city in the South Bay adopts a NEV transportation plan for the plan area, the bill would require the Southern California Association of Governments to, in consultation with DOT, the Department of the California Highway Patrol, and local law enforcement agencies, submit a report, as specified, to the Legislature on or before August 31, 2028. The legislation would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2040. Since the bill would create a new crime, it would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the State to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain mandated costs. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Assembly Bill 2074
Existing law establishes the Air Quality Improvement Program that is administered by the State Air Resources Board (State 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.
AB 2074 would provide incentives for purchasing micromobility devices and would require the State Board, no later than July 1, 2023, to establish a Micromobility Device Incentives Project to provide incentives, in the form of vouchers, to individuals for the purchase of micromobility devices.
Both bills are supported by the SBCCOG and they have asked South Bay agencies to offer their individual support as well. Staff recommends that Council authorize the Mayor to sign a letter of support for each bill on behalf of the City.
General Plan Consistency:
This report and associated recommendations have been evaluated for their consistency with the City’s General Plan. Relevant Policies are listed below:
Mobility
Goal 1. Complete Streets (Living Streets) that serve the diverse functions of mobility, commerce, recreation, and community engagement for all users whether they travel by walking, bicycling, transit, or driving.
Policies:
• 1.1 Consider all modes. Require the planning, design, and construction of all
new and existing transportation projects to consider the needs of all modes of
travel to create safe, livable and inviting environments for all users of the
system.
Mobility
Goal 3. Public right-of-ways supporting a multi-modal and people-oriented transportation system that provides diversity and flexibility on how users choose to be mobile
Policy:
• 3.5 Incentivize other modes. Incentivize local shuttle/trolley services, rideshare and car share programs, and developing infrastructure that support low carbon vehicles
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.
Attachments:
1. Draft Support Letter for AB 2432
2. Draft Support Letter for AB 2074
Respectfully Submitted by: Douglas Krauss, Environmental Program Manager
Noted for Fiscal Impact: Viki Copeland, Finance Director
Approved: Suja Lowenthal, City Manager