California Laws and Incentives for Other

The list below contains summaries of all California laws and incentives related to Other.

State Incentives

Alternative Fuel and Vehicle Incentives

The California Energy Commission (CEC) administers the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program (Program) to provide financial incentives for businesses, vehicle and technology manufacturers, workforce training partners, fleet owners, consumers, and academic institutions with the goal of developing and deploying alternative and renewable fuels and advanced transportation technologies. The CEC must prepare and adopt an annual Investment Plan for the Program to establish funding priorities and opportunities that reflect program goals and to describe how program funding will be used to complement other public and private investments. Funded projects include:

• Commercial alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) demonstrations and deployment;
• Alternative and renewable fuel production;
• Research and development of alternative and renewable fuels and innovative technologies;
• AFV manufacturing;
• Workforce training; and
• Public education, outreach, and promotion.

(Reference Assembly Bills 2405, 2012, and California Code of Regulations, Title 13, Chapter 8.1 and California Health and Safety Code 44270-44274.7)

Advanced Transportation Financing

The California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority (CAEATFA) provides financing for property used to develop and commercialize advanced transportation technologies that reduce pollution and energy use and promote economic development. Eligible advanced transportation technologies include electric vehicles, fuel cells, and ultra low emission vehicles. CAEATFA may provide financial incentives in the form of sales and use tax exclusions on qualified property. See the CAEATFA website for information about current incentives. (Reference California Public Resources Code 26000-26017)

Technology Advancement Funding - South Coast

The South Coast Air Quality Management District's Clean Fuels Program provides funding for research, development, demonstration, and deployment projects that are expected to help accelerate the commercialization of advanced low emission transportation technologies. Eligible projects include powertrains and energy storage/conversion devices (e.g., fuel cells and batteries), and implementation of clean fuels (e.g., natural gas, propane, and hydrogen), including the necessary infrastructure. Projects are selected via specific requests for proposals on an as-needed basis or through unsolicited proposals. Approximately $10 million in funding is available annually with expected cost-share from other project partners and stakeholders.

Low Emission Vehicle Incentives and Technical Training - San Joaquin Valley

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) administers the REMOVE II program, which provides incentives for cost-effective projects that result in motor vehicle emissions reductions and long-term impacts on air pollution in the San Joaquin Valley. As of October 2012, REMOVE II is providing funding for vanpool agencies that reduce or replace single occupant vehicle commutes in the San Joaquin Valley. To participate, vanpool agencies must submit an application to SJVAPCD and sign a contract to become a Vanpool Voucher Incentive Program partner. REMOVE II also includes an Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Mechanic Training Component that provides incentives to educate personnel on the mechanics, operation safety, and maintenance of AFVs, fueling stations, and tools involved in the implementation of alternative fuel technologies.

Air Quality Improvement Program Funding - Ventura County

The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District offers the Clean Air Fund, which provides grants for qualified air quality improvement projects located in Ventura County. The Clean Air Fund Advisory Committee is interested in projects that will have significant emissions reduction impacts or support innovative air pollution reduction technologies.

Utility/Private Incentives

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Rebate - LADWP

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) provides rebates of up to $2,000 to residential customers who purchase or lease a new electric vehicle and install Level 2 EVSE with a separate time-of-use meter at their home. Customers living in apartment buildings or condominiums may also qualify for the rebate so long as they have received permission from the property owner and/or homeowner association. Rebates are available to the first 1,000 approved customers. The program will expire on June 30, 2013, when the program goals are met, or when the funds are exhausted, whichever occurs first. For program guidelines and application materials, see the Charger Installation Rebate website.

Laws and Regulations

Biomethane Promotion

The California Public Utility Commission (Commission) must adopt policies and programs to promote in-state production and distribution of biomethane to meet energy and transportation needs. (Reference Assembly Bill 1900, 2012, and California Public Utilities Code 399.24)

State Agency Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Installation

California state agencies must actively identify and pursue opportunities to install EVSE, and accommodate future EVSE demand, at state employee parking facilities in new and existing agency buildings. (Reference Executive Order B-18-12, 2012)

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Policies for Multi-Unit Dwellings

A common interest development, including a community apartment, condominium, and cooperative development, may not prohibit or restrict the installation or use of EVSE in a homeowner's designated parking space. These entities may put reasonable restrictions on EVSE, but the policies may not significantly increase the cost of the EVSE or significantly decrease its efficiency or performance. If installation in the homeowner's designated parking space is not possible, with authorization, the homeowner may add EVSE in a common area for their use. The homeowner must obtain appropriate approvals from the common interest development association and agree in writing to comply with applicable architectural standards, engage a licensed installation contractor, provide a certificate of insurance, and pay for the electricity usage associated with the EVSE. Any application for approval should be processed by the common interest development association without willful avoidance or delay. The homeowner and each successive homeowner of the parking space equipped with EVSE is responsible for the cost of the installation, maintenance, repair, removal, or replacement of the station, as well as any resulting damage to the EVSE or surrounding area. The homeowner must also maintain a $1 million umbrella liability coverage policy and name the common interest development as an additional insured entity under the policy. If EVSE is installed in a common area for use by all members of the association, the common interest development must develop terms for use of the EVSE. (Reference Senate Bill 880, 2012, and California Civil Code 1353.9)

Access to Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) Registration Records

The California Department of Motor Vehicles may disclose to an electrical corporation or local publicly owned utility a PEV owner's address and vehicle type if the information is used exclusively to identify where the PEV is registered. (Reference California Vehicle Code 1808.23)

Vehicle Miles Traveled Tax Feasibility Evaluation

To facilitate a reliable and steady funding mechanism for maintaining and improving surface transportation infrastructure, the California Legislature requests the President and Congress to consider and enact legislation to conduct a feasibility study of the collection process for a transportation revenue source based on vehicle miles traveled. (Reference Assembly Joint Resolution 5, 2011)

Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) Infrastructure Information Resource

The California Energy Commission, in consultation with the Public Utilities Commission, must develop and maintain a website containing specific links to electrical corporations, local publicly owned electric utilities, and other websites that contain information specific to PEVs, including the following:

• Resources to help consumers determine if their residences will require utility service upgrades to accommodate PEVs;
• Basic charging circuit requirements;
• Utility rate options; and
• Load management techniques.

(Reference California Public Resources Code 25227)

Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Evaluation

The California Public Utilities Commission (Commission), in consultation with the California Energy Commission, California Air Resources Board, electrical corporations, and the motor vehicle industry, must evaluate policies to develop infrastructure sufficient to overcome barriers to the widespread deployment and use of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs). The Commission must adopt rules to address the following:

• The impacts on electrical infrastructure and any infrastructure upgrades necessary for widespread use of PEVs, including the role and development of public charging infrastructure;
• The impact of PEVs on grid stability and the integration of renewable energy resources;
• The technological advances necessary to ensure the widespread use of PEVs and what role the state should take to support the development of this technology;
• The existing code and permit requirements that will impact the widespread use of PEVs and any recommended changes to existing policies that may be barriers to the widespread use of PEVs;
• The role the state should take to ensure that technologies employed in PEVs work harmoniously and across service territories; and
• The impact of widespread use of PEVs on achieving the state's greenhouse gas emissions reductions goals and renewables portfolio standard program, and what steps should be taken to address the possibility of shifting emissions reductions responsibilities from the transportation sector to the electrical industry.

(Reference California Public Utilities Code 740.2)

Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Promotion Plan

All state agencies must support and facilitate the rapid commercialization of ZEVs in California. In particular, the California Air Resources Board, California Energy Commission, Public Utilities Commission, and other relevant state agencies must work with the Plug-in Electric Vehicle Collaborative and the California Fuel Cell Partnership to establish benchmarks to achieve targets for ZEV commercialization. These targets include:

• By 2015, all major metropolitan areas in California will be able to accommodate ZEVs and have infrastructure plans and streamlined permitting in place;
• By 2020, the state will have established adequate infrastructure to support one million ZEVs;
• By 2025, there will be 1.5 million ZEVs on the road in California and clean, efficient vehicles will displace 1.5 billion gallons of petroleum fuels annually; and
• By 2050, greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector will be 80% less than 1990 levels.

The ZEV promotion plan also directs the state fleet to increase the number of ZEVs in the fleet through gradual vehicle replacement. By 2015, ZEVs should make up at least 10% of fleet light-duty vehicle (LDV) purchases and by 2020, at least 25% of fleet LDV purchases should be ZEVs. Vehicles with special performance requirements necessary for public safety and welfare are exempt from this requirement.

(Reference Executive Order B-16, 2012)

State Transportation Plan

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) must update the California Transportation Plan (Plan) by December 31, 2015, and every five years thereafter. The Plan must address how the state will achieve maximum feasible emissions reductions, taking into consideration the use of alternative fuels, new vehicle technology, and tailpipe emissions reductions. Caltrans must prepare and submit an interim report to the California Transportation Commission and to the Senate and Assembly committees related to transportation, environmental quality, natural resources, and local government by December 31, 2012. Caltrans must consult and coordinate with related state agencies, air quality management districts, public transit operators, and regional transportation planning agencies. Caltrans must also provide an opportunity for general public input. Caltrans must submit a final draft of the Plan to the legislature and governor. (Reference California Government Code 65071-65073)

Regional Climate Change Initiative

Governors of California, Oregon, and Washington approved a series of recommendations for action to combat global warming, as detailed in the West Coast Governors' Global Warming Initiative. The three states must act individually as well as regionally to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Initiative includes adopting standards to reduce GHG emissions from vehicles by expanding markets for efficiency, renewable energy and alternative fuels, including creating a working group on developing hydrogen fuel. Building upon this commitment, California joined other western states and several Canadian provinces to sign an agreement establishing the Western Climate Initiative, a joint effort to reduce GHG emissions and address climate change.

Alternative Fuel Vehicle Retrofit Emissions Inspection Process

The California Department of Health and Safety may adopt a process by which state designated referees inspect vehicles that present prohibitive inspection circumstances, such as vehicles equipped with alternative fuel retrofit systems. (Reference California Health and Safety Code 44014)

Alternative Fuel and Vehicle Policy Development

The California Energy Commission must prepare and submit an Integrated Energy Policy Report (IEPR) to the governor on a biannual basis. The IEPR provides an overview of major energy trends and issues facing the state, including those related to transportation fuels, technologies, and infrastructure. The IEPR also examines potential effects of alternative fuels use, vehicle efficiency improvements, and shifts in transportation modes on public health and safety, the economy, resources, the environment, and energy security. The IEPR's primary purpose is to develop energy policies that conserve resources, protect the environment, ensure energy reliability, enhance the state's economy, and protect public health and safety. (Reference California Public Resources Code 25302)

Tire Inflation Requirement

The California Air Resources Board (ARB) adopted regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles operating inefficiently with under inflated tires. These regulations apply to vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less. Automotive service providers performing or offering to perform automotive maintenance or repair services in the state must:

• Check and inflate vehicle tires to the manufacturer recommended tire pressure rating, with air or nitrogen as appropriate, using a tire pressure gauge with a total permissible error of no more than plus/minus two pounds per square inch, when performing maintenance or repair;
• Indicate on the vehicle service invoice that a tire inflation service was completed and specify the resulting pressure measurements;
• Have access to a tire inflation reference published within the last three years; and
• Keep a copy of the service invoice for at least three years and make the invoice available to ARB or an authorized representative upon request.

(Reference California Code of Regulations Title 17, Section 95550)

Fuel-Efficient Tire Program Development

The California Energy Commission must adopt and implement a state-wide Fuel Efficient Tire Program that includes a consumer information and education program and minimum tire efficiency standards. (Reference California Public Resources Code 25770-25773)