LOS ANGELES BOARD OF AIRPORT COMMISSIONERS APPROVE UPDATES TO LAX ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLE REQUIREMENT PROGRAM TO FURTHER IMPROVE AIRPORT AIR QUALITY
(Los Angeles, California – October 5, 2017) Today, the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners (BOAC) approved an update to the LAX Alternative Fuel Vehicle Requirement (AFV Requirement). The original AFV Requirement, which was adopted in 2007 and is included in all operator contracts, permits, leases and licenses, has been updated to allow Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) to take advantage of evolving technological developments in clean vehicles. The update also adds enforcement provisions to ensure compliance by operators at LAX. As LAX’s Alternative Fuel Vehicle Program covers more vehicles than any other airport’s clean vehicle program, these updates are projected improve air quality at LAX and throughout the Los Angeles region.
“Zero-emission vehicles are good for our health, and the policy LAWA adopted today will mean cleaner air for the neighborhoods I represent near LAX,” said Councilmember Mike Bonin, whose District 11 includes LAX. “I’m glad to see LAWA, Metro and the Port of LA all help make the use of clean air vehicles the standard in LA.”
“The Alternative Fuel Vehicle Requirement has helped to reduce air pollution at the airport and throughout surrounding communities for the past 10 years,” said BOAC President Sean Burton. “This update will help everyone breathe easier by facilitating the operation of a wider variety of newer, cleaner vehicles that will keep air pollution to a minimum while ensuring efficient operations throughout the airport.”
“The update to the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Requirement will ensure that LAX, its guests, and members of our surrounding communities benefit from the reduced emissions that come with the operation of vehicles with newer technologies,” said LAWA Chief Executive Officer Deborah Flint. “Airports need to ensure that those who operate at the airport in a variety of capacities --from shuttles to catering trucks to buses to delivery trucks –are using the cleanest vehicles available which will result in cleaner air and a sustainable environment for our passengers and those who live in surrounding communities”
As originally adopted in 2007, the AFV Requirement applies to on-road vehicles operating at LAX with gross weights of 8,500 pounds or more, which primarily includes buses, shuttles, catering trucks, delivery vehicles, and most large passenger vans. Operators subject to the requirement must use alternative-fuel vehicles, such as those powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) or by other low or non-emitting means. Vehicle suitability under the requirement has been determined by an independent third-party monitor. To date, the requirement applies to approximately 1,900 commercial vehicles and more than 400 operators at LAX.
Today’s update better defines the type of clean fuel vehicles that are allowed to operate at LAX. As part of the update, heavy-duty vehicles that meet the least-polluting category of California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Optional Low Oxides of Nitrogen, and medium duty vehicles that meet CARB’s Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards will be able to be used at LAX.
Furthermore, as part of the update, only medium and heavy-duty vehicles equipped with engines less than 13 years old, or with fewer than 500,000 miles, will be permitted to operate at LAX. The 13-year period is consistent with state law, and is meant to promote a newer and cleaner fleet. Zero-emission vehicles with engines older than 13 years will be allowed to operate at LAX, and alternative fuel vehicles previously approved under the original 2007 AFV requirement will be grandfathered into the new policy. Vehicles designated as “low-use” and those performing public safety duties will be exempt from the updated policy.
The update also adds an enforcement component that will allow LAWA to suspend or cancel non-compliant operator licenses, permits, leases, and contracts. LAWA will also be able to recover administrative costs associated with the enforcement of non-compliant operators.
Outside of this policy, LAWA will develop an incentive program to encourage operators to replace conventionally-fueled or diesel-operated vehicles with zero emission vehicles. Additionally, LAWA will begin to converting its own bus fleet to all-electric buses, with a goal of complete fleet conversion by 2030. An RFP is expected to be released soon.
Though the AFV requirement does not apply to ground service equipment (e.g., aircraft tugs) or construction equipment, emissions from these vehicles are subject to LAWA’s Ground Service Equipment (GSE) Emission Reduction Policy and Clean Construction Equipment Program, respectively.
About Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
LAX is the fourth busiest airport in the world, second in the United States, and was named one of Skytrax’ 2017 Top 10 Most Improved Airports. LAX served more than 80.9 million passengers in 2016. LAX offers 737 daily nonstop flights to 100 cities in the U.S. and 1,386 weekly nonstop flights to 88 cities in 44 countries on 73 commercial air carriers. LAX ranks 14th in the world and fifth in the U.S. in air cargo tonnage processed, with more than 2.2 million tons of air cargo valued at over $101.4 billion. LAX handled 697,138 operations (landings and takeoffs) in 2016.
An economic study based on 2014 operations reported LAX generated 620,600 jobs in Southern California with labor income of $37.3 billion and economic output (business revenues) of more than $126.6 billion. This activity added $6.2 billion to local and state revenues and $8.7 billion in federal tax revenues. The study also reported that LAX’s ongoing capital-improvement program creates an additional 121,640 annual jobs with labor income of $7.6 billion and economic output of $20.3 billion, $966 million in state and local taxes, and $1.6 billion in federal tax revenues.
LAX is also the second most popular airport in the world to appear on Instagram according to wego.com. LAX is part of a system of two Southern California airports – along with Van Nuys general aviation – that are owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports, a proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles that receives no funding from the City’s general fund.
As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. Alternative formats in large print, braille, audio, and other forms (if possible) will be provided upon request.
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