SECTIONS 44285 - California Statutes

HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE

SECTION 44285

44285. (a) From time to time, the commission shall issue specific
requests for proposals (RFPs) or program opportunity notices (PONs)
for technology proposals to be funded from the Advanced Technology
Account. The first issuance of RFPs or PONs shall be no later than
January 31, 2000. It is the intent of the Legislature that the
technology grants be used to support development of emission-reducing
technologies that could be used for projects eligible for funding
pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature
that the technology grants be directed to a balanced mix of retrofit
and add-on technologies to reduce emissions from the existing stock
of targeted vehicles, as well as to advanced technologies for new
engines and vehicles that produce very low or zero-NO x emissions.
The commission, in consultation with the state board, may also
consider funding technology projects that would allow qualifying
fuels, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 44284, to be produced
from California energy resources, with preference given to projects
involving otherwise unusable California energy resources, at prices
lower than prices otherwise available and low enough to make projects
that would qualify for funding under the program economically
attractive to local businesses. Not more than 20 percent of Advanced
Technology Account funds may be directed to those qualifying fuel
projects. Advanced technologies and any retrofit or add-on projects
that provide multiple benefits by reducing emissions of particulates
and other air pollutants should be given special consideration by the
commission in soliciting proposals and determining how to allocate
funds. At least 50 percent of the funds available in the Advanced
Technology Account shall be directed toward technologies that provide
multiple benefits.
(b) Proposals involving technologies that allow onroad covered
vehicles to replace with electric power the power normally supplied
by the vehicles' internal combustion engine while the vehicle is
parked shall be eligible for funding from the Advanced Technology
Account if they meet all applicable criteria under this section.
(c) Technologies proposed for technology grants shall show clear
and compelling evidence that the technology being funded has a strong
commercialization plan and organization, is likely to be offered for
commercial sale in California within five years of the application
for funding, and that, once commercial, the technology will present
opportunities for projects otherwise eligible for funding pursuant to
this chapter. The commission shall specifically consider the
projected NO x reducing potential and cost-effectiveness of the
commercialized technology, the potential for the technology to
contribute in a significant way to air quality goals, and the
strength of the commercialization plan.
(d) The commission may require cost sharing for technology
projects, but shall not require repayment of funds granted.
(e) Proposals for projects involving either publicly owned or
privately owned vehicles or vessels shall be eligible for technology
awards.
(f) In developing RFPs and PONs and in evaluating proposals for
funding, the commission shall consider that the primary objective of
technology grants is to advance toward commercialization technologies
that would support projects to be funded under the program.