Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 2. Characteristics of ZEBus Regulation in California
Regulatory
Characteristics
Regulatory Details and Impacts on
Technological Environmental Innovation
Level
1
Goal-setting
The ZEBus Regulation establishes long-term goals for emission reduction by public transporta-
tion in California. The additional goal of GHG reduction has been recommended to be added to
the Regulation by the CARB (CARB, 2009b and 2010a)
●●●
Outcome-oriented
The ZEBus Regulation is technology-forcing instead of technology setting. Different pathways
are available. Transit agencies can work on solutions based on diesel, electricity, fuel cell, etc.
It encourages search for the best technology options which produce the zero-emission outcome
●●●
Stringency
The zero-emission target poses a real challenge and pressure for the automobile manufacturing
industry and the transit agencies to search for the most innovative transport technologies in
meeting the targets
●●●
Flexibility
The transit agencies have some flexibility in selecting the technology options if they meet the
stringent emission standard. Transit agencies are also allowed to implement a joint zero-emission
bus demonstration project on a case-by-case basis (CARB, 2009c, p. 11)
●●○
Certainty
When the Regulation was announced, clear time-frames were provided for regulatory compliance
(e.g. ZEBus demonstration, and annual fleet acquisition), though the certainty has been weak-
ened somewhat by constant revision of the implementation time frame due to the technological
immaturity of ZEBuses
●●○
Consistency
The ZEBus Regulation is highly consistent with the broader air pollution control regulation
in California, the ZEV Mandate. Both resemble each other regarding regulatory targets (zero-
emission and percentage of acquisition), details of implementation (time-frame for meeting
the targets, reporting, etc.), and procedures for drafting, public consultation and amendments
(CARB, 2009a, 2009c)
●●○
Incentive-based
Government grants and credit awards have been established to facilitate demonstration and
encourage early acquisition of zero-emission buses (CARB, 2009c, p. 14). During the initial
demonstration, transit agencies were supported with 54% of the total funding for demonstration
of ZEBuses from the government at federal and other levels (CARB, 2009b, p. 8). The financial
support offsets the huge costs of fuel cellbuses
●●●
Voluntary-based
Although transit agencies are not allowed to set their own emission standards, the transit agen-
cies are given some flexibility to choose their ways of regulatory implementation, such as the
ZEBus technology to use, and who to partner with during the advanced phase of demonstration
●○○
Information-coupling
Transit agencies are required under the Regulation to provide operational and maintenance
records of ZEBus demonstrations, and report to the government regularly (CARB 2009c, p. 11).
The operational and maintenance data allows the regulators to assess the technology readiness
(in terms of durability and reliability). The regulators can better evaluate the maturity of various
options and readjust the time-frame for implementation accordingly
●●●
Participatory
Formal procedures are established for stakeholder and public participation. In each round of
regulatory exercise, public hearings were conducted to discuss ZEBus technology and the Regu-
lation before and after the drafting of the Regulation. Opportunities are created for the transit
agencies and the public to provide feedbacks. Comments are properly addressed and integrated,
if necessary, before drafted proposals or amendments become legal
●●●
Process-based
Continuous updating of regulatory requirements has been exercised. Formal procedures have
been given to hold workshops and public hearings in each round of the regulatory exercise. This
ensures that the Regulation is in phase with the technology development and market availability,
and is responsive and reflective of the latest demands and expectations of the key industrial,
societal and political stakeholders
●●●
Capability-enhancing
The ZEBus Regulation is complemented by the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP), a
voluntary programme initiated by the California state government. It offers opportunities for
organizational learning and networking between the transit agencies, the ZEBus infrastructure and
technology providers. The ZEBus demonstration, and the reporting of operational and maintenance
data (CARB, 2009c) help the transit companies to progressively acquire the relevant capabilities
and skills in the pursuit of zero-emission transport technologies
●●●
Source: Adapted from CARB (2009a, 2009b, 2009c and 2010a)
1
Key: Strong = ●●●; Moderate = ●●○; Weak = ●○○; None=○○○
