DATE: June 15, 2021
SUBJECT:
Title
INFORMATIONAL UPDATE ON THE STATUS OF THE PORT ELECTRIFICATION IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY AND DIRECTION TO STAFF
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
As an environmental champion for San Diego Bay and the surrounding waterfront, the Port is developing a Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS) as part of its continued efforts to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while continuing to transition to more efficient, modern, and sustainable maritime operations.
Electrification will play a significant role in the reduction of emissions, and as such, the Port is developing a working strategy to drive the implementation of electrification projects in and around the tidelands.
Staff will present the Port’s strategy and an outline of the opportunities that staff has identified.
Staff will be seeking guidance on any additional criteria or information that the board may want to see included the Port’s working electrification implementation strategy.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Receive an informational update on the status of the Port Electrification Implementation Strategy
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FISCAL IMPACT:
This presentation has no fiscal impact.
Compass Strategic Goals:
This agenda item supports the following Strategic Goal(s).
• A Port that the public understands and trusts.
• A thriving and modern maritime seaport.
• A Port with a healthy and sustainable bay and its environment.
• A Port with a comprehensive vision for Port land and water uses integrated to regional plans.
• A Port that is a safe place to visit, work, and play.
• A Port with an innovative and motivated workforce.
• A financially sustainable Port that drives job creation and regional economic vitality.
DISCUSSION:
During the May 2021 Board of Port Commissioners (BPC) meeting, staff presented a draft MCAS that had recently gone out for public review and received numerous comment letters and robust feedback. During that board meeting, the board directed staff to make additional changes and reissue the draft for additional public review in the following months.
In support of the ongoing efforts of electrification, District staff currently maintains a list of emission reduction opportunities, which is composed of both near-term and longer-term projects. To promote electrification, Port staff is developing an Electrification Implementation Strategy to assist in the goal to attain improved electrification initiatives throughout the tidelands. The Electrification Implementation Strategy being pursued by staff would be a centralized, internal working tool used by staff to monitor and track electrification opportunities. Key criteria will be gathered to allow Port staff to track particular opportunities based on multiple factors, including but not limited to: timeline for completion, community, and business impact, cost, grant opportunity readiness, emission reductions, regulatory requirement, etc. Compilation of these criteria will aid staff in its pursuit of electrification by comprehensively identifying issues, timelines, costs, and other factors that are integral to the implementation of emissions reduction projects.
Staff will present the Port’s draft strategy and an outline of the opportunities that staff has identified.
Staff will be seeking guidance on any additional criteria or information that the BPC may want to see included in the Port’s working electrification implementation strategy.
General Counsel’s Comments:
The General Counsel’s Office reviewed this agenda sheet as presented to it as to form and legality.
Environmental Review:
This item would provide an informational update on the draft Port Electrification Implementation Strategy and would provide direction to staff. This presentation to the Board does not constitute an “approval” or a “project” under the definitions set forth in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Sections 15352 and 15378 because no direct or indirect changes to the physical environment would occur. CEQA requires that the District adequately assess the environmental impacts of projects and reasonably foreseeable activities that may result from projects prior to the approval of the same. Any project developed as a result of the presentation that requires the District or the Board’s discretionary approval resulting in a physical change to the environment will be analyzed in accordance with CEQA prior to such approval. CEQA review may result in the District, in its sole and absolute discretion, requiring implementation of mitigation measures, adopting an alternative, including without limitation, a “no project alternative,” or adopting a Statement of Overriding Consideration if required. The presentation in no way limits the exercise of this discretion. Therefore, no further CEQA review is required.
The presentation complies with Section 35 of the Port Act, which allows the Board to do all acts necessary and convenient for the exercise of its powers. The Port Act was enacted by the California Legislature and is consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine. Consequently, the presentation is consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine.
The presentation does not allow for “development,” as defined in Section 30106 of the California Coastal Act, or “new development,” pursuant to Section 1.a. of the District’s Coastal Development Permit (CDP) Regulations because it will not result in, without limitation, a physical change, change in use or increase the intensity of uses. Therefore, issuance of a Coastal Development Permit or exclusion is not required. However, development within the District requires processing under the District’s CDP Regulations. Future development, as defined in Section 30106 of the Coastal Act, will remain subject to its own independent review pursuant to the District’s certified CDP Regulations, PMP, and Chapters 3 and 8 of the Coastal Act. The presentation in no way limits the exercise of the District’s discretion under the District’s CDP Regulations. Therefore, issuance of a CDP or exclusion is not required at this time.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program:
Not applicable.
PREPARED BY:
Mike LaFleur
Vice President, Maritime
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