Environmental Management Commission

AGENDA Environmental Management Commission October 19, 2020 – 7PM Council Chambers, Oakdale City Hall 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. January 13, 2020 4. MANAGEMENT REPORTS a. Energy efficiency resources discussion 5. ALL OTHER ITEMS a. Review of 2020 EMC Work Plan b. Electric vehicle studies discussion i. 2019 EV Study recap ii. 2020/21 study next steps 6. NEXT MEETING DATE a. Future in-person or virtual meetings to be determined 7. ADJOURNMENT The next regular Environmental Management Commission meeting to be determined as need requires and distancing standards allow  REGULAR MEETING ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION City of Oakdale January 13, 2020 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) of the City of Oakdale was held on Monday, January 13, 2020 at the Oakdale City Hall, 1584 Hadley Avenue North, Oakdale, Minnesota. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Miller at 7:00 p.m. CALL OF ROLL On a call of roll, the following were present: Present: Keith Miller, Chairperson Nick Kantola, Vice Chair Commissioners: Gretel Drainville Noah Gerding Bonnie Wilson Also Present: Jennifer Hassebroek, Sr. Community Development Specialist Susan Olson, City Council Member Quorum Present: YES ☒ NO ☐ APPROVAL OF MINUTES IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER DRAINVILLE, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GERDING, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION WORKSHOP HELD NOVEMBER 18, 2019. 5 AYES. ELECTION OF COMMISSION CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR Chair Miller explained the annual nomination procedure for Chair and Vice Chair. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER DRAINVILLE, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WILSON, TO NOMINATE COMMISSIONER MILLER FOR THE POSITION OF CHAIR. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILSON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER DRAINVILLE, TO NOMINATE COMMISSIONER KANTOLA FOR THE POSITION OF VICE CHAIR. Environmental Management Minutes Page Two January 13, 2020 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER GERDING, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER DRAINVILLE, TO CLOSE THE NOMINATIONS FOR THE POSITIONS OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER KANTOLA, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER DRAINVILLE, TO ELECT COMMISSIONER MILLER AS CHAIR OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION FOR A PERIOD OF ONE (1) CALENDAR YEAR, COMMENCING WITH THE JANUARY 13, 2020 MEETING. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER GERDING, SECONDED COMMISSIONER WILSON, TO ELECT COMMISSIONER KANTOLA TO THE POSITION OF VICE CHAIR OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION FOR A PERIOD OF ONE (1) CALENDAR YEAR, COMMENCING WITH THE JANUARY 13, 2020 MEETING. 5 AYES. ADOPT A STORM DRAIN Ms. Hassebroek discussed the City’s new Adopt a Drain program. She noted that the GIS data on storm drain locations had been updated and that the program will be ready to roll out this year, as discussed by the Commission in November. Ms. Hassebroek provided an overview of the Adopt a Drain website (https://adopt-a- drain.org/) and talked about the importance of the program for protecting water quality. In response to questions from commissioners, Ms. Hassebroek explained that it is a metro- wide program and that there is no limit to the number of storm drains a volunteer may adopt. ADOPT A STORM DRAIN PROGRAM PROMOTION Commissioners discussed ideas for free promotion of the Adopt a Drain program. Commissioners Drainville and Kantola noted that they would work on messaging. The Commission suggested handing out information at the Arbor Day Tree Giveaway in April and at a Farmer’s Market; Commissioners Drainville and Gerding offered to work shifts. The Commission indicated that it would adopt a drain or drains near City Hall and promote it on social media to encourage participation from the community. Staff will identify drains for the Commission to adopt and set up a schedule. Environmental Management Commission January 13, 2020 Page Three In response to a question from Commissioner Drainville, Ms. Hassebroek noted that she would look into whether the Commission could have access to list of residents who have adopted a park. Commissioner Wilson asked if Staff could get a version of the Adopt a Drain handout with a Washington County stamp on the letter. Chair Miller and Commissioner Drainville suggested promoting the program to different neighborhoods/associations at their annual meetings. Commissioner Drainville suggested promoting to businesses, perhaps offering to promote the business on the city’s website and/or on social media. Chair Miller stated that the timeline to begin will most likely be April and that the program complements the city’s Adopt a Wetland program. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS and COMMISSIONER UPDATES Ms. Hassebroek reminded the Commission of the joint meeting with the City Council on Monday, February 24 at 5:00 pm. Ms. Hassebroek noted that she was asked by the staff at CEE if the city was interested in participating in a metro wide contest to see which city can have the most residents sign up for a Home Energy Squad visit. More information will be forthcoming. Chair Miller mentioned a meeting in Roseville on February 13 of the area commissions primarily in Ramsey County and north metro and some east metro locations. He added that the meeting would be used as a follow up on the plans and actions cities are taking on resiliency; it is an Alliance for Sustainability meeting. Chair Miller will send the information to commissioners regarding this meeting. Chair Miller asked Ms. Hassebroek to prepare materials for the joint meeting with the City Council in February. Commission Wilson saw a Green Step City sign in Lake Elmo and asked if Oakdale has any. Commissioner Kantola stated he has seen them at the entrances to the city. Ms. Hassebroek stated that she would look into ordering some. Environmental Management Commission January 13, 2020 Page Four NEXT MEETING DATE Chair Miller reminded the Commission that the next meeting would be Monday, February 10, 2020; the meeting was moved up a week due to President’s Day. ADJOURNMENT A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILSON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER DRAINVILLE, TO ADJOURN THE JANUARY 13, 2020 REGULAR MEETING OF THE OAKDALE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AT 7:33 P.M. 5 AYES. Respectfully submitted by Jackie Knutson, Recording Secretary TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Shannon Reidlinger DATE: October 15, 2020 SUBJ: Energy efficiency resources Increasing energy efficiency in Oakdale’s residences and businesses is a component of the commission’s 2020 Work Plan – and, as October is Energy Awareness Month, energy efficiency education is particularly timely. Resources to assist the EMC in promoting energy efficiency include: Energy audits.  Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs). Homeowners, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to make energy-saving improvements by: o Engaging in energy assessment and benchmarking. o Finding energy efficient lights with The Right Light App. o Connecting with companies that can help plan, implement, and manage clean energy projects, including solar installers, with The Clean Energy Project Builder. Info at: https://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/tools-guides  The Citizens Utility Board (CUB). In addition to offering energy consultations and utility bill clinics designed to help customers save money or get renewable power, CUB also provides an extensive resource library for individuals looking to make their home more energy efficient. Info at: http://cubminnesota.org  Energy Smart. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce helps businesses reduce costs and generate energy savings by offering phone and on-site energy consultation, utility bill analysis, energy benchmarking and Energy Star rating assessment, project funding assistance, and workshops. Info at: https://www.mnchamber.com/your-opportunity/energy-smart  The Home Energy Squad. Delivered by the Center for Energy and Environment, CenterPoint Energy and Excel Energy customers may coordinate a free virtual visit to discover low-cost energy-saving opportunities. Info at: https://www.mncee.org/solutions/homes/home-energy-squad  MN Department of Commerce. K-12 schools can identify opportunities to reduce energy costs and improve infrastructure through the Local Energy Efficiency Program (LEEP). Info at: https://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/performance-contracting-public- facilities  Xcel Energy. Resources for Xcel customers include a home energy audit, a home energy saver tool, and a power check. Info at: https://www.xcelenergy.com/programs_and_rebates/residential_programs_and_ rebates/home_energy_efficiency Incentives and financing.  Xcel Energy. To encourage energy efficient practices, Xcel incentivizes customers to: o Charge EVs during off-peak hours with the Time of Day Rate Plan  o Cut back on A/C use during peak demand by installing a smart thermostat and enrolling in the Saver’s Switch plan o Switch to natural gas instead of using propane or fuel oil o Build homes that exceed local energy code and baseline requirements for energy efficiency by at least 10% with the Efficient New Home Construction program Info at: https://www.xcelenergy.com/programs_and_rebates/residential_programs_a nd_rebates/home_energy_efficiency Home electric savings, weatherization, and appliance replacement are also available to qualified low-income customers through the Home Energy Saving Program. Info at: https://www.xcelenergy.com/billing_and_payment/understanding_your_bill/ener gy_assistance_options/income-qualified_home_energy_savings  MinnPACE and the Saint Paul Port Authority. Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) and Trillion BTU financing makes energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy investment attainable for commercial, industrial, multi-family, and nonprofit building owners. Oakdale is a MinnPACE partner. Info at: https://www.minnpace.com & https://www.sppa.com/portfinancing/trillion-btu  MN Department of Commerce. The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) and Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provide opportunities for energy conservation and efficiency to income-qualified households. In addition, K-12 schools can receive assistance with energy savings projects through the Guaranteed Energy Savings Program (GESP). Info at: https://mn.gov/commerce/consumers/consumer-assistance/ TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Shannon Reidlinger DATE: October 15, 2020 SUBJ: 2020 EMC Work Plan review For the remainder of the year and into 2021, the commission’s work will be guided by the 2020 Work Plan. The work plan was presented at the February 24, 2020 City Council workshop and focuses on implementing recommendations identified in the 2019 Electric Vehicle Study as well as energy efficiency promotion, waste reduction education, water conservation, and GreenStep Cities best practices regarding Living Streets and Mobility Options. [Original] EV Study Priorities Priority Timeline Action Description Sponsor, coordinate, or September promote a local ride and drive where residents may Ride and Drive Event test drive and speak with actual EV owners about their experience. Allow EV charging station Jan - Mar X Zoning/Subdivision as an accessory use in all Code Amendment zoning districts. Establish design Jan - Mar X standards for public, Zoning/Subdivision commercial, and multi- Code Amendment family EV charging stations. Define requirements for Jan - Mar X City Code parking in an EV charging Amendment station and penalty for violation.  Minimum number of Jan - Mar X Zoning/Subdivision accessible EV charging Code Amendment stations in new development. Identify appropriate Jan - Mar X incentive for EV charging Zoning/Subdivision infrastructure in new Code Amendment multi-family or commercial developments. Ensure process for permit April Building Permit meets best practices for Process form, rate, and education. Partner with Drive Electric Quarterly, as EV Bulk Buy MN to promote their bulk sales are buy programs for EV’s available Add EV charging April infrastructure and City Financing for EV equipment as eligible Charging Stations expenses under the BRLF and HIA loan programs. [Original] Other Comp Plan Priorities Priority Timeline Promote Ongoing Promote Xcel Energy reinvestment in Rebate Programs, PACE, res/com properties Trillion BTU through EE Connect low income June - to weatherization CUB Bill Clinic Host Site August and EE resources  Zoning regulations Update zoning code for July X for solar solar as accessory use Promote res/com EE June - Solar Twin Cities Host Site and RE August Washington County February Recycling Grant Projects include: Oakdale Update advertising, multi- Reduce waste family recycling generation, increase promotion, Biz Recycling recycling promotion, and Commissioner-led testimonials for ease of use of Washington County organics recycling program. Promote Adopt-a-Drain at Ongoing various community Promote water events, EMC adopting conservation drains at City Hall as promo project [Original[ GreenStep Cities BP Priorities Priority Timeline BP 11.5 identify Fall complete street gaps Bike and ped plan update in road network BP 12.3 increase Fall Bike and ped plan update: active transportation identify mobility options and alternatives to on city web car travel 2019 Metrics Updated metrics to reflect April reporting 2019 data. TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Shannon Reidlinger DATE: October 15, 2020 SUBJ: Electric Vehicle Charging Station Site Selection Study Chapter 8 (Resilience) of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update establishes the following goal and policy: Goal #1: Consistent with state-wide goals, community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions shall be reduced 30% by 2025 and 80% by 2050 from 2007 levels in order to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the community. Policy #6: Support private and public infrastructure that accommodates and encourages use of electric and autonomous vehicles and explore options for City fleet use of electric vehicles. The first step in addressing Policy #6 was to look at electric vehicles and evaluate the City’s role in their use. Staff provided a presentation to the EMC on August 19, 2019, and to City Council during the January 14, 2020 workshop, overviewing the attached Electric Vehicle Study. The next step in addressing Policy #6 builds upon recommendations outlined in the 2019 EV Study by exploring preferred locations for electric vehicle charging stations throughout Oakdale. Staff will complete an EV Charging Station Site Selection Study to evaluate:  Increasing accessibility to electric vehicle ownership through the modification of existing zoning and subdivision ordinances  Rate of current and potential future adoption of electric vehicles by the residential and business communities, which will inform charging station use case scenarios  Electrical infrastructure requirements  Financial requirements, including the capacity to install charging stations through partnerships with local organizations and/or businesses  2019 ELECTRIC VEHICLE STUDY Environmental Management Commission City of Oakdale 8/19/2019 ELECTRIC VEHICLE STUDY Table of Contents ELECTRIC VEHICLE STUDY........................................................................................................................ 14 Table of Contents .............................................................................................................................. 14 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................................................. 16 BACKGROUND ........................................................................................................................................... 18 Problem Statement ............................................................................................................................... 18 State and Local Policy........................................................................................................................... 18 Transportation Sector ........................................................................................................................... 18 ELECTRIC VEHICLE BASICS ...................................................................................................................... 20 Electric Vehicle Types ........................................................................................................................... 20 Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) ............................................................................................................ 20 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) ............................................................................................. 20 Electric Vehicle (EV) .......................................................................................................................... 20 Electric Vehicle Charging ...................................................................................................................... 21 Level 1 Charging ............................................................................................................................... 21 Level 2 Charging ............................................................................................................................... 21 DC Fast Charging............................................................................................................................... 21 Electric Vehicle Benefits ....................................................................................................................... 22 ELECTRIC VEHICLE BENEFITS FOR THE COMMUNITY ............................................................................ 23 Greenhouse Gas Emissions ................................................................................................................. 23 Air Pollutants ......................................................................................................................................... 23 Economic ............................................................................................................................................... 23 Electric Grid ........................................................................................................................................... 24 ADVANCING THE USE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES BY THE PUBLIC ............................................................. 25 Education............................................................................................................................................... 25 Policy & Regulation ............................................................................................................................... 25 Partnership ............................................................................................................................................ 30 ADVANCING THE USE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES IN CITY OPERATIONS .................................................... 31 Education............................................................................................................................................... 31 Policy & Regulation ............................................................................................................................... 31 Partnership ............................................................................................................................................ 32 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The primary driver behind Minnesota’s rapidly changing climate is greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). The transportation sector accounts for 25% of total GHG emissions in the state, 70% of which come from vehicle use. While traditionally gas-powered, technological advances have made it possible to use electricity to partially or completely power vehicles. Electric vehicles (EV) have a number of benefits both to the driver and the community. Oakdale has a role in advancing EV’s through its policy decisions and regulatory framework. Oakdale adopted a policy to support private and public EV infrastructure in its 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update. Vehicles that utilize electricity as a power source are either: Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) or Electric Vehicles (EV). Charging is done with either a Level 1, Level 2, or DC Fast Charger. The various types have different charging speeds and costs. Charging of an EV most often happens at home, but also can be done at the workplace, on the go at publicly accessible locations (e.g. Hy-Vee), city facilities, on-street or in the right of way. A summary of possible actions that could be taken to promote both public use and city use of EV’s is as follows. PUBLIC USE OF ELCTRIC VEHICLES Action Description Ride and Drive Event Sponsor, coordinate, or promote a local ride and drive where residents may test drive and speak with actual EV owners about their experience. Zoning/Subdivision Code Amendment Allow EV charging station as an accessory use in all zoning districts. Zoning/Subdivision Code Amendment Establish design standards for public, commercial, and multi-family EV charging stations. City Code Amendment Define requirements for parking in an EV charging station and penalty for violation. Zoning/Subdivision Code Amendment Ensure minimum number of accessible EV charging stations in new development. Zoning/Subdivision Code Amendment Identify appropriate incentive and/or requirements for EV charging infrastructure in new multi-family or commercial developments.  PUBLIC USE OF ELCTRIC VEHICLES Pilot Project - Commercial Property Workplace Partner with commercial property to create Charging workplace charging station pilot, promote to greater business community. Public facility, Park, On-street, Light Pole, or Evaluate viability of utilizing any of these other Right-of-Way Charging Station options to provide public EV charging at City- owned facilities and properties. Building Permit Process Ensure process for permit meets best practices for form, rate, and education. EV Bulk Buy Partner with Drive Electric MN to promote their bulk buy programs for EV’s City Financing for EV Charging Stations Add EV charging infrastructure and equipment as eligible expenses under the BRLF and HIA loan programs. CITY OPERATIONS USE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES Action Description City Fleet Evaluate feasibility of completing FleetCarma study to identify opportunities for EV use in City fleet. City Gas Powered Equipment Participate in MPCA grant program to replace equipment as warranted. State Vehicle Purchase Contract If opportunities for EV use are identified in the City fleet, use state contract to procure new vehicles as warranted. State EV Supply Equipment Contract If a public charging station is identified for city property, use state contract to keep equipment costs down. BACKGROUND Problem Statement - The primary driver behind Minnesota’s rapidly changing climate is the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) driven by human activity. GHGs are gases that warm the atmosphere and surface of the planet leading to changes in the earth’s climate. Much of the GHG emissions come from burning of fossil fuels for transportation, electricity generation, and agricultural practices. Climate change impacts public health, natural resources, infrastructure, and the state’s overall way of life. Higher temperatures, more extreme storms with intense flooding, changes in forestation patterns, crop growing seasons, and wildlife habitat impact the economy and the quality of life in Minnesota. 1 State and Local Policy - The State of Minnesota passed the Next Generation Energy Act in 2007 which set interim and long-term goals for the reduction of overall GHG emissions in the state. The Act called for a 30% reduction in 2005 GHG emissions by 2025 and an 80% reduction by 2050 across all sectors. In 2018, Oakdale adopted the same goal in the Resilience Chapter of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Progress towards emissions reduction goals requires regularly measuring GHG emissions. GHG’s are generally described in terms of CO2 equivalent (CO2-e). GHGs include carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs). CO2 represents the largest percentage of total GHG’s but all lead to climate change. Electricity generation, transportation, agriculture/forestry/land use, industrial, residential, commercial, and waste represent the seven broad sources of GHG emissions. Historically, the electricity generation sector has represented the largest source of GHG emissions in the state. About 80% of electricity used in Minnesota is generated in Minnesota. Market forces and policy decisions together have greatly increased the use of renewable energy generation in the State’s overall utility mix. Due to this change, emissions from electricity generation have dropped 29% since 2005, enough that the transportation sector is now the highest emitting sector in the state. Transportation Sector - The 2019 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Legislative Report indicates that GHG emissions from the transportation sector (on-road vehicles, trains, airplanes, etc.) account for 25% of the total GHG emissions in Minnesota. Approximately 70% of emissions in the transportation sector come from light-duty trucks, passenger vehicles, and medium to heavy trucks. Federal fuel efficiency 1 Greenhouse gas emissions in Minnesota: 1990 – 2016 – Biennial report to the Legislature tracking the state’s contribution to emissions contributing to climate change: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, January 2019 standards have resulted in an 8% reduction in transportation GHG emissions in Minnesota since 2005, even though there has also been a shift in Minnesota towards larger, less fuel efficient vehicles that are often driven further. 2 There are two ways to respond to climate change: mitigation and adaptation. Mitigation includes efforts to limit the magnitude and progression of climate change by reducing the emissions of GHGs into the atmosphere. Adaptation includes developing strategies to help cope with the changes that have already happened and build resilience in the natural and built environments. Several strategies can help reduce emissions through mitigation in the transportation sector, they are (1) increase the availability and access to transit and multi-modal pedestrian transportation options; (2) increase vehicle fuel efficiency; (3) reduce total vehicle miles traveled, and (4) shift to fuels with less GHG emissions. Technological advances have made the shift to less intensive fuels possible primarily through the increased use of electric vehicles (EV’s). Electric vehicles have a number of benefits to both the individual driver and the community. The City has a role in advancing the adoption of EV’s through policy decisions and its regulatory framework. Oakdale formally recognized this role by including a policy to explore EV options in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update. Policy 6 in the Resilience Chapter states: Support private and public infrastructure that accommodates and encourages use of electric and autonomous vehicles and explore options for City fleet use of electric vehicles. 2 Greenhouse gas emissions in Minnesota: 1990 – 2016 – Biennial report to the Legislature tracking the state’s contribution to emissions contributing to climate change: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, January 2019 ELECTRIC VEHICLE BASICS Electric Vehicle Types - Electric vehicles use electricity as their primary power source or to improve the fuel efficiency of traditional internal combustion engines (ICE). There are three types of electric powered vehicles: 3 Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV): Powered by both an electric motor that uses energy stored in a battery and a traditional ICE. The battery is charged from the ICE and through regenerative braking. Hybrid vehicles are not plugged in to charge, and the electric motor provides extra power that improves fuel efficiency, it is not meant to operate on electric power alone. The most commonly known example of a hybrid vehicle is the Toyota Prius. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): Similar to a HEV but the PHEV has a larger battery that allows it to travel on electricity alone or to be paired with the ICE to increase fuel efficiency. The battery can be charged by plugging in to an electric power source, through regenerative braking, and the ICE. It does not require being plugged in to operate as it still has an ICE, but maximum fuel efficiency is attained when the battery is charged. PHEV’s can currently go up to 50 miles on battery power alone depending on the model of PHEV. In 2018, the average vehicle miles traveled per person, per day in Oakdale was 27.5 miles. Electric Vehicle (EV): Runs on electricity alone, powered by an electric motor that uses energy stored in a large battery. EV’s are primarily charged by plugging into a power source but also through regenerative braking. EV’s can typically go 70 to 100 miles on a single charge with some models such as a Tesla able to go more than 200 miles. ELECTRIC VEHICLE TYPES Powered By Range Vehicle Type Electric Regenerative ICE Plug In (Battery Only) Motor Breaking Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) X X X N/A Plug In - Hybrid Electric Vehicle X X X X Up to 50 miles (PHEV) Electric Vehicle (EV) X X X 70 to 200+ miles 3 Plug-In Electric Vehicle Handbook for Workplace Charging Hosts: US Department of Energy Clean Cities, August 2013 Purchase price for HEV, PHEV, and EV models of vehicles vary widely by make of vehicle, just like traditional gas powered vehicles do. Currently the lowest MSRP on a PHEV or EV available in the Midwest is $27,100 for a Prius Prime, and the highest is $147,500 for a BMW i8. There is also a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 currently available to incentivize PHEV and EV purchases. 4 Electric Vehicle Charging - There are a variety of charging speeds available for electric vehicles. The level of electrical power a charging station draws and provides determines how fast an EV will charge. 5 Level 1 Charging: Charging is done using a 120-volt AC circuit (uses three-prong plug). It is the slowest rate of charging at 2 to 5 miles of range per hour of charging time. In homes or workplaces that don’t have a 120-volt outlet already accessible, new installation costs between $500 and $1,000 depending on existing capacity. Level 2 Charging: Charging typically occurs overnight using a 240-volt AC circuit. This is the most common charging level for residential, workplace, fleet and public facilities. Station requires installation of charging equipment and a dedicated circuit of 20 to 80 amps depending on the type of charging equipment. Level 2 chargers can add between 10 and 20 miles of range per hour depending on the charging equipment. The cost for a Level 2 charger can range anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000. DC Fast Charging: Charging time is significantly reduced compared to Level 1 or Level 2 charging stations. DC fast charging can be anywhere from 50 to 350 kW DC in power and can add 100 miles of charge in 35 to as little as 5 minutes depending on the power level. DC fast charging is typically seen along heavy traffic corridors such as interstates and major highways. DC fast charging is the most expensive to install with costs ranging from $60,000 to $150,000 or more depending on the power level that is installed. Charging of EV’s can be done in single-family homes, multi-family housing, workplaces, and on the go. Most EV charging happens at home overnight, but options for daytime charging help extend range for EV drivers. 4 Plug-in Connect: Midwest PEV Models, February 2019 5 Accelerating Electric Vehicle Adoption: A Vision for Minnesota: Minnesota Department of Transportation, January 2019  ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS Charger Type Power Level Needed Speed of Charge Installation Costs 2 to 5 miles of range per Level 1 120 volt AC circuit $500 to $1,000 hour 10 to 20 miles of range Level 2 240 volt AC circuit $2,000 to $5,0000 per hour 100 miles of range in 5 DC Fast to 35 minutes 50 to 350 kW DC circuit $60,000 to $150,000 Charging depending on power level Electric Vehicle Benefits - Electric vehicles have a number of benefits for drivers to consider. Driving an EV is cheaper to fuel than a traditional ICE vehicle. It costs approximately $3.00 for a 100 mile charge; the same 100 miles would cost about $10.00 in gasoline. EV’s have the ability to accelerate very quickly which many drivers find makes for a fun drive. Fully electric vehicles have less maintenance than vehicles with an ICE as there are significantly fewer parts in an EV engine. There is no need for oil changes, transmission fluid changes, spark plugs or mufflers. 6 6 Accelerating Electric Vehicle Adoption: A Vision for Minnesota: Minnesota Department of Transportation, January 2019 ELECTRIC VEHICLE BENEFITS FOR THE COMMUNITY Beyond the personal benefits of driving an EV there are many broader public benefits as well. 7 Greenhouse Gas Emissions - Depending on where the electricity that charges the battery comes from, EV’s reduce greenhouse gas emissions anywhere from 61% to 95% over a traditional gas- powered vehicle. A study by the Great Plains Institute looked at full lifecycle emissions (fuel extraction and refining, vehicle manufacturing) for gasoline-powered vehicles, EV’s powered with Xcel’s regular electric mix, and EV’s that subscribe to a renewable energy program like WindSource in Minnesota. 8 EV’s using Xcel Energy’s current electrical generation emit 61% less GHG emissions over their lifetime versus a standard gas-powered vehicle. EV’s who subscribe to a renewable energy subscription program produce 95% less lifetime GHG emissions. Air Pollutants - In addition to GHG emissions, EV’s also emit fewer air pollutants. Vehicles produce about one quarter of the air pollution in Minnesota with pollution more concentrated by major roadways. This pollution can lead to respiratory and cardiac health issues, especially for seniors, children, and those with existing health problems. The EPA’s EJSCREEN tool combines environmental and demographic information and helps cities evaluate environmental conditions alongside demographic trends. In 2018, Oakdale was in the 89th percentile in the state for particulate matter pollution, the 78th percentile for diesel particulate matter pollution, the 63rd percentile in the respiratory health index, and the 86th percentile for traffic proximity and volume. 9 This means that of all the cities in the state, 89% had lower levels of particulate matter pollution, etc. In all these categories, Oakdale’s values were higher than the statewide average. Much of this is attributed to being adjacent to three major interstates/highways. All-electric vehicles have zero tailpipe air pollution but there is still pollution from how the electricity used to power them was produced and from the vehicle construction. However, for both an EV and a PHEV those pollutants are still far less than those from a standard gas vehicle as they do not use any/as much gasoline which causes air pollution. Economic - Currently, the gasoline/diesel used to power the transportation sector comes almost entirely from out of state. According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation the cost for this fuel is about $11 billion annually in the state. Switching to electricity to power the transportation sector brings the opportunity to use renewable energy sources to create that electricity, in turn 7 Accelerating Electric Vehicle Adoption: A Vision for Minnesota: Minnesota Department of Transportation, January 2019 8 Electric Vehicles Provide Large GHG Reductions in Minnesota: Great Plains Institute, April 2016 9 EJSCREEN Report, Oakdale, MN EPA Region 5; US Environmental Protection Agency, March 2019 boosting the local economy. The clean energy industry currently employs 54,000 Minnesotans, and has grown 78% since 2000. 10 Electric Grid - Lastly, there is a benefit from EV’s to the electric grid as a whole. As a majority of EV charging is done at home and overnight, this also happens to coincide with the time there is the least amount of electricity demand. Having a steady demand for electricity over the course of the day evens out the grid load. It also makes new power generation plants more cost effective. New power plants have to be built to meet peak demand, even if that demand is only a few hours a day. Overnight charging increases the use of the plant infrastructure in overnight hours when electricity use is typically lowest. Xcel Energy offers lower rates to customers who have an EV they charge overnight. Keeping electricity production cost effective helps keep electricity rates down benefiting everyone, whether or not they have an EV. 10 Accelerating Electric Vehicle Adoption: A Vision for Minnesota: Minnesota Department of Transportation, January 2019 ADVANCING THE USE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES BY THE PUBLIC There are several pathways cities can consider when looking at how to facilitate electric vehicle adoption among its constituents. Cities have a role in public education, set policies and regulations for the city, and can partner with other agencies or businesses to further EV infrastructure development. Education Ride and Drive Events: One way to promote interest in electric vehicles is to sponsor, coordinate or promote a ride and drive event. These type of events gives residents the opportunity to check out EV’s without the pressure of a dealership and hear from owners’ first-hand about their experience in owning and driving an EV. Events can be stand-alone or in coordination with other community events. There is also a National Drive Electric Week where around the country EV drivers gather to share their experience with those interested in EV’s. The Minnesota event for 2019 will be held on Saturday, September 14th in Minneapolis. Policy & Regulation Zoning and Infrastructure: Bloomberg is forecasting that by 2040 55% of all new car sales will be electric vehicles. 11 In Minnesota, this translates to about 100,000 cars per year. To facilitate widespread installation of EV charging stations, city zoning and subdivision regulations should be updated as necessary to: 1. Allow EV charging stations as an accessory use in all zoning districts. 2. Establish design standards for the charging stations in public, commercial, and multi-family residential areas to provide consistency and ensure accessibility of the stations. Standards should facilitate market expansion without committing to a specific type of charging station or technology. 3. Adopt code language that defines the requirements for parking in an EV charging station spot and any penalty for violation of those requirements. This step is necessary as there have been many cases of cars or trucks with an internal combustion engine (ICE) purposefully parking in EV charging station spots to prevent EV charging, a phenomenon known as ICE- ing. 4. Ensure that any new EV parking stations include a minimum number of opportunities for those that require accessible parking. 11 Electric Vehicle Outlook 2018: Bloomberg New Energy Finance Potential locations for charging stations and potential policies and regulations for each location include the following: At Home Charging: Approximately 80% of EV charging will happen at home, overnight. 12 While existing housing stock will need to be retrofitted in most cases to support anything beyond a Level 1 charger there is an opportunity to ensure new construction is built to be EV ready. Installing conduit or raceways during the construction process can be 64 – 75% less expensive than retrofitting existing garages. 13 As such, many cities around the country are beginning to either incentivize or require a certain level of EV charging infrastructure to be installed during the construction process. Some examples include the following: EXAMPLES OF EV CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE INCENTIVES OR REQUIREMENTS Incentive or City Use Description Regulation Atlanta, GA Regulation Single- New construction has electrical family infrastructure (not actual charging station) to support EV charging in garage. Atlanta, GA Regulation Multi-family New construction has 20% of spaces built to be EV ready. St. Louis Park, MN Regulation Multi-family All new, expanded or reconstructed buildings shall provide 5 to 10% of parking spaces (depending on building size) as Level 1 charging stations. St. Louis Park, MN Regulation Multi-family All new, expanded or reconstructed buildings shall provide electrical capacity for future installation of Level 2 EV chargers for a minimum of 10% of the parking spaces. Aspen, CO Regulation Multi-family 3% of new/reconstructed parking has electrical infrastructure (not actual charging station) to support EV charging. 12 Plugged In: How Americans Charge Their Electric Vehicles, Idaho National Laboratory 13 AchiEVe: Model State & Local Policies to Accelerate Electric Vehicle Adoption Policy Toolkit: Sierra Club and Plug In America, June 2018  EXAMPLES OF EV CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE INCENTIVES OR REQUIREMENTS Boulder, CO Regulation Multi-family 10% of new/reconstructed parking has electrical infrastructure (not actual charging station) to support EV charging Boulder, CO Regulation Single- EV-ready outlet must be installed in new family construction garages Palo Alto, CA Regulation Multi-family 5 to 10% of new parking has Level 2 EV charging stations installed. St. Paul, MN Incentive Multi-family All new building or rehab projects receiving more than $200,000 in public assistance to meet sustainable building standards that include a requirement for EV charging stations. Edina, MN Incentive Multi-family Inclusion of EV charging or infrastructure awarded amenity points in PUD ordinance. Golden Valley, MN Incentive Multi-family Inclusion of EV charging or infrastructure awarded amenity points in PUD ordinance. Workplace Charging: Making EV charging available at the workplace is a benefit to business and building owners for a variety of reasons. For businesses, making EV charging available is another tool for employee attraction and retention. Providing EV charging at work offers employees both range security and more flexibility if their daily plans change and they need additional charging. It increases the incentive for employees to consider purchasing an EV if they know there are additional opportunities for them to charge throughout the day. It also gives the business an opportunity to publicize their leadership in sustainability initiatives and the EV parking can be used in promotional materials for the business. For building owners, providing EV charging stations is a minor investment that provides value for existing tenants and may be attractive to potential tenants as well. It also could be a new revenue stream if it is set up to charge for use. Building owners should consider surveying tenants about existing and anticipated need for EV charging.  The City may consider partnering with an interested building owner in an EV charging station pilot and then promote the outcomes to broader business community. On The Go Charging: When considering on the go EV charging stations beyond the home or workplace, there are a number of factors to consider when evaluating a potential site. Examples of on the go charging areas would be high traffic sites such as shopping centers, athletic complexes, downtown areas, or tourist sites.  Visibility: The location should be easy to locate and access by the driver. Wayfinding signage may be necessary.  Accessibility: The location should be easy to locate and access by the driver. Space should either be designated as handicapped accessible or at a minimum meet accessibility standards even if not officially designated as a handicapped parking space.  Power: The closer the charging station can be to an adequate power source will reduce the installation cost.  Security: Theft or damage to the charging equipment can be mitigated through good lighting, a busy location, curb placement, and breakaway charging cords. Public Use Charging at City Facilities and Parks: One way a city can participate in encouraging EV use is by installing public EV charging at locations that are destinations for residents such as City Hall, major parks, and other public parking lots or ramps. Edina recently installed a public charging station at the 50th and France parking ramp. Minneapolis has a number of public charging stations across their various publically owned ramps and lots. Several Minnesota cities have a charging station at City Hall for public use. On - Street and Parking Lot Light Pole Charging Access: A unique opportunity some cities and states are utilizing is using existing street and parking lot lights to provide EV charging access. Many street and parking lot lights were designed to use more electricity than most likely is currently being used due to the growth of the use of LED lighting. This excess capacity can then be used to supply an EV charging station. Many cities along the west coast are adding EV charging to street and parking lot lighting, most notably Los Angeles, CA who has installed 82 of these type of EV charging stations. 14 Right of Way Charging Access: The City of Portland created the first-of-its-kind pilot program to allow private entities and utilities to place up to 50 charging stations in specific areas of City 14 AchiEVe: Model State & Local Policies to Accelerate Electric Vehicle Adoption Policy Toolkit: Sierra Club and Plug In America, June 2018  right-of-way. These stations are publically available and help encourage a public-private partnership in the development of EV charging stations. 15 For all of the above charging stations except home charging, the owner of the station will need to make decisions about what, if any, cost will paid by the car owner for charging. Some workplaces may choose to offer free charging as an employee benefit but will then need to set up standards to ensure fair access to the station. Otherwise users only interested in the free electricity may oversubscribe use of the charging station and prevent those who actually need the additional charging to make their return trip home at night from using the resource. Daytime charging for free also removes the incentive to charge overnight and help even out demand for electricity on the grid. Rates too far beyond standard electricity rates for EV charging reduce the economic benefits of EV ownership and do not promote EV adoption. Plug-In America recommends workplace EV charging stations charge just over local home electricity rates in order to eliminate any temptation to use free charging in lieu of home charging, but still provide charging opportunities for those who need it. 16 Public or on-the-go charging stations face a different dilemma as they are used more frequently by people that are stopping for shorter periods of time. Some costs for EV charging and installation expenses can be recouped if there is a general charge for parking. However, to collect a fee specifically for charging the parking area owner must utilize a third-party service provider to provide billing services. Often the costs for using this service are more than what it would cost to just provide the electricity for free through a standard Level 2 EV charger. In public or on-the-go charging situations there may be less appetite to install the billing software because station use can be more sporadic. Permitting: Installation of a Level 2 or a DC Fast Charging station (or a Level 1 if there isn’t a 120 volt AC outlet available) will require a building permit. The California Plug-in Electric Vehicle Collaborative recommends the following best practices in EV charging station permitting.17  Establish a unique permit application for EV charging equipment.  Establish a permit fee that is comparable to 240 volt circuit installations.  Create simple permit forms, allow processing over the counter. Forms give guidance to installation process.  Do not require the electrician to be present at the time of inspection. 15 Electric Vehicles The Portland Way: City of Portland, OR, 2010 16 Workplace Charging- The Goldilocks Approach: www.pluginamerica.org 17 Streamlining Home Charger Installation Permitting and Inspection: California Plug-in Electric Vehicle Collaborative, 2012   Educate staff on charger installation in order to lay the foundation for a streamlined and effective permitting process. Partnership EV Bulk Buy: Similar to the group purchase program for solar panels the city has promoted in the past, EV bulk buy programs are beginning to become more popular in Minnesota. Drive Electric MN has partnered with Nissan to offer a number of bulk buy programs since 2016 in which they utilize a Request for Bids to negotiate a discount price for EV’s for a specific amount of time. Drive Electric MN then promotes the bulk buy opportunity to utilities and other stakeholder groups. This incentivizes dealers to market and carry EV’s in the state. Due to the discounted price and tax credits available the bulk buy makes an EV purchase a very affordable option. City Financing for EV Charging Stations: The City participates in financing programs that it deems to be necessary to maintain the function and character of the community. EV charging could be added to the already existing loan programs as follows: Business Revolving Loan Program (BRLF): The BRLF covers specific improvements that are deemed in the public interest. The loan covers parking lot improvements and adding EV charging stations to the list of eligible improvements is a simple way for the City to support EV installation at local businesses. Housing Improvement Area Program (HIA): The HIA program includes common area energy improvements as an eligible expense and could be used to promote EV charging infrastructure installation at multi-family and townhome developments. ADVANCING THE USE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES IN CITY OPERATIONS Beyond promoting electric vehicle use to the community, cities can look internally at their own functions and find ways to utilize EV’s in carrying out city operations. Not only can this provide cost savings and reduce pollution, it can also serve as an example to the community that EV’s can work for a variety of tasks. Education First Responder EV Training: Electric vehicles and hybrids have different safety needs when involved in a first responder assisted extrication. The Fire Department has received hands-on training from local Toyota dealers for that make of car. Additionally, they utilize a vehicle extrication app that can provide the best information available for the specific make/model/year of vehicle involved in the accident. Policy & Regulation City Fleet Opportunities: The city may consider creating a formal green fleet policy to guide fleet procurement decisions. Green fleet policies cover setting fleet optimization and size requirements, maintenance standards, goals for increasing use of alternative fuel vehicles, and acceptable functions to allow vehicles to idle. Several cities across the country and locally in Minnesota have existing green fleet policies. Most cities complete a specialized fleet study in order to evaluate how the current city fleet is used and where there may be opportunities to utilize EV’s/hybrids as a fleet vehicles. Several cities in Minnesota have used FleetCarma for this type of study. FleetCarma installs a telematics device in the car which tracks fuel use, run time, and distance traveled. The study typically tracks usage over a year as there are seasonal differences in how fleet vehicles are used. Once completed the data is used to do a life cycle analysis and identify which vehicles/functions would be suitable for use of an EV or hybrid vehicle. Capital planning ensures replacement happens once the current vehicle has reached the end of its useful life. These studies do require a financial commitment from the city. Once the decision is made on what fleet vehicles should be replaced with an EV, options for charging stations installation can be evaluated. Oakdale’s vehicle fleet is centralized in two facilities and both have access to the electric infrastructure necessary to install a charging station. Other Gas-Powered City Equipment: The vehicle fleet is not the only function in a city that uses gasoline. Most smaller landscaping equipment like push mowers, trimmers, blowers, and chain saws use gasoline as well. These machines give off volatile organic compound (VOC) pollution in much higher concentrations than vehicles. In just one hour a push mower produces 14.76 pounds of air pollution, the equivalent of driving a standard car 200 miles. 18 Electric battery powered landscaping equipment is healthier for the employee running the equipment, lighter, cheaper to operate, and reduces air pollution. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has offered several grant funding rounds to cities looking to replace gas-powered landscaping equipment. Partnership State Vehicle Purchase Contract: The State of Minnesota has a contract for a number of fleet vehicles available at a discount price through negotiations between the State and several auto companies. In 2017 the State committed to make 20% of their 7,000 vehicle fleet EV’s by 2027. As a result of this auto companies are making more EV’s available for the state contract than would otherwise be offered. Vehicles on the state contract can be purchased by local governments as well. The city has the opportunity to utilize this option to purchase EV’s just like the other vehicles in the city’s fleet. State Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Contract: Similar to the vehicle purchase contract, the State of Minnesota offers state purchasing contract options for EV charging station equipment. The state purchasing contract offers options for single and dual Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Chargers. The contract is for equipment only and does not cover installation, software, or subscription costs. Level 1 charging stations are priced between $1,500 and $2,600. Level 2 charging stations are priced between $1,100 and $7,800. Fast charging stations are priced between $14,000 and $33,000. 19 The variation in costs in each level reflects costs for a single charging station vs. a dual charging station. 18 Grants for Alternative Landscaping Equipment, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, www.pca.state.mn.us 19 Minnesota Department of Administration, Office of State Procurement. Contract E-108(5) Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment