Title
Resolution of the City of Ann Arbor in Support of Plug-In Electric Vehicle Readiness
Memorandum
At its January 8, 2013 meeting, the Ann Arbor Energy Commission approved a resolution supporting increased planning for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in the community and the city fleet. The resolution draws from recent advancements in EV deployment and the increased presence of plug-in stations and related infrastructure necessary to support the growth of EVs. Eighteen such charging stations were recently installed in multiple parking garages run by the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority (DDA). As part of monitoring the usage of the DDA's charging stations, it was observed that charging and occupation more than doubled across these locations between the third and fourth quarters of 2012.
Recent collaborative studies and publications, primarily the "Plug-In Ready Michigan, Electric Vehicle Readiness Plan" are helping municipalities be better equipped to handle the influx of EVs in a more coordinated manner.
Attached with this City Council resolution is the Energy Commission's own resolution on which it is based.
Prepared by: John Hieftje
Body
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor recognizes the serious threats that climate change poses to the local environment, economy, and livelihoods;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor has a longstanding commitment to sustainable energy planning, including forming a citizen-advisory Energy Commission that crafted Ann Arbor's first Energy Plan in 1981 and establishing an Ann Arbor Energy Office four years later;
Whereas, In 2011, City Council approved a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 50 percent from 2000 levels by 2015 and achieving 30 percent renewable energy for municipal operations; For the entire community - Reducing greenhouse gas emissions 8 percent from 2000 levels by 2015 and achieving 5 percent renewable energy;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor has adopted a Climate Action Plan to both mitigate and adapt to projected climate changes;
Whereas, The Climate Action Plan includes recommendations to encourage electric vehicles (EV's) and EV infrastructure;
Whereas, The DDA has recently installed 18 publicly-available EV charging stations at city-owned parking structures which are already in heavy demand;
Whereas, Electric vehicles are of significant economic importance to Michigan because they are designed and manufactured by Michigan companies and Michigan is a center for advanced battery research and development; and
Whereas, The "Plug-In Ready Michigan, Electric Vehicle Readiness Plan" was recently completed with input from a wide range of stakeholders including city staff and other municipal officials, and includes recommendations and example model policies the city could adopt; therefore be it;
RESOLVED, The Ann Arbor City Council directs the City Administrator to review the city permit process, zoning code, website and other information provided to residents and developers and ensure that EV infrastructure installation is encouraged and that there are no inappropriate barriers;
RESOLVED, The Ann Arbor City Council directs the City Administrator to review the city's upcoming fleet purchases for possible additions of electric vehicles to the city fleet; and
RESOLVED, The Ann Arbor City Council directs the City Administrator to work with the Energy Commission, DDA, UM and other stakeholders to develop a city-wide EV infrastructure plan for both city fleet and public use;
RESOLVED, The Ann Arbor City Council directs the City Administrator to report back to City Council within six months on any barriers to EV infrastructure installation that would require further council actions; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Ann Arbor City Council recommends that the Governor, the Michigan Public Service Commission, and legislative leaders in Lansing support municipalities in their efforts to become "Plug-in Electric Vehicle Ready." Such support should include, at a minimum: financial incentives for municipalities taking steps to become EV Ready, opportunities for aggregated purchases of EV's in state and local fleets, continuation of discounted electric rates for off-peak EV charging, and outreach and education on EV's and charging infrastructure.