(a)  The south coast district shall establish an Office of Technology Advancement to administer the clean-burning fuels program established pursuant to this section. The program shall encourage projects that increase the utilization of clean-burning fuels that reduce public health hazards from air pollution. The south coast district shall coordinate the program with the state board, the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, and other appropriate state and federal agencies and private organizations that are conducting activities to promote the use of clean-burning fuels.

(b)  After holding at least two public hearings to solicit public comment on a clean-burning fuels program, the south coast district shall annually adopt a program of activities for increasing the use of clean-burning fuels in the transportation and stationary source sectors.

(c)  The program shall include an identification of potential funding sources, including, but not limited to, state and federal funds; private-sector funds; revenues from district permit, variance, and emission fees; proceeds from district penalty settlements and judgments; and funds from other sources under the jurisdiction of the south coast district.

(d)  In developing its program, the south coast district shall consider promoting projects in the transportation and stationary source sectors utilizing methanol fuel, fuel cells, liquid petroleum gas, natural gas, including compressed natural gas, combination fuels, synthetic fuels, electricity, including electric vehicles, and other clean-burning fuels.

(e)  When considering which clean fuels projects to promote, the south coast district shall consider, among other factors, the current and projected economic costs and availability of fuels, the cost-effectiveness of emission reductions associated with clean fuels compared with other pollution control alternatives, the use of new pollution control technologies in conjunction with traditional fuels as an alternative means of reducing emissions, potential effects on public health, ambient air quality, visibility within the region, and other factors determined to be relevant by the south coast district.

(f)  When implementing clean fuels projects, the south coast district shall consider limiting the use of clean fuels to specific seasons, time of day, and locations if those limitations are found by the district to further the goals of the program.

(g)  The south coast district shall coordinate the clean-burning fuels program with transportation control measures adopted pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 40440 to reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and motor vehicle fuel consumption.

(Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 36, Sec. 1. Effective June 8, 1999.)