(a)  From time to time, the commission shall issue specific requests for proposals (RFPs) or program opportunity notices (PONs) for technology proposals to be funded from the Advanced Technology Account. The first issuance of RFPs or PONs shall be no later than January 31, 2000. It is the intent of the Legislature that the technology grants be used to support development of emission-reducing technologies that could be used for projects eligible for funding pursuant to this chapter. It is also the intent of the Legislature that the technology grants be directed to a balanced mix of retrofit and add-on technologies to reduce emissions from the existing stock of targeted vehicles, as well as to advanced technologies for new engines and vehicles that produce very low or zero-NO x emissions. The commission, in consultation with the state board, may also consider funding technology projects that would allow qualifying fuels, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 44284, to be produced from California energy resources, with preference given to projects involving otherwise unusable California energy resources, at prices lower than prices otherwise available and low enough to make projects that would qualify for funding under the program economically attractive to local businesses. Not more than 20 percent of Advanced Technology Account funds may be directed to those qualifying fuel projects. Advanced technologies and any retrofit or add-on projects that provide multiple benefits by reducing emissions of particulates and other air pollutants should be given special consideration by the commission in soliciting proposals and determining how to allocate funds. At least 50 percent of the funds available in the Advanced Technology Account shall be directed toward technologies that provide multiple benefits.

(b)  Proposals involving technologies that allow onroad covered vehicles to replace with electric power the power normally supplied by the vehicles’ internal combustion engine while the vehicle is parked shall be eligible for funding from the Advanced Technology Account if they meet all applicable criteria under this section.

(c)  Technologies proposed for technology grants shall show clear and compelling evidence that the technology being funded has a strong commercialization plan and organization, is likely to be offered for commercial sale in California within five years of the application for funding, and that, once commercial, the technology will present opportunities for projects otherwise eligible for funding pursuant to this chapter. The commission shall specifically consider the projected NO x reducing potential and cost-effectiveness of the commercialized technology, the potential for the technology to contribute in a significant way to air quality goals, and the strength of the commercialization plan.

(d)  The commission may require cost sharing for technology projects, but shall not require repayment of funds granted.

(e)  Proposals for projects involving either publicly owned or privately owned vehicles or vessels shall be eligible for technology awards.

(f)  In developing RFPs and PONs and in evaluating proposals for funding, the commission shall consider that the primary objective of technology grants is to advance toward commercialization technologies that would support projects to be funded under the program.

(Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 923, Sec. 2. Effective October 10, 1999.)