HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES NO 128-03RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BAKERSFIELD ENDORSING EFFORTS TO DEVELOP A
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO COMPEL
RAILROADS TO IMPLEMENT AIR POLLUTION
CONTROL MEASURES IN RAILWAY OPERATIONS.
WHEREAS, the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District has
identified the generation of dust to be a significant contributor to the impaired air quality
in the San Joaquin Valley; and,
WHEREAS, uncontrolled railroad operations generate dust which adds to the
levels of air contaminants; and,
WHEREAS, the Council finds that significant air pollution problems result from
dust created by railroad operations along their rights of way; and,
WHEREAS, technological advances in rail locomotive engine design has
reduced the level of air pollutants when compared with standard rail diesel engines; and
WHEREAS, railroad companies have implemented a conversion to use of the
advanced rail locomotive engine design in the South Coast Air Basin of California; and
WHEREAS, a conversion of rail diesel locomotive engines to the advanced
design for use in the San Joaquin Valley would be conducive to efficient railway
operations and would reduce current air pollution in the San Joaquin Valley; and
WHEREAS, extended idling of rail locomotive engines contributes to the levels of
air pollutants; and
WHEREAS, a thirty (30) minute maximum period of rail locomotive engine idling
is reasonable, does not materially impact railroad companies' operational economics,
and will limit the contribution of air contaminants, and
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WHEREAS, California Senator Dean FIorez has undertaken efforts in
coordination with United States Senator Barbara Boxer to promote a Memorandum of
Understanding between the federal government and railway companies to compel the
railroads to implement air pollution control measures in their operations; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Bakersfield is committed to
encouraging efforts to reduce air pollution and thereby enhance the quality of life for the
citizens of the City of Bakersfield.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, incorporating the above recitals herein,
by the Council of the City of Bakersfield as follows:
1. The above recitals are true and correct;
The Council strongly supports and endorses those efforts of California
Senator Dean Florez and United States Senator Barbara Boxer to develop
a Memorandum of Understanding to compel the railroad companies to
implement air pollution control measures in railway operations.
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I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted by
the Council of the City of Bakersfield at a regular meeting thereof held on JUL 9 Z003 ,
by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBER COUCH, CARSON, BENHAM. MAGGARD, HANSON, SULLIVAN, SALVAGGIO
COUNCILMEMBER ~
COUNCILMEMBER ~
COUNCILMEMBER ~
APPROVED
JUL 9 2003
CITY CLERK and Ex Offici?//Clerk of the
Council of the City of Bake~Jfield
HARVEY L. HALL
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
BART J. THILTGEN
City Attorney
"' B~C~,~'j: THiL~
City Attorney ~
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