AGENDA ITEM REPORT
TITLE:
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A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR OF FLORIDA TO APPLY FOR AND ADMINISTER FUNDS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PARTIAL CONSENT DECREE IN THE CASE OF VOLKSWAGEN “CLEAN DIESEL” MARKETING, SALES PRACTICES, AND PRODUCTS LIABILITY LITIGATION.
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BACKGROUND:
In October 2016, the United States Government granted final approval of a $14.7 billion settlement against Volkswagen (VW) for violation of the Clean Air Act. As part of the settlement, Volkswagen will spend $10 billion on vehicle buybacks and $4.7 billion to mitigate the pollution from these cars and invest in green vehicle technology. This latter amount will be split between two investment programs that states, cities, and tribes can use to expand alternative fuel vehicle projects and access to zero emission vehicles.
DISCUSSION:
The State of Florida is entitled to an estimated $152 million under the Environmental Mitigation Trust Fund to support projects that reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions where VW vehicles were, are, or will be operated. In order to be eligible for these funds, the Governor of Florida must apply for beneficiary status no later than 60 days from the Trust effective date approximately in early 2017. This Resolution urges Governor Rick Scott to apply for beneficiary status in order to allow the State of Florida access to these critical environmental sustainability dollars.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this Resolution.
FISCAL IMPACT: N/A