What is AQMD Rule 2202?
The On-Road Motor Vehicle Mitigation Options, or Rule 2202, is a program designed by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) to reduce emissions caused by employee commuting. It offers employers a set of three options to meet emissions targets for their worksites.
Does the AQMD apply to my worksite?
If you represent an employer with 250 or more employees (both full-time and part-time) at a worksite for a consecutive six-month period, then the AQMD Rule 2202 applies to you.
How do I comply? What are my options?
Rule 2202 offers employers three options to meet their emission reduction targets (ERT) for their worksites. Employers should only choose one of the following:
- Develop an Employee Commute Reduction Program (ECRP)
- Pay fees to the AQMD in accordance with the Air Quality Investment Program (AQIP)
- Purchase mobile source (emissions) credits through California’s open marketplace.
What is an Employee Commute Reduction Program (ECRP)?
An ECRP is a program devised by an employer to reduce the number of vehicle trips to their worksite. An ECRP incorporates various strategies to encourage alternative commute modes, such as bicycling or walking, riding transit, and carpool/vanpool. The goal of the ECRP is to improve or maintain Average Vehicle Ridership (AVR). For more information, see the AQMD’s ECRP Guidelines available on their website.
What is AVR?
Average Vehicle Ridership (AVR) is a specific indicator used by the AQMD to determine emissions reductions. In broad terms, AVR is the number of employees arriving to a worksite divided by the number of vehicles. The AQMD divides its jurisdiction into three Performance Zones, and sets AVR goals for each. Glendale is in Zone 3 where the AVR target is 1.50.
How do I find out my worksite’s AVR?
Employers who opt for for Option #1 ECRP must participate in an annual survey to determine their worksite’s AVR. The survey is administered to employees to determine how they arrived to work within the survey week (drive alone, carpool, but etc). The AQMD requires a 60% response rate, therefore the survey process can involve substantial coordination efforts on behalf of employers. For more information, check out the AQMD AVR Support Guide available on their website.
What is AQIP? And how much money do I spend in fees per employee?
In lieu of an ECRP, employers can pay fees to the AQMD for the Air Quality Investment Program (AQIP). AQIP fees are $45 per employee annually. The money collected by the AQMD through this program is used to fund other emissions reductions programs.
This sounds like a lot of work. Does Go Glendale provide assistance?
Go Glendale offers members a variety of employer services that can help make your ECRP a success:
- Liaising with AQMD regarding new regulations, trainings, etc.
- Marketing, outreach, and event planning assistance to promote commuter benefits programs
- Coordination with local transit agencies and municipal governments to offer facilitate better integration with existing programs
- Maps, newsletters, transit brochures and schedules, and other collateral to distribute to employees
I am interested in purchasing mobile source credits. Where can I do this?
The AQMD allows employers to purchase mobile source credits for a variety of on- and off-road vehicles. Visit the AQMD website for a list of emissions credit vendors. Please note that Rule 2202, like other rules, has its own unique set of requirements, forms and fee schedules. Familiarize yourself with the Rule 2202 Requirements before purchasing mobile source credits.
Where can I get more information?
Visit the AQMD website to download compliance forms, survey forms, guidelines, filing fee summaries and other resources.