This week at the UT Energy Symposium, Alan Lloyd will give a talk titled "Personal Reflections on California’s Leadership in Environmental Policy."
Alan C. Lloyd is currently a Senior Research Fellow at the Energy Institute, University of Texas at Austin. The focus of his research is the role of hydrogen in a sustainable society, fuel cells, electric drive vehicles, renewable energy and policies to promote zero emissions vehicles. He earned both his B.S. in Chemistry and Ph.D. in Gas Kinetics at the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, U.K.
Dr. Lloyd served as the President of the International Council on Clean Transportation from 2006 until 2013. He is one of the founding members of the ICCT. Dr. Lloyd served as the Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency. Appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in December 2004. As Secretary, he lead the Governor’s Climate Action Team (CAT) to develop a plan to implement the Governor’s aggressive Executive Order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in California to 80% of 1990 levels. Dr. Lloyd served as Chairman of the Air Resources Board, California Environmental Protection Agency, State of California. Appointed by Governor Gray Davis in February 1999 and re-appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in August 2004 before his appointment to Secretary. Prior to joining CARB, Dr. Lloyd was the Executive Director of the Energy and Environmental Engineering Center for the Desert Research Institute at the University and Community College System of Nevada, Reno, and the chief scientist at the South Coast Air Quality Management District from 1988 to 1996.
Dr. Lloyd's work focuses on the viable future of advanced technology and renewable fuels, with attention to urban air quality issues and global climate change. He is a proponent of efficiency, alternate and renewable fuels, and electric drive and fuel cell vehicles eventually leading to a zero emissions transportation system.
Abstract: California has seen a dramatic improvement in air quality over the last fifty years, while experiencing significant population growth and maintaining a vibrant economy. The California model has been followed in many of the developing countries.
This talk will highlight the successful policies, based on scientific research, which have been implemented in California over the last 50+ years.The regulatory structure set up to accomplish this success, the role of the federal Clean Air Act ,and the major focus on public health as a policy driver will be described.
Specific examples will include the science behind : the discovery of photochemical smog, the introduction of the catalytic converter for cars, banning of CFCs in the Montreal protocol, control of hydrocarbons based upon reactivity, the ZEV mandate and the introduction of spill proof gas cans.
The basis for the Diesel Risk Reduction Plan will be described together with the rationale for the slow uptake in diesel cars in California. The VW “diesel gate” will be covered.
Finally, the background to California setting the world’s first tailpipe standards for greenhouse gases(GHGs) will be provided which paved the way for action at the federal level.This movement on GHGs also triggered broader actions and aggressive targets being set by Governor’s Schwarzenegger and Brown and the legislature.The current drive to zero emissions transport for people and goods, and increased renewable energy is a key part of this effort.
The UT Energy Symposium meets every Thursday during the long semesters. Come early to attend a networking session before the talk: refreshments will be served at 4:45 p.m. in the POB Connector Lobby outside the auditorium.