It will be a stand-alone exhibit in the Transportation section of the Creative World area, which contains other alternative fuel displays. The prospective contractor will be required to develop and design an interactive exhibit that is understandable, relevant, thought provoking, attractive and accessible. An interdisciplinary approach will be required in order to achieve an exhibit that combines sensory, cognitive, aesthetic, social, symbolic and physical elements of the technology in order to effectively communicate with the public. In addition, the exhibit must involve the viewer in some way to reinforce the learning experience. Subsequent to this design phase, staff will work with the Science Center to secure funding for construction of the exhibit.
Staff recommends moving forward with the fuel cell exhibit as originally proposed.
The AQMP relies on the expedited implementation of advanced technologies and clean-burning fuels in Southern California to achieve air quality standards. While no direct air quality benefits are anticipated by the placement of this exhibit, it will increase public awareness and familiarization of fuel cell technology for transportation applications. Increased public awareness will help expedite the acceptance and commercialization of advanced technologies resulting in future emissions benefits. Sufficient funds are available from the Clean Fuels Fund, established as a special revenue fund resulting from the state-mandated Clean Fuels Program. The Clean Fuels Program, under Health and Safety Code 40448.5 and 40512 and Vehicle Code 9250.11, establishes mechanisms to collect revenues from mobile sources to support projects to increase the utilization of clean fuels, including the development of the necessary advanced enabling technologies.