Mayors Wrap Up 75th Winter Meeting of the United States Conference of Mayors

Mayors Release Call for $4 Billion Energy and Environmental Block Grant

On January 26, more than 260 of the nation's mayors wrapped up the 75th Winter Meeting of The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) in Washington, D.C. Led by Conference President and Trenton, NJ Mayor Douglas H. Palmer, the mayors discussed a variety of issues that impact America's cities with new Congressional leaders and presidential hopefuls. Environmental issues included achieving energy independence and climate protection.

Mayor Palmer stated "We are not here in Washington, DC with our hats in our hands and tin cups. We're not looking to be saved; we need the federal government to be partners with us to build on our strengths."

Following this session, the mayors called for a $4 billion Energy and Environmental Block Grant to help cities combat global warming.

"Cities are on the frontlines of the global warming issue with mayors leading the way. But we can't do it alone. We need the federal government to be a real partner with us on climate protection and achieving energy independence. That is why we are proposing an Energy and Environmental Block Grant," said Mayor Palmer.

The block grant would provide funding directly to cities and urban counties for programs that:
- improve community energy efficiency
- reduce carbon emissions
- decrease the nation's dependence on foreign oil

See the Source:
75th Winter Meeting of The United States Conference of Mayors

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More about toxic emissions.

EPA Completes Second Step in Ongoing Ground-Level Ozone Air Quality Standards Review

A key document in EPA's review of national air quality standards for ozone will recommend the administrator consider strengthening the current ozone standards to better protect public health. The document, known as the "final staff paper," contains staff recommendations for the administrator to consider in upcoming decisions about revising the agency's ozone standards.

The Clean Air Act requires EPA to periodically review its air quality standards to ensure they continue to protect health and the environment, and to update the standards if necessary. EPA last updated the standards for ozone in 1997.

The final ozone staff paper addresses a primary standard, designed to protect public health; and a secondary standard, set to protect the public welfare, including crop health.

· Primary standard: The final staff paper concludes that the current primary standard is not adequate to protect public health. Staff made this conclusion based on an expanded body of scientific evidence that shows significant ozone health effects occur even in areas with ozone levels below the current standard.

Staff recommends a range of levels for the administrator to consider in setting the ozone standard. That range extends from below 0.080 ppm down to 0.060 ppm. The previous draft of the staff paper identified options that included retaining the current standard of 0.084 ppm, along with a range of alternative levels down to 0.064 (the lowest level analyzed), with a focus on a level of 0.07 ppm.

The final staff paper also recommends specifying the level of the standard to three decimal places. Ozone air quality measurements have advanced sufficiently to now reflect that level of precision.

· Secondary Standard: The final staff paper recommends the administrator set a secondary standard to protect against ozone damage to welfare, including damage to plants. This includes damage to natural vegetation, forests and commercial crops. Staff recommended a standard that is a cumulative, weighted total of daily 12-hour exposures over a three-month period within the growing season. It would give greater weight to exposures at higher ozone concentrations.

Staff also recommended a range for this standard, from 21 parts per million-hours to 7 parts per million-hours.

EPA will make the final ozone staff paper available on the web on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2007. Also this week, the agency will release technical documents used in developing the staff paper. These documents include a health risk assessment for meeting the current ozone standards along with potential alternative standards, and an assessment of the effects of ozone on vegetation.

The assessments, conclusions and recommendations included in the staff paper are staff judgments. They do not represent agency decisions on the ozone standards. EPA will propose action on the ozone standards by June 20, 2007 and take final action by March 12, 2008.

EPA recently changed the process for reviewing the National Ambient Air Quality Standards to streamline future such reviews to ensure the agency meets its five-year deadlines for reviewing the standards.

Emissions of the pollutants that contribute to ground-level ozone have decreased by nearly 50 percent since 1970, and EPA, and state and local agencies have a number of programs in place to continue this progress.

See the Source:
Final Ozone Staff Paper and Fact Sheet
Technical Support Documents

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The impact of NOx, a major contributor to ground-level ozone, and how to decrease NOx emissions by up to 95% using CleanAIR's selective catalytic reduction.

CleanAIR Systems, Inc. Launches The HiBACK USB™

Santa Fe, NM – January 29, 2007 – Introduced in January, the new HiBACK USB™ from CleanAIR Systems is a microprocessor-based data logger and alarm system coupled with real-time monitoring software. Used in conjunction with CleanAIR’s emissions control technology, the HiBACK USB™ records and monitors exhaust backpressure and temperature on diesel engines, such as mining equipment, stationary generators, and construction vehicles.

Offered with optional software, the new HiBACK USB™ can track the duty cycle of an engine along with analysis of engine parameters, providing useful information on performance and warning the operator of possible problems with the system. When the HiBACK USB™ is installed and used in combination with the CleanAIR PERMIT™ diesel particulate filter, it allows the filter to function at optimal level by warning of possible plugging or increasing engine backpressure before the situation becomes excessive.

By streamlining the task of capturing and downloading data, plus utilizing Windows-based, user-friendly software to download statistics directly to an Excel spread sheet, the HiBACK USB™ makes data logging easier. “Our customers look to us for customized emissions control technology,” explains Tom Mosley, CleanAIR’s Customer Service Representative. “The new HiBACK USB helps them monitor the performance of our filters while using software that’s easy-to-understand. This means better emissions control and better customer satisfaction.”

The unit also includes self-diagnostic features for troubleshooting temperature and back pressure sensing problems. Available in two levels, the optional software offers a variety of features depending on user needs. For more information on the HiBACK USB™, visit the products section of the CleanAIR website at http://www.cleanairsys.com/ or call 800-355-5513.

Find out:
More about the new HiBACK USB.

Clean Energy Projects Turn Landfills into Community Assets

(Washington, D.C. - Jan. 24, 2007) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized the accomplishments of numerous landfill methane partners who are generating clean, renewable energy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

"Across the nation, EPA is helping transform landfill waste into energy wealth," said Bill Wehrum, acting assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. "We are recognizing partners who have demonstrated superior innovation and environmental achievement in advancing landfill gas energy projects."

Methane, a primary component of landfill gas, is a greenhouse gas that is over 20 times as potent as carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere. EPA's Landfill Methane Outreach Program has assisted in developing more than 325 landfill gas projects in the past 12 years, reducing methane emissions by about 90 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. Nationwide, there are more than 400 projects in operation, and in 2006 alone, these projects provided over 10 billion kilowatt hours of electricity and 75 billion cubic feet of landfill gas to corporate and government end users. These projects produced energy equivalent to powering roughly 780,000 homes and heating nearly 1.2 million homes, turning the landfills into community assets.

EPA's Landfill Methane Outreach Program is a voluntary assistance and partnership program that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by supporting landfill gas energy project development. The program also assists countries throughout the world in developing landfill methane reduction projects through the international Methane to Markets Partnership.
Landfill Methane Outreach Program award winners:

Project of the Year: Jackson County Green Energy Park, N.C. – Landfill gas will be used to help heat local businesses and help produce biodiesel made from rapeseed grown by local farmers and sold to the National Park Service.

Project of the Year: Lancaster County and Turkey Hill Dairy, Pa. – The facility's landfill gas-fueled engines produce enough clean energy to power 2,000 homes and steam for Turkey Hill Dairy, maker of ice cream, milk, and tea products.

Project of the Year: Jefferson Parish and Cytec Industries Inc., La. – With Hurricanes Katrina and Rita striking during project construction, the project partners had to overcome substantial obstacles to bring landfill gas to fuel the Cytec plant and economic benefits to the region.
Project of the Year: Jenkins Brick Company, Ala. – The new $56 million dollar state-of-the-art brick manufacturing plant is the first major manufacturing facility located specifically to take advantage of local landfill gas, which will be used to help power brick kilns.

Community Partner of the Year: DeKalb County, Ga. – The county provided funding and vision in the development of a project that overcame political and institutional barriers to bring clean energy to Atlanta area residences and businesses.

Energy Partner of the Year: BMW Manufacturing, S.C. – BMW expanded its landfill gas project used for powering and heating its plant to fueling its paint shop operations, becoming the first company in the world to do so.

Energy Partner of the Year: Murray City Power, Utah – By creating a unique project financing structure, Murray City Power uses landfill gas from the Salt Lake Valley Solid Waste Management Facility to generate three megawatts of green electricity for the Salt Lake City region, powering about 2,000 homes.

State Partner of the Year: Delaware Solid Waste Authority, Del. – DSWA is generating electricity from landfill gas at every viable landfill in the state.

See the Source:
Landfill Methane Outreach Program

All Major Manufacturers Receive Approval For Emissions-Slashing Technology

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25 /PRNewswire/ — The Diesel Technology Forum today announced that all major heavy-duty truck and engine manufacturers have met new Environmental Protection Agency standards for emissions cuts and have been certified by EPA for full production.

The new big rigs are equipped with innovative new particulate matter filters that trap emissions and result in 2007 trucks being 90 percent cleaner than the previous generation of trucks. Nitrogen oxide emissions have also been reduced significantly with new technology.

“With the government certification of heavy-duty trucks now official, we can celebrate another milestone in the clean diesel transformation,” said Forum executive director Allen Schaeffer. “The nationwide availability of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel in October 2006 provided 97 percent cleaner diesel fuel, enabling manufacturers to engineer the cleanest diesel trucks ever. With government certifications officially recognizing the success of the new diesel engines in drastically cutting emissions, all Americans can celebrate a stunning clean air achievement. Truck and engine makers stepped up to the challenge, and now we’ve all met it.”

Manufacturers now certified by the EPA include Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel Corp., International, Mack and Volvo, meaning each is compliant with the most stringent diesel emissions standards in the world. The EPA predicts that these new trucks — once they fully replace the existing fleet — will reduce emissions of smog-forming gases by 2.6 million tons each year, and cut soot emissions by 110,000 tons annually.

“America’s long-haul truckers can be confident in the reliability and durability of these engines,” Schaeffer added. “The technology on these trucks has been engineered through millions of miles of testing, which has shown the performance, fuel economy and durability required to not only meet but exceed customer expectations.”

Because 94 percent of goods are shipped via diesel trucks, consumers can soon expect that many products they see on store shelves will be delivered by the advanced technology trucks.

The Diesel Technology Forum is a partner in the Clean Diesel Fuel Alliance (www.clean-diesel.org), a resource on technical issues relating to the new cleaner fuel and engine technology.

The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the economic importance and environmental progress of diesel engines and equipment. Forum members represent the three parts of the modern clean diesel system: advanced engines, cleaner diesel fuel and effective emissions control systems.

See the Source:
Diesel Technology Forum

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About diesel particulate filters and converters for on and off-road trucks.

EPA Kicks Off Midwest Clean Diesel Leadership Program

CHICAGO, Jan. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 hosted the first meeting of its Midwest Clean Diesel Leadership Group today in Chicago. The group of 32 public-sector and private- industry organizations shares the goal of cutting emissions from one million diesel engines in the region by 2010.

The Leadership Group is co-chaired by Cummins Inc., Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Ohio Environmental Council and EPA Region 5.

"EPA helped form the Leadership Group to accelerate efforts toward cleaner air," said EPA Region 5 Administrator Mary A. Gade. "Cleaning up diesel emissions in this country will take a concerted, collaborative effort of public and private organizations, and this group will bring greater visibility, energy and resources to this effort."

"From schoolchildren to truck drivers, millions of Americans are exposed everyday to dangerous emissions from America's aging fleet of diesel-powered vehicles and heavy equipment," said Staci R. Putney McLennan, director of clean air programs at the Ohio Environmental Council. "The good news is that cost-effective pollution-control technologies are available. We look forward to collaborating with industry and government representatives to tackle this important challenge."

"We look forward to sharing the strategies and approaches we have used in Illinois with our colleagues from other Midwestern states," said Illinois EPA Director Doug Scott. "We are also interested in learning about strategies others have found effective, as well as how we all can maximize the clean air benefits from the ongoing technological advances."

"This initiative is about fostering a collaborative environment where we all work together for cleaner communities," said Brian Mormino, director of government relations for Cummins Inc. "Cummins is pleased to step forward with our public and private partners to lead this effort. We have made a significant investment to meet EPA's emissions standards for new engines and know that we can accomplish much more by leveraging our relationships to address those already in operation today."

EPA created the Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative to reduce emissions from older, existing diesel engines not covered by EPA's stringent standards for cleaner fuels and new, cleaner engines. MCDI estimates that more than 3 million diesel engines in the Midwest would benefit from the use of cleaner fuels and idle-reduction and diesel-retrofit technologies and strategies. These include rebuilding, re-powering, replacing, refueling and retrofitting these engines with emission control devices. Already, the public-private partnership has undertaken more than $30 million in projects, affecting 350,000 engines, and reducing air pollution by more than 3.5 million pounds per year.

Diesel emissions contain large amounts of nitrogen oxides and fine particles (soot). Nitrogen oxides are precursors of ozone (smog), which is a lung irritant, and fine particles can aggravate respiratory and heart diseases. EPA has found that fine particles from diesel engines are a leading public health risk in the Midwest.

Quotes from the Midwest Clean Diesel Leadership Group

“New clean diesel technology completely changes the way people view diesel. The Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative is taking the lead to increase the adoption of clean diesel technologies to dramatically reduce emissions by 90 percent in older trucks and buses.”
Patrick Charbonneau, Vice President of Government Relations International Truck and Engine Corporation

“We are pleased and honored to be a part of this group and share its focus on partnership and real, measurable environmental and health outcomes for the region. This kind of recognition and support by EPA is especially critical for Minnesota proactively to stay ahead of air quality problems and to comply with all federal air quality standards. We applaud EPA's foresight and dedication in launching this comprehensive effort to address a major regional air quality problem like diesel emissions.”
Bill Droessler, Clean Air Minnesota Director Minnesota Environmental Initiative

“As the crossroads of America, Indiana has a significant interest in improving air quality while facilitating the increased movement of goods necessary for our growing economy. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management is honored to be part of the Midwest Clean Diesel Leadership Group. The initiative is an excellent example of a public/private partnership to harness the power of the marketplace to improve both the economy and the environment in Indiana and the entire Midwest.”
Thomas Easterly, Commissioner Indiana Department of Environmental Management

“Our partners are making a difference in the Midwest in improving the quality of life by reducing air pollution.”
Carl Lisek, South Shore Clean Cities Inc.

“The diesel industry is proud to be an active participant in the Midwest Clean Diesel Leadership Group. The diversity of supporters stepping forward to join together for this program speaks volumes about the universal agreement that cleaner diesel means cleaner air for all of us, and the industry is committed to doing its part. Opportunities for upgrading the existing diesel fleet are now greater than ever, and diesel retrofit programs have proven time and again to be one of the most cost-effective ways we can reduce diesel emissions, help improve air quality and promote environmental progress.”
Allen Schaeffer, Executive Director Diesel Technology Forum

“The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency recognizes the importance of cleaning up diesel emissions and working in partnership with businesses and stakeholders to voluntarily reduce diesel emissions with a number of actions. As a state focused on maintaining attainment of air quality standards, strategic partnerships are the focus for gaining air quality improvement. For example, as a major partner along with several businesses and stakeholder groups, the MPCA helped establish, promote and support Clean Air Minnesota's Project Green Fleet which will retrofit 500 diesel school buses, reducing harmful particulates 30 percent by the end of 2007.”
David Thornton, Assistant Commissioner for Air Policy Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

“Continuing to release harmful diesel particulate matter into the air when available, cost-effective technologies can nearly eliminate this environmental health problem is unacceptable. The American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago is pleased to join the Midwest Clean Diesel Group in its efforts to quickly reduce soot pollution in order to protect the most vulnerable populations: children with developing lungs, the elderly and those suffering from pulmonary diseases.”
Brian Urbaszewski, Director of Environmental Health Programs American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago

“The American Lung Association supports the advancement and promotion of cleaner traditional and alternative fuels because the reduction in toxic petroleum components is good for lung health and the environment.”
Harold Wimmer, President and CEO
American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest

See the Source:
EPA – Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative

Find out:
How soot and fine particulate matter can be substantially reduced with CleanAIR diesel particulate filters.

From the MASSPIRG 2007 Legislative Agenda

Cleaning up Diesel Pollution

Each year diesel pollution in Massachusetts is responsible for more than 450 premature deaths, 700 non-fatal heart attacks, 9,900 asthma attacks, and 60,000 work loss days. Pollution control equipment and cleaner fuels can reduce deadly fine particle pollution by up to 90%. Massachusetts should establish aggressive programs to dramatically reduce pollution from existing diesel engines.

MASSPIRG:
• Supports An Act to Reduce Diesel Pollution (Sen. Hart, Rep. Rivera) legislation to achieve a reduction in diesel particulate matter pollution of 75% in key fleets by 2010, and 75% overall by 2020, (in conjunction with the new federal diesel engine rules,) in order to protect public health, prevent global warming pollution, and reduce serious economic and environmental threats .

About MASSPIRG Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group (MASSPIRG) is an advocate for the public interest. MASSPIRG’s mission is to deliver persistent, result-oriented activism that protects the environment, encourages a fair, sustainable economy, and fosters responsive, democratic government.

See the Source:
MASSPIRG

Find out:
How CleanAIR diesel particulate filters reduce fine particle pollution by over 85% from diesel emissions.

Wind Power Capacity in US Increased 28% in 2006 and Is Expected to Grow an Additional 26% in 2007

Annual industry outlook details increased growth spurred by strong demand, investment of private capital, as well as support of federal and state governments

Wind power generating capacity increased by 27% in 2006 and is expected to increase an additional 26% in 2007, proving wind is now a mainstream option for new power generation, according to a market forecast released today by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). Wind’s exponential growth reflects the nation’s increasing demand for clean, safe and domestic energy, and continues to attract both private and public sources of capital.

“iPods, flat screen televisions and other highly sought technologies are creating a demand for electricity that is beginning to eclipse our current supply. Wind is a proven, cost-effective source of energy that also alleviates global warming and enhances our nation’s energy security,” said AWEA Executive Director Randall Swisher.

The U.S. wind energy industry installed 2,454 megawatts (MW) of new generating capacity in 2006, an investment of approximately $4 billion, billing wind as one of the largest sources of new power generation in the country – second only to natural gas – for the second year in a row. New wind farms boosted cumulative U.S. installed wind energy capacity by 27% to 11,603 MW, well above the 10,000-MW milestone reached in August 2006. One megawatt of wind power produces enough electricity to serve 250 to 300 homes on average each day.

Wind energy facilities currently installed in the U.S. will produce an estimated 31 billion kilowatt-hours annually or enough electricity to serve 2.9 million American homes. This 100% clean source of electricity will displace approximately 23 million tons of carbon dioxide – the leading greenhouse gas – each year, which would otherwise be emitted by coal, natural gas, oil and other traditional energy sources.

Wind power has also attracted the support of state and federal government legislatures. The U.S. Congress recently extended the federal production tax credit (PTC) through December 2008 to further expand the number of wind farms throughout the U.S. Based on the success of the PTC to date, AWEA is calling for extending the provision an additional five years.

“The industry has demonstrated a generous return on the investment of both private and public investment in wind,” said Swisher. “Extending the PTC five years will significantly increase the progress America is making in expanding its use of new forms of energy when they’ve never been needed more.”

The industry outlook also finds:
- Texas accounted for nearly a third of the new wind power installed in 2006, taking over the lead from California in cumulative installed capacity. Texas hosts the world’s single largest operating wind farm, the 735-MW Horse Hollow Wind Energy Center, located in Nolan and Taylor counties.

- Much of the new wind equipment in 2006 was produced in new manufacturing facilities in Iowa, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania. Additional announcements are expected in 2007.
Investment in manufacturing capability signals confidence in the market and lays the groundwork for expanded growth.

- New utility-scale turbines were installed in a total of 20 states across the country, from Maine to New Mexico to Alaska.

- The top five states in new installations were Texas (774 MW), Washington (428 MW), California (212 MW), New York (185 MW) and Minnesota (150 MW).

- AWEA gathers the data for its analysis each January by contacting wind farm developers and turbine manufacturers around the country.

A state-by-state listing of existing and proposed wind energy projects is available on AWEA's Web site at http://www.awea.org/projects.

AWEA, formed in 1974, is the national trade association of the U.S. wind energy industry. The association's membership includes turbine manufacturers, wind project developers, utilities, academicians, and interested individuals. More information on wind energy is available at the AWEA web site: www.awea.org.

See the Source:
American Wind Energy Association

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More about emissions that cause air pollution.

DOE Announces $17 Million to Promote Greater Automobile Efficiency

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Alexander Karsner today announced that DOE intends issue $17 million in solicitations to improve automobile efficiency and reduce the United States’s dependence on foreign sources of oil. The funding will be offered as two separate solicitations, one for $14 million to support plug-in hybrid electric vehicle technology and another for $3 million for research to improve E-85 engine efficiency.

“President Bush is committed to developing alternative fuels and energy-saving innovations in vehicle technology, not just for concept cars, but for cars that can be publicly available,” Assistant Secretary Karsner said. “By improving battery technology and engine efficiency, we can take bold steps towards reducing our reliance on foreign sources of oil.”

DOE’s FreedomCAR and Vehicle Technologies Program will lead the efforts to bring new, more efficient technologies to market with research on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and E85-blended fuel. The $14 million cost-shared solicitation for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle battery development aims to improve battery performance so that plug-in hybrid vehicles can deliver the 40 miles of electric range required for most roundtrip daily commutes. DOE has also created a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle test bed at DOE’s Argonne National Laboratory; allowing scientists to measure the performance of a vehicle.

The $3 million cost-shared solicitation will support engineering advances to improve the fuel economy of E85 engines and reduce vehicle emissions. The solicitation also serves to undertake research and development projects that will result in flex-fuel vehicles, which take advantage of the favorable properties of ethanol gasoline blends. E85 can be used in flex-fuel vehicles and is a gasoline-ethanol blend of motor fuel containing 85% ethanol. E85 has the highest oxygen content of any fuel available today, allowing it to burn more completely – and cleaner - than conventional gasoline.

The solicitations are subject to Congressional appropriations.

Assistant Secretary Karsner made the announcements at the Washington Auto Show, where he was joined today by senior executives from General Motors, Ford and DaimlerChrysler.

See the Source:
US Department of Energy
http://www.energy.gov/news/4621.htm

PennFuture, EIP Reach Agreement with Allegheny Power to Clean Up Hatfield's Ferry Plant in PA

PennFuture and the Environmental Integrity Project announced a settlement of its lawsuit against Allegheny Power for violation of soot and particulate matter standards at the Hatfield's Ferry Plant in western Pennsylvania. The agreement requires immediate steps to reduce sooty discharges through flue gas conditioning and other measures, and will further reduce particulate matter through installation of a scrubber no later than June 30, 2010. The settlement is expected to ultimately save over 200 lives and $1.2 billion in health costs annually by reducing exposure to fine particle pollution that triggers asthma attacks and premature death from heart disease

See the Source:
The Environmental Integrity Project
PennFuture

Find out:
How to reduce soot and particulate pollution using the CleanAIR PERMIT Filter.

Cancer Risk in Texas

A recent study by the University of Texas School of Public Health has found a possible association between air pollution and high cancer rates for children living in Harris County, TX. The researchers found children living within a 2 mile radius of the Houston Ship Channel had a 56 percent higher risk of developing acute lymphocytic leukemia. And those living near increased emissions of 1.3-butadiene, a known carcinogen, were at a higher risk for leukemia.

Investigators stress the preliminary study establishes only an “association” and not proof that these pollutants are connected to an increase in certain diseases.

See the Source:
Science Daily

Find out:
About the health impact of emissions that cause air pollution.

My Power Plant is Cleaner Than Yours

The Dallas Business Journal reports on a battle of emissions and words being waged between various Texas power plants. Comparing the clean-up efforts of TXU Corp., NRG Energy Inc., CPS, LS Power Development and PNM Resources, the publication discusses what these power companies have and have not done to reduce emissions of CO2, NOx, SOx and mercury.

Between “spin” and actual numbers, controversy is the order of the day with TXU claiming their plan to build 11 new coal-fired power plants will actually help clean up air pollution and is challenging all other develops to follow suite. Not so fast, proclaims City Public Works (CPS) of San Antonio. CPS decided to voluntarily reduce emissions since 1997, accepting “the lowest permitted emission rates of NOx on an annual basis in the United States.”

Using a combination approach of: installing new emissions control technology, retiring older plants, balancing coal with other clean alternative power, and purchasing emissions credits, the state’s power developers are in a race to comply with state regulations, build a positive image with local communities and environmental organizations and, as a result, reduce toxic emissions along with air pollution in the state of Texas.

See the Source:
Dallas Business Journal

Find out:
How fossil-fuel power plants can reduce NOx with the CleanAIR ENDURE SCR Catalyst.

Legal Action Filed to Halt 'Fast-Tracking' of Texas Coal-Fired Power Plants

Major New Challenge to Governor's Attempt to Short-Circuit Full Public Review of Health, Environmental, and Pollution Control Issues in the Permitting Process

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 27 -- The Sierra Club, represented by the Austin office of Environmental Integrity Project (EIP), took legal action today to stop the "unprecedented, unreasonable, and ...illegal" plan by Governor Rick Perry to "fast track" administrative hearings for construction of up to 18 dirty coal-fired power plants in the state. Most of the plants in question are being proposed by the Dallas-based utility giant TXU.

EIP Austin Office Counsel Ilan Levin filed the petition on behalf of the Sierra Club to intervene in a state district lawsuit originally brought by Environmental Defense over the processing of coal plant permits. Today's legal action by Sierra Club stems from a recent state agency decision to consolidate six proposed TXU coal plant permits into one hearing, and to set those permits for a speedy decision. The lawsuit seeks to halt Perry's controversial executive order of October 27, 2005, directing the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to accelerate consideration of permit applications and the Texas State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) to issue unusually fast decisions on air pollution permits for new electric power plants.

EIP Austin Office Counsel Ilan Levin said: "Today, Sierra Club is asking a judge to overturn a Governor's executive order that imposes unfair burdens on regular people simply trying to avail themselves of the common-sense environmental protections built into state and federal laws. We're saying that speeding up the required decision process for major new sources of smog and other air pollution is illegal and unfair, especially to citizens trying to participate."

Rita Beving, Conservation Co-Chair for the Dallas Sierra Club Group, whose area's air quality would be impacted by coal plant emissions, said: "This legal action is a critical step in the fight by Texas citizens to assert their rights to protect their health and environment from an ill-considered rush to permit these polluting coal-fired power plants, whether we need them or not. The tragedy is that we could meet our energy needs through greater efficiency and renewable energy, without subjecting our cities to further air pollution from coal plants."

The lawsuit notes: "The executive order imposes an unreasonable schedule to thoroughly develop the required technical and legal issues for one major air permit of the type being considered, let alone six of them ... The Governor's Executive Order RP 49 infringes on the rights of Texas citizens to participate meaningfully in the environmental permitting arena.

The right of any affected party to participate in agency permitting decisions is rooted in the constitutional right to due process. The Governor lacks authority to unilaterally alter this system. Further, the Governor lacks the authority to dictate to an administrative law judge exactly how much time is allowed for a judicial administrative decision, and to do so violates the doctrine of separation of powers."

The Perry fast-tracking scheme has huge consequences. The Sierra Club petition notes: "To put the magnitude of the six TXU permits in context, it is worth noting the additional greenhouse gases associated with these new coal plants. While not addressed in the permits, the new units will emit an additional estimated 51 million tons of carbon dioxide per year into Texas skies. In 2005, all existing Texas power plants emitted 255.4 million tons of carbon dioxide."

The Sierra Club contends that a full and deliberate hearing process on each of the power plant applications is crucial due to the serious health and environmental consequences associated with coal-fired power plants, such as increased sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and mercury pollution.

For example, the legal filing points out: "Sulfur dioxide ... interacts with nitrogen oxides to form nitric and sulfuric acids, commonly known as acid rain, which damages forests and acidifies soil and waterways. Harvard School of Public Health studies have shown that SO2 emissions from power plants significantly harm the cardiovascular and respiratory health of people who live near the plants. According to U.S. EPA studies, fine particle pollution from power plants causes more than 20,000 premature deaths a year."

On the topic of mercury pollution, the EIP/Sierra Club petition notes: "Coal-fired power plants are the single largest source of mercury air pollution, accounting for roughly 40 percent of all mercury emissions nationwide. Mercury is a highly toxic metal that, once released into the atmosphere, settles in lakes and rivers, where it moves up the food chain to humans. The Centers for Disease Control has found that roughly 10 percent of American women carry mercury concentrations at levels considered to put a fetus at risk of neurological damage."

Another major pollutant -- nitrogen oxide -- is a major contributor to ozone smog-forming pollution, which has been a major problem for ambient air quality in the Dallas/Fort Worth and Austin areas.

Usually each power plant application would be considered separately with a full review of the risks associated with its additional pollution impact. The new plants also would be examined to verify that that are using the best available technology in order to not degrade air quality.

ABOUT THE GROUPS
Sierra Club is one of the oldest and largest grassroots environmental organizations in the country. The Club has more than 700,000 members nationwide, and roughly 23,000 Texas members. The Sierra Club is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the natural environment and protecting public health, among other goals. The Sierra Club has the specific goal of improving outdoor air quality. The Sierra Club is a party in administrative proceedings that are at issue in this litigation.

With offices in Washington, D.C. and Austin, Texas, the Environmental Integrity Project (http://www.environmentalintegrity.org/) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization established in March of 2002 to advocate for more effective enforcement of environmental laws. EIP was founded by Eric Schaeffer, who was director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Regulatory Enforcement. He resigned in 2002 after publicly expressing his frustration with efforts of the Bush Administration to weaken enforcement of the Clean Air Act and other laws.

See the Source:
About selective catalytic reduction to reduce emissions of NOx.

Major Businesses and Environmental Leaders Unite to Call for Swift Action on Global Climate Change

U.S. Climate Action Partnership Cites Environmental and Economic Benefits

WASHINGTON, Jan. 22 -- A diverse group of U.S.-based businesses and leading environmental organizations today called on the federal government to quickly enact strong national legislation to achieve significant reductions of greenhouse gas emissions. The group said any delay in action to control emissions increases the risk of unavoidable consequences that could necessitate even steeper reductions in the future.

This unprecedented alliance, called the U.S. Climate Action Partnership (USCAP), consists of market leaders Alcoa, BP America, Caterpillar, Duke Energy, DuPont, FPL Group, General Electric, Lehman Brothers, PG&E, and PNM Resources, along with four leading non-governmental organizations -- Environmental Defense, Natural Resources Defense Council, Pew Center on Global Climate Change, and World Resources Institute.

At a news conference today at the National Press Club, USCAP issued a landmark set of principles and recommendations to underscore the urgent need for a policy framework on climate change. The solutions-based report, titled A Call for Action, lays out a blueprint for a mandatory economy-wide, market- driven approach to climate protection.

"The time has come for constructive action that draws strength equally from business, government, and non-governmental stakeholders," said Jeff Immelt, Chairman and CEO of General Electric. "These recommendations should catalyze legislative action that encourages innovation and fosters economic growth while enhancing energy security and balance of trade, ensuring U.S. leadership on an issue of significance to our country and the world."

USCAP's recommendations [http://www.us-cap.org/ClimateReport.pdf] are based on the following six principles:
1. Account for the global dimensions of climate change
2. Recognize the importance of technology
3. Be environmentally effective
4. Create economic opportunity and advantage
5. Be fair to sectors disproportionately impacted
6. Recognize and encourage early action.

The principles and the recommendations outlined in A Call for Action are the result of a year-long collaboration motivated by the shared goal of slowing, stopping and reversing the growth of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the shortest period of time reasonably achievable.

This unique cooperation of business and environmental leaders is a clear signal to lawmakers that legislative action is urgently needed. This non- partisan effort was driven by the top executives from member organizations- companies with a combined market capitalization of more than $750 billion and environmental groups with more than one million members worldwide and global policy influence.

A Call for Action reflects a growing public concern about global warming. A recent TIME magazine/ABC News/Stanford University poll finds that a significant majority of Americans, about 85 percent, say they believe global warming is probably happening. An even larger percentage, 88 percent, say they think global warming threatens future generations.

USCAP urges policy makers to enact a policy framework for mandatory reductions of GHG emissions from major emitting sectors, including large stationary sources and transportation, and energy use in commercial and residential buildings. The cornerstone of this approach would be a cap-and-trade program. The environmental goal is to reduce global atmospheric GHG
concentrations to a level that minimizes large-scale adverse impacts to humans and the natural environment. The group recommends Congress provide leadership and establish short- and mid-term emission reduction targets; a national program to accelerate technology research, development and deployment; and approaches to encourage action by other countries, including those in the developing world, as ultimately the solution must be global.

"The Climate Action Partnership recognizes that the undertaking to address climate change is an enormous one, and should not be underestimated," said Jonathan Lash, President of the World Resources Institute. "But enacting environmentally effective, economically sustainable and fair climate change law must be a national priority."

USCAP believes that programs to encourage efficiency and to promote cleaner technologies in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 enacted by the last Congress and supported by the President were a good step. However, they alone cannot get us to where we need to be on the climate change issue. A mandatory system is needed that sets clear, predictable, market-based
requirements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The members of USCAP pledge to work with the President, the Congress and other stakeholders to confront this vital global challenge.

See the Source:
United States Climate Action Partnership

Find out:
How to reduce emissions of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons with CleanAIR emission control systems.

The Greening of American Corporations

Today it’s not good enough to just watch the bottom line. With an increased awareness in the environment and social responsibility, corporations know they need to change their practices or be left behind.

Business Week Online reports that many US companies are trying to strike a balance between economic development and sustainability – or “meeting humanity's needs without harming future generations”. With tightening world-wide regulations and the growth of developing countries, companies must take action to reduce toxic emissions, create products that are eco-friendly, and work with nonprofits for the betterment of the poor.

"You can't ignore the impact your company has on the community and environment," Patrick Cescau, CEO of Proctor & Gamble Co. "It's also about growth and innovation. In the future, it will be the only way to do business."

Today a company’s reputation can be built or broken by ignoring their impact on the environment or by being negligent in their responsibility to the world-wide community

See the Source:
Business Week Online

Find out:
About CleanAIR Systems – an eco-friendly corporation.

EPA Helps Farmers Turn Livestock Waste into Wealth

(Washington, D.C. - Jan. 18, 2007) EPA and its partners have released guidance that can help farmers manage livestock waste and boost farm earnings while reducing greenhouse gases. Processing livestock manure under controlled conditions can produce biogas, a source of greenhouse gas emissions. Farmers also benefit because the biogas can be used to generate electricity.

"Using biogas has multiple benefits; it decreases greenhouse gas emissions, produces renewable energy for rural communities, and safeguards local air and water quality," said Bill Wehrum, EPA's acting assistant administrator of Air and Radiation. "This guidance will help farmers and potential investors make informed choices about which systems work best for farms, for profits, and for our environment."

Biogas is made up of methane and carbon dioxide. Because methane is more than 20 times as potent as carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere, capturing biogas provides significant environmental benefits. Also, farmers and project developers can increase their incomes by using biogas for on-site electricity generation or delivery to a local electric utility.

Waste methane recovery systems, also known as anaerobic digestion systems, are estimated to be feasible at about 7,000 dairy and swine operations in the United States. In 2005, about 110 systems were operational or under construction, and another 80 were in the planning stages.
The standardized guidance was developed jointly by EPA's AgStar program, the Association of State Energy Research and Technology Transfer Institutions, and USDA. The guidance will provide a standardized method that will allow farm operators and investors to compare the effectiveness of available waste methane recovery systems.

AgStar is a voluntary program that encourages the use of waste methane recovery systems on dairy and swine farms. Each year, these systems have reduced methane by about 1.5 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent, while providing enough renewable energy to power over 20,000 average American homes. The program also assists countries throughout the world in developing biogas recovery projects through the Methane to Markets Partnership.

See the Source:

AgStar Protocol

General information on Methane to Markets Partnership

Find out:

More about greenhouse gas emissions.

Coal is Choking China

When the rest of the world is looking for ways to go green, China forges ahead in a cloud of black smoke. With 2,000 coal-fired powered plants emitting soot, carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, China has plans to build another 500 power stations, adding to the toxic brew.

It’s estimated 400,000 deaths each year are attributed to pollution. The majority of Chinese citizens are concerned by the ever-worsening situation of their environment at the expense of economic growth. But most mayors and local government oppose any effort to protect the environment, worried that it may slow the economy.

“People can’t tolerate the pollution any longer but officials only care about their political achievements of hitting targets for growth. If this policy isn’t stopped, China will become a land where there are only graves, no people,” explained Yue Jianguo, a Chinese analyst.

China currently has 21,000 mines, with coal output doubling in the past five years. In 2007, the country used 2.5 billion tons of coal – and had the world’s highest miner casualty rate at 3,818 deaths and 2,456 accidents.

Yet local governments are unwilling to purchase filters or use western technology that could reduce emissions up to 95% from power plants.

See the source:
Times Online

Find out:
About the CleanAIR ENDURE SCR to reduce NOx from coal-fired power plants.

How the CleanAIR PERMIT Filter reduces particulate matter (soot) from diesel exhaust by over 85%.

Global Warming Brings Us Closer to Doomsday

Today the Doomsday Clock was moved 2 minutes closer to midnight, from 11:53 to 11:55, partially due to climate change as a result of global warming.

"There's a realization that we are changing our climate for the worse," said cosmologist and mathematician, Stephen Hawking. "That would have catastrophic effects. Although the threat is not as dire as that of nuclear weapons right now, in the long term we are looking at a serious threat."

See source:
CBS News

Find out:
How NOx emissions effect global warming.

States Join Forces to Fight Air Pollution and the EPA

In December, the states of Maine, New York, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, and New Hampshire sued the EPA to demand stricter emissions regulations for particular matter (soot) coming from smokestacks and tailpipes. The states argue that EPA scientists “say lower limits would save lives and improve public health.”

According to Maine’s Attorney General, Steven Rowe “If the federal government doesn’t carry out its duties, then the states are not going to sit idly by and watch.”

"The fact that there has been such an overwhelming proliferation of environmental lawsuits in recent years -- including six brought by the state of Maine -- is a clear indication that our federal laws are not being enforced to the level that Congress intended," said Maine Senator Olympia Snowe.

"While it is unfortunate that the states are sometimes forced to mount legal challenges to these regulations, court action can be necessary when the EPA, and other agencies for that matter, clearly fail to uphold the law," added Senator Susan Collins, also of Maine.

See the Source:
Press Herald

Find Out:
How CleanAIR Systems’ emissions control technology decreases particulate matter (soot).