The Dirt on Diesels

Cleaning up dirty diesels isn’t easy, but there are technologies available and new ones in the works which will reduce ozone-forming air pollution emitted from diesel engines in the form of nitrogen oxides (NOx). Because diesel cars and trucks are actually 30% more fuel efficient than vehicles fueled by gasoline, thereby burning less fuel, they can actually be better for the environment if their emissions are cleaned up using diesel particulate filters (to reduce particulate matter) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR).

In an effort to bring more innovative, fuel efficient clean diesel vehicles to the American marketplace, the EPA has issued a set of guidelines on emission certification procedures for on-road diesels that use SCR technology.

SCR reduces NOx in emissions by using a specially coated catalyst with a “reducing agent” such as ammonia or urea to turn NOx into harmless nitrogen and water.

According to the EPA, manufacturers of SCR technology will need to gain approval according to the guidelines in order to receive verification from the EPA. The technologies must take into account driver warning systems and inducement, system durability and reliability, and reducing agent quality and availability.

See the Source:
EPA – March 27, 2007

Find out:
More about low-temp selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology from CleanAIR Systems

Cut Air Pollution … Or Else!

The EPA has finalized rules instructing 39 areas in 20 states to drastically reduce air pollution levels of fine particulate matter by 2010. The source of most particulate pollution is power plants, cars, trucks and heavy equipment. The EPA requirements include the use of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel, the introduction of clean diesel trucks and buses, the Clean Air Nonroad Diesel Rule to reduce emissions produced by off-road diesel vehicles, and the Clean Air Interstate Rule to reduce particulate matter (PM) from power plant emissions.

Under the Clean Air Act, states must have a plan in place by April of 2008, and designated areas must reduce fine particles to 1997 air quality levels by 2010. Approximately 88 million people in urban areas live with high levels air pollution containing fine particles, which have been linked to heart and lung disease, as well as premature death.

But Clean air advocate, Frank O’Donnell of Clean Air Watch believes that the finalized rules are a “flagrant gift to the electric power industry” because power plants can comply to regulations by purchasing credits through the “cap-and-trade” program and not physically reduce their emissions.

It is estimated that power plants already need to invest $50 billion to install new technology to bring emissions into compliance with the air quality standards for reduction of sulfur dioxide (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

Another contingency is that counties with the highest levels of fine particulate matter could receive a five year extension, delaying their attainment until 2015.

See the Source:
EPA

Find out:
How diesel particulate matter impacts health and the environment

Blowin’ In the Wind

General Electric Wind has purchased 276 MW wind turbines from EDF Energies Nouvelles. Due to the recent renewal of the production tax credit in effect until the end of 2008, a demand has been created for turbines in order to continue U.S. expansion into this market.

“The availability of turbines is of major importance for wind power operators to expand in the United States. Extension of the renewable energy production tax credit until the end of 2008 will not fail to stimulate the wind power market and demand for turbines. We are pleased to have a long-established collaboration with GE Wind. Signing this new contract forms part of our ambitious expansion plan in the fast-growing US market,” says David Corchia, Chief Executive Officer of EDF Energies Nouvelles.

About EDF Energies Nouvelles
Founded in 1990, EDF Energies Nouvelles is a world-class player in the green electricity generation market, with gross installed capacity of 1,037 MW worldwide at 31 December 2006, plus 615 MW in gross capacity under construction. With a presence in 9 European countries and in the United States, EDF Energies Nouvelles operates in four renewable energy segments: wind, hydro, biomass and solar.

See the Source:
EDF Energies Nouvelles

EU’s Environmental Endeavors

The U.S. Senate Committee on Finance heard the testimony of Ambassador John Bruton this week, outlining the European Union’s energy policy objectives.

With the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting energy dependency, the Ambassador stated several EU policies such as energy taxation, the EU emission trading system, and a plan for sustainable coal technologies.

"Although EU energy policy is far from being created from scratch - a number of energy efficiency and renewables promotion measures date back more than 10 years - it is just recently that the EU has opted for a comprehensive, integrated and ambitious policy set in the field of energy and fight against climate change," said Ambassador Bruton, Head of Delegation of the European Commission to the United States, during testimony.

He continued "the EU’s increasing dependency on imports threatens not only its security of supply but it also implies higher prices, if, for example, the price of oil rises to $100 per barrel in today’s money, the EU's energy import bill will be around 50 percent higher by 2030. While Europeans would have to pay a lot more for their energy, few additional jobs in the EU would be created this way. In contrast, boosting investment in energy efficiency, renewable energy and new technologies has wide-reaching benefits and would contribute to the EU’s strategy for growth and jobs."

Addressing the common situation of the EU and United States’ energy situation, Ambassador Bruton concluded "…that in order to ensure a sustainable, secure and competitive energy supply, a common response is needed."

See the Source:
Ambassador Bruton’s testimony

Find out:
About new emissions control technologies offered by CleanAIR Systems

Lots of SOx and NOx

On March 26, 2007 the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Maritime Pollution Prevention Act of 2007, giving authority to the US Coast Guard and the EPA to establish and enforce emission limits on domestic and foreign ships entering U.S. waters. Passing 359 to 48, the bill would bring the US into compliance with regulations already used by other countries and adopted by the International Maritime Organization in 1997 to limit emissions of sulfur dioxide (a main component of SOx) and nitrogen oxide (NOx).

Pollutants such as SOx and NOx deplete the environment’s ozone layer, contribute to global warming, effect climate change and have a serious impact on health.

According to a report issued by The International Council on Clean Transportation entitled, “Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ocean-going Ships: Impacts, Mitigation Options and Opportunities for Managing Growth,” marine fuel contains a much higher sulfur content than highway diesel fuel. (Recent regulations have forced a substantial decrease in sulfur content for diesel fuel available throughout the United States, resulting in the use of Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel for on- and off-highway vehicles, thereby lowing SOx emissions.) The report states that ocean-going ships produce more sulfur dioxide than all of the cars, trucks and buses in the world combine.

The latest major action on the bill was on March 28th as it was referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

See the Source:
Library of Congress
The International Council on Clean Transportation
Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ocean-going Ships

Find out:
More about the health and environmental impact of NOx.

Science Politicization: Report by GAP Analyzes Government Interference and Distortion of Environmental Information

After a year-long investigation, the Government Accountability Project (GAP) has released a detailed report on the political interference of information presented by scientist about environmental issues. The report, entitled “Redacting the Science of Climate Change,” demonstrates how current governmental policies and practices have restricted the flow of scientific information generated from publicly-funded climate change research.

Findings illustrate objectionable and possible illegal restrictions on the communication of scientific information to the media, including delaying, monitoring, screening and denying interviews. Other questionable actions include the delay, denial and inappropriate editing of press releases issued by media-scientists.

The report also offers examples of government interference with scientists’ communications to Congress and the public.

GAP Staff Attorney, Tarek Maassarani states “The government has failed to provide any justifications for these increasingly restrictive policies and practices, which seem to kick in whenever there is politically-inconvenient science.”

Massarani will be testifying on March 28 to the Investigation and Oversight Subcommittee of the House Science and Technology Committee concerning the findings of the report. The hearing is entitled “Shaping the Message, Distorting the Science: Media Strategies to Influence Public Policy.”

The report draws the conclusion that due to restrictive practices in the dissemination of scientific information, the media has been negatively affected in their ability to report objectively on environmental issues, as well as public officials hindered in their capacity to respond with appropriate policies, and the public to fully understand environmental concerns.

See the Source:
GAP Report Details Climate Science Politicization
Redacting the Science of Climate Change

Fresno: Clean and Green

The City of Fresno, CA has earned national recognition from the DOE and EPA for instituting progressive measures in making the city “clean and green”.

City Mayor, Alan Autry says, “There are external standards in place to ensure compliance. We have an internal set of goals that more beyond compliance toward commitment – commitment to clean air initiatives and a commitment to being environmental stewards.”

The City of Fresno now boasts one of the largest clean fleets in California’s Central Valley, containing a total of 362 clean-air vehicles including:
- 54 Compress Natural Gas Transit Buses
- 72 Liquid Natural Gas Refuse Trucks
- 46 Hybrid Cars and Pickups
- 131 Diesel Vehicles retrofitted with emissions control technology
- 1 Class 7 Liquid Natural Gas “Plug-in” Electric Hybrid Truck (first of its kind)

The Municipal Service Center, where much of the fleet is parked, utilizes solar power from the 4,557 solar panels installed on the roof. The solar system is expected to have a 30-year life span and substantially reduce pollutants that would have otherwise been emitted by traditional power sources. The solar panels also help out during peak power hours by producing an increase in energy and lessening the load on local power grids.

Fresno City Council President Henry T. Perea emphasized, "More and more cities across the nation are recognizing their role in protecting the environment. Fresno has demonstrated its leadership in this regard and is pushing a progressive agenda to utilize more and greener technologies. Our efforts over the last several years have placed Fresno on the map of environmental innovation, and we have just begun."

See the Source:
City of Fresno

Find out:
About emissions control technology to retrofit diesel engines

EPA Seeks Data Review to Assess Remaining Air Toxics Risks from 22 Industry Sectors

Washington, D.C. - March 26, 2007 -- EPA is soliciting public comment on data the agency intends to use in analyzing risks from air toxics emitted from 22 industrial sectors. EPA will use the data to conduct risk analyses to determine if additional standards are needed to address remaining risks from the 22 sectors. In addition, EPA will perform a technology review for each sector.

The agency seeks comment on toxic air pollutant emissions estimates and other information. The data will help EPA scientists estimate airborne pollutant concentrations. Following review of comments received, EPA plans to update the data, as appropriate, and estimate remaining risks.

These analyses are required by the Clean Air Act as part of the process to assess the risks remaining after these industrial sectors have complied with earlier technology based emission standards.

Today’s action announces EPA’s approach and requests public comments. EPA will accept comments for 60 days following publication of the notice in the Federal Register.

See the Source:
EPA

EPA and Earth Day

April 22 is Earth Day and the EPA wants Americans to demonstrate environmental responsibility by making wise choices to help protect the environment. Learn how to reduce your carbon footprint using the EPA personal carbon calculator by visiting the Interactive Climate Change Web page at
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ind_calculator.html

See the Source:
EPA Earthday

Virgin Blue Flying Green

Virgin Blue announced on March 21st that it is the first airline to offer a carbon offset program certified by the Australian Government under the Greenhouse Friendly initiative. The program allows the airline and Virgin Blue’s customers the opportunity to neutralize their emissions, thereby decreasing their carbon footprint.

Money collected through the optional offset program will go towards purchasing abatement from projects in Australia and New Zealand.

Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey said, “As an airline company, we are well aware of the challenge to balance the demand and growth of air travel while at the same time actively working to reduce aircraft emissions. The introduction of this program is a significant step in the right direction and one we hope other airlines will follow.”

“We see our Carbon Offset Program as a step towards creating a sustainable aviation environment. This is a global issue requiring a global response,” continued Godfrey, “and we believe all airlines around the world, not just in Australia, need to view it as a shared responsibility and act swiftly and today’s announcement shows that we are very keen to play our role in this.”

The Virgin Blue Carbon Offset Program:
- Guests will have the option to voluntarily offset their carbon emissions generated during flight by contributing towards approved projects such as forestry activities, energy efficiency measures, waste diversion and recycling/generation of renewable energy.

- Virgin Blue has made a financial commitment to offset emissions generated by their crew and staff while travelling on company business. The annual commitment will go towards abatement projects that are aimed at long term and permanent reduction of GHG emissions.

The airline has also joined 800 other companies in participating in the Australian Greenhouse Challenge Plus Program, to measure, monitor and report on overall emissions with the goal of reducing them every year.

See the Source:
Virgin Blue

Edwards Calls For Cleaner Use Of Coal As Part Of Fight Against Global Warming

Calls for Ban on New Coal Plants Lacking Technology To Capture Carbon Dioxide Emissions

San Francisco, California – Following last week's announcement of his plan to halt global warming and create a new energy economy, Senator John Edwards today released the details of his plan to burn coal cleanly and store its carbon dioxide emissions safely. Edwards called for an end to the construction of any new coal-burning power plants that lack the technology needed to capture their carbon dioxide emissions.

"Global warming is not an issue for the future," said Edwards. "It is a crisis that demands action from us today. We have the chance to create an energy revolution in our country, but if we're going to have that happen, we have to be willing to take action now. We need to be smart and responsible about how we use coal, so we can leave our children and grandchildren a safer and cleaner planet."

While Edwards' energy plan calls for investing in renewable energy and efficiency, he understands that the U.S. is likely to rely on coal for its energy needs for decades or even centuries. Coal-fired power plants generate more than half of our electricity, but cause a third of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions. Utility companies are planning to build more than 150 coal-fired power plants in the next 25 years.

Edwards believes we need to find a way to use coal without heating the planet. As president, Edwards will require that all new coal-fired plants be built with the required technology to capture their carbon dioxide emissions, so plants built today will be able to permanently and safely store their carbon emissions tomorrow. He also committed to investing $1 billion a year in research and testing to jumpstart the means to store large amounts of carbon dioxide safely underground.

In order to halt global warming, Edwards last week called for a dramatic reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Edwards' plan would cap greenhouse gas pollution starting in 2010, and reduce it by 15 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050, as the latest science says is needed to avoid the worst impacts of global warming. Edwards also proposed major investments in renewable energy and laid out ways to help Americans conserve energy.

See the Source:
A New Strategy For Coal: Achieving Energy Independence & Stopping Global Warming

Find out:
About low-temp selective catalytic reduction to reduce NOx emissions at coal-fired power plants.

Global Warming Forecasts Creation, Loss of Climate Zones

by Jill Sakai

A new global warming study predicts that many current climate zones will vanish entirely by the year 2100, replaced by climates unknown in today's world.

Global climate models for the next century forecast the complete disappearance of several existing climates currently found in tropical highlands and regions near the poles, while large swaths of the tropics and subtropics may develop new climates unlike anything seen today. Driven by worldwide greenhouse gas emissions, the climate modeling study uses average summer and winter temperatures and precipitation levels to map the differences between climate zones today and in the year 2100 and anticipates large climate changes worldwide.

The work, by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Wyoming, appears online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences during the week of March 26.

As world leaders and scientists push to develop sound strategies to understand and cope with global changes, predictive studies like this one reveal both the importance and difficulty of such a task. Primary author and UW-Madison geographer Jack Williams likens today's environmental analysts to 15th-century European mapmakers confronted with the New World, struggling to chart unknown territory.

"We want to identify the regions of the world where climate change will result in climates unlike any today," Williams says. "These are the areas beyond our map."

The most severely affected parts of the world span both heavily populated regions, including the southeastern United States, southeastern Asia and parts of Africa, and known hotspots of biodiversity, such as the Amazonian rainforest and African and South American mountain ranges. The changes predicted by the new study anticipate dramatic ecological shifts, with unknown but probably extensive effects on large segments of the Earth's population.

"All policy and management strategies are based on current conditions," Williams says, adding that regions with the largest changes are where these strategies and models are most likely to fail. "How do you make predictions for these areas of the unknown?"

Using models that translate carbon dioxide emission levels into climate change, Williams and his colleagues foresee the appearance of novel climate zones on up to 39 percent of the world's land surface area by 2100, if current rates of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions continue. Under the same conditions, the models predict the global disappearance of up to 48 percent of current land climates. Even if emission rates slow due to mitigation strategies, the models predict both climate loss and formation, each on up to 20 percent of world land area.

The underlying effect is clear, Williams says, noting, "More carbon dioxide in the air means more risk of entirely new climates or climates disappearing."

In general, the models show that existing climate zones will shift toward higher latitudes and higher elevations, squeezing out the climates at the extremes — tropical mountaintops and the poles — and leaving room for unfamiliar climes around the equator.

"This work helps highlight the significance of changes in the tropics," complementing the extensive attention already focused on the Arctic, says co-author John Kutzbach, professor of atmospheric and oceanic sciences at UW-Madison. "There has been so much emphasis on high latitudes because the absolute temperature changes are larger."

However, Kutzbach explains, normal seasonal fluctuations in temperature and rainfall are smaller in the tropics, and even "small absolute changes may be large relative to normal variability."

The patterns of change foreshadow significant impacts on ecosystems and conservation. "There is a close correspondence between disappearing climates and areas of biodiversity," says Williams, which could increase risk of extinction in the affected areas.

Physical restrictions on species may also amplify the effects of local climate changes. The more relevant question, Williams says, becomes not just whether a given climate still exists, but "will a species be able to keep up with its climatic zone? Most species can't migrate around the world."

For the researchers, one of the most poignant aspects of the work is in what it doesn't tell them — the uncertainty. At this point, Williams says, "we don't know which bad things will happen or which good things will happen — we just don't know. We are in for some ecological surprises."

The work was conducted in collaboration with Stephen Jackson at the University of Wyoming and was funded by the National Science Foundation.

See the Source:
University of Wisconsin-Madison

Clean Air Advocates Demand that EPA Withdraw Bogus Clean Air Finding in San Joaquin Valley

Determination based on illegally ignored data

San Francisco – March 22, 2007 -- Clean air advocates in the San Joaquin Valley of California are taking action to reverse a finding that the region cleared the air of dangerous particulate matter pollution. Advocates say the Environmental Protection Agency reached its finding by sweeping key data under the rug.

On October 30, 2006, EPA declared that the San Joaquin Valley had attained the national air quality standards for particulate matter pollution (PM-10), i.e., tiny particles of dust, soot, and chemicals that can obscure visibility and be inhaled deep in the lungs. PM-10 is a known killer that can cause lung and heart ailments. In a region where this type of pollution kills more that 1800 residents a year (http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/aaqs/std-rs/std-rs.htm) clean air advocates question EPA's decision to end requirements that the local air district keep working to eliminate this threat.

The groups have now presented EPA with data that contradicts the regional air district's and EPA's claims of victory over particulate pollution.

"It's astounding the lengths to which our public health agencies are going to protect this bad decision," says Kevin Hamilton of Medical Advocates for Healthy Air. "EPA said they'd withdraw it if there were more violations -- we're just asking them to keep their word. They need to stand up and protect the public health in our Valley."

To be declared in attainment with the public health standards, the Valley is required to go three years without violating the pollution limit more than once a year. Last fall, southern portions of the Valley violated the limit more than two dozen times -- more than twice as many as in any other year for the past 14 years.

Clean air advocates assert that EPA ignored dirty data from numerous days at numerous air monitors last fall when it made its attainment finding in October. EPA is trying to blame the area's bad air quality on winds in the Sacramento Valley but has provided no reliable evidence to support that claim. In fact, former National Weather Service forecaster and expert forensic meteorologist Jan Null says that the days in question were "complete non-events" and "were not windy by any stretch of the imagination."

Advocates believe the premature clean air declaration was intended to avoid a court-ordered deadline in which EPA was required to impose a federal clean air plan on the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District by October 18, 2006. By determining that the air was clean, EPA avoided this work burden. Advocates say EPA's finding sends the wrong message to regulated industries and Valley citizens whose health remains imperiled by unacceptable levels of PM-10.

"EPA is contorting its own policies to avoid doing its job," said Sarah Jackson, air specialist with Earthjustice. "There are no more 'get out of jail free' cards for an agency with more than three decades of missed deadlines and botched plans. The residents of the San Joaquin Valley deserve real progress, not agency politics."

In a formal "petition for withdrawal" submitted today, air advocates claimed:
In spite of EPA's regulatory acrobatics, the fact is that the Valley was not in attainment as of the date of the Finding, and it is not in attainment today. Since EPA published its proposed Attainment Finding, Valley monitoring sites using methodology subject to all quality assurance and quality control requirements, have recorded 26 PM-10 exceedance days.

Earthjustice represents Latino Issues Forum, Medical Advocates for Health Air, and three valley Sierra Club chapters in this action. In addition to a full withdrawal of the attainment finding, they are asking EPA to reinstate the contingency measures and other Clean Air Act requirements it suspended when it made that erroneous finding.

See the Source:
Earthjustice – Petition for Withdrawal

Find out:
The health impact of exposure to diesel particulate matter

EPA Lauds Corporate Partners for Cutting Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Climate Leaders Program Continues to Attract New Members

Washington, D.C. - March 22, 2007 -- EPA today commended American Electric Power, St. Lawrence Cement and United Technologies Corp. for achieving significant greenhouse gas reductions (GHG) under EPA's Climate Leaders program. The companies also extended their commitment by pledging a second goal on measurable reductions. In addition, the agency recognized 12 corporations for announcing new reduction goals, and another 16 companies that are joining the program.

"Our Climate Leaders partners are demonstrating corporate climate change leadership by embracing energy efficiency, green power, and technological innovation as sound business investments," said EPA Deputy Administrator Marcus Peacock. "Many of the nation's leading companies are working aggressively with EPA to lower their greenhouse gas emissions in ways that advance President Bush's climate change strategy."

--American Electric Power, Columbus, Ohio, met its 2006 goal by reducing total U.S. GHG emissions by four percent from 2001 to 2006. AEP pledges to reduce total U.S. GHG emissions by six percent from 2001 to 2010.

--St. Lawrence Cement, Mont-Royal, Quebec, met its goal by reducing global GHG emissions by 16 percent per ton of cement-type product from 2000 to 2006. St. Lawrence Cement pledges to reduce global GHG emissions by 20 percent per ton of cement-type product from 2000 to 2012.

--United Technologies Corp., Hartford, Conn., met its goal of reducing global GHG emissions by 46 percent per dollar of revenue from 2001 to 2006. UTC pledges to reduce total global GHG emissions by 12 percent from 2006 to 2010.

The twelve partners announcing aggressive greenhouse gas reduction goals:
--Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc., St. Louis, Mo., pledges to reduce total U.S. GHG emissions by five percent from 2005 to 2010.

--Boise Cascade, Boise, Idaho, pledges to reduce total U.S. GHG emissions by 10 percent from 2004 to 2014.

--Codding Enterprises, Rohnert Park, Calif., pledges to reduce U.S. GHG emissions by 50 percent per square foot from 2005 to 2010.

--Fairchild Semiconductor, South Portland, Maine, pledges to reduce U.S. GHG emissions by 30 percent per manufacturing index (production measure) from 2003 to 2010.

--General Motors Corp., Detroit, Mich., pledges to reduce total North American GHG emissions by 40 percent from 2000 to 2010. GM achieved its initial goal by reducing total North American GHG emissions by 23 percent from 2000 to 2005.

--IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y., pledges to reduce total global GHG emissions by seven percent from 2005 to 2012. IBM achieved its initial goal by reducing total global energy-related GHG emissions by an average of six percent per year and PFC emissions by 58 percent from 2000 to 2005.

--Sandy Alexander, Clifton, N.J., pledges to reduce U.S. GHG emissions by 11 percent per dollar of revenue from 2006 to 2012.

--SC Johnson, Racine, Wis., pledges to reduce total U.S. GHG emissions by 8 percent from 2005 to 2010. SC Johnson achieved its initial goal by reducing total U.S. GHG emissions by 17 percent from 2000 to 2005. --Steelcase Inc., Grand Rapids, Mich., pledges to reduce U.S. GHG emissions by 40 percent per dollar sales from 2004 to 2009.

--The Tower Cos., North Bethesda, Md., pledge to achieve a net effect of zero GHG emissions using EPA approved methods by 2008 and maintain that level through 2012.

--The World Bank, Washington, D.C., pledges to reduce total U.S. GHG emissions by seven percent from 2006 to 2011.

--Thomas Rutherfoord Inc., Roanoke, Va., pledges to reduce U.S. GHG emissions by seven percent per employee from 2006 to 2012.

The 16 companies that have recently joined Climate Leaders as partners: Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc., St. Louis, Mo; Cherokee Investment Partners, Raleigh, N.C.; CSX Transportation Inc., Jacksonville, Fla.; Deere & Company, Moline, Ill; Duke Energy, Charlotte, N.C.; Kellogg Co., Battle Creek, Mich.; Merck & Co. Inc., Whitehouse Station, N.J.; Mohawk Fine Papers Inc., Cohoes, N.Y.; National Geographic Society, Washington D.C.; NVIDIA Corp., Santa Clara, Calif.; Office Depot, Delray Beach, Fla.; PPG Industries Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa.; Stora Enso North America Corp., Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.; Turner Construction Co., New York, N.Y.; WhiteWave Foods Co., Broomfield, Colo.; 3 Phases Energy, San Francisco, Calif.

Since 2002, the Climate Leaders program has provided valuable guidance and recognition to leading companies across many industries to help them develop and implement long-term comprehensive climate change strategies. EPA estimates that the goals announced to date through Climate Leaders will prevent more than 11 million metric tons of carbon equivalent emissions per year – equal to the amount of greenhouse gas emissions from more than seven million cars. Climate Leaders partners come from a wide range of industries and constitute over nine percent of U.S. gross domestic product. Over the past five years, the program has expanded to include 113 organizations. Of these, 67 have announced aggressive long-term greenhouse gas reduction goals, while the remaining companies are working with EPA to set and announce a goal.

See the Source:
EPA - Climate Leaders

Rep. Waxman Introduces the Science-Based “Safe Climate Act”

Washington, DC – March 20, 2007 -- Today Rep. Henry A. Waxman, together with over 125 House colleagues, introduced the “Safe Climate Act of 2007.” The legislation is based on what scientists have concluded the United States must do to avoid dangerous, irreversible warming of the planet and would significantly reduce U.S. emissions of greenhouse gases.

“We must act now to protect our children and grandchildren from disastrous global warming,” said Rep. Waxman. “My legislation reflects what the science says we need to do to prevent dire changes to the climate system, and there is a growing consensus in the states and among American workers, industry leaders, small businesses, religious groups, and others that these levels are what we need to achieve.”

Scientists have concluded that the planet faces a grave risk of irreversible and devastating global warming if global temperatures increase by more than 3.6°F. To protect against these catastrophic impacts, the Safe Climate Act sets greenhouse gas emissions targets that aim to keep temperatures below the danger point. The level of emissions is frozen in 2010, gradually reduced by 2% each year through 2020, and then reduced by 5% each year through 2050.

The Safe Climate Act achieves these targets through a flexible economy-wide cap-and-trade program for greenhouse gas emissions, along with measures to advance technology and reduce emissions through renewable energy, energy efficiency, and cleaner cars.

According to Rep. Waxman, “In effect, the Safe Climate Act sets the targets and then unleashes market forces and American ingenuity to solve the climate problem.”

Rep. Waxman is the Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The legislation and supporting materials are available online at: http://www.henrywaxman.house.gov/.

See the Source:
Representative Henry Waxman – Safe Climate Act of 2007

Cummins Announces Approval of B20 Biodiesel Blends

LOUISVILLE, Ky.--March 21, 2007--Cummins Inc. today announced the approval of biodiesel B20 blends for use in its 2002 and later emissions-compliant ISX, ISM, ISL, ISC and ISB engines. This includes the recently released 2007 products.

Cummins is able to upgrade its previous position on the use of biodiesel fuel, which limited the use to B5 blends only, up to B20 for three key reasons. First, the American Society of Testing Materials specification ASTM D6751 now includes an important stability specification for B100 biodiesel. Second, the availability of quality fuels from BQ-9000 Certified Marketers and Accredited Producers is growing rapidly; and third, Cummins has completed the necessary testing and evaluations to ensure that customers can reliably operate their equipment with confidence using B20 fuel.

“We have completed exhaustive analysis and test evaluations which enable Cummins to provide the necessary guidance and information to our customers for the proper and successful use of this fuel in our engine,” said Edward Lyford-Pike, Chief Engineer – Advanced Alternative Fuel Programs. “This will enable our customers to have a choice that includes renewable fuel.”

The popularity and use of biodiesel fuel continues to climb. Recent studies predict that, by 2008, 1.2 billion gallons of B100 biodiesel will be produced in the United States. Cummins will continue its efforts to ensure that future products will be compatible with biodiesel fuels, and will continue to participate in industry efforts aimed at the development of consistent quality throughout the biodiesel industry.

Further information about the use of biodiesel for both on-highway and off-highway Cummins products can be found on the Web at everytime.cummins.com.

Cummins Inc., a global power leader, is a corporation of complementary business units that design, manufacture, distribute and service engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions and electrical power generation systems. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (USA), Cummins serves customers in more than 160 countries through its network of 550 company-owned and independent distributor facilities and more than 5,000 dealer locations. Cummins reported net income of $715 million on sales of $11.4 billion in 2006.

See the Source:
Cummins, Inc.

Find out:
About diesel particulate filters from CleanAIR Systems that reduce biodiesel emissions

Environmental, Community Groups Announce Important Energy Agreement with Major Utility

Sierra Club, Kansas City Power & Light and Concerned Citizens of Platte County Put Forward Agreement to Reduce Emissions, Spur Clean Energy Development

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- March 20, 2007--In a groundbreaking agreement that can serve as a model for environmental groups and utilities working together, the Sierra Club, Kansas City Power & Light (KCP&L), and the Concerned Citizens of Platte County (CCPC) have agreed on a set of initiatives to offset carbon dioxide (CO2) and reduce other emissions for the Kansas City-based utility. Under the agreement announced today, KCP&L agrees to pursue offsets for all of the global warming emissions associated with its new plant through significant investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy, and cut pollution from its existing plants in order to improve air quality in the Greater Kansas City metro area. The agreement proposes other investments in clean energy, significant decreases in emissions and resolves four appeals pending between the Sierra Club, CCPC, and KCP&L. Full implementation of the terms of the agreement will necessitate approval from the appropriate authorities, as some of the initiatives in this agreement require either enabling legislative policy or regulatory approval.

“We believe there is significant potential through new energy technology and innovative approaches to improve the environment and offer additional value to our customers across the Kansas City region. This is especially true with energy efficiency and wind generation, which we have been implementing already through our Comprehensive Energy Plan developed in 2005,” said Mike Chesser, Chairman and CEO of Great Plains Energy. “We look forward to collaborating with the Sierra Club and other stakeholders as we pursue these exciting new opportunities.”

“This agreement is a win for our climate, for the environment, and for the residents of the Kansas City area,” said Carl Pope, Sierra Club Executive Director. “It is the latest sign that smart energy solutions like wind power and energy efficiency are gathering steam. We look forward to working with KCP&L to help the Midwest realize its full potential as a leader in the clean energy technologies that will fuel the economy of tomorrow.”

The most significant element of the agreement is the unprecedented commitment by KCP&L to pursue the offset of carbon emissions from its proposed Iatan 2 generating station, located near Weston, Missouri. The estimated 6,000,000 tons of annual carbon dioxide emissions are targeted to be offset by adding 400 megawatts (MW) of wind power; 300 MW of energy efficiency; and a yet to be determined combination of wind, efficiency, or the closing, altering, re-powering or efficiency improvements at any of its generating units. These proposed offsets will be partially implemented by 2010 and fully implemented by 2012. The parties are also agreeing to work together on a series of regulatory and legislative initiatives to achieve an overall reduction in KCP&L’s carbon dioxide emissions of 20 percent by 2020.

“This agreement shows that we can work together to curb air pollution, combat global warming, and protect our local communities,” said Susan Brown, chairperson for Concerned Citizens of Platte County. “The renewable energy investments in this agreement can revitalize the region’s manufacturing economy and offer rural landowners a new source of steady income from wind turbines located on their property. The large investment in energy efficiency will also help everyone use less energy — reducing emissions and saving consumers and businesses money each month.”

In addition to offsetting its global warming emissions, residents of the Kansas City area will benefit from reduced emissions of criteria pollutants at KCP&L’s existing Iatan 1 and La Cygne plants. The agreement calls for annual reductions in nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and particulate matter estimated to total some 9,100 tons. Within the next year, KCP&L will also work with the Sierra Club to study options, including retiring, re-powering or upgrading its Montrose power plant. Finally, KCP&L will fund several community projects including: recommendations of the Kansas City Climate Protection Committee targeting global warming reduction measures; additional monitoring of soot and smog pollution in the metro area; and an upgrade to the drinking water infrastructure in Weston, a community near the Iatan station.

In another important step for clean energy, KCP&L will also file for approval of a net metering program within six months. Net metering allows a utility’s customers to generate small amounts of renewable energy on-site, such as from rooftop solar panels or a small wind turbine, and sell any excess energy back to the utility.

KCP&L’s Comprehensive Energy Plan was collaboratively constructed with a broad group of stakeholders and includes investments in new generation (including renewable wind energy); innovative efficiency, affordability and demand response programs; infrastructure improvements; and proactive environmental investments. This balanced approach will enable KCP&L to satisfy growing energy demands across the region for years to come while improving environmental stewardship.

“KCP&L’s current Comprehensive Energy Plan addresses the energy needs and emissions reductions for the Kansas City region with actions into the year 2010. This Agreement is the start of the next set of discussions with stakeholders as we develop our plans for the 2010-2015 timeframe,” said Bill Downey, President and CEO of KCP&L. “It reflects the ongoing atmosphere of collaboration we established in developing the CEP, and proactively resolves differences. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to secure a long-term energy supply for Kansas City while improving air quality.”

This agreement builds on the success of a 2006 agreement that Sierra Club brokered with City Water Light and Power of Springfield, IL. That agreement stipulated that the municipal utility retire one of the dirtiest coal plants in the nation, purchase 120 MW of wind, invest four million dollars in energy efficiency, and significantly decrease emissions of soot, smog and mercury pollution. In addition, all of the government buildings owned by the state of Illinois are to be powered with green electricity. Last week, CWLP announced that it stands to at least break even and may reap significant profits from its purchase and resale the wind power investments required in their agreement.

“We were and continue to be very pleased with the agreement we reached in Springfield,” commented Pope. “Our exciting new agreement with KCP&L raises the bar even further and demonstrates just how much we can achieve when utilities and groups like the Sierra Club work together.”

See the Source:
Kansas City Power & Light

Find out:
How selective catalytic reduction can eliminate NOx emissons from power plants

TV Truck Designers Partner With EPA to Help Truckers Save Money, Reduce Emissions

Keep on Truckin' While Cutting Fuel Costs, Protecting Environment

Washington, D.C. -- March 20, 2007 -- EPA's SmartWay Transport Partnership and the "Chrome Shop Mafia" have teamed up to help truck drivers save on fuel costs and cut air pollution. The Mafia, a nationally recognized crew of truck designers and custom fabricators, restore and upgrade older big rigs on Country Music Television's "Trick My Truck" show.

"Partnering with this well-known group helps EPA reach out to truckers, assisting them with understanding the financial and environmental advantages of our SmartWay program," said Bill Wehrum, EPA's acting assistant administrator for Air and Radiation.

SmartWay's kits are combinations of EPA-endorsed fuel- and emissions-savings technologies that can improve truck fuel efficiency up to 15 percent, saving more than $8,000 in fuel costs annually. The environment also benefits: These products significantly decrease harmful diesel emissions and reduce exposure to contaminants that might adversely affect the health of drivers and the general public.

Both EPA's SmartWay program and 4 State Trucks, an equipment retail outlet and service center in Joplin, Mo., that serves as headquarters for the Mafia, will begin marketing SmartWay Upgrade Kits this Thursday through Saturday at the Mid-America Trucking Show at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. Next month, 4 State Trucks will begin selling and installing SmartWay Upgrade Kits will also showcase the products on its Web site. The kits cost between $8,500 and $25,000, depending on the technologies selected for installation. Individual components can be purchased and installed for as little as $800. Truckers may obtain financing from the U.S. Small Business Administration to pay for the upgrades.

The kit typically ends up saving truckers more money than it costs, even during a loan-repayment period. For example, an upgrade kit consisting of an auxiliary power unit, single-wide tires, and trailer aerodynamics could be purchased for about $16,500. With a five-year loan at 12 percent annual interest, the cost would be about $367 per month while producing an estimated $636 in monthly fuel savings. That represents a gain of $269 per month, or $16,140 over the five-year period.

The SmartWay Transport Partnership is an innovative program developed by EPA and freight-industry representatives to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution, and to promote cleaner, more efficient ground freight transportation.

See the Source:
EPA Smartway upgrade kits and financing

Uncovering Diesel Pollution: Five Places Where Dangerous Diesel Particulates Hide

Santa Fe – March 22, 2007 – Are you being exposed to dangerous diesel particulate air pollution in your neighborhood without knowing it? When most people think of diesels, images of giant construction equipment or super semis belching clouds of black smoke come to mind. But did you know diesels can also be stationary engines and that they are a part of everyone’s life, residing right around the corner from you? With Earth Day 2007 soon approaching, CleanAIR Systems, Inc., a manufacturer of air pollution control systems, is informing the public on five places where dirty diesel particulates may be hiding in your community.

Recent reports by the Clean Air Task Force, Environmental Health Perspectives and The Coalition for Clean Air all detail the dangers of fine particulate matter (PM) pollution. The health impact of particulate air pollution ranges from asthma attacks and lung cancer to cardiac problems and decreased life expectancy. The World Health Organization estimates that thousands of deaths each year may be caused by exposure to PM. And the American Lung Association believes fine air-borne particulate represents our most serious health threat. Not only is particulate matter a global environmental hazard, but also a dangerous health problem.

“A substantial percentage of PM can be attributed to diesel engines, especially older ones that have not been retrofitted with the latest emissions control technology,” explains Michael Roach, CEO of CleanAIR Systems. “A very common type of diesel engine is the emergency generator used in backup situations to keep the power on. Due to their reliability, large facilities in every city of the United States depend on generators for standby power when the lights go off. Although they pollute, they are definitely a necessity.”

Do you know where diesel generators are installed in your community? In the United States alone, there are estimated to be over 100,000 industrial standby generators. Most are used on a limited basis by commercial and public facilities in case of an emergency. These generators are run periodically for routine testing and maintenance. But some facilities also use their generators as prime power to minimize peak power loads on the electrical grid. During operation diesel generators emit a variety of pollutants such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons – all of which can cause serious health issues, especially for children and older adults.

Here are five places in your town where standby generators are commonly used:
Hospitals
According to the American Hospital Association, there are 5,756 registered hospitals in the United States. Considered “critical facilities”, hospitals must have standby power in order to provide essential, and in many cases life-saving medical care. The necessity of backup generators at hospitals was sadly illustrated during Hurricane Katrina, when many hospitals in the area lost all power and could not tend to those too ill to be evacuated because they had ignored previous warnings over the years to install generators and electrical switching equipment.

School and College Campuses
Most college campuses and many schools rely on generators in case the power goes out during a blackout, such as the one