Court Sides with Clean Air Act

"Looks like all the king's horses and men at the EPA could not put Humpty Dumpty together again," joked John Walke, an attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council, one of the groups opposing the EPA's rule change that would allow coal-fired power plants to upgrade their facilities without installing emissions control technology.

The 2003 EPA ruling states that aging power plants would have to install anti-pollution equipment only if the plant’s upgrade costs are in excess of 20% of the total replacement cost of the plant. In March of 2006, an appeals court struck down the ruling, saying that it violated the Clean Air Act and was “contrary to the plain language” of the Act. According to the appeals court, the EPA ruling made sense “only in a Humpty Dumpty world.”

Today the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal by the Bush administration that would defend the ruling and challenge the appeals court decision. Environmental groups opposed the EPA rule, stating it would allow coal-fired power plants to emit tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SOx) into the atmosphere. These pollutants contribute to acid rain and smog, and are also linked to respiratory health problems.

See the Source:
Reuters

Find out:
How to reduce NOx emissions from coal-fired power plants by using selective catalytic reduction

Green on the National Mall

The National Sustainable Design Expo opens to the public today on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., showcasing innovative, commercially viable ideas for generating energy. Held April 24 and 25, the Expo includes exhibits from government agencies and nonprofit organizations, demonstrating successful, sustainable technologies and products such as energy generated from ocean waves to fuel produced from algae.

"Green designs not only help protect our planet by using renewable fuel sources and less toxics, but they also ring up big sales at the cash register." said Dr. George Gray, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development. "There are great environmental challenges facing the U.S. in the coming decades. Smart companies are seeing these challenges as a golden opportunity to create a brand new market - - green technologies.”

The Expo includes the annual People, Prosperity and the Planet (P3) Award, a national competition involving 41 teams of college and university students exhibiting environmental design projects. Former P3 projects proved that green designs save energy and are profitable, with several of the projects going on to become new commercial ventures.

EPA launched the P3 award in 2004 to respond to sustainability challenges in the developed and developing world. This national competition enables college students to research, develop and design scientific, technical and policy solutions to sustainability challenges.

See the Source:
Expo and the P3 Award
EPA’s Sustainability Research Program

environment

Monitoring Global Warming

The Christian Science Monitor has launched a new website focusing on the causes and effects of global warming and its impact on climate change. Offering original content, the Monitor intends the website to become a key resource for distributing the latest scientific research in the field of climate change, as well as offering to the general public suggestions on how to make a difference in preventing global warming.

"Our website, in particular, improves the way that the Monitor can help readers understand a subject that for many years has been a source of confusion and contention, but is now recognized as an issue that demands attention from everyone," said Monitor Editor Richard Bergenheim. "We want to help people understand what steps can be taken to mitigate effects of global warming and how we can adapt to climate change."

"This new approach to covering topics such as global warming is just the first in what we hope will be a series of in-depth reports on issues that affect us all as global citizens," added Monitor Managing Publisher Jonathan Wells.

The new website also offers a free weekly e-newsletter and will soon include multi-media resources such as slide shows and video.

See the Source:
The Christian Science Monitor – Global Warming

climate change
global-warming

Super Solar: SunEdison Breaks Ground

Colorado has broken ground on what will soon be one of the largest photovoltaic power plants in the United States. The 82-acre tract in the San Luis Valley located in south central Colorado is rated as having the best solar power conditions in the state. Upon completion the plant will create enough clean energy to power approximately 1,500 homes a year, thereby removing from the atmosphere carbon emissions equivalent to 2,840 cars driving 12,500 annually.

The solar plant will be financed, built and maintained by SunEdison. Xcel Energy will buy the power generated by the plant, which will help meet the 2020 Colorado deadline for utilities to generate 20 percent of their power from renewable energy sources.

“With wind farms across the plains, new bio-diesel and ethanol plants, the National Renewable Energy Lab, innovative businesses like SunEdison and Xcel Energy and this solar energy project, Colorado really is the renewable energy capital of the Nation,” said U.S. Senator Ken Salazar. “Combined with responsible development of fossil fuels and new technologies, renewable energy resources will help to secure our energy independence, strengthen our national and economic security and conserve our natural resources. And, solar energy will play an ever increasing role in that independence movement. This solar plant project, near my home in the San Luis Valley, will help bring new investments and new jobs to Colorado and I am proud to participate in this groundbreaking event.”

See the Source:
SunEdison

energy

Murky Results for Ethanol Emissions

An environmental engineer from Stanford University using computer modeling software, has compared US air pollution levels in 2020 produced by gasoline fueled-vehicles vs. a fleet that burns an ethanol/gasoline blend of 85/15.

The study indicates that ethanol could potentially add more smog-forming pollutants to the atmosphere than gasoline, by increasing hydrocarbons by 22 percent. This would increase surface ozone, as well as ozone-related deaths. Currently 4,700 people die yearly from respiratory problems related to smog. According to the study, 200 more people would die each year if ethanol use was increased.

In the study published in Environmental Science & Technology, Stanford engineer Mark Jacobson writes: “Due to its ozone effects, future E85 may be a greater overall public health risk than gasoline. It can be concluded with confidence only that E85 is unlikely to improve air quality over future gasoline vehicles."

See the Source:
Scientific American
Environmental Science and Technology
Environmental and Urban Economics

Find out:
How to reduce hydrocarbons using oxidation converters from CleanAIR Systems

air pollution
current issues

Where Have All the “Wheaties” Gone?

A recent study published in Environmental Research Letters, reports climate change has already had an affect on global food production with the reduction of cereal grain yields. Examining the years from 1981 to 2002, it is estimated that global warming reduced the production of wheat, corn and barley by 40 million metric tons per year.

“Global Scale Climate-Crop Yield Relationships and the Impacts of Recent Warming” is the first report to study the present day effect of climate change on food production, which could be the impetus to drive food prices, food security and future decisions on land use.

See the Source:
Global Scale Climate-Crop Yield Relationships and the Impacts of Recent Warming

global-warming
climate change

Chill Out with the Campus Climate Challenge

The National Wildlife Federation’s national competition, Chill Out, inspires colleges and universities to make a “cool” difference when it comes to global warming by reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Eight winning schools were announced on April 18th for developing innovative projects that other colleges should emulate.

“The projects implemented by the Chill Out winners go well beyond the minimum 30 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions scientists urge by 2030, putting them well on the pathway toward climate neutrality before mid-Century,” says Julian Keniry, Director of Campus and Community Leadership for the National Wildlife Federation. “These schools, and many of the over 100 schools which entered the Chill Out competition, are modeling exactly what the science says should be done.”

Together the eight winning schools saved a combined $5 million annually and 40 million pounds of CO2, which would have normally been emitted into the atmosphere if the campus projects had not been put into place.

See the Source:
Chill Out competition

climate change
global-warming

Earth Day: What Can You Do to Reduce Air Pollution?

In celebration of Earth Day, here’s our list of recommendations for reducing emissions and improving air quality. Take a stand - make a difference!

- Support regional clean air regulations by contacting your state and local representatives, urging them to pass strong air quality standards.

- Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs to reduce energy consumption, and lessen the impact of energy produced by burning fossil fuels.

- Use ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel in all diesel engines to reduce emissions of sulfur oxides.

- Urge your local city government to retrofit public transportation with emissions control technology.

- Purchase renewable wind or solar energy blocks from your utilities provider.

- Find out if your local schools and colleges have diesel emergency generators. If so, urge them to be retrofitted with diesel particulate filters. This will substantially reduce diesel emissions of particulate matter, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.

- Educate yourself! There are many websites and blogs (just like ours) that publish daily environmental information. Take advantage of the news offered and become an informed, activist against air pollution.

See the Source:
EPA – Earth Day
CleanAIR Systems

In Search of Smog Stories

In the battle to require more stringent regulations on vehicle emissions, The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is fighting back with smog stories solicited from the public. The “Clean Air Voices in the Community” program is asking the public to submit personal stories, photographs and videos on how smog affects their lives. The stories will be posted on the SCAQMD website at www.aqmd.gov, as well as distributed in newsletters and PSAs.

The goal of the program is to raise awareness of the situation and bring a sense of urgency that the state and federal government, along with the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach need to take aggressive action against emissions from trucks, ships and cars. The main issue is particulate pollution, which is known to cause serious health problems and premature death.

To submit stories and other material, email yourstory@aqmd.gov.

See the Source:
DailyBreeze.com

Find out:
How to reduce particulate emissions by using diesel particulate filters

Students Recognized for Contributing To Healthier Environment

The EPA will recognize 50 young people from around the country on Saturday at the President's Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA) for their contributions in promoting environmental awareness and community involvement in such issues as recycling, energy efficiency, climate change and water conservation. Young people from all 50 states and the US territories are invited to participate. Winners were selected from among applicants to EPA's 10 regional offices. Regional EPA panels judge projects on environmental needs, accomplishment of goals, long-term environmental benefits and positive impact on local communities.

See the Source:
EPA – President’s Environmental Youth Awards

East Meets West: The Impact of Asian Pollution on Clouds, Weather, Climate Change

Using the newest aircraft for environmental research, scientists are launching a project to study and track plumes of dust and pollutants which originate in Asia and travel across the Pacific to North America. Captured as “event”, it is believed they are so large in size as to have an affect on cloud formation, weather and global climate change.

The Pacific Dust Experiment (PACDEX) will be launched in late April and continue for two months.

"PACDEX will open a window into what happens to the atmosphere as these massive plumes cross the Pacific Ocean. The plumes affect clouds, precipitation, and the amount of sunlight that reaches Earth," explains National Center for Atmospheric Research scientist Jeff Stith, a principal investigator on the project. "We want to determine how the various particles of dust and pollutants in the plumes influence clouds and climate, and how far downwind those effects occur."

Sulfate particles found within the plumes cool the planet by blocking solar radiation, at the same time that other particles of black carbon create a warming effect by absorbing sunlight. Various particles may also mask up to half of the global warming impact of greenhouse gases. Future warming will be influenced by the amount of particulate matter emissions originating in Asia.

Dust and pollutants also reduce light, contributing to the “global dimming” phenomenon that can affect temperature and precipitation.

See the Source:
The National Center for Atmospheric Research and the UCAR Office of Programs

Find out:
How to reduce particulate emissions using diesel particulate filters

The Clean Diesel Technology Tour

The Clean Diesel Technology Tour, the largest gathering ever of clean diesel executives, vehicles and technologies, takes place today at the Sacramento Convention Center, spotlighting diesel’s role in meeting California challenges regarding clean air standards, climate change and fuel efficiency. Sponsored by the Diesel Technology Forum (DTF), the tour offers industry, government officials and representatives from the environmental community the opportunity to interact and exchange ideas while reviewing the impressive improvements of modern diesel technologies.

During the tour, results of a recent survey commissioned by the DTF will be released, showing current California residents’ attitudes toward the impacts of their personal vehicle choices on climate change, and their perceptions of the diesel industry’s environmental progress over the past two decades.

Tour topics include discussing the importance of clean diesel technology to California today and its future potential; environmental challenges at the ports and in goods movement; the state’s low-carbon fuel initiative; and Governor Schwartzenegger’s views regarding climate change issues that industries need to address.

Executives from the diesel industry will discuss plans for the introduction of new clean diesel vehicles, engines and related technology in the near future.

The event will feature an opportunity to see and drive some of the cleanest, most fuel-efficient clean diesel vehicles made, including several brought from Europe to demonstrate the state-of-art in light-duty diesel technology. There will also be displays of 2007 emissions-compliant Class 8 trucks, Tier III off-road equipment and a wide array of emissions-control technologies that are making new and older diesels the cleanest ever, and ready for use in California’s strict regulatory environment.

In light-duty cars, trucks and SUVs, diesel yields up to 40 percent more miles per gallon than unleaded gasoline, an important benefit with the challenge of today’s high fuel prices. Diesel became even more attractive with rollout of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel in California last September and nationwide last October. The sulfur content of this new, clean diesel is 15 parts per million, down previously from 150 parts per million in California, reducing emissions from diesels and enabling a new generation of clean engines for the entire spectrum of diesel-powered equipment. These new engines are up to 90 percent cleaner than the previous generation of diesel engines. Cars and SUVs expressly designed to burn clean diesel, which will make them as clean as gasoline-powered engines, are expected to be introduced in California starting in 2008.

About the Diesel Technology Forum
The Diesel Technology Forum (DTF) is an association of companies that manufacture diesel engines, components, fuel, and emissions control systems. The DTF brings together the diesel industry, the broad diesel user community, civic and public interest leaders, government regulators, academics, scientists, the petroleum industry and public health researchers to encourage the exchange of information, ideas, scientific findings and points-of-view about current and future uses of diesel power technology.

See the Source:

Diesel Technology Forum

The Greening of the Ivy League

The EPA has crowned the Ivy League as the overall champion conference of the College & University Green Power Challenge for 2006-2007, beating out 15 other collegiate athletic conferences. NYU won individual school honors for purchasing more green power than any other school in the competition.

"EPA applauds this year's College & University Green Power Conference Champions for their leadership in green power purchasing," said Bill Wehrum, EPA's acting assistant administrator for Air and Radiation. "EPA hopes this year's competition inspires schools around the nation to participate in the 2007-2008 EPA College & University Green Power Challenge. Buying green power is a great way to demonstrate that what's good for the environment is also good for higher education."

Since April 2006, EPA's Green Power Partnership has ranked conferences by the quantity of green power purchased by their respective colleges and universities. These conferences must have schools that qualify as EPA Green Power Partners and make a collective green power purchase of at least 10 million kWh conference-wide in order to be eligible for the challenge. The 33 schools and 16 conferences taking part in this year's challenge are buying more than 750 million kWh of green power. EPA estimates that this amount of green power is equal to the electricity needed to power more than 60,000 average American homes each year.

Leading the Ivy League was the University of Pennsylvania followed by Harvard and Yale, with a collective purchase totaling more than 140 million kWh of green power.

Green power is produced from eligible renewable resources such as solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, biomass and low-impact hydro. Green power is considered cleaner than conventional sources of electricity, has a superior environmental profile to conventional power, and does not contribute additional carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere. Buying green power has proven to be an excellent strategy for colleges and universities across the country to reduce the environmental impact of their purchased electricity, while allowing them to tie environmental action to the educational mission of the school.

See the Source:
EPA - College and University Green Power Challenge

Americans are Environmental “Doers” According to Report

A new report released on April 17 entitled, “The 2007 Cone Consumer Environmental Survey” states that 32% of Americans have a heightened interest in environmental issues compared to findings from last year’s survey. They are also looking for companies to step up to the plate and act, with 93% believing that companies have a responsibility to help the environment.

The study also shows that many Americans consider themselves “doers” by the decision to purchase environmentally-friendly products, donate to an environmental organization, becoming advocates for environmental issues, and making an effort to personally reduce their impact on the environment. This includes:

- 93% Conserving energy
- 89% Recycling
- 86% Conserving water
- 70% Telling family and friends about environmental issues

Americans also want businesses to be more proactive is their handling of packaging and transportation. Action supported include:

- 71% Reducing pollution through office and manufacturing operations
- 69% Designing products/packaging with more environmentally-friendly contents and minimal packaging
- 62% Communicating environmental efforts to consumers and employees so each group can support those efforts
- 59% Donating money to environmental causes
- 57% Lobbying for environmentally-friendly policies

“This is a call-to-action for companies. It’s an opportunity for innovation in product design, packaging, and distribution,” says Julia Hobbs Kivistik, executive vice president of Cause Brandingsm, Cone LLC. “Companies ultimately need to engage consumers and effectively communicate the impact their business practices and products have on the environment. Consumers are listening.”

See the Source:
2007 Cone Consumer Environmental Survey

Find out:
About CleanAIR Systems – Committed to a Cleaner Environment

What is the Green Power Partnership?

An EPA initiative, The Green Power Partnership encourages organizations, schools, communities and businesses to buy green power to lessen the environmental impact of standard electrical use which usually emits greenhouse gases. When your company or organization becomes a Green Power Partner you purchase renewable energy for part or all of your energy needs. Renewable energy resources include: solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, biomass and low-impact hydro generate green power. Green power resources are categorized as producing electricity with zero human-caused emissions, has a superior environmental profile compared to conventional power generation, and was built after the beginning of the voluntary market (Jan. 1, 1997).

An example of a recent Green Power Partner is the Fitgerald Auto Malls in Maryland - the first auto dealership in the US to purchase wind power for 100% of their energy needs.

To learn more on how to become a Green Power Partner, visit the EPA website at
http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/

See the Source:
Fitzgerald Auto Malls “Go Green”

Happy Earth Day from the EPA

Statement from Administrator Stephen L. Johnson: "On Sunday, April 22, the nation will mark its 37th Earth Day – an annual reminder to all Americans that environmental responsibility is everyone's responsibility. The U.S. is shifting to a 'green culture,' and this Earth Day, President Bush and I encourage our citizens to renew their personal commitment to building a healthier, brighter future."

Earth Day Information Resources from EPA include:

Green Tips – EPA's Earth Day Web site has tips on everyday choices individuals can make to save energy, reduce waste and use water more efficiently. - http://www.epa.gov/earthday/

Expert Interviews – Contact EPA's press office (202-564-4355) to schedule an interview with an environmental expert to find fun and innovative ways people can "go green" this Earth Day.

Interview with Administrator Johnson - On April 20 at 3 p.m., Administrator Johnson will host "Ask the White House" live on the White House homepage: http://www.whitehouse.gov/ask/

Canada and U.S. Move Forward to Reduce Air Pollutants

U.S. EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson and the Honorable John Baird, Canada's Minister of the Environment, announced today that Canada and the United States will begin negotiation of an annex to the U.S.-Canada Air Quality Agreement aimed at reducing the cross-border flow of air pollution and its impact on the health and ecosystems of Canadians and Americans.

Minister Baird and Administrator Johnson met to discuss common cross-border and global environment priorities. The officials noted that both Canada and the United States recognize that cooperative action can reduce the transboundary flow of particulate matter (PM) originating on either side of the border.

Pollution, especially air pollution, knows no geographic or political borders," said Administrator Johnson. "Our nations are committed to becoming better environmental neighbors, and the negotiation of this annex will strengthen the successful U.S.-Canadian collaboration helping clean the air for North American residents for generations."

The U.S.-Canada Air Quality Agreement, negotiated in 1991, marked a new era of cooperation aimed at helping to guarantee cleaner air and a healthier environment for millions of Americans and Canadians. The PM Annex would complement the annex negotiated in 2000 addressing ground-level ozone, as well as the original annexes on acid rain and scientific cooperation.

Particulate matter consists of airborne particles in solid or liquid form. The pollutant can be emitted directly at the emissions source, for example, from a smokestack of an electrical power plant or as the result of reactions between chemicals (precursors) as they are transported through the atmosphere. Numerous studies have linked particulate matter, especially fine PM, to cardiac and respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema and to various forms of heart disease.

Recent scientific analysis has shown that joint strategies are needed to address these pollutants. This research, conducted over the last three years, has shown that emissions of PM and its precursors can significantly affect air quality in both countries. The annex will result in reductions in PM as well as many of the chemicals that contribute to other air quality issues of concern such as acid rain, regional haze and visibility in the communities along the U.S.-Canada border.

See the Source:
Joint technical and scientific analyses on particulate matter
More information about the U.S.-Canada Air Quality Agreement

Find out:
How to reduce deadly particulate matter using diesel particulate filters

Ports Put Forth Plan to Slash Air Pollution

The Los Angeles Times reported on Saturday that the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have proposed an “unprecedented” plan to cut air pollution from diesel emissions by 80 percent within five year. According to the plan 16,000 trucks that move goods within the complex would be either scrapped or retrofitted with emissions control technology beginning in 2008, costing an estimated $1.8 billion.

Melissa Lin Perella of the Natural Resource Defense Council says “It’s a huge, huge step forward in our quest for clean air.”

The decision is part of a joint clean-air action plan with the goal of reducing toxic emissions by 45% in five years from all port engines, including ships, trains and trucks. Over 40% all imports to the U.S. are moved through the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

The final version of the plan is expected to be voted on sometime in July.

See the Source:
LATimes.com

Find out:
How trucks can be retrofit with diesel particulate filters to cut diesel emissions

Air Quality for 2008 Beijing Olympics

A modeling study of the local and regional sources of air pollution which contribute to Beijing’s air quality has been conducted by a research team from the DOE’s Argonne National Laboratory, the EPA, the University of Tennessee, Tsinghua University, Peking University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The goal is to improve Beijing’s air quality for visitors and athletes to the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Funded by the EPA, the study will be used to educate and promote an understanding of air quality in developing countries, as well as emissions control technologies.

David Streets, a senior scientist in Argonne's Decision and Information Sciences Division, explains "Typical industrial, coal-burning cities within several hundred kilometers of Beijing add to the local pollution. In these areas, emission controls on stationary sources and vehicles are not as stringent as in Beijing, and emissions are high. Each province's contribution varies dramatically from day to day, depending on wind direction and other meteorological factors. "

See the Source:
Argonne National Laboratory

Find out:
About emissions control technology to reduce emissions from coal-fired power plants.

States on Track to Cut Emissions

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) says that 21 states, along with the District of Columbia are on track to reduce their global warming emissions by 108 million metric tons (MMT) of carbon dioxide by 2020, through the use of adopting renewable electricity standards. The emission cuts are equal to taking 17.7 million cars off the road.

Three states in particular (Colorado, Minnesota and New Mexico) are over the 100 MMT milestone.

UCS estimates that by 2020, state standards will produce more than 46,000 megawatts of clean, renewable power. This will be enough to meet the needs of 28.5 million households.

With the success of state renewable energy standards, the UCS says momentum is building for a federal standard of 20 percent renewable energy by 2020.

See the Source:

Union of Concerned Scientists

Give Me a Bucket of Extra Crunchy - Diesel?

Tyson Foods, Inc. and ConocoPhillips have announced an alliance to produce and market renewable diesel fuel from animal fat. Using beef, pork and poultry by-product fat, the two corporations will cooperate in manufacturing a diesel fuel mixture that meets all federal standards for ultra-low-sulfur diesel, with an expected future production of 175 million gallons per year.

“We are firmly committed to leveraging our leadership position in the food industry to identify and commercialize renewable energy opportunities,” said Richard L. Bond, Tyson president and chief executive officer. “This strategic alliance is a big win for the entire agricultural sector because it paves the way for greater participation of fats and oils in renewable fuels.”

“ConocoPhillips believes the key to a secure energy future is the development and efficient use of diverse energy sources,” said Jim Mulva, ConocoPhillips chairman and chief executive officer. “This alliance will provide a new and significant contribution to our nation’s domestic renewable fuel supply. It also offers an excellent opportunity to use our company’s manufacturing expertise and advanced technology to help increase the supply of renewable fuels and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

See the Source:
Conoco Phillips-Tyson Alliance

And They’re Off! The Carbon Challenge is On!

The Slate Green Challenge launched on Tuesday, encourages people to go on a seven-week “carbon diet” to shed unwanted pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. Slate, the daily online magazine, in collaboration with the eco-Web site Treehugger.com, is again asking Americans to consider their own contributions to global warming, challenging them to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide that individuals put into the atmosphere by 20 percent.

In 2006, over 30,000 people signed up for Slate’s Green Challenge, shedding more than 60 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. This year’s challenge will offer more carbon-cutting actions to include everyone from apartment dwellers to bus riders to people in warmer climates.

"The United Nations says the average American is responsible for nearly four times the carbon-dioxide emissions of the rest of the world," said Jacob Weisberg, Slate's editor. "Last year’s challenge demonstrated the eagerness of our readers to take action on an individual level, and this year we’re hoping to make it even easier for them to do that. We are excited to be working again with our friends at Treehugger, who have been excellent partners."

Each week of the Green Challenge opens with a short quiz, followed by easy actions people can take to reduce their individual carbon output. Once participants have registered, Slate will monitor individual progress in losing carbon poundage and collective poundage lost by individuals taking the challenge. Those who miss the launch date may start at any point by taking the initial quiz.

See the Source:
Slate Magazine
TreeHugger

Corning Filters on Hyundai-Kia Clean Diesel Cars

Corning Incorporated announced today that Hyundai . Kia Motors is equipping select European-market diesel passenger cars with Corning DuraTrap® AT filters. Corning began serial production of AT filters for Hyundai . Kia Motors at the end of 2006. This agreement represents additional high-volume production for the advanced diesel particulate filter that Corning introduced in 2005.

Hyundai . Kia Motors will first integrate the Corning DuraTrap AT filter into the Kia Cee’d diesel passenger car, which has a 1.6 liter advanced diesel engine. Hyundai . Kia Motors will soon integrate the DuraTrap AT filter into other diesel passenger car models. The Kia Cee’d will be produced and available to consumers in late 2007.

“We are pleased that Hyundai . Kia Motors has chosen our DuraTrap AT filters for their latest model diesel passenger cars,” said Thomas R. Hinman, senior vice president and general manager of Diesel Technologies. “By leveraging our expertise in materials, processes and manufacturing, we are able to offer advanced emissions control solutions for every platform. DuraTrap AT filters continue in active development and testing, and we expect additional customers for these advanced diesel particulate filters.”

The Corning DuraTrap AT filter uses an advanced aluminum titanate composition to deliver excellent thermal shock resistance and filtration under demanding conditions. This filter also uses a monolithic (single unit) structure that contributes to the durability of the filter. Corning is producing the filters at its manufacturing facility in Erwin, N.Y.

Corning is a leading supplier of advanced cellular ceramic substrates and diesel particulate filters for all of the world's major manufacturers of gasoline and diesel engines and vehicles. The company invented an economical, high-performance cellular ceramic substrate in the early 1970s that is now the standard for catalytic converters worldwide. In 1978, Corning developed the cellular ceramic particulate filter to remove soot from diesel emissions.

See the Source:
Corning

Find out:
How Corning filters are used at CleanAIR Systems

What About Carbon Sequestration?

The Future of Carbon Sequestration is a new report issued by Dublin’s Research and Markets, an international market research and market data firm, offering an overview of the opportunities for carbon sequestration to reduce GHG emissions.

Based on information from a variety of sources such as the Energy Information Administration, the Department of Energy, and the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the report cove