Smog Thinner, Skies Healthier over Eastern U.S.

According to the EPA, smog-forming emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from power plants and industry have declined significantly in 19 eastern states and the District of Columbia. The agency's NOx Budget Trading Program (NBP) annual report, released today, indicates that summertime NOx emissions were seven percent lower than in 2005, 60 percent lower than in 2000 and 74 percent lower than in 1990.

"The proof is in the numbers. By cutting smog-forming emissions, 55 million Americans in the eastern United States are breathing easier thanks to President Bush's clean air policies," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "NOx reductions are not just good news for the health of our environment and the health of our residents, they are good news for the health of our economy."

The reduction of NOx – a precursor to ground-level ozone, or "smog" – has helped reduce ground-level ozone concentrations an average of 5-8 percent in the eastern United States in the last three years. Four out of five eastern ozone non-attainment areas now meet the current standard.

The EPA report tracks summertime emission reductions from 1990 to 2006 and assesses the impact of these reductions on ozone air quality in the eastern region. The largest NOx reductions occurred in the mid-central area of the eastern United States including Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia.

However several states with a history of heavy industry are still above NOx emission limits. States that fall into this category are Pennsylvania, Maryland, Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and Alabama.

The NOx Budget Trading Program is flexible and lets electric generating units choose the best options to reduce NOx emissions during ozone season for their facilities. Options include adding NOx emission-control technologies, replacing existing controls with more advanced technologies or optimizing existing controls. This flexibility, and an active NOx allowance market, has helped lead to an over 99 percent compliance rate with the program's requirements.

See the Source:
EPA - 2006 NOx Budget Report

Find out:
How to reduce NOx using selective catalytic reduction

air pollution
NOx emissions

ARB Approves State Strategy to Improve California Air Quality

Drastic emissions cuts expected in next decade

The Air Resources Board today approved an ambitious, multi-faceted plan to significantly improve air quality throughout the state, along with announcing new measures on two regional plans geared toward meeting federally mandated emissions standards and deadlines for the South Coast and San Joaquin Valley.

"The 2007 State Implementation Plan shows how California expects to attain clean air through a combination of innovative and cost-effective measures," said Mary Nichols, ARB Chair. "With this vital document in place, we have a roadmap to the future that will keep us on track to meet our air quality goals."

In addition to the State strategy, the ARB approved a plan submitted by the South Coast Air Quality Management District to hasten emissions reductions through cooperative measures to be implemented by both ARB and the SCAQMD. This plan, which will reduce emissions of the smog precursor oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by more than 500 tons per day by 2014, now becomes part of the State SIP, which will be forwarded to the U.S. EPA for final approval. NOx reacts with sunlight to form ozone, a key ingredient of smog.

Also approved was an expedited strategy to improve ozone air quality in the San Joaquin Valley some 90 percent by 2018 in terms of the federal standard. For example, the strategy calls for ARB to clean up emissions from farm equipment, and to partner with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to accelerate the timeline of the recently passed off-road construction rules by offering financial incentives to Valley businesses aimed at getting older, dirtier engines retrofitted or replaced.

Both the South Coast and San Joaquin plans focus on efforts to meet federal deadlines specifically for ground-level ozone and particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions. Target dates for compliance are 2014 for PM2.5, and 2023 for ozone in areas designated by the EPA as having "extreme" air pollution such as the San Joaquin Valley and South Coast Air Basin.

While the federal ozone attainment date for the San Joaquin Valley remains 2023, ARB's new proposal this week will fast-track efforts to get 90 percent compliance by 2018. The last 10 percent will require new technologies that are not readily available now.

Because ARB scientists determined that reducing emissions of one pollutant, oxides of nitrogen (NOx), is the most beneficial in reducing levels of both ozone and PM2.5, the state plan focuses on curbing pollution from the sources that produce nearly 90 percent of the state's NOx. These sources include cars, heavy duty trucks, large off-road equipment, ships and locomotives.

The State's cleanup strategy includes the following measures:
* Clean-up of In-Use Heavy Duty Trucks. This critical regulation, to be presented to the Board in mid- 2008, will modernize diesel trucks and reduce emissions by requiring replacement or cleanup of the dirtiest trucks on the road, and will also include a program for out-of-state trucks doing business in California.

* Targeting Goods Movement Sources. A myriad of measures take aim at reducing emissions from ships, trucks, harbor craft and other sources. In October, ARB will consider requiring owners of commercial harbor craft to either replace old engines with newer, cleaner versions or add control technologies to clean up exhaust. In December, ARB will consider a regulation to provide alternative power supplies at ports so that ship auxiliary engines can avoid using diesel power while at dock.Also on the December agenda is a measure requiring retrofit or replacement of older heavy-duty diesel trucks that service ports.

* Targeting Off-Road Sources. In July, the Board approved this measure which regulates construction and other industrial equipment, establishing fleet average emission limits and requiring older, dirtier engines to be replaced by current models or retrofitted with emission control devices.Agricultural equipment will also be modernized and cleaned up, with the Board expected to consider regulation in 2009.

"California industry has already reduced NOx emissions at a faster pace than anywhere in the world over the last 40 years by introducing cleaner technologies," said ARB Chair Nichols."Following this strategy will mean progress at an unprecedented rate. It's what we need to do to protect public health."

The SIP approved today includes both rules that have been adopted already and rules that are proposed and scheduled for public input.

Both ozone and fine PM can have significant health impacts.Ozone contributes to respiratory ailments and asthma, and can cause premature death in elderly patients with lung disease. It is a product of a photochemical process involving the sun's energy and ozone precursors, such as hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen (NOx). Exposure to fine PM exacerbates respiratory and cardiovascular ailments and is responsible for approximately 8,200 premature deaths per year in the state.

The Air Resources Board is a department of the California Environmental Protection Agency. ARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards.

See the Source:
CARB

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

Final Regulation Order Approved for Air Toxic Control Measure

The California Office of Administrative Law approved the amended Air Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) for Stationary Compression Ignition Engines on September 18th. The amended ATCM will become effective on October 18, 2007.






To view the Final Regulation Order go to: http://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/agen06/agen06.htm

Find out:
How emissions from stationary compression ignition engines (emergency and prime power generators) can be made cleaner and quieter using filter/silencers from CleanAIR Systems.

Air Quality Officials Reach Agreement on Emission Reduction Measures

State and Southland air quality officials have announced an historic agreement to reduce pollution from diesel trucks, commuter trains, construction equipment and the ports to meet a federal health-based clean air deadline in 2015.“This agreement signals the dawn of a new day in cooperation between state and local air quality agencies that will result in cleaner air,” said Mary Nichols, chairman of the state Air Resources Board.

“Two of the most innovative air quality agencies in the world have joined forces to mount some of the most aggressive measures ever proposed in order to address the Southland’s air quality needs,” said Roy Wilson, Governing Board Vice Chairman of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD).

The two agencies, along with leaders of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), have reached agreement on measures to reduce 76 tons per day of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), a building block to fine particulate pollution. The reductions are essential to meet the federal government’s 2015 deadline for achieving the health-based standard for fine particulates, known as PM2.5.

“This will provide a rapid response to the many adverse health impacts caused by today’s level of air pollution,” said Gary Ovitt, president of SCAG’s Regional Council and an AQMD Governing Board Member.

The pollution cuts will be achieved by stringent mandatory regulations as well as incentive programs. The agreement calls upon federal, state and local governments to do their part in cleaning the Southland’s air.The programs will include:

- ARB strengthening its control measures by requiring a comprehensive modernization of private and port heavy-duty truck fleets in the region. The measures will reduce 27 tons per day of NOx by 2014, equivalent to replacing all pre-2006 trucks with those meeting stringent 2007 standards.

- The region asking the federal government to reduce locomotiveemissions prior to 2014 or provide funding for California air quality officials to achieve equivalent reductions. This item calls for NOx emission reductions by 10 tons per day.

- An AQMD measure to control pollution from commercial charbroilers and wood burning to reduce particulate pollution by an amount equivalent to 11 tons per day of NOx.

- The region requesting local governments to dedicate about 40 percent of vehicle registration fees they receive for air pollution-related programs – about $10 million per year – specifically to reduce pollution from heavy-duty trucks and other equipment. It would reduce NOx emissions by about 4 tons per day.

- ARB and AQMD seeking $50 million in additional incentive funds to retrofit Metrolink commuter locomotives with pollution control devices and to further reduce emissions from port-related and other mobile sources. It would reduce NOx emissions by 6 tons per day.

- AQMD achieving an additional 12 tons per day of NOx reductions by opting in to a more stringent version of a statewide ARB rule reducing pollution from construction and other off-road equipment.

- ARB achieving 3 tons per day of NOx reductions from measures principally designed to reduce greenhouse gases under AB 32.

- AQMD recognizing an additional 3 tons per day of NOx reductions from funded Carl Moyer projects.

ARB’s Board will meet on September 27 at AQMD headquarters in Diamond Bar to consider approving the new measures as part of AQMD’s 2007 Air Quality Management Plan and ARB’s State Implementation Plan.

The Southland has the worst PM2.5 air pollution in the country. The pollution is comprised of microscopic particles at least 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair – some so small they pass from lung tissue directly into the human bloodstream and circulate throughout organs in the body. ARB estimates that PM2.5 pollution in the Southland is responsible for as many as 5,000 premature deaths per year.

The measures agreed on this month by the agencies’ staffs provide the missing piece of the puzzle in an overall plan to meet the federal PM2.5 standard by 2015. The federal government requires that reductions be in place by 2014. Regulations already adopted will reduce NOx emissions from about 1,000 tons per day today to 654 tons per day in 2014.

AQMD’s 2007 Air Quality Management Plan calls for a further 200 ton-per-day reduction to a final level of 454 tons per day in 2014. Until this month, air quality officials could only identify about 137 of the 200 tons of needed emission reductions. AQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

The Air Resources Board is part of the California Environmental Protection Agency. ARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards.

Scientists Call for 80 Percent Drop in U.S. Emissions by 2050 to Avoid Dangerous Warming

By 2050, the United States must cut its emissions by at least 80 percent below those created in the year 2000 if the world is to avoid potentially dangerous impacts of human-induced climate change, according to a report released today by Texas Tech University, the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) and Stanford University.

To avoid the most severe effects of climate change, the world must stabilize the concentration of heat trapping gases in the atmosphere at no more than 450 parts per million, said Katharine Hayhoe, an associate professor of geosciences at Texas Tech University who performed the emissions-reduction calculations for the joint report.

This 450-parts-per-million limit aims to avoid a temperature increase exceeding 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit in a global average temperature above pre-industrial levels – a temperature-change benchmark which Hayhoe and other scientists believe could wreak increasing havoc on the environment as it is exceeded.

"The study assumes both developing and industrialized countries would have to converge to equitable per-capita emissions to stabilize the world’s climate," she said. "However, even with other countries taking aggressive action, since the United States is responsible for nearly one-quarter of global emissions, it must act now to achieve the deep cuts in its energy consumption that will be required to meet this target."

The cost of delaying U.S. emission reductions could be high, said Michael D. Mastrandrea, a research associate at the Woods Institute for the Environment at Stanford University.
"If we wait until 2020 to start emission reductions, we’ll have to cut twice as fast than if we start in 2010 to meet the same target," Mastrandrea said.

While an 80 percent reduction sounds daunting now, Hayhoe said that the sooner we start, the greater our chances of successfully meeting that target.

"We’ve got 40 years to radically increase the efficiency of the way we use energy," she said. "It’s also time to start considering more extensive ways to harness renewable energy sources through solar panel arrays and wind farms, for example. It’s worth it to put in the effort now to reduce our emissions. If we don’t, there will be a lot more work to do just to adapt to the impacts of climate change in the future."

Stabilizing above this 450-parts-per-million level would likely lead to severe risks to both natural systems and human welfare, Hayhoe said.

"Sustained warming of this magnitude could, for example, result in the extinction of many species and increase the threat of extensive melting of the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets," she said.

Policies under consideration in the United States vary in the timing and levels of emissions cuts they call for and many fail to achieve the minimum pollution cuts needed.

"This report makes clear that the United States must make meaningful cuts in global warming pollution, and soon, to reduce the risk of severe climate impacts," said Alden Meyer, director of Strategy and Policy at the Union of Concerned Scientists. "President Bush should drop his opposition to mandatory emissions limits, and put forward a specific proposal to aggressively reduce U.S. emissions at the meeting of major emitting countries that he is hosting next week."

They advised that Congress must also act to help the world avoid the worst consequences of global warming. Several pieces of legislation have been introduced that set mandatory reductions, but only two bills would keep U.S. emissions within the overall limits called for in the UCS study. One measure was introduced by Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), and the other by Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.).

See the Source:
Texas Tech University

global-warming

Particulate Pollution May Trigger Heart Attacks/Strokes by Spurring Blood Clots

It was a murder mystery playing out in major cities across the country and perplexing scientists. Thousands of people were dying from strokes and heart attacks within 24 hours of a spike in microscopic pollution -- tiny particles that spew from the exhaust of diesel trucks, buses and coal-burning factories.

But scientists didn't have a smoking gun. They couldn't figure out why the pollution was triggering the deaths. All they had to go on was a vague lead: the particles -- too small to be filtered by the nose or mouth -- caused inflammation of the lungs. But what was the link between particles trapped in the lungs to the strokes and heart attacks?

New research from the gumshoes at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine has solved a key piece of the mystery. The study identifies how these tiny pieces of soot -- called particulate matter air pollution -- kill people at risk and tells how they can protect themselves from these pollution-related strokes and heart attacks.

Northwestern researchers have discovered that this microscopic air pollution - smaller than 10 microns or less than one-tenth of the diameter of a human hair -- spurs hyperclotting of the blood. The study found that lungs inflamed by the pollution secrete a substance, interleukin-6, which causes an increased tendency for blood to coagulate or clot. This raises the risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke in people with cardiovascular disease such as coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure or a history of stroke.

Previous epidemiological research has linked the pollution to cardiovascular death and disease, but this is the first study to show how it actually happens in an animal model.

"This is a critical missing piece of the puzzle that has eluded scientists for decades," said Gokhan Mutlu, M.D., lead author of the study and assistant professor of pulmonary and critical care medicine at the Feinberg School, and a physician at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. "Now we know how the inflammation in the lungs caused by air pollutants leads to death from cardiovascular disease."

People at risk can probably help protect themselves by taking low-dose aspirin to keep their blood thin, Mutlu said.

Mutlu collaborated on the study with co-authors Scott Budinger, M.D. associate professor of pulmonary and critical care medicine, and David Green, M.D., professor of hematology and oncology, both at the Feinberg School and physicians at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

The paper will appear on-line Sept. 20 in the Journal of Clinical Investigation and will be published in the print issue Oct. 1.

In the study, researchers used particles of pollution collected by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, mixed them into a saline solution and injected the pollution cocktail into the lungs of mice. The blood of the mice exposed to the pollution clotted faster than mice not exposed. Researchers observed a 15-fold increase in interleukin-6 24 hours after the mice were exposed to the pollution.

In people, interleukin-6 also raises the levels of a substance called CRP, which is correlated with death from cardiovascular disease.

Particulate matter pollution is highest near expressways or truck routes. It's hard for commuters to escape. People are exposed to the pollution inside a car (even with the windows rolled up), a train or walking outdoors, Mutlu said. The only safe location with lower levels is indoors.

People with previous blockages in the coronary or carotid arteries are at the highest risk. "It's important to get screened to see if you have one of these conditions. If so, when there are high levels of particulate matter, you should try to stay indoors and limit your exposure to the outside air," Budinger said.

Exercising hikes the risk because it floods the lungs with more polluted air. "If you're sitting down, the amount of air you get into your lungs is about five to six liters per minute, but if you're running the amount is 20 to 25 liters," Mutlu noted. "If you're close to an expressway, you're actually breathing more particulate matter into your lungs."

The doctors also warned that heart attacks and strokes occur at relatively low levels of particulate matter pollution. "We haven't found a safe level yet," Mutlu said. He hopes the study helps encourages the EPA and local regulators to reduce the limits on particulate matter levels.

The American Lung Association State of the Air: 2007 report said the most "ominous trend" in air pollution is the increase in particle pollution, particularly in the eastern United States. Among the metropolitan areas, Los Angeles has the most year-round particle pollution. Chicago ranks 11; New York, 17 and Washington D.C., 20. All received an "F" or failing grade for their pollution , which was in excess of the EPA annual average limit of 15 micrograms per cubic meter.

The risk of dying from a heart attack or ischemic stroke jumps a whopping 30 percent with each additional 10 micrograms of pollution.

While the current Northwestern study looked at the acute effects of this microscopic pollution, Mutlu also has begun to research its long-term exposure on cardiovascular health. He is piping air on the street from Huron and Lake Shore Drive in downtown Chicago into a chamber with mice. Over the next several years, he will examine the effect of breathing this air on the mice's cardiovascular health.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences supported the study.

See the Source:
Northwestern University

Find out:
How to reduce particulate matter by more than 85% using diesel particulate filters from CleanAIR Systems.

air pollution

Fast Facts: Pollution Stats

232 million - approximate number of cars and light trucks currently on US highways

2.7 trillion - the amount of vehicle miles traveled in the US in 2006

160% - the increase in amount of miles driven since 1970 in the US alone

5% - the US's share of the world's population

45% - percentage the US contributes to global warming pollution through vehicle emissions

28% - percentage of US global warming pollution that comes from transportation

15 - number of state that have adopted CARB's global warming pollution standards on cars

Zero - number of federal bills that have been passed to cap and reduce America's vehicle and energy sources contributing to global warming

61 billion - number of kilowatt-hours of electricity consumed by US data centers (contributing to increased CO2 emissions) - equals the amount of electricity consumed by about 5.8 million average US households

See the Source:
BusinessWire
Environmental Defense

global-warming

The Worst Polluted Places in the World

The non-profit group Blacksmith Institute has published their annual report "The Top 10 of the Dirty 30", detailing the most polluted places on the planet.


The top ten are:
Sumgayit, Azerbaijan
Linfen, China
Tianying, China
Sukinda, India
Vapi, India
La Oroya, Peru
Dzerzhinsk, Russia
Norilsk, Russia
Chernobyl, Ukraine
Kabwe, Zambia

To learn more visit the Blacksmith Institute online and read the annual report, see the locations on a Google map and listen to an audio press conference.

See the Source:
Blacksmith Institute

EPA Proposes Measures to Address Direct Emissions of Fine Particulates

EPA is proposing options for calculating key program elements for implementing the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program for fine particle pollution in areas that meet clean air standards. Fine particle pollution can aggravate heart and lung diseases and has been associated with premature death and a variety of serious health problems including heart attacks, chronic bronchitis and asthma attacks.

When an industrial facility applies for a permit to emit a regulated pollutant in an area that meets clean air standards, the state and EPA must determine if emissions of that pollutant will harm air quality. The PSD program uses three key measures to make this determination: increments, significant impact level (SIL), and significant monitoring concentration (SMC). The proposal presents options for how to calculate each of these measures for PM2.5. EPA will accept comment on the proposal for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.

See the Source:
EPA proposal

Find out:
How to reduce fine particulate matter using diesel particulate filters on off-road vehicles. Watch video.

particle pollution

Healing the Ozone Layer

The Earth's ozone layer is on track to heal, thanks to the work of dozens of countries that signed a landmark international environmental agreement initiated 20 years ago.

Known as the "Montreal Protocol," this ambitious treaty requires countries to phase out production and use of compounds that deplete ozone in the stratosphere. Initially signed by 24 countries Sept.16, 1987 in Montreal, this treaty today covers 191 countries and is widely hailed as the most successful international environmental agreement to date.

"Twenty years ago, the community of nations came together to adopt a global strategy for the global challenge of ozone depletion. Today, we at EPA join our international partners in celebrating the anniversary of the Montreal Protocol – a shining example of how human ingenuity, leadership and determination can create a healthier, better world," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson.

Each of the countries that signed the Protocol has measurable goals and actions for achieving success. These include phasing out production and use of ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons, halons, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform. Scientific evidence demonstrates that these compounds significantly deplete the stratospheric ozone layer, which shields the planet from damaging ultraviolet radiation.

The United States has implemented key parts of the Montreal Protocol more rapidly and at significantly less cost than originally anticipated. With the help of many partners, EPA has also approved more than 300 alternatives to ozone-depleting substances for industrial, commercial, and consumer uses. Many of these new technologies also save energy and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.

As a result of U.S. efforts combined with those worldwide to phase out ozone depleting substances, the ozone layer has not grown thinner since 1998 over most of the world. Antarctic ozone is projected to return to pre-1980 levels around 2060 to 2075. EPA estimates that between 1990 and 2165, an estimated 6.3 million U.S. lives will be saved as a result of these international actions to protect and restore the ozone layer.

Sept. 16, 2007, is International Ozone Day and marks the 20th Anniversary of the signing of the Montreal Protocol. The United States and various partner countries around the world are meeting in Montreal to discuss the importance of continuing the progress made to protect the ozone layer, and to celebrate the important achievements of the past 20 years and the people and programs that work to protect the Earth's ozone layer.

See the Source:
EPA - 20th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol

environment

China Is #1 in World Power Generation

According to Industrial Infor Resources, China's output of power generation equipment in 2006 reached 110 million kilowatts, which is 18 million kilowatts more than the previous record of 92 million kilowatts established in 2005. This ranks China as the top producer of power in the world.

See the Source:
StreetInsider.com

current issues
energy

Catalyst Market Due for Extensive Growth

Globally, vehicle emission legislations are tightening. This will have a major impact on the growth of the automotive catalyst market based on vehicle emission regulations that have already been implemented for all heavy duty diesel (HDD) vehicles in Europe in October 2006 and in the United States in January 2007.

The automotive catalyst market was almost non-existent in 2005. It is expected to grow into a billion dollar market by 2010 due to the new legislation for heavy duty diesel engines. The market is likely to get a further boost by 2011 when legislation for off-road or non-road diesel engines is also going to be implemented. Non-road diesel engine legislation will require industries such as construction, agriculture and mining to adhere to the same emission standards as HDD vehicles.

See the Source:
BusinessWire

Find out:

About catalysts for non-road and heavy duty diesel vehicles.

Research Finds Diesel Exhaust Kills Throat Cells

Press Release:

September 11 - Researchers at Deakin University have found that diesel exhaust is far more damaging to our health than exhaust from biodiesel, the plant-based fuel.

Associate Professor Leigh Ackland, Associate Head of Deakin’s School of Life and Environmental Sciences, led a team of researchers who compared the effects of diesel exhaust and biodiesel exhaust on human airway cells. They found that diesel exhaust damaged and killed the cells, while biodiesel exhaust had little effect.

"Australia's escalating need for fuel is posing a major health problem," Associate Professor Ackland said.

"The fumes from burning fuels, including diesel, contributes to pollution and can cause heart disease, bronchitis and asthma. Efforts are underway to replace petrol and diesel with cleaner biofuels, such as biodiesel, but there is considerable resistance to this.

"This study provides clear evidence that diesel exhaust is more harmful to our health than biodiesel exhaust."

As it is not possible to study in real time what happens in the real human airway, the researchers conducted their research on human airway cells grown in a culture. The cells were exposed to the particulate matter emitted in diesel and biodiesel exhaust fumes.

"Particulate matter is the burnt material, including carbon particles, emitted into the air. This particulate matter is part of biodiesel and diesel fumes but the particles produced from biodiesel were much less damaging to the cells than particles produced from diesel," Associate Professor Ackland explained.

"Our research found that the particulate matter from diesel exhaust stimulated a ‘death pathway’ response that the body uses to dispose of damaged cells. This response caused the airway cells to fuse together and die.

"We saw hardly any cell death after treatment with biodiesel particulates."

Associate Professor Ackland said that the results of the study provide support for calls to move towards replacing petrol and diesel with cleaner biofuels.

"It is clear that breathing in diesel fumes is going to have a far more detrimental effect on our health than biodiesel. Given the level of cell death we have found, diesel exhaust could be the cause of respiratory disorders such as asthma and could even be implicated in cancer," she said.

The study has been published in the lastest edition of the international journal Immunology and Cell Biology.

See the Source:
Deakin University

Find out:
How diesel particulate filters virtually eliminate particulate matter from diesel and biodiesel fuels. Watch video.

diesel pollution
particulate matter

In the News: Carbon Reporting and Biodiesel

National Express Group Biodiesel Trials
National Express Group (The Group), one of UK's leading transport groups, announced on August 6th that it has suspended its ‘first generation’ UK biodiesel bus trial due to concerns over whether the benefits outweigh the risk to the sustainability of food crop sources.

The Group has called a halt to the trial on its UK buses until so called ‘second generation’ biofuels, which use non food crops such as wood chips and straw, are available or issues relating to the sustainability of the production have been addressed.

The move follows an internal review of the benefits of biofuels and consultation with a number of environmental organizations including Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, WWF and the Climate Group who have also raised a number of issues associated with the use of first generation biofuels.

Chief Executive Richard Bowker said: “Biofuels may well have a role to play in helping us reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases arising from transport operations in the future. We are not dismissing the role they may play in the future, but based on the evidence today I think it is vital that we wait for issues relating to the sustainability of supply are resolved before we press ahead with trials of biodiesel.

“Moving forward, we will continue to look at the options for biodiesel. We will work with our supply chain to ensure that there will be proven technology available which we can use for second generation biofuels when these are available in a few years’ time.

“The issue with biofuels is complex and what appears to be the green option may not actually be green after all. NX will continue to focus on delivering the commitments for improving efficiency and making the point that our coach operations are already a low carbon transport network.”

See the Source:
National Express Group


California requires CO2 Reporting
The California Air Resources Board has issued a new requirement for vehicle and engine manufacturers to report CO2 emissions. The new requirements apply to all off-road and on-road engine and vehicle categories for 2008 and subsequent model years. A letter detailing the reporting requirements has been sent to manufacturers of passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and on-road, off-road, and marine engines.

See the Source:
Association of Emissions Control by Catalyst - AECC Newsletter


U.S Biodiesel Production Capacity
There are currently 165 companies that have invested millions of dollars into the development of biodiesel manufacturing plants and are actively marketing biodiesel. The annual production capacity from these plants is 1.85 billion gallons per year.

Eighty companies have reported plants under construction and are scheduled to be completed within the next 18 months. An additional four plants are expanding existing operations. Combined capacity of all plants, if realized, would result in another 1.37 billion gallons per year of biodiesel production.

See the Source:
National Biodiesel Board

Biofuel Mandate: Not the Energy Elixir It Was Once Thought to Be

"There's a strong consensus that biofuels will play an important role in the nation's energy future. Energy diversification is critical for our energy security, but we caution against ignoring the consequences of significantly increasing the federal mandate for a product that only now we're learning has a number of drawbacks, both environmental and economic."
Charles T. Drevna
Executive Vice President, National Petrochemical & Refiners Association (NPRA)


September 6, 2007 - What They’re Saying…

Run-Off Harms the Chesapeake. “Despite rising food prices, it seems that nearly everyone is turning to corn-based ethanol as their choice for alternative fuel. Hidden behind these headlines, though, is an equally important but less visible cost: water pollution. Corn is a ‘leaky’ crop, losing more nitrogen per acre than most other crops. In the Washington region, much of this excess nitrogen ends up polluting the Chesapeake Bay and robbing fish, crabs and oysters of oxygen. For farmers, the demand for alternative fuels has brought much-needed, and deserved, increases in corn prices. Unfortunately, this summer’s drought will keep mid-Atlantic farmers from realizing their potential windfall, and any unused nitrogen will wash into the bay this winter.”
Tom Simpson and Daphne Pee, op-ed, “How Corn Ethanol Could Pollute the Bay,” The Washington Post, August 26, 2007

Increased Levels of Farm Waste Are Hurting Gulf Waters. “The crop that is bringing prosperity to farmers is making it harder for commercial fishermen in Louisiana to make a living. U.S. farmers this spring planted the most acreage with corn since 1944, after demand for ethanol pushed the grain’s price to a 10-year high. That has increased the level of farm waste flowing into the Mississippi River basin, which scientists blame for creating a pocket along the Louisiana coast where shrimp and other sea life cannot survive. The Gulf of Mexico’s so-called Dead Zone is expected to cover a record 8,543 square miles, or 22,126 square kilometers, this year and stretch into waters off Texas, said Nancy Rabalais, chief scientist for a study team at the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium. … Corn fuels the zone because it requires more nitrogen-based fertilizer than crops like soybeans, said Eugene Turner, a Louisiana State University oceanographer. Nitrogen and other nutrients eventually reach the Gulf of Mexico, feeding microscopic organisms that deplete oxygen levels as they die and decompose on the sea floor. Shrimp and fish suffocate unless they escape. … ‘The rah-rah sort of drowns out the environmental side,’ [Rabalais] said. ‘If our federal government subsidizes more corn, they’re working against water quality.’”
Tony Cox, “Ethanol Demand Seen Harming U.S. Fishermen,” Bloomberg, July 23, 2007

Little or No Net Savings in CO2 Emissions. “Unfortunately, what passes for mitigation and aversion of global warming often amounts to doing nothing under the guise of doing something. Take the nation's new infatuation with ethanol. Ethanol derived from corn, as it is in the United States, is so energy intensive to produce that it provides little or no net savings in carbon dioxide emissions. Meanwhile, the diversion of corn from the food supply to government-subsidized energy production has some unintended consequences of its own, driving up feed and corn syrup prices at home and tortilla prices in Mexico. Ethanol is a boon for corn farmers. As a way to limit global warming, it's a spectacularly inefficient bust.”
Editorial “Climate solution too hot for left to handle,” San Antonio Express-News, February 11, 2007

All Cost, Little – If Any – Benefit. “The United States, in its quest to reduce its reliance on expensive imported oil, may soon consume as much as half its domestic corn crop for fuel production, although the economic benefits have yet to materialize. Ethanol produces one-third less energy than a gallon of gasoline at an average wholesale cost of 33 percent more, according to a study by the U.S. Government Accountability Office. … All told, ethanol has cost Americans an additional $14 billion in higher food prices. … Meanwhile, the U.S. government has yet to discover whether its 51- cent-per-gallon ethanol subsidy is efficiently stimulating production of the fuel. One thing the bureaucrats know for sure: It cost the U.S. Treasury $2.7 billion last year with possibly more subsidies on the way.”
John F. Wasik, op-ed, “In Ethanol Debate, Don’t Forget Realities,” Bloomberg, July 23, 2007

Food, Other Consumer Goods Prices Are Rising. “A steak dinner, a cold beer, a tank of gas, a bowl of cornflakes. Prices on these items and others are rising, all in the quest to produce more ethanol, the corn-based product touted as a way to reduce dependence on foreign oil and lessen the impact of global warming. America has embraced the promise of the renewable fuel, pouring billions of tax dollars into its development. But as Congress prepares to spend billions more for ethanol use and production, people are starting to see higher costs for a wide range of consumer goods. ”
Anna M. Tinsley, “Push for ethanol has ripple effect across economy,” The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, August 5, 2007

More Energy to Make Ethanol Than What’s Produced. “The big problem with ethanol is in the chemistry, said Henry Groppe, founder of Groppe, Long & Littell, an energy consulting firm in Houston. It takes more energy to make ethanol than the ethanol produces, he said. Corn must be grown, fertilized and harvested, which takes oil-powered machinery. It must be processed, refined and then shipped, which takes more oil. ‘You’re having to use as much oil to produce that gallon of ethanol as the energy that you produce from it,’ Groppe said.”
Loren Steffy, “A test tells the story of ethanol vs. gasoline,” The Houston Chronicle, March 11, 2007

Distribution Problems. “The link is corn -- impact of growing the corn and producing the ethanol, not only in greenhouse gas emissions from farm equipment, but from the trucks, ships and trains that haul the ethanol (nearly all of which comes from Midwest corn) for delivery to refineries. Because of its corrosive qualities, it can’t be shipped through pipelines.”
Editorial, “Corn, ethanol and other subsidized stupidities,” The Sacramento Bee, August 8, 2007

Ethanol Will Not Replace Gasoline. “Corn ethanol will neither replace gasoline nor lower its price. It may even raise gas prices. First, at the pump, ethanol is priced according to what consumers will pay, not what it costs to make. So, according to research by Soren T. Anderson of the University of Michigan, ethanol prices follow gas prices very closely. It’s unlikely that gas will make a U-turn and start following ethanol. Second, even if a ready supply of ethanol does put a bit of downward pressure on gas prices, ethanol’s real cost is much higher than whatever we shell out at the pump. Consumers actually pay twice for this corny goodness: once when they fill up and once on April 15. In 2006, ethanol makers and sellers received subsidies of $1.87 for every gallon of gas they managed to displace, according to Doug Koplow of Earth Track, a Boston-based consultancy. Finally, even if we can stomach these nutty subsidies, illogical incentives to tempt automakers to produce ethanol-friendly cars actually increase the amount of oil we use. Blame a little-discussed loophole: In exchange for producing ethanol-ready ‘flex fuel’ vehicles, Congress lets auto manufacturers make their cars less fuel-efficient than corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards require.”
Lisa Margonelli, op-ed, “Myths About That $3.18 Per Gallon,” The Washington Post, June 3, 2007

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ARB staff proposes to triple early action measures required under AB 32

Projects would net more than 7 million metric tons of additional greenhouse gas emissions

SACRAMENTO - As part of California’s historic effort to curb global warming gases, Air Resources Board (ARB) staff today proposed to nearly triple the set of early measures to help meet the state’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions roughly 25 percent by 2020 as required by the Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32).

In addition, ARB staff proposed an additional set of measures today that go above and beyond the narrow requirements of the law. New proposals are expected to reduce greenhouse gases from the trucking industry, greener ports, cement and semiconductor industries, and consumer products. [Full list is attached.]

"Today’s announcement sets the stage for another step forward in achieving our goal to return the state’s greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020," said ARB Chairman Mary Nichols. "Every single action we take – government, businesses, municipalities and individuals alike – makes a difference toward ultimately cooling our planet. California is showing the country and the world that we can and will help reverse the ominous tide of global warming."

These newly proposed early action measures are projected to reduce 2.8 million metric tons of annual greenhouse gas emissions. Combined with the early action measures adopted by the Board in June – a low carbon fuel standard, restrictions in do-it-yourself air conditioner repairs and methane capture from landfills – ARB now has measures in the works to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 16 million metric tons.

The proposed early actions combined with other measures proposed by the larger Climate Action Team could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 36 million metric tons by 2020, roughly 21 percent of the total needed to meet AB 32’s goal of rolling back emissions to 1990 levels. This lays a solid foundation for obtaining the necessary reductions needed to meet AB 32 requirements.

The Board will vote on additional proposed measures in Sacramento on Oct. 25 and 26. In the meantime, ARB staff will hold a workshop on the new proposed measure Sept. 17 in Sacramento to discuss specifics and solicit additional input from stakeholders.

Governor Schwarzenegger signed the Global Warming Solutions Act on Sept. 26, 2006, establishing the world’s most comprehensive greenhouse gas reduction initiative. The law requires the ARB to implement a statewide greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategy. In addition, the Governor directed the members of the Climate Action Team to work alongside the ARB to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their respective jurisdictions.

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See How a Diesel Particulate Filter Works (Video)

Have you ever wondered what's inside of a diesel particulate filter? How it works to clean soot from exhaust?

Here's an animation video from CleanAIR Systems showing how a diesel particulate filter (DPF) performs oxidation to virtually eliminate particulate matter (soot, black smoke) from diesel exhaust. A DPF also gets rid of up to 99% of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions.

Air Pollution News Bytes: 09-06-07

Pollution Sensor for Children
If your child suffers from asthma or allergies, new technology being developed by the University of Cincinnati, Washington University, NASA, Glenn Research Center and the National Institutes of Health may help them avoid areas with high levels of particulate pollution. Fine soot particles or particulate matter (PM) can aggravate asthmatic symptoms.

Using a geographic information system coupled with a pollution sensor, the device can be worn during the day by the child to record specific locations of high PM. Originally developed for use by astronauts, the device will be field-tested by 8 year olds participating in the University of Cincinnati Department of Environmental Health's Cincinnati Childhood Allergy and Air Pollution Study.

WVU Gets $2.1 Million to Study Air Pollution's Effect on the Heart
West Virginia University researcher, Dr. Timothy R. Nurkiewicz, was awarded a $2.1 million grant to study the health impact of particulate matter and engineered nanoparticles on the cardiovascular system. Research will cover possible risks related to inhaling particulate, such as impairing the ability of blood vessels to dilate and immune system activation - meaning blood vessels are not capable of getting bigger, therefore blood flow is inhibited.

“Our hypothesis is that combustion source particulate matter impairs the vascular and immune systems in such a manner that blood flow to tissues is greatly compromised,” Nurkiewicz said. “We’re focusing primarily on diesel particles because they’re environmentally relevant and one of the most prolific components of ambient air pollution.”

Particulate matter is one of six common pollutants currently regulated by the EPA.

EPA Sued Over Ship Pollution
Earthjustice, representing Friends of the Earth, have sued the EPA for failing to meet a deadline to regulate large ship pollution. According to Earthjustice, the EPA has indefinitely postponed a deadline to set emissions standards for ship engines. The suit was filed on Sept. 5th in federal district court.

Large ocean-going vessels emit high levels of diesel exhaust, with smokestack emissions from global shipping expected to double over North America within the next decade. One cruise ship docked can emit pollution equal to 350,000 cars, with major ports having hundreds of ships in port each month.

"Air quality in port cities like Seattle and Oakland takes a beating every time a large ship pulls into dock," said Teri Shore of Friends of the Earth. "The Bush EPA promised to act months ago to rein in ship smokestack pollution, but instead they have delayed regulations. Port communities are fed up and suffering, that's why we went to court today."

"In Los Angeles alone, the ships in port spew more pollution than the metro area's six million cars combined. Residents of nearby neighborhoods have high rates of respiratory illness and the region's highest cancer risk. We're taking action today to fix this health hazard," said Sarah Burt of Earthjustice.

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How diesel particulate filters are used to reduce toxic particulate matter in air pollution. View videos of the CleanAIR PERMIT Filter at work.

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EPA Takes Innovative Approach to Clear the Air at the Nation's Ports

Press Release:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency moved the nation’s supply chain closer to a cleaner, fuel-efficient and cost-effective future today as EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson announced a project to develop and test a new EPA-patented technology on large equipment used to move goods and products from ships to trucks. These heavy duty diesel machines, called yard hostlers, contribute to air pollution generated in ports throughout the world. EPA’s hydraulic hybrid technology, which is currently being tested in several UPS vehicles, is being readied for use in yard hostlers, the most common work vehicle used at loading docks. The hybrid vehicles will feature a unique hydraulic hybrid power train that can generate, recover, store and reuse braking power with very little air pollution.

“EPA and our partners are working together to ensure that America’s ports become harbors of clean air,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. “Together, we are moving breakthroughs in hybrid technology from the labs to the docks – improving air quality while saving fuel. This technology is good for our environment, good for our economy, and good for our nation’s energy security.”

Port Authority Port Commerce Director Richard M. Larrabee said, "We've made tremendous strides toward becoming an environmentally friendly port, but we need to do more if we are to continue to be recognized as a national leader in this area. The new program we are announcing today -- coupled with existing programs to pres