Spending Time in Your Car Increases Pollution Exposure

The daily commute may be taking more of a toll than people realize. A new study by researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) and the California Air Resources Board found that up to half of Los Angeles residents’ total exposure to harmful air pollutants occurs while people are traveling in their vehicles.

Although the average Los Angeles driver spends about six percent (1.5 hours) of his or her day on the road, that period of time accounts for 33 to 45 percent of total exposure to diesel and ultrafine particles (UFP), according to the study published this month in the journal Atmospheric Environment and available online. On freeways, diesel-fueled trucks are the source of the highest concentrations of harmful pollutants.

“If you have otherwise healthy habits and don’t smoke, driving to work is probably the most unhealthy part of your day,” says Scott Fruin, D.Env., assistant professor of environmental health at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. “Urban dwellers with long commutes are probably getting most of their UFP exposure while driving.”

High air exchange rates that occur when a vehicle is moving make roadways a major source of exposure. Ultrafine particles are of particular concern because, unlike larger particles, they can penetrate cell walls and disperse throughout the body, Fruin says. Particulate matter has been linked to cardiovascular disease, but the ultrafine fraction on roadways appears to be more toxic than larger sizes.

Researchers measured exposure by outfitting an electric vehicle with nine, fast-response air pollution instruments. A video recorded surrounding traffic and driving conditions on freeways and arterial roads throughout the Los Angeles region. Measurements were collected during a three-month period from February to April 2003, and four typical days were selected for a second-by-second video and statistical analysis.

Results showed that the two main sources of pollution were diesel-fueled trucks on freeways and hard accelerations on surface streets. Surprisingly, overall congestion was only a factor on arterial roads and, even then, the highest concentrations of pollutants occurred only when vehicles were accelerating from a stop, Fruin says.

“This study was the first to look at the effect of driving and traffic conditions at this level of detail and to demonstrate the specific factors leading to the highest pollutant exposures for drivers,” Fruin says. “The extent that a specific type of vehicle—diesel trucks—dominated the highest concentration conditions on freeways was unexpected.”

Driving with the windows closed and recirculating air settings can modestly reduce the particle pollution exposures but does not reduce most gaseous pollutants. Driving at speeds lower than 20 miles-per-hour can also reduce exposure, but none of these measures are as effective as simply cutting back on driving time, he says.

“Shortening your commute and spending less time in the car will significantly reduce your total body burden of harmful pollutants,” Fruin says.

Off-road transportation such as taking the train will have a significant impact. Biking or walking are alternatives that also provide valuable health benefits from exercise, he says.

See the Source:
USC

Find out:
How to reduce diesel particulate emissions for on- and off-road vehicles using diesel particulate filters.

air pollution
diesel emissions

Censoring Climage Change

The Boston Globe reported on Monday that the US Senate is getting only half the facts when it comes to climate change. According to the Globe, Julie Gerberdings, head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, addressed the Senate on Oct. 23 concerning the health impact of global warming.

The original report was 12 pages in length and included the following statements:
- "the public health effects of climate change remain largely unaddressed"
- Northern USA "will likely bear the brunt of increases in ground-level ozone and associated airborne pollutants"
- "Populations in Midwestern and Northeastern cities are expected to experience more heat-related illnesses as heat waves increase in frequency, severity, and duration"

Unfortunately, the 12-page report was edited by the White House down to 6 pages, cutting this important information. Senator Barbara Boxer (CA) believes the censored statements are in alignment with a report release earlier this year by the United Nation's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and should be presented to the Senate.

See the Source:

Boston Globe

climate change
global-warming

ARB Tripling Early Action Measures Set by AB 32

Projects would net 3 million metric tons of additional greenhouse gas emissions

SACRAMENTO - The Air Resources Board today approved staff's proposal to 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).

Last month, ARB staff proposed an additional set of measures, including many that go above and beyond the narrow requirements of the law. New measures approved today are expected to reduce greenhouse gases from the trucking industry, greener ports, cement and semiconductor industries, and consumer products.

"Today's Board approval marks another significant milestone in our goal to return the state's greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020," said ARB Chairman Mary Nichols. "Today's measures include many common-sense, practical approaches that will continue our forward momentum on AB32. California is showing the country and the world that we can and will help reverse the ominous tide of global warming."

The newly approved measures include:
* Smartway Truck Efficiency: Requires existing trucks and trailers to be retrofitted with devices that reduce aerodynamic drag, thus reducing 1.3 million metric ton reductions in greenhouse gas equivalents as well as reducing fuel consumption.

Firms such as UPS and Whole Foods have enjoyed great success with this program at the national level with the U.S. EPA.

* Port electrification: This measure will require docked ships to shut off their auxiliary engines by plugging into shoreside electrical outlets. Already offered as a NOx and diesel PM reduction effort used at the ports of Long Beach/Los Angeles and Oakland, this project will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 500,000 metric tons every year.

* Reduction of perfluorocarbons from the semiconductor industry: Extremely potent greenhouse gases, PFCs are used in the semiconductor industry to create intricate circuitry patterns on silicon wafers and to rapidly clean semiconductor chemical vapor chambers. Alternative chemistry development, emissions abatement and recovery and recycling will lessen greenhouse gas emissions by 500,000 metric tons annually.

* Reduction of propellants in consumer products: Aerosols, tire inflators, electronics cleaning and dust removal products all contain propellants that contribute an estimated 300,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in California every year. Manufacturers can help by switching from HFC propellants to others with lower climate impact.

* Tire inflation: ARB will craft regulations requiring tune-up, smog check and oil change mechanics to ensure proper tire inflation as part of overall service. By ensuring that tire pressure in cars throughout the state is maintained to manufacturer specifications, California will see a 200,000 metric tons reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

* Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) reductions from non-electricity sector: ARB proposes to ban the use of SF6 from non-essential uses if viable alternatives are available. SF6 is currently used in manufacturing processes with aluminum, magnesium and semiconductors, as well as a tracer for air quality and vehicle studies.

The new measures are projected to reduce about 3 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 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.

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.

See the Source:
California Air Resoures Board

emission standards

Increase of Global CO2 Emissions Alarming

USA Today reported today on a recent study by Carnegie Institution's Department of Global Ecology that during the 1990's, emissions of carbon dioxide rose about 1.3% per year. But the rate of emissions after 2000 increased to 3.3% per year.

The growing global economy is fueling an increase in fossil fuels burned and an increase in the manufacturing of cement, both of which contribute to rising carbon emissions. In 2000, 7 billion metric tons of carbon were released into the atmosphere. By 2006 emissions had increased by 8.4 billion metric tons.

Researchers now believe that the Earth's plants, oceans and land can no longer naturally absorb the excess carbon, causing a build-up of CO2 in the atmosphere and increasing the effect of global warming.

See the Source:
USA Today

global-warming

Local Advocacy Group to Stage Diesel Showdown

Diesel Pollution Solution Coalition, a Massachusetts advocacy group, staged a landmark diesel retrofit demonstration on Monday, October 22nd. The demonstration is the first in a series of rallies being held around Boston in support of An Act to Protect Public Health and Air Quality from Harmful Diesel Emissions (H-732 and S-502), currently before the State Senate Ways and Means Committee.

Passage of An Act to Protect Public Health and Air Quality from Harmful Diesel Emissions would require all heavy-duty diesel fleets owned, operated or contracted by the State be retrofitted with diesel particulate filters by 2010, reducing the level of diesel pollution produced in and around Massachusetts' urban communities by vehicles such as garbage trucks, construction equipment, delivery vehicles and trains. As part of the demonstration, pollution output will be measured on a retrofitted clean-diesel truck, against a traditional diesel-powered vehicle of comparable weight and size to underscore the effectiveness of advanced emissions control technology in reducing harmful emissions.

Find out:
About diesel particulate filters and how they reduce emissions of particulate matter, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide.

air pollution
diesel emissions

The Greening of America

Forbes magazine just released its list of America's Greenest States. Taking into account six categories: carbon footprint, air quality, water quality, hazardous waste management, policy initiatives and energy consumption, Forbes analyzed each state's score to produce a ranking from 1 to 50.

Topping the list are Vermont, Oregon and Washington. All three states have low carbon footprints, enforce and promote strong energy and air quality policies, have cities with low smog and ozone pollution, and have the most green buildings per capita.

At the bottom are Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Indiana and West Virginia due to over consumption, the production of too much pollution and no defined environmental plan.

See the Source:
Forbes: America's Greenest - article and state rankings

environmental news
green news

Researchers Examine World's Potential to Produce Biodiesel

What do the countries of Thailand, Uruguay and Ghana have in common? They all could become leading producers of the emerging renewable fuel known as biodiesel, says a study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies.

The ease of manufacturing biodiesel from vegetable oils and animal fats has made it one of the most promising, near-term alternatives to fossil fuels. Seeking to understand which nations are best positioned today to enter the burgeoning biodiesel market, researchers Matt Johnston and Tracey Holloway of the Nelson Institute's Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment (SAGE) ranked 226 countries according to their potential to make large volumes of biodiesel at low cost.

Reported Oct. 17th in Environmental Science and Technology, the analysis uncovered many of the usual suspects, including the United States, a top soybean grower; and Brazil, already a major biodiesel producer. The Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Spain also cracked the top ten in overall volume potential.

But the researchers say the study's true motivation was to identify developing countries that already export significant amounts of vegetable oil for profit, but may not have considered refining it into biodiesel. By exporting biodiesel - a higher value commodity - these countries could improve their trade balances, says Johnston, or use the fuel to offset their own energy needs.

"A lot of these countries don't have any petroleum resources and so they're having to import petroleum," he says. "At the same time, they're exporting vegetable oil that they could be turning into biodiesel and using domestically."

Overall, the study ranked Malaysia, Thailand, Colombia, Uruguay and Ghana as the developing nations most likely to attract biodiesel investment, not only because of their strong agricultural industries, but also due to their relative safety and stability, lack of debt, among other economic factors.

Johnston emphasizes, however, that the set of criteria he and Holloway used is just one among many.

"As long as they're profitable and have large volumes of vegetable oils, all the countries on our list - even if they aren't on our top ten list - they could do this," he says.

The idea for the analysis first struck Johnston on a visit to a remote island of Fiji, where people rely primarily on petroleum diesel to run generators for electricity. Transported in by boat, the fuel cost the equivalent of $20 per gallon. Meanwhile, the islanders were growing coconuts and processing them into oil that sold for 50 cents a liter.

"The price disparity was just incredible," says Johnston, "and it prompted me to think about where else in the world countries might have this biofuels potential, but not necessarily realize it."

At the same time, many agencies - chief among them the United Nations - have raised concerns about the biofuel industry's possible impact on the world's poor, as vegetable oils, now used for food, are increasingly diverted to fuel production. Rampant growth of biofuels could also negatively affect the environment; a soaring demand for palm oil, for example, has already led to deforestation in Southeast Asia.

By highlighting the places in the world where biodiesel development will likely happen, Johnston and Holloway hope their analysis will help people foresee these problems and make plans to mitigate them.

"We're not saying, 'There's all this potential out there, go get it,'" says Johnston. "Instead, we're looking at which vegetable oil feed stocks are most likely to be affected and which countries will most likely be doing this at a large-scale. That way, we can anticipate some of the impacts, as opposed to having to react after the fact."

Of all the vegetable oils and animal fats examined in the study, soybean and palm oil were by far the most common. In fact, the world's top five soybean and palm oil producers - Malaysia, Indonesia, Argentina, the United States and Brazil - accounted for 80 percent of the potential global biodiesel production, the researchers found.

Based on current export volumes of vegetable oil from 119 countries, Johnston also estimated that a grand total of 51 billion liters of biodiesel could be produced annually - enough to meet roughly 4-5 percent of the world's existing demand for petroleum diesel. Yet, although interesting, these numbers aren't the main point.

"We're not suggesting that all exported vegetable oil should be converted into biodiesel, because that would fundamentally upset the food supply," says Holloway. "We're looking at this more from each individual country's perspective: They're already exporting one thing, could they be exporting something else?"

Because the study employed data from online, public sources - primarily the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Statistics Division - Holloway points out that any country could repeat the calculations or do its own analysis of the biodiesel opportunity. And she and Johnston hope they will."I'd love to see some of these development opportunities come to fruition for some of these countries," Johnston says.

See the Source:
SAGE

Find out:

How to reduce emissions of diesel and biodiesel using diesel particulate filters from CleanAIR Systems.

green news

Hidden Costs of Climate Change: Major, Nationwide, Uncounted

The total economic cost of climate change in the United States will be major and nationwide in scope, but remains uncounted, unplanned for and largely hidden in public debate, says a new study from the University of Maryland.

The report, The U.S. Economic Impacts of Climate Change and the Costs of Inaction, is the first to pull together and analyze the previous economic research on the subject, along with other relevant data, in order to develop a more complete estimate of costs.

While much of the public debate has focused on the upfront costs of emission controls, there's been only limited research on subsequent expenses, such as rebuilding or preparing infrastructure to meet new realities and the ripple economic effects on the agricultural, manufacturing and public service sectors. In part, the report evaluates the costs of inaction -- how a failure to reduce greenhouse gases can make response and adaptation more expensive.

"The true economic impact of climate change is fraught with 'hidden' costs," the report concludes. It adds that these costs will vary regionally and will put a strain on public sector budgets. For example, even under current conditions, the combined storm impact for the nation since 1980 has surpassed $560 billion. More frequent and intense storms would raise the price tag even higher.

"Climate change will affect every American economically in significant, dramatic ways, and the longer it takes to respond, the greater the damage and the higher the costs," says lead researcher Matthias Ruth, director of the University of Maryland's Center for Integrative Environmental Research and the Roy F. Weston Chair in Natural Economics. "The national debate is often framed in terms of how much it will cost to reduce greenhouse gases, with little or no consideration of the cost of no response or the cost of waiting. Review and analysis of existing data suggest that delay will prove costly and tip the economic scales in favor of quicker strategic action."

Estimating a total price tag for all the hidden costs is impossible at the moment, say the researchers. The report finds that current techniques generally used by economists to measure the costs related to climate change are ill-suited to a situation so complex and pervasive. It recommends a new, immediate research effort to accompany initiatives designed to minimize the impact of climate change.

Findings: Five Lessons
Lesson 1: Economic Impacts Will Occur Throughout the Country
Climate change will affect all sectors of the national economy, especially agriculture, energy and transportation, says the report. It will also damage or stress essential infrastructures, many of them locally maintained, such as water supply and treatment. Climate change will also damage ecosystems. The specific effects, though, will vary by U.S. regions.

West and Northwest: Changes in precipitation patterns and snow pack are likely to increase the risk of forest fires. The cost of fire suppression and property damages will run in the billions.
Great Plains: Increased frequency and severity of flooding and drought will cause billions of dollars in damages to crops and property.

Midwest: Major impacts are expected on the manufacturing sector as shipping costs within the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence shipping route increase because of expected lower water levels along the system.

Northeast and Mid-Atlantic: Increased vulnerability to sea level rise and storms; even a single event can cost anywhere from $2 billion to $6.5 billion, depending on severity.

South and Southwest: Decreased precipitation will strain water resources for agriculture, industry and households. For the Central Valley in California alone, the economy-wide loss during the driest years is predicted to be around $6 billion.

Lesson 2: Economic Impacts Will Be Unevenly Distributed Across Regions and Economic and Social Sectors
Examples of unequal hardships:
Small niche industries -- especially in the agriculture sector -- may be devastated. Even though the losses represent a small part of the state and regional economy, these businesses are an essential element of local employment, history, culture and landscape.

Rising temperatures may cause greater health problems for poor and aged urban dwellers less able to resist scorching summers.

Lesson 3: Negative Climate Impacts Will Outweigh Benefits for Most Economic Sectors
In some regions and economic sectors, climate change may be temporarily beneficial. For example, some Mid-Atlantic farmers may temporarily increase market share as agricultural conditions worsen in other parts of the country. But eventually those gains will disappear as new costs and threats, such as frequent water shortages and new pest infestations, emerge.

Reduced energy demands in the winter for heating fuel will be offset by even greater demands for cooling in the summer.

Lesson 4: Climate Change Will Place Immense Strain on Public Sector Budgets
The cost of infrastructure maintenance and replacement will likely increase, while economic losses will likely translate into reduced tax revenues. As a result, public officials may need to raise taxes, cut services, or some combination of the two. For example, Alaska's infrastructure maintenance is expected to rise by $5 billion to $10 billon; by one estimate, sea-level rise could cause between $23 billion and $170 billion in property damage by 2100, depending on how high the sea rises; in Hawaii, sea level rise will require upgrades to drinking and wastewater facilities of nearly $2 billion over the next 20 years.

Lesson 5: Secondary Effects Can Include Higher Prices, Reduced Income, Job Loss
Indirect or secondary economic effects of climate change have rarely been quantified, yet are likely to be substantial, the report says. Increased costs for raw materials, energy and transportation will likely translate into higher prices and a loss of competitiveness that could trigger declines in entire economic sectors or regions.

Recommendations
The range and severity of the economic and social impacts of climate change are great, while the research on the subject is very limited. The report strongly recommends an immediate, large-scale, coordinated research effort to accompany policy steps designed to mitigate climate change and adapt to the unavoidable.

To this point, research has provided only limited economic snapshots looking at specific regions, industries or economic sectors, often using quite different methodologies and time frames for analysis, says Ruth.

"We've connected the dots as far as the data would allow," Ruth adds. "Now that the climatological picture about future conditions is becoming clear, research needs to provide the socioeconomic information to guide policy. This study offers the first comprehensive analysis. Next, we will need to carry out sector and region-specific research using new methodology. The traditional, narrow micro-economic approach used in current studies is simply not suited to this task."

Because of the scope and complexity of the recommended research, the report says that a consortium of university research centers, national labs and federal and state agencies would be uniquely positioned to take on the task.

"The potential costs of the climate impacts are so staggering that this would surely be a wise investment," Ruth says. "Yet current research on the full range of economic costs is sufficient to conclude that delayed action (or inaction) on global climate change will likely be the most expensive policy option. A national policy for immediate action to mitigate emissions coupled with efforts to adapt to unavoidable impacts will minimize the overall costs of continued climate change."

See the Source:
The U.S. Economic Impacts of Climate Change and the Costs of Inaction

global-warming
climate change

For Blog Action Day: 26 Pollution Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

This is also the AirZone Blog's 300th post on the environment!





Did you know –

1. One leaf blower used during a one year period produces as much pollution as 80 cars driven 12,500 miles.
   
2. One gallon of gas can create 19 pounds of carbon dioxide.
   
3. 84 percent of the energy produced in the USA is provided by fossil fuels (coal, oil). When fossil fuels are burned to make energy they contribute to smog, acid rain and global climate change.
   
4. The single largest energy consumer in the world is the U.S. residential sector.
   
5. On a global scale, homes worldwide account for 25 percent of total energy use (not including transportation).
   
6. US residential and commercial buildings are responsible for 48 percent of greenhouse gas emissions produced in the U.S.
   
7. According to a new global survey, 53 percent or 1.1 billion people would rather purchase products and services from a company with a strong environmental reputation.
   
8. Employees on a global scale believe that the most effective environmental initiatives for their own workplace are recycling programs (65 percent), water/waste/emissions reduction (60 percent) and the use of eco-friendly business materials (60 percent).
   
9. Approximately 5,000 premature deaths a year in Southern California are being attributed to air pollution, especially from breathing particulate matter. Much of the particulate pollution experienced by Southern California comes from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
   
10. If burned without additives, pure Biodiesel (B100) is estimated to produce about 10% more NOx emissions than regular diesel. Debate continues over NOx, particulates, smog, and greenhouse gas emissions from biodiesel and all other new transportation fuels, biofuels in particular.
    
11. As much as 25% of Los Angles air pollution comes from China. And at certain locations in California, the level increases to 40%.
    
12. Due to the EPA’s refusal to tighten certain US air quality standards to better control soot and particulate matter, as advised by medical professionals, as many as 24,000 Americans could lose their lives every.
    
13. Energy used to produce 19 billion catalogs mailed annually to American consumers - 38 trillion BTUs, enough to power 1.2 million homes per year. Contribution to global warming – 5.2 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions, equal to the annual emissions of two million cars.
    
14. The EPA estimates that this year, due to a combination of cleaner diesel fuel and new engine technology, sulfur oxide emissions (a contributor to acid rain) from heavy-duty trucks will decrease by more than 100,000 tons and carbon monoxide emissions by more than 70,000 tons. The most significant benefits of clean diesel will be realized when new trucks are mostly replaced by 2020. By then, the EPA predicts two million tons of nitrogen oxides (or NOx, a component of smog) and 83,000 tons of fine particulate matter (or soot annually) will NOT be released into the atmosphere thanks to clean diesel.
    
15. A new 2007 diesel truck emits 1/60th the soot exhaust of a diesel truck produced in 1988.
16. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change documented a global average temperature increase of 1.3 degrees Fahrenheit between 1906 and 2005.
17. The world’s seas are rising more than an inch a decade.
18. U.S. government scientists say this summer's shrinkage of the Arctic ice cap was the greatest on record.
19. "Without a technological or economic miracle, it would take a political miracle to reach an international agreement that would mandate the necessary emissions cuts to reverse the momentum behind our evolving global climate system," Paul J. Saunders and Vaughan Turekian wrote in a recent Foreign Policy article titled, "Why Climate Change Can't Be Stopped."
20. A five-nation research team reports that global emissions of carbon dioxide, the biggest greenhouse gas, are increasing at a rate three times faster than in the 1990s.
21. From the EPA: "roughly six percent of all fine particle pollution (PM 2.5) in the United States comes from wood smoke. In some areas where woodstove use is high, wood smoke can account for a greater share of PM 2.5. Replacing older wood stoves with EPA-certified stoves can reduce wood smoke -- by 70 percent on average." And USA Today reports there are 10 million existing wood-burning stoves in the U.S.
22. In a recent British report, it is suggested that projected climate change could shrink the global economy by 20 percent and plunge the world into recession.
23. New coal-burning power plants are reportedly being added in China at the rate of about one per week. Most Chinese facilities are less efficient and pollute more than those used in the west to produce power. According to the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, China has already surpassed America in emissions, with China increasing by 9-percent in 2006 and 12-percent in 2005. At the same time, America’s emissions have grown slower, averaging about 1-percent per year. In 2006, according to the Department of Energy, emissions actually declined by 1.3-percent.
24. According to Reuters, London - air pollution has cut the average life expectancy of Europeans by almost a year, contributing to the premature death of thousands of people annually.
25. In Southern California, trains emit about 111 tons per day of diesel particle pollution, or about 6 percent of the pollution from cargo transport in this region.
26. According to Professor David Orr of Oberlin College: Human activities have already raised the global temperature about 8/5 a degree centigrade and the emissions humans have already made into the atmosphere will inevitably raise the temperature another half degree. “The point of safety is now said to be roughly two degrees centigrade. According to James Hanson, two years ago we had roughly ten years to begin the deflection downward [of greenhouse gas emissions]” Orr said that climate change is becoming increasingly nonlinear; that is, it is spiraling out of control, so time to control it is running out.

One Year Later, Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Widely Available

High Customer Satisfaction with New Clean Diesel Car and Truck Engines. Transition to Cleaner Fuel, Engines Progresses More Smoothly Than Anticipated.

October 15 marks the one-year anniversary of ultra-low sulfur diesel’s (ULSD) arrival at U.S. fueling stations nationwide – a pivotal milestone for the diesel industry and America’s environmental progress and energy security. Initial concerns about fuel availability and the performance of heavy-duty trucks designed specifically for ULSD have waned, thanks to an absence of problems transitioning to the clean diesel system, according to the Diesel Technology Forum (DTF).

More than 93 million barrels of ULSD were refined in July 2007, compared with just 54 million one year earlier, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. ULSD now accounts for over 75 percent of all distillate fuel production, and EPA estimates that over 90 percent of all retail service stations that have diesel fuel are now carrying ULSD – exceeding the required 80 percent minimum level. Since October 2006, more that 838 million barrels of clean diesel fuel have entered the U.S. distribution system.

“The transition to ULSD fuel has been nearly seamless, with virtually no supply interruptions nor technical glitches. Like the switch from leaded to unleaded gasoline, this transition to clean diesel fuel is fundamentally transforming diesel technology to be a leading solution for reducing energy consumption, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and meeting aggressive clean air standards,” said Allen Schaeffer, DTF executive director. ULSD is required for all new 2007 clean diesel heavy-duty commercial truck engines and new diesel passenger cars and SUVs. Its use also allows for the modernizing of some existing engines and equipment with emissions control technology such as particulate filters.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that this year, thanks to a combination of cleaner diesel fuel and new engine technology, sulfur oxide emissions (a contributor to acid rain) from heavy-duty trucks will decrease by more than 100,000 tons and carbon monoxide emissions by more than 70,000 tons. However, the most significant benefits of clean diesel will be realized when new trucks have largely replaced the existing fleet in 2020. At that time, EPA predicts two million fewer tons of nitrogen oxides (or NOx, a component of smog) and 83,000 fewer tons of fine particulate matter (or soot annually, thanks to clean diesel).

“Diesel truck drivers depend on their trucks for superior fuel economy and power. Early reports indicate that the cleaner fuel and engines still deliver both. Alongside the smooth fuel transition, equally encouraging is the tremendous satisfaction among users of new 2007 commercial vehicles,” continued Schaeffer. “Winning over commercial truck drivers is the litmus test for any new technology and those that have accumulated time in a 2007 truck have been pleasantly surprised by the performance and fuel economy as being better than expected.”

Heavy-duty truck sales slowed in 2007 compared to previous years, though most analysts expect purchases to increase later this year and into 2008. “Many factors influence the acquisition of new truck and engine technologies,” explained Schaeffer. “However, real-world experience has demonstrated that a lack of confidence in the new clean diesel engine technology should not be one of them.”

A new 2007 diesel truck emits just one-sixtieth the soot exhaust of one produced in 1988. And thanks to the new clean diesel fuel, owners of existing diesel vehicles have the option to install new emission controls that can reduce soot emissions by more than 90 percent. Congress is currently considering appropriations for the national clean diesel retrofit program and could provide up to $200 million this year to modernize existing vehicles and equipment.

The new clean diesel fuel has also opened the door for auto companies to begin offering cleaner diesel passenger vehicles that deliver greater fuel economy – typically 20 to 40 percent better than gasoline vehicles. Many diesel cars, pickups and SUVs are already available in the U.S., and during the past year numerous manufacturers – including Dodge, General Motors, Ford, BMW Group, Mercedes, Jeep, Audi, Volkswagen, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai and Mitsubishi – have announced or are expected to shortly announce plans to sell additional diesel models in the U.S. beginning as early as next year.

See the Source:
DieselForum

Find out:
About the health and environmental impact of NOx and diesel particulate matter.

diesel emissions
NOx emissions

US Announces Largest Single Environmental Settlement in History

Historic Pollutant Reductions Will Save $32 Billion in Health Costs Annually

American Electric Power has agreed to cut 813,000 tons of air pollutants annually at an estimated cost of more than $4.6 billion, pay a $15 million penalty, and spend $60 million on projects to mitigate the adverse effects of its past excess emissions. The record settlement was announced today by the Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency.

This is the single largest environmental enforcement settlement in history by several measures. For example, it is the largest settlement in terms of the value of injunctive relief, and will result in the largest amount of emission reduction from stationary sources, such as power plants and factories.

“Today’s settlement will save $32 billion in health costs per year for Americans,” said Granta Nakayama, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s enforcement and compliance assurance program. “Less air pollution from power plants means fewer cases of asthma and other respiratory illnesses.”

“The AEP settlement will have an unprecedented impact on air quality in the eastern United States,” said Ronald J. Tenpas, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This settlement is a major victory for the environment and public health, and it demonstrates our continued commitment to vigorous enforcement of the Clean Air Act.”

An unprecedented coalition of eight states and 13 citizen groups joined the United States government in today’s settlement. The agreement imposes caps on emissions of pollutants from 16 plants located in five states. The facilities are located in Moundsville (2 facilities), St. Albans, Glasgow, and New Haven (2 facilities), W. Va; Louisa, Ky; Glen Lyn and Carbo, Va.; Brilliant, Conesville, Cheshire, Lockburne, and Beverly, Ohio; and Rockport and Lawrenceburg, Ind.

The AEP will install pollution control equipment to reduce and cap sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions by more than 813,000 tons per year when fully implemented. By installing these pollution control measures, the plants will emit 79 percent less sulfur dioxide and 69 percent less nitrogen oxides, as compared to 2006 emissions.

The settlement resolves a lawsuit filed against AEP in 1999, alleging the company violated the New Source Review requirements of the Clean Air Act.

The company will spend an additional $60 million to finance and conduct projects to mitigate the impact of past emissions. Of the total, $24 million for these projects will be allocated among the states that joined the settlement. The remaining $36 million will be spent on mitigation projects identified in the settlement agreement.

The following eight states joined as plaintiffs in the case: New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maryland, and Rhode Island.

The following citizen groups also joined the settlement as plaintiffs: Natural Resources Defense Council, National Wildlife Federation, Sierra Club, United States Public Interest Research Group, Izaak Walton League of America, Ohio Citizen Action, Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana, Hoosier Environmental Council, Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition, West Virginia Environmental Council, Clean Air Council, Indiana Wildlife Federation, and the League of Ohio Sportsmen.

The AEP settlement was lodged today in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio and is subject to a 30-day public comment period.

See the Source:
EPA - Cases

Find out:
How to reduce NOx using selective catalytic reduction

air pollution

Environmental Education - Support in Congress

Legislation to improve environmental education in America’s public schools is gaining momentum in Congress and has picked up support from a coalition of more than 100 organizations representing more than 14 million members around the country, including the National Wildlife Federation and led by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

The legislation, the No Child Left Inside Act, which amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (also known as No Child Left Behind), would provide significant new funding for states to strengthen environmental education – through high-quality teaching standards, teacher training and the creation of state environmental literacy plans, which would ensure that students have a solid grasp of environmental issues.

“We cannot expect the next generation to deal with the impacts of major conservation problems like global warming and habitat loss without a solid educational foundation about the natural world in which they live,” says Kevin Coyle, Vice President of Education for the National Wildlife Federation. “Leaving our children ill-equipped to deal with the potentially catastrophic consequences of global warming left behind by this generation, is adding insult to injury.”

The legislation represents a major new commitment to environmental instruction. According to environmental education organizations, one of the unintended consequences of No Child Left Behind, which was enacted five years ago, is that many schools have abandoned environmental education programs to invest more time and resources in math and reading instruction.

In the classroom, No Child Left Behind causes science teachers to bypass environmental science when it does not appear to relate directly to the high-stakes tests required by the law. Beyond the classroom, teachers have to forego valuable, hands-on field investigations rather than take time away from test-related instruction. In many cases, field trips and outdoor environmental activities have been entirely curtailed, leaving kids with no understanding of the complex environmental challenges confronting our country and the world.

The problem is exacerbated by the fact that children today are so overscheduled and “plugged in” to electronic devices from computers to video games, that they are becoming completely disconnected from nature and the sense of wonder and excitement that come with it. Research has shown that if children don’t have any significant interaction with nature by the time they are 11 years old, it’s unlikely they will grow up caring about it or passing on any conservation values to their children.

“Without experiencing nature today, we won’t have any environmental stewards tomorrow,” continues Coyle.

A National Science Foundation panel noted in 2003 that “in the coming decades, the public will more frequently be called upon to understand complex environmental issues, assess risk, evaluate proposed environmental plans and understand how individual decisions affect the environment at local and global scales. Creating a scientifically informed citizenry requires a concerted, systemic approach to environmental education…”

To date, the No Child Left Inside Act has won support from major environmental organizations such as the National Wildlife Federation, Audubon and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, as well as the National Education Association, business groups and health-related organizations, including the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

In the House of Representatives, the legislation (H.R. 3036) is sponsored by Rep. John P. Sarbanes of Maryland and has bi-partisan support. In the Senate, S. 1981 is sponsored by Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island.

According to the bill’s authors, the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind law this year provides Congress with the opportunity to make changes that will strengthen the Act and better prepare students for real-world challenges and careers. No Child Left Behind must provide schools and school systems with the incentives, flexibility, and authority to develop and deliver valuable environmental education programs.

The name “No Child Left Inside” is used with permission of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection.

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Newswise

environment

ARB Early Action to Reduce GHG Emissions

The Final Staff Report in support of the objectives of the Califonria Air Resources Board's Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 is now posted online. The PDF document entitled "Expanded List of Early Action Measures to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in California Recommended for Board Consideration" outlines 44 measures and 6 new discrete early actions. The measures have the potential to reduce green house gas emissions by up to 42 million metric tons of CO2 by 2020. The report will be reviewed by the board on October 25, 2007

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CARB: Expanded List of Early Action Measures to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in California Recommended for Board Consideration

air pollution

U.S. - Supported International Greenhouse Gas Reduction Initiative Continues Success

An EPA report released on Tuesday shows that the United States continues to provide significant support of the Methane to Markets Partnership to reduce emissions of methane, a greenhouse gas over 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Current U.S. Methane to Markets projects, when fully implemented, will deliver estimated annual emission reductions equivalent to more than nine million metric tons of carbon dioxide. This is nearly double the reduction estimate EPA made in 2005.

The report released today, "U.S. Government Accomplishments in Support of the Methane to Markets Partnership - September 2007," highlights U.S. accomplishments through 2006.
Additional highlights from the report include:

- More than 600 private-sector and non-governmental organizations internationally have signed on to participate in project development activities. This is an increase of more than 250 organizations in the past year.

- In fiscal year 2006, the U.S. Government dedicated $12.9 million to Methane to Markets, bringing the total U.S. financial commitment to the partnership to more than $18 million since it started.

- U.S. funding for partnership activities has leveraged public and private sector investment totaling over $261 million.

- U.S. commitment to the partnership has continued to assist the rapid growth of the program, including the entry of two additional countries and the European Commission, bringing the total number of partners to 21.

- Oct. 30 - Nov. 1 in Beijing, the U.S. will co-host with China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and other Chinese ministries and corporations the Methane to Markets Partnership Expo: A Forum for Projects, Technology, Financing and Policy.

The United States and 13 other countries launched the Methane to Markets Partnership in 2004.

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Report - U.S. Government Accomplishments in Support of the Methane to Markets Partnership - September 2007

New England Experienced More Smog Days During Recent Summer, But Long-Term Trend is Still Toward Cleaner Air

As the 2007 summer ozone season comes to an end, EPA today confirmed that New Englanders experienced a modest increase in the number of poor air quality days this year, compared to 2006. The increase in number of days with reduced air quality is related to hot weather experienced throughout the region during the summer.

Based on preliminary data collected between May and September, there were 26 days when ozone monitors in New England recorded concentrations above levels considered healthy. By contrast, in 2006 there were a total of 16 unhealthy ozone days. Over the longer term, however, the air quality in New England continues to improve.

The number of unhealthy ozone days in each state this summer were as follows: 17 days in Connecticut (compared to 13 in 2006); 20 days in Massachusetts (11 in 2006); 8 days in Rhode Island (3 in 2006); 8 days in Maine (2 in 2006); 6 days in New Hampshire (2 in 2006); and 1 day in Vermont (none in 2006). Ground-level ozone, the main ingredient of smog, is unhealthy when average concentrations exceed 0.08 parts per million over an 8-hour period.

The increase in the number of days with unhealthy air this year was directly related to the increase in the number of hot days this year. Sunlight and high temperatures speed the formation of ground-level ozone smog; many areas of New England had more days exceeding 90 degrees this summer than during last summer. August and September were especially hot, dry and sunny for much of New England.

Although warm temperatures this summer led to an increase in unhealthy days, over the long-term New England has experienced a decreasing number of unhealthy ozone days. Also, peak ozone concentrations have decreased significantly over the last 30 years. In 1983, New England had 90 unhealthy days, compared with 26 this summer. Overall, peak ozone concentrations in New England have decreased by more than 20 percent since 1980.

Another measure of air quality in New England is the geographic extent of the unhealthy air quality. This is determined by counting the number of air quality monitors that recorded exceedances of EPA’s health-protective 8-hour ozone standard. A higher number of monitor exceedances means a more extensive area of unhealthy air quality. When comparing the 2007 ozone season to the 2001 ozone season, a New England summer with temperature data similar to this summer, the total number of monitored exceedances dropped from 349 in 2001 to 175 this past summer. This is an approximately 50 percent decrease in the number of areas exceeding the standard over this six year period.

“When we look back to the air quality conditions a generation ago, we can feel proud of the advances we have made in reducing pollution,” said Robert Varney, regional administrator of EPA’s New England regional office. “The unhealthy days we experienced this summer, however, remind us that our efforts to use cleaner cars and our commitment to reducing industrial emissions and conserving energy in our own daily lives, all measures that lower air pollution, must continue.”

Ground-level ozone (smog) is formed when volatile organic compounds (VOC) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) chemically react in the presence of sunlight. Cars, trucks and buses give off the majority of the pollution that makes smog. Fossil fuel burning at electric power plants, which run at high capacities on hot days, gives off significant amounts of smog-making pollution. Gas stations, print shops, household products like paints and cleaners, as well as gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment, also contribute to smog formation.

Exposure to elevated ozone levels can cause serious breathing problems, and aggravate asthma and other pre-existing lung diseases. It can also make people who are vulnerable more susceptible to respiratory infection.

EPA has taken a number of steps to further reduce air pollution. Since model year 2004, new cars, sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and minivans are meeting stringent new emission standards. The requirements are being phased in between 2004 and 2009 resulting in vehicles that are 77 to 95 percent cleaner than older models. The program also requires a 90 percent reduction in the sulfur content of gasoline, which is helping reduce emissions from all vehicles new and old. Also, beginning in 2007, EPA’s standards for new diesel engines for trucks and buses will reduce NOx and particulate matter emissions by 90 percent.

In addition, EPA has issued the Clean Air Interstate Rule to help reduce the transport of air pollution from power plants across state boundaries. When fully implemented, this rule will reduce power plant NOx emissions by over 60 percent and sulfur dioxide by over 70 percent from 2003 levels.

Although the 2007 ozone season is ending, pollution from small particles in the air is a year-round concern. The daily air quality index forecast will continue to be available at www.epa.gov/ne/aqi/. New Englanders can also sign up at this address to receive air quality alerts. These alerts are issued by e-mail, whenever necessary, to notify program participants when high concentrations of ground-level ozone or fine particles are predicted to occur, in their area.

Historical charts of unhealthy air days from 1983 through 2007 are available for each state on EPA New England’s web site at: www.epa.gov/ne/airquality/standard.html. A preliminary list of the unhealthy readings recorded this summer by date and monitor location, and corresponding air quality maps for each day, can be found at: www.epa.gov/region1/airquality/o3exceed-07.html.

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EPA

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How to reduce NOx emissions from stationary engines using selective catalytic reduction.

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