Air Pollution Contributes to Allergies

New study supports efforts to protect children from air pollution

At its monthly regulatory hearing, the California Air Resources Board reviewed the results of a national study that linked exacerbation of childhood allergies to increased air pollution.

A survey of more than 70,000 children, aged three to 17, revealed that exposure to greater amounts of ozone or particulate matter triggers more symptoms of hay fever and respiratory allergies.

"Children are growing and learning constantly and the added burden of allergies can only limit them from reaching their full potential," said ARB board member Barbara Riordan. "This study underlines the need to clean our air. Our future is dependent on protecting children’s developing minds and spirits."

The study results, published in the January 2009 issue of Environmental Health Perspectives, found that for even small increases in the ambient amount of ozone or particulate matter, the population of children could expect a significant increase in the likelihood of hay fever and respiratory allergy symptoms. In California, the ARB estimates that one million school absences annually are associated with ozone exposures alone.

Created when the soup of pollutants are heated in the sun, ozone has long been the focus of air pollution regulations. It is the main constituent of smog and a serious threat to those with cardiopulmonary disease. Ozone inflames nasal passages and lung tissue. Recently it has also been associated with diminished lung development in children and the exacerbation of asthma.

The other respiratory antagonist found in the study was particulate matter, an assortment of very small liquid and solid particles floating in the air. When inhaled these particles easily penetrate deeply into lungs increasing the number and severity of asthma attacks, aggravating bronchitis and other lung diseases, and reducing a body's ability to fight infections.

The study’s findings support the state’s effort to further reduce pollution through local and state level regulations. Over the last two decades ozone concentrations throughout the state have been halved.

"We have grown accustomed to allergies and operate on the assumption that the only relief is medication for symptoms," continued Riordan. "But, reducing ozone and particulate matter also helps. Children can use more energy on their school work and less on struggling with runny nose and itchy eyes."

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.

California Report on Locomotive Emissions Reduction Options

From the AECC Newsletter:

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has released a draft technical evaluation of options for the further reduction of locomotive and railyard emissions.

This preliminary draft discusses options such as engine replacements and the retrofitting of existing locomotives with particulate filters (DPF) or combined particulate filter and selective catalytic reduction (SCR). The technical evaluation of each option is based on the following criteria: technical feasibility, potential emissions reductions, costs, and relative cost-effectiveness. The cost of retrofitting a DPF to a locomotive is estimated by CARB at $200,000 and the cost of a DPF+SCR retrofit at $500,000.

The draft report is at http://www.arb.ca.gov/railyard/ted/ted.htm.

California Proposes Regulation Targeting Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Fuels

New standard would lead to the widespread production and distribution of low-carbon fuels for vehicles

SACRAMENTO - Today the Air Resources Board released a proposed regulation that would implement Governor Schwarzenegger's Low Carbon Fuel Standard, a policy to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from California's transportation fuels by ten percent by 2020 and more thereafter. Today's release of the proposed regulation allows 45 days for the public to review the language and provide comment before the item is considered at the April 23 ARB hearing.

The proposed regulation released today would diversify the variety of fuels and boost the market for alternative-fuel vehicles. It is one of the most important early actions called for under AB 32, California's pioneering climate change legislation, and will achieve 13.4 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emission reductions by 2020.

"The real strength of this standard is that it takes a comprehensive 'cradle to grave' approach that accounts for greenhouse gas emissions from production, transport and tailpipe emissions," said ARB Chairman Mary Nichols. "The new standard will promote the development of alternative fuels that can provide economic opportunities, slash greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce criteria pollutants and toxic air contaminants. It will help consumers by injecting competition into the transportation fuel market and set California on a course to benefit from technological innovation, energy diversification and economic development."

Governor Schwarzenegger issued the LCFS Executive Order in early 2007 directing the state to drive down greenhouse gas emissions from transportation fuels. The transportation sector alone accounts for 40 percent of the state's total greenhouse gas emissions. The initiative is designed to increase the use of alternative fuels, replacing 20 percent of the fuel used by cars in California with clean alternative fuels by 2020, including electricity, biofuels, hydrogen and other options.

The proposed regulation requires providers, refiners, importers and blenders to ensure that the fuels they provide for the California market meet an average declining standard of 'carbon-intensity'. This is determined by examining the sum of greenhouse gas emissions that are associated with the production, transportation and consumption of the fuel, also referred to as the 'fuel pathway'. Market-based mechanisms will allow fuel suppliers to choose the most cost-effective clean fuels - those with the lowest carbon intensity - giving California consumers the widest variety of fuel options at a reasonable price.

While developing the regulation, ARB staff addressed the issue of how the production of some fuels impact land-related emissions. Certain fuel pathways result in the release of additional greenhouse gas emissions through the conversion of forestlands and other carbon-containing habitats worldwide. ARB staff is using internationally-accepted models to predict how land use change would occur due to increased demand and will include those emissions in the relevant fuel pathways.

To enhance private sector and federal investment into alternative fuel production and distribution, California is providing funding to assist in the early development and deployment of the most promising low-carbon fuels. The Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program (AB118, Nunez, 2007), managed by the California Energy Commission, will provide approximately $120 million dollars per year over seven years to deploy the cleanest fuels and vehicles.

AB 32, signed by the Governor in 2006, is California's Global Warming Solutions Act that set in law aggressive greenhouse gas reduction targets (1990 levels by 2020). AB 32 set the goals, but the solution is prescribed in the Scoping Plan which utilizes a mix of a cap-and-trade program, along with complimentary measures. The LCFS is included in the Scoping Plan as one of the solutions for California to meet its AB 32 goals.

ARB will hold a public workshop the week of March 23 to accept public comment on the proposed regulation. The proposed LCFS regulations can be found at http://www.arb.ca.gov/

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.

CARB Asks EPA to Reconsider Denial of Waver on GHG Emissions

Wednesday, ARB Chairman Mary Nichols sent a letter to Lisa Jackson, the new designated Administrator of the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), requesting that she revisit the decision by the previous EPA administrator that denied California the waiver it needs to enforce its clean car law.

"We feel strongly that under its new leadership, EPA will recognize that the decision made by the former administrator to deny California the waiver to enforce our clean car law was flawed, factually and legally, in fundamental ways," said Nichols.

Should the EPA grant the waiver, California, and 13 other states will begin a program to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from passenger vehicles 30 percent by 2016.

The letter points out that the decision by the previous EPA administrator improperly evaluated California’s need for greenhouse gas standards in complete isolation, without also considering the context of California’s complete motor vehicle emission control program. This created a new set of hurdles and test that no other waiver request had triggered.

The letter also indicates that California believes that the EPA can reconsider its decision in a manner that fulfills its public notice and comment obligations without undue delay. This is because the issues to be reconsidered are limited in scope, and there has already been extensive comment input by stakeholders and the public on the waiver request.

The letter can be found at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/arbwaiverrequest.pdf

Background:
The regulations in question were developed under California’s
2002 landmark vehicle greenhouse gas emissions reduction law AB
1493 (Pavley). ARB adopted the regulations in 2005.

In 2005, ARB requested a waiver from the EPA to enforce the regulation, as required under the Clean Air Act. Despite the fact that no waiver had ever been denied over a 40-year-period, the then Administrator of the EPA sent Governor Schwarzenegger a letter in December, 2007, indicating he had denied the waiver.

On March 6, 2008 the waiver denial was formally issued in the Federal Register. Governor Schwarzenegger and several other states immediately filed suit against the federal government to reverse that decision.

To date, 13 states have also adopted, and three others are in the process of adopting, those same regulations. Together, California and these 16 states constitute close to half of the nation’s new vehicle sales.

The letter also indicates that since all manufacturers can already comply with California’s 2009 model-year greenhouse gas fleet average under the regulations, all manufacturers would obtain credits for future years. This would allow the regulations to be implemented as planned using the model-year 2009 to 2016 timetable.

The reductions achieved by the Pavley regulations constitute an important element of the California’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 30 percent by 2020 under its landmark global warming bill, AB 32 (Nunez, 2006). ARB approved the Scoping Plan in December. It is the nation’s first comprehensive approach to address climate change that draws upon ever sector of the state’s economy.

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.

In Califorinia, Even Heavy Equipment Goes Green

The Puente Hills Landfill hosted a rare group of federal and state environmental officials on Monday. They met at the waste disposal site to view tractors, bulldozers and refuse compactors that are ahead of schedule in meeting California's new, stringent diesel emissions standards for heavy equipment.

The roughly 180,000 pieces of off road equipment in California spew nearly as much smog-forming emissions and fine particle pollution as the one million diesel trucks that have just come under regulation by the California Air Resources Board.

Board Chairman Mary Nichols said, "ARB's first-in-the nation standards are driving businesses to invest in advanced technologies to clean our air and save the planet. Even heavy duty off road equipment can be part of the solution."

The Air Resources Board adopted a precedent-setting regulation in July 2007 that Nichols says will reduce toxic and cancer-causing diesel emissions from off road vehicles used in construction, mining, airport ground support, and other industries.

The regulation requires the installation of diesel soot filters and encourages the replacement of older, dirtier engines with newer emission-controlled models.

Because many diesel engines lack emission controls and can remain in use for 30 years or longer, they could become long-term contributors to air pollution.

But Nichols estimates that under the regulation, by 2020, diesel particulate matter will be reduced by 74 percent and smog forming oxides of nitrogen by 32 percent, compared to what emissions would be without the rule.

Diesel particulate matter, or diesel soot, was identified as a toxic air contaminant in 1998.
The ARB estimates that the off-road diesel rule will prevent at least 4,000 premature deaths statewide and avoid $18 to 26 billion in premature death and health costs.

"It cannot be overstated how this new regulation will help us in preventing air pollution-related health problems for residents of our region," said Barry Wallerstein, executive officer of the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

"Speeding up the transition to cleaner off-road equipment is key in our efforts to protect public health," he said.

ARB performed a comprehensive economic analysis of the rule's impact on business, which concluded that the regulation will cost industry up to $3.5 billion over its lifetime.
The requirements and deadlines vary depending on fleet size.

For small fleets, which include small businesses or municipalities with a combined horsepower of 2500 or less, implementation does not begin until 2015.

Medium fleets, with 2501 to 5000 horsepower, have until 2013, while large fleets, with over 5000 horsepower, must begin complying in 2010.

Bulldozers, loaders, backhoes and forklifts, as well as many other self-propelled off-road diesel vehicles must meet the new standard.

"This equipment is no longer just moving earth - it's moving California toward better air quality," said Wayne Nastri, administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Pacific Southwest region, viewing the heavy equipment at Puente Hills.

"And with the $1 million we're giving to the South Coast Air Quality Management District to clean up 700 heavy duty trucks, more and more vehicles will be driving toward a future of cleaner air," Nastri said.

The funding for the greener heavy equipment resulted from enforcement actions that the U.S. EPA took against Chevron, Valero, Cosmed and ARCO for violations at their California facilities.

As part of their settlements, these companies agreed to use funds that otherwise would have been paid as penalties to conduct environmental projects that directly benefit the community where the violations occurred.

ARB Adopts Landmark Rules to Clean Up Pollution from Trucks

The Air Resources Board today adopted two critical regulations directly aimed at cleaning up harmful emissions from the estimated one million heavy-duty diesel trucks that operate in California. Beginning January 1, 2011, the Statewide Truck and Bus rule will require truck owners to install diesel exhaust filters on their rigs, with nearly all vehicles upgraded by 2014.

Owners must also replace engines older than the 2010 model year according to a staggered implementation schedule that extends from 2012 to 2022.

Also adopted today, the Heavy Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction measure requires long-haul truckers to install fuel efficient tires and aerodynamic devices on their trailers that lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel economy.

"Today's vote marks a milestone in the history of California's air quality," said ARB Chairman Mary Nichols. "The Board's actions will not only help protect the health of 38 million Californians, they will also ensure that California continues strongly on its path to achieving clean air. And in light of today's extremely challenging financial climate, I am also pleased to say that the Governor, legislature and voters have made available more than one billion dollars in grants and loan programs to help truckers and business owners comply with this vital public health measure.

"Heavy-duty big rigs are the largest remaining source of unregulated diesel emissions, responsible for 32 percent of the smog-forming emissions and nearly 40 percent of the cancer-causing emissions from diesel mobile sources (other diesel emitters include trains, off-road vehicles and marine engines).

The greenhouse gas reduction measure applies to more than 500,000 trailers, while the diesel regulation applies to about 400,000 heavy duty vehicles that are registered in the state, and about 500,000 out-of-state vehicles that do business in California.

However, because many heavy duty vehicles are replaced or retired due to normal business practices on a faster schedule than what the new regulation will require, the number of vehicles expected to be retrofit by 2014 under the rule is about 230,000, while up to 350,000 vehicles would be replaced earlier than normal over the next 15 years.

To help truck owners upgrade their vehicles, the state is offering more than a billion dollars in funding opportunities.

Options include Carl Moyer grants, which are designated for early or surplus compliance with diesel regulations; Proposition 1B funds, for air quality improvements related to goods movement; and AB 118, which establishes a low-cost truck loan program to help pay for early compliance with the truck rule. In addition, ARB is evaluating ways to integrate these programs so that truckers can get a grant and a loan at the same time, minimizing paperwork and significantly reducing the monthly payments for a new truck loan.

To provide flexibility, the diesel regulation is structured so that owners can choose from among three compliance options to meet regulation requirements. There are exceptions to the regulation, including low-use vehicles, emergency and military vehicles, and personal use motor homes. School buses would be subject only to requirements for reducing diesel particulate matter and not for engine replacement.

California has the nation's most polluted air. Because of new engine standards established in 2001, diesel engines operating in California have been getting cleaner, but they are not getting clean fast enough to meet air quality goals. With the new State Bus and Truck rule in place, by 2014, diesel emissions will be 68 percent lower than they would be without the regulation, while emissions of the smog-forming pollutant NOx (oxides of nitrogen) will be 25 percent lower.

Diesel emissions are associated with cancer and exacerbate cardiovascular and respiratory ailments, as do smog-forming emissions. The truck regulation is expected to save 9,400 lives between 2011 and 2025, and greatly reduce health care costs.

These benefits have an estimated value of $48 billion to $69 billion. The cost of installing the trailer greenhouse-gas-reducing technologies will be quickly recouped through lower fuel use.ARB staff held dozens of workshops and met with hundreds of business owners and other stakeholders over the last 20 months.

Without the diesel regulation, California will not be able to meet U.S. EPA-mandated air quality standards and deadlines, and could subsequently lose billions of dollars in federal highway funding.To reduce diesel emissions and improve air quality and public health, the ARB adopted a Diesel Risk Reduction Plan in 2000 and has already passed regulations addressing urban buses, garbage trucks, school bus and truck idling, stationary engines, transport refrigeration units, cargo handling equipment at ports and rail yards, off-road vehicles, port trucks and other sources.

Statewide Bus and Truck Regulation:

http://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2008/truckbus08/truckbus08.htm

Heavy Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Reduction Measure:

http://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2008/ghghdv08/ghghdv08.htm

$5.5 Million in Grant Monies Available from Lower-Emissions School Bus Program

The Air Resources Board announced on Dec. 15th $5.5 million first-round grant monies from the Lower-Emission School Bus Program to schools within air districts for replacement and retrofit projects. These grants will affect 123 buses in 41 school districts throughout California, cutting toxic diesel particulate matter and smog-forming nitrogen oxide emissions.

"School bus emissions are a serious health concern for children," said ARB Chairman Mary Nichols. "These incentive funds will quickly get the dirtiest buses off the road."

To date, the program has received 172 applications totaling more than $21 million in replacement projects, and 705 applications totaling $13.3 million in retrofit projects. Overall, ARB has received $35.8 million in applications to date.

ARB has also approved applications for the replacement of the remaining pre-1977 buses in these air districts totaling approximately $1.4 million.

Proposition 1B, approved by California voters in November 2006, provided almost $200 million in funding for the ARB’s Lower-Emission School Bus Program. These funds were allocated by the ARB in March 2008, allowing air districts to replace or retrofit some of the oldest, highest polluting diesel school buses.

These current revisions to the program’s guidelines allowed the local air districts to elect the ARB to implement the program in 16 local air districts.

Since the program was established in 2000, over $100 million has been provided to replace 600 of the oldest school buses in the state and retrofit an additional 3,800 buses. With the additional Proposition 1B funds, it is anticipated that a 1,000 school buses will be replaced with new, cleaner buses and 3,500 in-use school buses will be retrofitted with diesel particulate filters, thereby reducing children’s exposure to diesel exhaust emissions.

Nitrogen oxides and diesel particulate matter are toxic, associated with cancer and can also exacerbate cardiovascular and respiratory ailments. Children living in communities with higher concentrations of nitrogen oxide and particulate matter had decreased lung development and may have permanent adverse effects into adulthood.

For more information see:
http://www.blogger.com/www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/schoolbus/2008lesbpgrants.htm

Updates Posted by ARB for Truck and Bus Regulations

New updates have been posted on the California Air Resources Board website for the On-Road Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicles (In-Use) Regulation.

Proposed Truck and Bus Regulation Related Fact Sheet - Click here.

Proposed 15-Day Changes to the Proposed Truck and Bus Regulation and Other Existing Regulations. Click here for regulations for In-Use On-Road Diesel Vehicles. Click here for changes to existing diesel regulations.

Revised Fleet Calculator - an Excel file designed to assist fleet owners in determining compliance with the requirements of the proposed regulation. The Calculator allows fleets to evaluate different replacement, repower, and retrofit strategies to evaluate various compliance options available under the proposed in-use on-road diesel vehicle regulation. Click here.

CEQA and Greenhouse Gases Listserve Created

An email listserve has been created for those interested in the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) activities related to the California Environmental Quality Act and Greenhouse Gases.

By signing up for this list serve, you'll receive an email notice when new information on this topic has been posted to the CARB website. In most instances, you will be provided with an email explaining related upcoming activities and/or documents.

If you would like to subscribe to the CEQA and Greenhouse Gases list, go to:

http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php

You browse through the current archive of related materials, go to:

http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/localgov/ceqa/meetings/meetings.htm

For questions concerning this list, please email ceqa@listserv.arb.ca.gov.

CARB - Staff Report on Fine PM-Related Premature Deaths

On October 24, 2008 the ARB released the staff report titled "Methodology for Estimating Premature Deaths Associated with Long-term Exposure to Fine Airborne Particulate Matter in California." This staff report presents an updated relative risk factor describing the association between PM2.5 and premature death. It also provides an updated threshold level for this relationship. This staff report includes revisions made in response to public comments received by July 11, 2008 on the draft staff report, which was released on May 22, 2008. A supplement to the final report contains all written public comments received.

The revisions to the methodology were developed following staff’s review of all relevant scientific literature and two public workshops. The new methodology underwent peer review in January, 2008, by a panel appointed by the University of California, Berkeley. This panel was composed of experts in the fields of epidemiology, air quality measurement, risk management, health effects of air pollution, and biostatistics.

Based on the new factor of 10% increase in the risk of premature death per 10 micrograms per cubic meter increase in PM2.5 exposure and an updated threshold value of 5 micrograms per cubic meter, staff estimates that exposure to PM2.5 contributes to about 18,000 premature deaths statewide annually (95% confidence interval: 5,600 to 32,000). For pdf copies of the staff report and the supplement, as well as additional information on the public workshops, comments received, and other activities related to updating the health impacts analysis methodology, please see the Web page at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/health/pm-mort/pm-mort.htm.

ARB Unveils Proposed Rules to Reduce Big Rig Pollution

Regulations expected to prevent 9,400 premature deaths, improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gases; more than $1 billion in funding assistance available for business owners

SACRAMENTO - The Air Resources Board today made available today for public comment its latest draft version of two landmark regulations that, if adopted at the Board's December hearing, will clean up emissions from the estimated one million heavy-duty diesel trucks that operate in California beginning in 2010.

The first proposed regulation will require truck owners to install diesel exhaust filters on their rigs starting in 2010, with nearly all vehicles upgraded by 2014. Owners must also turn over engines older than the 2010 equivalent according to a staggered implementation schedule between 2012 and 2022.

Further, long haul truckers must install fuel efficient tires and aerodynamic devices on their trailers that lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel economy.

The state is offering truck owners more than a billion dollars in funding opportunities to help with the cost of the proposed diesel rule. Funding options include Carl Moyer grants, which are designated for early or surplus compliance with diesel regulations; Proposition 1B funds, for air quality improvements related to goods movement; and AB 118, which establishes a low-cost truck loan program to help pay for early compliance with the truck rule.

Diesel emissions are toxic, associated with cancer, and can also exacerbate cardiovascular and respiratory ailments. The truck regulation is expected to save 9,400 lives between 2010 and 2025, and greatly reduce health care costs. These benefits have a value of $48 to $69 billion. The cost of installing the trailer greenhouse-gas-reducing technologies will be quickly paid back through lower fuel use.

"This diesel regulation is absolutely vital to the well-being of all Californians, but we know there are financial challenges," said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. "The Governor, legislature and voters have approved more than a billion dollars in loans and grants to truckers and business owners to help them comply with this crucial public health measure. If passed, these regulations will ultimately help improve both public health and the economy, especially when you account for the reduced health care costs we will see thanks to fewer hospital visits, mortalities and work days lost caused by exposure to big rig diesel exhaust."

ARB staff held dozens of workshops and met with hundreds of business owners and other stakeholders over the last 18 months.

Flexible funding options exist and the ARB is working to create more so that this regulation can be fully implemented at the lowest cost and we can all benefit from vastly improved air quality.
Without this regulation, California will not be able to meet U.S. EPA-mandated air quality standards and deadlines, and could subsequently lose billions of dollars in federal highway funding.

To provide flexibility, the diesel regulation is structured so that owners can choose from among three compliance options to meet regulation requirements. There are exceptions to the regulation, including low-use vehicles, emergency and military tactical vehicles, and personal use motor homes. School buses would be subject only to requirements for reducing diesel particulate matter and not for engine replacement.

To better assist truckers, ARB is evaluating ways to integrate these programs so that truckers can get a grant and a loan at the same time, minimizing paperwork and significantly reducing the monthly payments for a new truck loan.

Heavy-duty big rigs are the largest remaining source of unregulated diesel emissions, responsible for 32 percent of the smog-forming emissions and nearly 40 percent of the cancer-causing emissions from diesel mobile sources (other diesel emitters include trains, off-road vehicles and marine engines). The rules are expected to impact more than 400,000 trucks registered in the state, as well as about 500,000 out-of-state vehicles that do business in California, and over a half million trailers.

To reduce diesel emissions and improve air quality and public health, the ARB adopted a Diesel Risk Reduction Plan in 2000 and has already passed regulations addressing urban buses, garbage trucks, school bus and truck idling, stationary engines, transport refrigeration units, cargo handling equipment at ports and rail yards, off-road vehicles, port trucks and other sources.

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.

The CleanAIR PERMIT™ Filter Receives Verification for Level 3 Plus from California Air Resources Board

Santa Fe, NM – October 21, 2008 – CleanAIR Systems, Inc., manufacturer of emissions control technology for diesel and natural gas engines, was granted Level 3 Plus Verification on October 7th by the California Air Resource Board (ARB) for the company’s PERMIT™ Filter. The designation of “Plus” added to the original product verification certifies that the PERMIT™ Filter does not increase nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions beyond the 2009 limit of 20% over the baseline for stationary engines.

Originally verified five years ago, the PERMIT™ Filter reduces emissions of diesel particulate matter by greater than 85 percent for prime and emergency generators. According to dated ARB Executive Orders, CleanAIR’s PERMIT™ Filter was the first diesel particulate filter to comply with stringent Air Resources Board requirements, receiving Level 3 Verification on June 6th of 2003 and becoming the earliest technology to ensure real emission reductions by ARB standards and guarantee a durable emissions control system, compatible with various engines and applications.

The newly awarded “Plus” extends CleanAIR’s verification to meet the following ARB amendment:
“As of January 1, 2009, all verified diesel retrofits sold and installed must comply with the 2009 nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions limit as defined in the Verification Procedure. Warranty and In-Use Compliance Requirements for In-Use Strategies to Control Emissions from Diesel Engines, title 13, California Code of Regulations, sections 2700-2710.”

Exposure to nitrogen dioxide can cause serious health issues such as acute lung injury. Unfortunately, many diesel particulate filters on the market today actually increase NO2 while in use. With this in mind, ARB is attempting to limit NO2 emissions with the current ruling and will withdraw verification at the beginning of 2009 if a technology does not meet the specified limit.

For complete verification information on the PERMIT™ diesel particulate filter and engine operating criteria, Executive Orders and Attachments can be found on the CleanAIR website at: http://www.cleanairsys.com/about/carb-verification.htm.

Founded in 1993, CleanAIR Systems has developed and brought to market eleven new technologies to the field of air pollution control, including the company’s proprietary PERMIT™ diesel particulate filter characterized by a non-washcoat catalyst. CleanAIR has sales representatives in the United States, Sweden, Chile, Mexico, Taiwan and Puerto Rico. This past June, Caterpillar, the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, selected CleanAIR Systems as CAT’s strategic alliance partner of choice for emissions control products, supplying retrofit technology for Caterpillar prime and back-up generators.

To read more about CleanAIR Systems, visit http://www.cleanairsys.com/.

California’s Plan to Fight Climate Change Will Also Help Grow Economy

Proposed Scoping Plan sets California on course for a clean-energy future

The California Air Resources Board released its proposed plan to reduce California's greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. The plan is slated to go before the Board for approval at its December meeting.

“Today marks another step forward in California’s fight against global warming. This plan is good for the environment and public health, and it sets California on a course toward a more secure and sustainable economy,” said Mary Nichols, Chairman of ARB.

“Our comprehensive approach steers California away from its dependence on fossil fuels and accelerates the state’s necessary transition toward a clean-energy future.”

The plan constitutes the cornerstone of a concerted effort by the Schwarzenegger administration to address climate change.This includes SB 375 (Steinberg), a bill that promotes smart growth and provides incentives for creating attractive, walkable and sustainable communities and revitalizing existing communities. Another climate change initiative is AB 3018 (Nunez), a bill that establishes the Green Collar Jobs Council to develop a comprehensive array of programs, strategies and resources to address the workforce needs that will accompany California’s growing green economy. Governor Schwarzenegger signed both bills last week.

Nichols added that the state’s coordinated approach “serves as an example for the nation in forward thinking about our economic future. California’s plan will drive innovation, create thousands of new jobs, and provide a wealth of opportunities for California to export technology and help fight global warming around the world.”

Development of the Scoping Plan is a central requirement of AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Nuñez, Pavley), that calls on California to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. Governor Schwarzenegger signed the bill into law in September 2006.

In June, the Air Resources Board released its Draft Scoping Plan. The proposed plan released today reflects additional analysis, and public input that ARB has received over the past several months. The plan is built on the principle that a balanced mix of strategies is the best way to cut emissions and grow the economy in a clean and sustainable direction.

An important component of the plan is a cap-and-trade program covering 85 percent of the state's emissions. This program will be developed in conjunction with the Western Climate Initiative which recently released its own proposed design structure, encompassing seven states and four Canadian provinces that have committed to cap their emissions and create a regional carbon market.

Additional key recommendations of the plan include strategies to enhance and expand California’s proven cost-saving energy efficiency programs; implementation of California’s clean cars standards; increases in the amount of clean and renewable energy used to power the state; and, implementation of a low carbon fuel standard that will make the fuels used in California cleaner.

The plan proposes full deployment of the California Solar Initiative, high-speed rail, water-related energy efficiency measures, and a range of regulations to reduce emissions from trucks and from ships docked in California ports. There are also measures designed to safely reduce or recover a range of very potent greenhouse gases — refrigerants and other industrial gases — that contribute to global warming at a level many times greater per ton emitted than carbon dioxide.

Other measures include a ‘margin of safety’ — a new feature that provides additional reductions to account for measures in uncapped sectors that do not, or may not, achieve the estimated emission reductions in this plan.

The plan also includes an emphasis on efforts to enable small business to participate in the benefits of the plan and expanded discussions on public health, green buildings, offsets, the Zero Emissions Vehicle program and international initiatives.

The plan recommends targeted fees to fund the state's long-term commitment to AB 32 administration.

Following approval of the plan by the Board in December, the ARB will begin developing detailed strategies to implement all of the recommended measures.

The Proposed Scoping Plan and all appendices can be viewed at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/

Commercial Diesel Vehicle Owners Warned of Idling Restrictions - Grace Period Over

SACRAMENTO: Air Resources Board staff hit the road this week to begin enforcing recently enacted anti-idling program for diesel engines that will reduce particulate matter emissions throughout the state.

ARB staff and local air quality officials throughout the state will enforce the idling regulations by monitoring sleeper berths and commercial on and off-road diesel vehicles where they operate. First time violations, idling for greater than five minutes, will receive a minimum civil penalty of $300.

Subsequent penalties can be from $1,000 to $10,000. Owners, renters or lessees will be responsible for the penalty.

"Turning these engines off should be second nature," said ARB chairman, Mary Nichols. "It saves money, reduces pollution and protects the health of the driver and everyone working or living around the engines."

Regulations limiting idling of on-road commercial diesel-engine vehicles to five minutes have been in effect for several years now and for sleeper berth trucks since January of 2008. The regulations addressing the idling of off-road diesel vehicles became effective in June of 2008. Industries were given a grace period allowing them to inform themselves and their staff of the new requirements.

In a case where an off-road vehicle is observed idling for more than five minutes, enforcement officials will contact the operator and site supervisor to determine the reason. If the reason is not exempted, as some clauses of the regulation allow, and the instance is a first time violation, a $300 per day citation will be issued to the owner, renter or lessee of the vehicle.

Diesel exhaust contains a variety of harmful gases and over 40 other known cancer-causing compounds. In 1998, California identified diesel particulate matter as a toxic air contaminant based on its potential to cause cancer, premature death, and other health problems.

Each year, based on California emissions in 2000, diesel particulate matter contributes to 2000 premature deaths, thousands of hospital admissions, asthma attacks and other respiratory symptoms and lost workdays. Diesel engine emissions are responsible for the majority of California's known airborne cancer risks, cause visibility reduction and potentially contribute to global warming.

This fall the ARB will consider further measures to reduce emissions from heavy-duty diesel trucks. Over the past 10 years ARB has adopted regulations affecting cargo-handling equipment, transport refrigeration units, truck idling, off-road equipment, harbor craft, port drayage trucks, onboard incineration, and ships at-berth. ARB's cleaner fuel requirements for on-road diesel trucks, railroad and ship engines have reduced pollution around rail yards and ports.

For more information on ARB's efforts to address diesel emissions go here: http://www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/diesel.htm .

The public can report an idling violation by contacting the Air Resources Board at 1-800-END-SMOG (1-800-363-7664) or online at http://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/complaints/complaints.htm .

Clean Air Act is Powerful Tool to Fight Global Warming

Mary Nichols, chairman of the California Air Resources Board, today told a Senate Committee in Washington D.C. that Congressional action is urgently needed to set a firm and ambitious cap on greenhouse gas emissions.

The ARB chairman addressed the Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works, chaired by Senator Boxer.

"California, and other states are already seeing the effects of global warming," said Nichols. "We need action now. Addressing climate change with tough federal legislation must be the first item in the new President's inbox."

In April, 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that carbon dioxide is a pollutant and ordered the EPA to examine the impacts of global warming and how it could regulate greenhouse gases.

Instead, the EPA only described the harm, but declined to make a definitive statement.
"We cannot wait another minute to begin to reverse the neglect of the past eight years and start to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," she said. "The Clean Air Act is a powerful tool that is ready to be put to use starting on day one of the next administration."

Nichols, who served as an Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation at the U.S. EPA for four years under President Clinton, also pointed out that the Clean Air Act could be used effectively to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from some of the largest sources in the country, including vehicles and power plants.

As chairman of the California Air Resources Board, Nichols oversees the implementation of California's pioneering climate change legislation. The Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, usually referred to as "AB 32," was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger on September 27, 2006, just shy of two years ago.

ARB staff are currently putting the finishing touches on the final plan outlining the measures, programs and policies that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in California by 30 percent over the next 12 years. Many of these programs are based on approaches outlined in the Clean Air Act.

While in Washington D.C., Nichols also met with representatives of the American Lung Association to discuss the growing body of evidence about the impacts of global warming on public health, particularly respiratory and other diseases.

A report released by ARB last week indicated that implementing California's global warming law will build on existing programs to reduce smog-causing pollution and toxic soot and delivering additional benefits to public health.

A report on the economic impacts of implementing AB 32, released the same day, found that reducing greenhouse gases also produces net economic benefits for the California economy in 2020. The bulk of the economic benefits are the result of investments in energy efficiency that more than pay for themselves over time.(Both reports can be found at our webpage here.) This directly refuted claims by a representative of the Chamber of Commerce that using the Clean Air Act to regulate greenhouse gas emissions will be too costly.

Nichols also repeated her request for the EPA to grant the waiver that would allow California to enforce its clean car law and begin reducing greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles.

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.

Reducing Green Gas Pollutants Provides Net Benefit to CA's Economy

ARB analysis finds that reducing greenhouse gas pollutants also provides net benefit to California's economy and public health Economic analysis sees continued robust growth; public health analysis forecasts health benefits

SACRAMENTO-The Air Resources Board today released two reports that highlight how implementing AB 32, California's pioneering climate change law, will provide net benefits to both California's economy and public health.

"The facts are in. These reports support the conclusion that guiding California toward a clean energy future with reduced dependence on fossil fuels will grow our economy, improve public health, protect the environment and create a more secure future built on clean and sustainable technologies," said Mary Nichols, ARB Chairman.

The reports analyze the economic and public health impacts of the recommended measures in the draft Scoping Plan, the State's policy framework that outlines how California will reduce greenhouse gases 30 percent by 2020, as required under AB 32.

The economic analysis indicates that ARB's strategy will create jobs and save individual households money. And, California will achieve those benefits while enjoying a net benefit in economic growth between now and 2020, compared to the "do-nothing"scenario where California continues to rely heavily on fossil fuels as it does today.

The public health analysis demonstrates that implementing the recommendations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will build on existing air pollution programs that reduce smog-causing chemicals and toxic soot, providing significant additional public health and environmental benefits.

The economic analysis compares the recommendations in the draft Scoping Plan to doing nothing and shows that implementing the recommendations will result in:

* Increased economic production of $27 billion

* Increased overall gross state product of $4 billion

* Increased overall personal income by $14 billion

* Increased per capita income of $200

* Increased jobs by more than 100,000

The public health analysis shows that programs under AB 32 will improve on existing air pollution cleanup programs. As a result, in 2020:
* An estimated 300 premature deaths statewide will be avoided

* Almost 9,000 incidences of asthma and lower respiratory symptoms will be avoided

* 53,000 work loss days will be avoided

The recommended approach that was analyzed includes a mix of strategies that combines market-based regulatory approaches, other regulations, voluntary measures, fees, and other policies and programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The economic analysis used analytical models that measure economy-wide impacts of those policies and measures.

The analysis indicates that the bulk of the economic benefits are the result of investments in energy efficiency that more than pay for themselves over time. Additionally, the results in the economic analysis may underestimate many economic benefits since the models do not include lower costs from innovation and improved technologies expected under a market-based program.

ARB is seeking public comment on both reports. Those comments will be considered in the development of the proposed Scoping Plan prior to it being presented for adoption to the Air Resources Board at its November hearing.

ARB is the lead agency for implementing AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, and is part of an administration-wide effort to address climate change and mitigate the most severe projected impacts of global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions statewide.

Both reports, with appendices, can be found at http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/cc.htm.

Air Pollution Episodes Especially Harmful to Athletes and Outdoor Workers

Health effects include respiratory problems, DNA damage

Staff fom the ARB have recently presented research to the California Air Resources Board that links air pollution episodes to adverse health effects for athletes and those who must work outdoors.

Scientists have found that outdoor exercise during high levels of smog or particulate matter may cause otherwise healthy individuals to experience lung function decrease, exacerbation of asthma, and even DNA damage. For those with pre-existing respiratory or heart ailments, the danger is even greater.

"This report once again shows that an active person's zeal for fitness may sometimes do more harm than good when air quality is suffering," said ARB Chairman Mary Nichols. "People should be aware of air quality in their region and take precautions to protect their health when pollution spikes occur. For example, we are surprised and alarmed to find many people out exercising during the recent rash of wildfires that have blanketed much of the state in smoke."

The findings from the studies include:
* A three-fold decrease in lung function after walking near diesel traffic compared to walking in a park with no traffic;

* A four-fold increase in DNA damage after cycling in traffic;

* A 10 percent reduction in lung function after cycling with ozone exposure;

* Delivery of oxygen to the heart may drop by three times when exercising while exposed to diesel exhaust; and,

* A three-fold increase in asthma development for children who played multiple sports in high ozone areas.

Research shows that during exercise, people breathe faster; a greater proportion of air is inhaled through the mouth, bypassing nasal filtration, and pollutants are carried more deeply into the lungs. And, greater volumes of air are exchanged during exercise -- up to 10 or 20 times more air compared to when at rest.

As breathing rates increase so does the quantity of pollutants inhaled. Anyone exercising outdoors during times of high pollution should remember they will receive a greater dose of pollutants. Additionally, research studies found that people who exercise near roadways such as joggers, cyclists and pedestrians experience increased risk because not only are they exposed to outdoor air pollution but traffic-related pollution as well.

For people who already have compromised lung function or heart disease, these risks are amplified.

It is well established that exercise promotes health and fitness. Regular exercise can help counteract the negative effects of air pollution. For example, regular activity may improve removal of inhaled particles from the lungs and can strengthen immune defenses. Prior to exercise outdoors, people can protect themselves by heeding air quality advisories, available in local newspapers, television weather reports, and through local health agencies, air districts and U.S.

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Ships Off California's Coast Must Adhere to World's Strictest Diesel Emission Regulation

Requirement will prevent hundreds of premature deaths annually

Today the California Air Resources Board adopted a regulation that eliminates 15 tons of diesel exhaust daily from ocean-going vessels, substantially reducing the cancer rates and premature deaths associated with living near seaports and trade corridors along California's coast.

The new measure requires ocean-going vessels within 24 nautical miles of California's coastline to use lower-sulfur marine distillates in their main and auxiliary engines and auxiliary boilers, rather than the dirtier heavy-fuel oil called bunker fuel. About 2,000 ocean-going vessels visiting California ports annually are subject to this restriction.

"This regulation will save lives," said Air Resources Board Chairman Mary Nichols. "At ports and all along the California coast we will see cleaner air and better health."

The regulation will be implemented in two steps, each requiring lower sulfur content in the fuel- first in 2009 and final in 2012. Both U.S.-flagged and foreign-flagged vessels are subject to the regulation which is the most stringent and comprehensive requirement for marine fuel-use in the world.

Using the cleaner fuels required in 2009 will result in immediate and significant reductions in the emissions from ocean-going vessels. Reductions will increase as the fuel sulfur content is progressively lowered through the regulation's phase-in. In 2009 about a 75% percent of the diesel PM, over 80% of the sulfur oxides and 6 percent of the nitrogen oxides will be eliminated. In 2012, when the very low sulfur fuel requirement is implemented, reductions of diesel particulate matter will be 15 tons daily, an 83 percent reduction compared to uncontrolled emissions. Sulfur oxides will be reduced by 140 tons daily, a 95 percent reduction and nitrogen oxides will be reduced by 11 tons per day, a 6 percent reduction.

An estimated 3,600 premature deaths between 2009 and 2015 will be avoided, and the cancer risk associated with the emissions from these vessels would be reduced by over 80 percent. In addition, the measure will aid the South Coast Air Quality Management District meet its federal clean air requirements for fine particulate matter by 2014 and move California closer to its goal of reducing diesel particulate matter 85 percent by 2020.

Diesel exhaust contains a variety of harmful gases and over 40 other known cancer-causing compounds. Currently in California, diesel PM emissions from ocean-going vessels expose more than twenty-seven million people or 80% of California's total population, to cancer risk levels at or above 10 chances in a million.

This fall the ARB will consider further measures to reduce emissions from heavy-duty diesel trucks. Over the past 10 years ARB has adopted regulations affecting cargo-handling equipment, transport refrigeration units, truck idling, off-road equipment, harbor craft, port drayage trucks, onboard incineration, and ships at-berth. ARB's cleaner fuel requirements for on-road diesel trucks, railroad and ship engines have reduced pollution around rail yards and ports.

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Map of current ship emission impacts on California
New regulation covering vessels
Information on ARB's efforts to address diesel emissions

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California Presents First Bond 1B Check to San Joaquin Valley to Clean Up Air Quality

$5.6 million to be used to retrofit, replace hundreds of dirty truck engines

During a ceremony on July 9th at a Technology Forum held at UC Merced, California EPA Undersecretary Cindy Tuck presented a $5.6 million check to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to clean up hundreds of older, dirty diesel truck engines currently polluting Valley air.

The air district will use the funding to retrofit somewhere between 100 to 300 trucks with diesel particulate filters and completely replace the engines of an additional 70 to 100 trucks. Diesel pollution from trucks transiting major roadways, such as Interstate 5 and Highway 99, accounts for 80 percent of the Valley's smog forming and particulate matter emissions.

The truck fleet cleanups precede a draft regulation that the Air Resources Board will vote on in October that, if passed, will require truckers to retrofit pre-2007 model year trucks with soot filters and then requires a gradual modernization of trucks beginning in 2012, so that ultimately all trucks are the cleanest, 2010 or newer models. Over the past decade, ARB has also passed a series of landmark regulations aimed at slashing diesel emissions from ships, off-road construction equipment and other sources.

"This first check under Proposition 1B is going exactly where it's needed most -- to fund the retrofits and replacements of older, dirty diesel trucks that pollute Valley air," Tuck said."This funding, combined with the opportunities that will grow out of today's technololgy forum, will continue our momentum in improving air quality in California."

"The Valley faces tremendous air quality challenges, and we appreciate this unprecedented support from the state which will result in a real reduction in emissions and a better quality of life for valley residents," said Seyed Sadredin, San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control Officer.
ARB will allocate an additional $40.5 million to the San Joaquin air district for other diesel emissions reduction projects in the coming year.

ARB and California EPA also signed a memorandum of agreement today with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and San Joaquin and South Coast air districts, committing to work together on identifying and promoting emerging technologies to improve air quality throughout the state.

Southern California and the Central Valley continue to suffer from some of the worst air quality in the nation. Emissions from diesel particulate matter are associated with causing a variety of health effects including premature death and a number of heart and lung diseases.

The check constitutes the first funding handed out using Proposition 1B funds, which was the transportation bond put on the ballot by the Legislature and before the voters in November 2006. The 2007-08 Budget, signed by Governor Schwarzenegger in August, funds the initial $250 million of the $1 billion set aside for air quality improvement projects in Proposition 1B.

The Board is focused on funding projects that reduce emissions and health risk, incorporate simplicity and efficiency, ensure cost-effectiveness, and leverage other funding source. Go to www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/diesel.htm/ for application criteria.

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.

The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy cost, see our web site at http://www.arb.ca.gov/

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California Charts Course to Fight Global Warming

Plan to slash greenhouse gases sets state on path to clean energy, new economic growth

The California Air Resources Board has charted a course to reduce California's greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent over the next 12 years.

The measures and policies in the Climate Change Draft Scoping Plan set California on a trajectory toward a clean-energy future. The recommended reduction measures will continue to drive innovation, improve the environment and enhance public health, support the growth of the cleantech sector and create thousands of new jobs.

"With the release of this draft scoping plan, California is once again blazing a trail to lead other states and the nation to address climate change," said Mary Nichols, Chairman of the Air Resources Board. "Our economy and our society face no greater threat than global warming. This draft plan is the roadmap to move us quickly to a cleaner, more sustainable future, energy independence and a healthier environment. This plan fulfills the Governor's determination to act now, and it is based on the conviction that Californians will rise to the challenge and develop creative solutions to improve our environment and grow our economy."

Development of the Scoping Plan is a central requirement of AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Nuñez, Pavley), that calls on California to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. Governor Schwarzenegger signed the bill into law in September 2006. Release of the draft plan will be followed by further evaluation and economic modeling, and workshops are planned throughout the state to present the details to the general public allow ARB to hear public comments.

The comprehensive approach includes both new and existing measures in every sector of California's economy. It is designed with strong elements of enforcement and developed to ensure that emissions - and all reductions --are accurately tracked.

Central to the draft plan is a cap and trade program covering 85 percent of the state's emissions. This program will be developed in conjunction with the Western Climate Initiative, comprised of seven states and three Canadian provinces, to create a regional carbon market.

The draft plan also proposes that utilities produce a third of their energy from renewable sources such as wind, solar and geothermal, and proposes to expand and strengthen existing energy efficiency programs and building and appliance standards that have already saved Californians more than $50 billion over the past 30 years in reduced costs for energy.

The draft plan calls for full implementation of the California Clean Car law (the Pavley standards) to provide a wide range of less polluting and more efficient cars and trucks to consumers who will save on operating costs through reduced fuel use. It also calls for development and implementation of the Low Carbon Fuel Standard which will require oil companies to make cleaner domestically produced fuels.

The draft plan encourages improvements to the ways we grow and build our communities to make more livable, walkable cities, and shorten commutes.

Several additional initiatives and measures play important roles in reaching the required reductions under AB 32. These include:
* full deployment of the Governor's Million Solar Roofs initiative;
* a high-speed rail; * water-related energy efficiency measures; and
* a range of regulations to reduce emissions from trucks and from ships docked in California ports.

Under the plan the State of California is committing to reducing its own carbon footprint by 30 percent. It also calls on Californians to make changes to their personal behavior to reduce their carbon footprint through carpooling and simple actions such as adjusting thermostats to use less energy for heating and cooling.

ARB invites public comment on the draft plan. Once the final draft is prepared, it will go to the Board for consideration in November. After adoption of the plan, all measures in the plan will be thoroughly vetted and analyzed, with full public input, over the next two years as they move through the regulatory process.

Preliminary economic modeling of the plan indicates that the overall savings from improved efficiency and the development of alternatives to petroleum will on the whole outweigh the costs.The draft plan recommends targeted fees to fund the state's long-term commitment to AB 32 administration.

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ARB's Carl Moyer Program Provides $8.2 Million for Cleaner Diesel Engines

The Air Resources Board awarded $8.2 million in June to expedite cleanup of dirty diesel engines via projects that improve air quality in more than one of California's 35 air districts.

Winning projects funded under the state's Carl Moyer Program are based up and down the state, and include companies based in Northern and Southern California, Sacramento, Las Vegas and the San Joaquin Valley.

"The Carl Moyer program has a long history of innovation and success," said ARB Chairman Mary Nichols. "The funding helps air districts improve air quality and meet federal deadlines, while also providing businesses with incentives to invest in and demonstrate advanced emission control technologies. And of course, the public benefits by having cleaner air to breathe."

To qualify for Carl Moyer monies, projects must provide early or extra emission reductions. Each project grant is administered through the local air district where the project is based.

Over its first seven years (1998-2005), the Carl Moyer Program provided $170 million to clean up approximately 7,500 engines throughout California, reducing about 24 tons per day of smog-forming oxides of nitrogen and one ton per day of toxic diesel particulate matter.

Smog can exacerbate a variety of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions such as heart disease and asthma, while diesel particulate matter was recognized as a cancer-causing health risk in 1998.

This year, the ARB received over $39 million in requests for $8.2 million in available multi-district project funding. Projects were scored based on factors including cost-effectiveness, regulatory jurisdiction, environmental justice considerations and project schedule.

The 2007-08 multi-district projects are expected over their lifetime to reduce smog-forming and diesel particulate emissions by 2,184 tons.

Eligible projects fall into categories including on-road, off-road, marine and locomotive. This year, on-road projects accounted for $1,889,933 of the available funding. Off-road projects totaled $792,916, marine $844,179, and locomotive efforts utilized the lion's share at $4,749,161.

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California Environmental Protection Agency

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How to reduce diesel pollution using diesel particulate filters

ARB Proposes World's Strictest Regulation Curbing Emissions from Ocean-Going Vessels

If passed, rule would prevent thousands of premature deaths annually

The California Air Resources Board has released a proposed regulation that would require ocean-going vessels within 24 nautical miles off California's coastline to use cleaner fuel in their main and auxiliary engines, and boilers.

The measure to be considered by the Air Resources Board at its July 26 and 27 meeting would annually affect about 2,000 ocean-going vessels visiting California. The vessels would be required to use lower-sulfur marine distillates rather than the highly polluting heavy-fuel oil often called bunker fuel.

"The gains made by this regulation will save lives all along the coast and provide significant health benefits for those living near heavily used California seaports." explained ARB Deputy Director, Michael Scheible. "We're requiring very large reductions that will greatly lessen air pollution from ships."

The proposed regulation requiring ships to use more refined fuel with lower sulfur content would be implemented in two steps - first in 2009 and final in 2012 - and would be the most stringent and comprehensive requirement for marine fuel-use in the world. Both U.S.-flagged and foreign-flagged vessels would be to subject to the statewide regulation.

The draft regulation would reduce emissions of toxic particulate matter from the vessels' diesel engines by 15 tons per day, an 80 percent reduction of the uncontrolled emissions now. Emissions of oxides of sulfur and nitrogen, major contributors to California's air pollution problems, would also be reduced by 90 and six percent, respectively.

The proposed regulation would have large health benefits for Californians. An estimated 2,000 premature deaths between 2009 and 2015 would be avoided, and the cancer risk caused by emissions from these vessels would be reduced by over 80 percent. In addition, the emission reductions would aid the South Coast Air Quality Management District meet federal clean air requirements for fine particulate matter by 2014. The regulation is also needed for ARB to achieve its targeted 85 percent reduction of diesel PM by 2020.

Diesel exhaust contains a variety of harmful gases and over 40 other known cancer-causing substances. Currently, diesel PM emissions from ocean-going vessels expose over seven million people in California to high cancer risk levels - in excess of 100 in a million for lifetime exposures.

To reach its goal of reducing diesel PM throughout California, over the past eight years ARB has adopted regulations affecting cargo-handling equipment, transport refrigeration units, truck idling, off-road equipment, harbor craft, port drayage trucks, onboard incineration, and ships at-berth. ARB's cleaner fuel requirements for railroad and ship engines have reduced pollution around rail yards and ports. And this fall ARB will consider measures to reduce emissions from heavy duty diesel trucks.

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.

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Particulates Cause More Premature Deaths than Previously Thought

More premature deaths than previously thought from particles in vehicle exhaust New research reveals significant new information

The California Air Resources Board was presented with research today showing long-term exposures to fine particle pollution pose a greater health threat than previously estimated.

Annually, 14,000 to 24,000 premature deaths are estimated to be associated with exposures to PM2.5, a mix of microscopic particles less than 2.5 microns in size. A majority of these deaths occur in highly populated areas around the state, including the South Coast, San Joaquin Valley and San Francisco Bay air basins.

"Particle pollution is a silent killer," said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. "We must work even harder to cut these life-shortening emissions by further addressing pollution sources head-on."
Particulate matter (PM) is a complex blend of substances ranging from dry solid fragments, solid-cores fragments with liquid coatings, and small droplets of liquid. These particles vary in shape, size and chemical composition, and may include metals, soot, soil and dust.

At the request of the board in 2006, ARB researchers carefully reviewed all scientific studies on the subject and consulted with health scientists. While exposures to particulate matter have long been known as a serious health threat, new information suggests that the pollutant is even more toxic than previously thought.

Hospitalizations, emergency room visits and doctor visits for respiratory illnesses or heart disease have been associated with PM2.5 exposure. Other studies suggest that PM2.5 exposure may influence asthma symptoms and acute and chronic bronchitis.

Children, the elderly and people with pre-existing chronic disease are most at risk of experiencing adverse health effects from PM2.5 exposure. Even small increases in PM2.5 exposures may increase health risks.

Major contributors to PM2.5 include trucks, passenger cars, off-road equipment, electric power generation and industrial processes, residential wood burning, and forest and agricultural burning. All combustion processes generally produce PM2.5.

While the new data reveals a greater threat from PM2.5, the state's previous efforts to reduce emissions throughout the state have been successful. The ARB in coordination with the 35 air districts throughout the state continues to develop and implement strategies of aggressive air pollution control. These measures have been so effective for the last two decades that PM exposures have been reduced in California's major populated areas. Since the official year-round monitoring of ambient PM2.5 began in 1999, concentrations have decreased 30 percent across California, most notably in the South Coast and the San Joaquin Valley regions.

Additionally, in 2000 ARB adopted an aggressive risk reduction plan that targets all diesel PM sources in California. As part of the plan, cleaner diesel fuels and new diesel engines (both on-road and off-road) have been developed. In concert with regulations aimed at requiring cleaner new engines, other regulations have been adopted to address diesel engines already on the road, including those in waste collection vehicles, transit fleet, school buses, stationary engines, transport refrigeration units and portable engines. Later this year, ARB will consider rules to significantly cut diesel particulate emissions from private truck fleets.

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ARB

ARB Approves the Distribution of $221 Million of Proposition 1B Funding

Projects estimated to reduce nearly 30,000 tons of pollution

FRESNO - The Air Resources Board approved today the final list of diesel emission reduction projects to be funded by the first installment of $221 million out of the $1 billion from voter-endorsed Proposition 1B.

ARB voted to distribute $221 million among California's four trade corridors based on the funding targets adopted last February. The allocation will place $122 million for the Los Angeles/Inland Empire; $55 million for the Central Valley; $31 million for the Bay Area; and $13 million for the San Diego/Border region.

The dissemination by categories would result in a total of:
$198.4 million to upgrade over 8,200 trucks with cleaner equipment and engines
$16.5 million for 18 new locomotives
$2.5 million for shore electric power for cargo ships docking at the Port of San Diego
$4.3 million for 17 freight-related harbor craft

"This is a grand move toward our ultimate goal of cleaning up the air," said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. "With regulations in place and funding for early compliance, California is on its way to significantly reduce the number of people affected by diesel soot."

Having identified diesel particulate matter as a toxic air contaminant in 1998 due to its potential to cause cancer and other respiratory problems, ARB has put in place stringent regulations to curve the health risk to Californians and to further the state's progress towards meeting air quality goals.

Over their life, the projects to be funded are estimated to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 26,900 tons and particulate matter by 1,800 tons. ARB and the local agencies administering the monies will focus on projects that quickly reduce emissions and achieve benefits throughout the state, such as directing 94 percent of the total to cleaner trucks and locomotives that may travel within multiple corridors.

The awards to eligible local agencies and projects were made official at today's public hearing in Fresno. Earlier this year, the ARB released $25 million in early grants to five air districts to upgrade 1,000 trucks and install shore-based electrical power at two ship berths.

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ARB Chairman Mary Nichols applauds Senator Boxer's bill

Mary Nichols, Chairman of the California Air Resources Board, issued the following statement about Senator Boxer's new bill that would reverse the EPA decision denying California's request to be allowed to implement its regulations minimizing greenhouse gas emissions from autos. This follows revelations from a report issued by the house of representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, chaired by Representative Henry Waxman, that after communications with the White House, Administrator Johnson reversed his original decision -- supported fully by USEPA staff -- to grant California a waiver to enforce its clean car law .

"We applaud the fact that Senator Boxer's bill to overturn administrator Johnson's illegal denial of California's waiver request made it out of the committee. This is a significant step forward but only one skirmish in the battle to secure our rights and protect the environment. We will continue to fight for the waiver in the courts, we will press our case with the public, and we will not stop demanding that the federal administration's obey the law. Fourteen states representing almost half the vehicles in the nation and tens of millions of consumers need clean cars now that reduce greenhouse gases and save money at the pump. "

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ARB: In-Use Off-Road Diesel Vehicle Reg.

The California Office of Administrative Law approved the in-use off-road diesel vehicle regulation and filed it with the Secretary of State on May 16, 2008. The regulation will become effective on June 15, 2008. The final regulation order is available at http://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2007/ordiesl07/frooal.pdf

ARB Receives Additional Funding to Clean Up State Trucks and Buses

Diesel emissions from freeway trucks are major contributors to poor air quality

The Governor's revised May budget has allocated an additional $48 million to the Air Resources Board to help low-income truckers comply with regulations aimed at cleaning up diesel emissions from trucks and buses.

The funds from AB118 will combine with previously allocated Proposition 1B funding to help truckers pay for the engine retrofits and replacements that will be required beginning in 2010 after ARB approves in October the country's first regulation aimed at cleaning an estimated 420,000 trucks and buses registered in California as well as those coming in from other states. ARB will work with the Treasurers Office to use the 118 funds to facilitate low interest loans to help truckers install soot filtration devices or completely replace older, dirtier engines.

Funds will also be used to help truckers add devices such as side skirts and wider tires that reduce aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance of trailers, which save fuel and thus lessen greenhouse gas emissions.

"This money will help truckers in the state, many of whom are struggling financially, to retrofit and replace engines to help all of us breathe easier," said ARB Chairman Mary Nichols. "We appreciate the Governor's and Legislature's support on this crucial public health issue."

"Sierra Club California supports the administration's proposal to use $50 million in available air-quality funds for loans to help low-income truckers achieve early compliance with upcoming requirements to reduce toxic diesel emissions," said Bill Magavern, director of Sierra Club California. "This proposal provides a creative solution that will benefit Californians' health and our economy."

"The American Lung Association of California is extremely concerned about the serious health risks posed by diesel trucks and buses and supports the Administration's proposal to allocate existing air quality funds for grants and loans to assist in modernizing these vehicles to reduce toxic emissions," said Bonnie Holmes-Gen, senior policy director for the American Lung Association of California. "Diesel trucks and buses are the largest source of cancer causing soot in the state and we strongly support investing state funds to achieve early compliance with state pollution control regulations."

ARB's draft regulation addresses the largest unregulated source of diesel emissions in the state. In the absence of the regulation, ARB staff currently estimates 11,000 premature deaths from diesel truck emissions between 2010 and 2020. The total economic value of eliminating this impact is $70 to 89 billion.

The regulation is projected to cost the trucking industry somewhere between $3.6 to $5.5 billion from 2010 to 2021, which ARB staff estimates will add less than a penny apiece to products hauled by these trucks that people buy, ranging from athletic shoes to television sets.

Staff re-worked an earlier version of the draft regulation to eliminate the need for truckers to replace trucks twice, instead relying more heavily on retrofits for the first two years of the regulation. The revised proposal has a lower cost while preserving important public health benefits. The proposed regulation now calls for truckers to retrofit pre-2007 model year trucks with soot filters and then requires a gradual modernization of trucks beginning in 2012, so that ultimately all trucks are the cleanest, 2010 or newer models.

Emissions from diesel particulate matter are associated with causing a variety of health effects including premature death and a number of heart and lung diseases.

See the Source:

ARB

air pollution
diesel emissions

ARB Proposes to Approve Valley Particulate Matter Plan

Hearing set for May 22 in Fresno

SACRAMENTO - The Air Resources Board released a staff report today that recommends approval of a particulate matter pollution control plan for the San Joaquin Valley that would meet federal health standards on time.

The Board will vote on the staff recommendation -- posted today at http://www.blogger.com/www.arb.ca.gov/planning/sip/sjvpm2.5.htm -- at a hearing in Fresno on May 22. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District approved the fine particulate matter state implementation plan April 30.

Local measures such as a strengthened residential wood smoke rule and one of the state's toughest regulations on boilers and glass furnaces will combine with ARB's recently passed off-road construction rule and the upcoming proposed truck regulation to allow the Valley to meet federal fine particulate matter standards by 2014. Parts of the Valley already comply with the particulate matter standard, with southern regions suffering from the worst air quality.

"The combined efforts of ARB and the local air district are lowering soot levels in the Valley every year," said ARB Chairman Mary Nichols. "The question we need to ask Valley residents is, have we accounted for every pollution source? Now that this report is out on the street we will be looking for public input and suggestions leading up to the Board vote later this month."

The plan reduces fine particulate matter exposure by lowering oxides of nitrogen emissions by almost 50 percent and fine particulate matter emissions by over 25 percent from 2005 levels. The plan is based on the $27 million "California Regional Particulate Matter Study," which provides the strongest scientific foundation in the nation for a particulate matter plan.

ARB, the Air District and the United States Environmental Protection Agency will participate in a technology forum to be held at University California, Merced on July 9 to explore new advancements that will be needed to obtain future reductions to meet the U.S. EPA's new more stringent standard for which a revised plan will be due in 2012. In the meantime, ARB will continue to help fund pollution-cutting projects in the Valley through Proposition 1B funds.

Fine particulate matter emissions are associated with causing a variety of health effects including premature death and a number of heart and lung diseases.

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.

The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy cost, see our web site at http://www.arb.ca.gov/

See the Source:

California Air Resources Board

Find out:

How to reduce particulate matter using diesel particulate filters from CleanAIR Systems

air pollution
particle pollution

ARB Proposes Landmark Truck Regulation

Diesel emissions from freeway trucks are major contributors to poor air quality

Members of the Air Resources Board today emphasized the importance of passing a proposed state regulation before the Board later this year aimed at cleaning up emissions from 300,000 private diesel trucks after hearing a presentation from staff on additional health risks posed to West Oakland residents primarily by trucks transiting local freeways.

The study, developed in collaboration with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, the Maritime Port of Oakland and Union Pacific Railroad, reveals that the estimated lifetime potential cancer risk for residents of West Oakland from exposure to diesel emissions is about 1,200 excess cancers per million people. The analysis covers 3.1 million people who reside in the affected area of 3,800 square miles.

While diesel trucks account for a majority of the risk in West Oakland resulting in about 850 potential cancer cases per million or 70 percent, port operations account for an estimated lifetime potential cancer risk of 200 excess cancer cases per million, or about 15 percent of the total. Union Pacific railyard emissions amount to a potential cancer risk of about 40 excess cancer cases per million, or less than 5 percent and the remaining 10 percent of risk comes from a variety of diesel sources such as passenger trains and construction projects.

"This health assessment strenghtens our resolve to clean up the estimated 300,000 diesel trucks currently spewing health-threatening soot throughout the state," ARB Chairman Mary Nichols said. "If we fail to pass this regulation, West Oakland residents will continue to be endangered by this huge unregulated source of diesel emissions."

In the development of the ship emissions, ARB staff used transponder data (continuously reports ship location) to more accurate estimate where off-shore emissions are occurring. For the first time in a large risk assessment, a regional wind field was generated using data from 30 onshore and 3 offshore weather stations. The CALPUFF model was used to estimate the ambient concentration of diesel particulate matter. This model is capable of producing more precise results than the models used in the past due to its ability to account for highly varying wind fields and complex terrain.

Emissions from diesel particulate matter are associated with causing a variety of health effects including premature death and a number of heart and lung diseases. The study also estimates the yearly non-cancer health impacts resulting from exposure to port-related diesel particulate matter emissions in the area: 18 premature deaths (age 30 and older), 290 asthma attacks, 2,600 days of work loss, and 15,000 minor restricted activity episodes.

Having identified diesel particulate matter as a toxic air contaminant in 1998 due to its potential to cause cancer and other respiratory problems, ARB has put in place stringent regulations to curve the health risk to Californians. The most recent adopted regulations to limit diesel emissions affect cargo handling equipment, transport refrigeration units, truck idling, off-road equipment, harbor craft, ship auxiliary engines, port drayage trucks and ships-at-berth. Also, the introduction of cleaner fuel for railroads and ships has contributed to lower pollution around the ports and railyards.

Later this year, ARB will be considering proposed regulations involving on-road heavy duty diesel vehicles (trucks and buses) and ocean-going vessel main engines to further reduce diesel soot. State control measures will contribute to an approximate decrease of 80 percent in harmful emissions by 2015.

See Source:
ARB - West Oakland health risk assessment

Find out:
How to reduce diesel particulate matter using diesel particulate filters (DPFs)

diesel pollution

New Lung Association Study Shows $142 Billion Benefit of Converting to Zero-Emission Vehicles by 2030

The 'Road to a Cleaner Future' Study Finds Zero-Emission Vehicles Can Avoid Health Costs From Premature Deaths and Illnesses, and Reduce Global Warming Impacts

According to a studysponsored by the American Lung Association of California, $142 billion in human health and global warming reduction benefits would result from converting the entire California motor vehicle fleet from gasoline vehiclesto zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) technologies in the 2010-2030 timeframe, or $96 billion more than relying on the lowest emitting gasoline technologies. The $142 billion figure includes $38 billion in benefits to society from reduced global warming emissions.

The study, conducted by TIAX LLC, a consulting firm specializing intransportation and alternative fuels research, also found that California can avoid at least $2.2 billion per year in health costs from reduction of dangerous particulate matter by converting the motor vehicle fleet to ZEVs instead of relying on the lowest emitting gasoline technologies. This reduction in particulates means that California would annually avoid 300 cases of premature death, over 260 cases of chronic bronchitis, over 7,000 asthma attacks and more than 18,000 cases of upper and lower respiratory symptoms by moving to ZEV technology.

"Maintaining our momentum toward cleaner cars will save billions in health costs, and save lives," said Tony Gerber, MD, an American Lung Association of California volunteer. "Now is not the time for the California Air Resources Board (ARB) to weaken the state's key program that leads to cleaner vehicle technology, and cleaner air." Dr. Gerber is a pulmonary specialist and assistant professor at the University ofCalifornia, San Francisco.

American Lung Association of California Senior Policy Director Bonnie Holmes-Gen will testify on the results of the study when the ARB holds a hearing on Thursday, March 27 to consider amendments to its signature ZEV program. The California Air Resources Board (ARB) staff proposal would reduce the "pure ZEV" or "gold standard" program requirement from 25,000 to 2,500 vehicles in the 2012-2014 timeframe. The American Lung Association of California will be urging the ARB Board to reject the low volumes of "pure ZEVs" and plug-in hybrids recommended in the staff proposal.

"The Air Resources Board is at a critical juncture right now," said Holmes-Gen. "The Board has a tremendous opportunity to set a bold new vision for the ZEV program that includes strengthening the program to fully support the state's goals for both healthy air and global warming reduction."

She added, "The American Lung Association analysis provides a stark comparison of California's future transportation choices: pursuing the existing pathway of primarily gasoline vehicles or pursuing a dramatic change to widespread use of electric technology. Given the pressing need to achieve the state's global warming pollution reduction targets, the ARB should expand the ZEV program and establish a goal of integrating electric-drive technology in all new vehicles as soon as possible." The American Lung Association is urging ARB to both establish aggressive goals for introducing pure ZEVs into the vehicle fleet and pursuing much broader requirements for utilization of electric drive technologies, including conventional hybrids and plug-in hybrids in addition to hydrogen fuel cell and full function battery electric vehicles.

According to the American Lung Association of California's study, approximately 110 million tons of greenhouse gases per year could be avoided if all California vehicles were replaced with ZEVs by 2030. This would make significant progress toward the transportation sector's portion of the state goal for reducing greenhouse gases by 2050.

The study also addressed the current costs of gasoline motor vehicle use:

-- The total cost to public health and society of the existing motor vehicle fleet is over $10 billion in 2010, and this cost only drops to approximately $7 billion over the 20-year timeframe of the study with normal fleet turnover.

-- The existing motor vehicle fleet generates health costs in terms of hospitalizations, premature deaths and illnesses that add up to over $7.4 billion per year (2010), including $4.4 billion per year linked to one pollutant, nitrogen oxide (NOx).

-- The total greenhouse gas (well-to-wheel) emissions from the existing motor vehicle fleet are 150 million tons per year, and drop only to 140 million tons per year in 2030 through existing programs and vehicle turnover. This is far from the total reduction that is needed to meet California's greenhouse gas reduction goals.

"ZEVs are the road to healthier air and a sustainable transportation future," said Holmes-Gen, "and the American Lung Association of Californiais looking to the California Air Resources Board to make the vision of zero pollution transportation a reality."

About the Study:

The American Lung Association of California contracted with the firm TIAX LLC to estimate a full fuel cycle, or "well-to-wheel," analysis of greenhouse gas emissions and criteria air pollutants to develop estimates of the public health and societal costs and benefits of converting California's motor vehicle fleet to zero-emission vehicles and the cleanest gasoline vehicles (partial zero-emission vehicles, or PHEVs). TIAX LLC -- a contractor that also worked with the California Energy Commission and California Air Resources Board on various fuel use reduction and alternative-fuel analyses -- included information on emissions from each point in the process of producing, refining, transporting and utilizing the fuel. The analysis is divided into upstream well-to-tank and downstreamtank-to-wheel data for criteria pollutants and greenhouse gases. Costs to society were determined for criteria pollutant human health damages, including estimates for secondary particulate matter and global warming damages. For a copy of the full report, "Road to a Cleaner Future," please sendan email to bhgen@alac.org. For more information on the American Lung Association of California, visit http://www.californialung.org/.

environmental news
global-warming

ARB: Diesel Soot from Trucks Major Contributor to Air Pollution

ARB reveals West Oakland health risk assessment Diesel emissions from freeway trucks are major contributors to poor air quality

OAKLAND – The Air Resources Board presented today at a public forum the preliminary results from a comprehensive health risk assessment study for the community of West Oakland. The report shows an increased potential cancer risk due to diesel particulate matter emissions from trucks traveling on nearby freeways and marine vessel traffic in the San Francisco Bay Area unrelated to the Port of Oakland.

The study, developed in collaboration with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, the Maritime Port of Oakland and Union Pacific Railroad, reveals that the estimated lifetime potential cancer risk for residents of West Oakland from exposure to diesel emissions is about 1,200 excess cancers per million people. The analysis covers 3.1 million people who reside in the affected area of 3,800 square miles.

While diesel trucks account for a majority of the risk in West Oakland resulting in about 850 potential cancer cases per million or 70 percent, port operations account for an estimated lifetime potential cancer risk of 200 excess cancer cases per million, or about 15 percent of the total. Union Pacific railyard emissions amount to a potential cancer risk of about 40 excess cancer cases per million, or less than 5 percent and the remaining 10 percent of risk comes from a variety of diesel sources such as passenger trains and construction projects.

"This health risk assessment will provide the community the focus and momentum needed to mobilize and combat air pollution," said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. "We look forward to working with community activists to converge on the main pollution culprits, such as trucks motoring on nearby freeways, affecting a growing and vibrant West Oakland."

In the development of the ship emissions, ARB staff used transponder data (continuously reports ship location) to more accurate estimate where off-shore emissions are occurring. For the first time in a large risk assessment, a regional wind field was generated using data from 30 onshore and 3 offshore weather stations. The CALPUFF model was used to estimate the ambient concentration of diesel particulate matter. This model is capable of producing more precise results than the models used in the past due to its ability to account for highly varying wind fields and complex terrain.

Emissions from diesel particulate matter are associated with causing a variety of health effects including premature death and a number of heart and lung diseases. The study also estimates the yearly non-cancer health impacts resulting from exposure to port-related diesel particulate matter emissions in the area: 18 premature deaths (age 30 and older), 290 asthma attacks, 2,600 days of work loss, and 15,000 minor restricted activity episodes.

Having identified diesel particulate matter as a toxic air contaminant in 1998 due to its potential to cause cancer and other respiratory problems, ARB has put in place stringent regulations to curve the health risk to Californians. The most recent adopted regulations to limit diesel emissions affect cargo handling equipment, transport refrigeration units, truck idling, off-road equipment, harbor craft, ship auxiliary engines, port drayage trucks and ships-at-berth. Also, the introduction of cleaner fuel for railroads and ships has contributed to lower pollution around the ports and railyards.

Later this year, ARB will be considering proposed regulations involving on-road heavy duty diesel vehicles (trucks and buses) and ocean-going vessel main engines to further reduce diesel soot. State control measures will contribute to an approximate decrease of 80 percent in harmful emissions by 2015.

See the Source:

West Oakland Study

Find out:

About diesel particulate filters for off-road and stationary engines to cut diesel pollution

diesel emissions
air pollution

Air Resources Board Awards $2.2 Million to Investigate Air Qality Isues

State will use information to reduce air pollution

The California Air Resources Board granted $2.2 million to eight university and research institutes that will investigate air pollution emissions, exposures, and health effects.

The $2.2 million is matched by $3.5 million in co-funding from the California Energy Commission, the National Aeronautical and Space Administration, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District. The projects will examine various aspects of air pollution including in-vehicle exposures, mechanisms for testing pollutant emissions and the economic effects of cleaning California's air.

"Research projects like these create a map of air pollution in California," said Mary Nichols, Chairman of the Air Resources Board. "They give us targets, tools and strategies for effective and economically sound regulations."

Funds awarded today will go to:
* University of California, Irvine, $500,000: measure and model in-vehicle concentrations of key air pollutants and apply the results to estimate in-transit exposures for a health study of pregnant women and infants;
* Southern Research Institute, $102,722: evaluate instruments that measure real-time particulate matter emissions from a variety of fuels;
* University of California, Riverside, $200,041: improve its environmental chamber used to examine the examine the ozone-forming potential of architectural coatings;
* University of California, Irvine, $400,000: measure greenhouse gas emissions and better understand air pollution formation over California using the NASA DC-8 research aircraft;
* University of Wisconsin-Madison, $409,962: identify the sources that contribute to PM2.5 in the South Coast Angeles Basin;
* West Virginia University, $349,996: building on a prior study of diesel engines, scrutinize the toxicity of particulate matter emissions from heavy-duty compressed natural gas engines with state-of-the-art after-treatment technology;
* Caleb Management Services, Limited, $349,758: for the State's global warming program, quantify the amount and types of greenhouse emissions embedded in foam insulation in California; and,
* Environmental Business International, Inc., $196,211:
define the climate change industry and characterize its current and future status relative to the California economy.

ARB's research program guides and supports clean air efforts by completing its own research and sponsoring research by others.

Information gleaned from research enables ARB to craft regulatory measures with the minimum cost and maximum health-benefits.

Further information on ARB research projects is available here:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/rd-ongoing.htm .

Find out:

How to reduce diesel particulate matter on from stationary engines using CARB verified after-treatment technology

air pollution
diesel particulate traps

New California Report to Reduce GHG

California's Economic and Technology Advancement Advisory Committee's (ETAAC) final report to the state's Air Resources Board is now available on-line for viewing and download.

This final 308-page report of recommendations regarding greenhouse gas emission control technologies was formally adopted by the Committee at its February 11, 2008 meeting. The report will be presented to the Air Resources Board at the end of February 2008.

From Technologies and Policies to Consider for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in California:
"We are very pleased to present to you our policy and technology recommendations for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in California. Our report includes 55 specific recommendations for greenhouse gas reduction strategies in the areas of finance; transportation; industrial commercial and residential end users; electricity and natural gas; agriculture; forestry; and water policy. As requested by CARB, we also examined the Market Advisory Committee’s Report from the perspective of how particular market mechanisms can stimulate early action, promote innovation and establish clear price signals."

Specific recommendations are presented in the report based on the following policy strategies and technology opportunities:

Major Strategies:
· Accelerate GHG Emission Reductions
· Balance a Portfolio of Economic and Technology Policies
· Create Innovative Public Funding to Complement Private Investment
· Foster International and Domestic Partnerships
· Leadership Across State Agencies

Major Opportunities
· Accelerate Efficiency Measures
· Remove Carbon From Energy Sources
· Rethink Transportation to Lower Demand and Carbon Emissions
· Reduce GHG Emissions from Industry, Agriculture, Forestry and Water
· Capture Cleantech Employment, Economic, Health and Environmental Justice Co-
Benefits

See the Source:
Recommendations of the ETAAC - Final Report

global-warming
environmental news

CleanAIR's Emissions Guidebook Keeps Air Pollution Professionals In the Know

CleanAIR Systems, a leading manufacturer of emissions control systems, has released a newly revised version of their popular Emissions and Product Guidebook. In light of the ongoing battle raging in the Supreme Court between the EPA and the California Air Resources Board (ARB) over emission regulations, the Guidebook provides a timely and necessary resource of regulatory information geared towards air pollution professionals, environmental and engineering consultants, as well as engine equipment dealers.

The hyperlinked 80-page PDF e-book is distributed as a no-cost service to qualifying companies and consultants, offering up-to-date air quality information based mainly on emissions standards for stationary engines and off-road vehicles. Compiled as an all-in-one resource, the Emissions and Product Guidebook places state and federal information at hand, when quick answers to tough questions are required.

Including easy-to-read emissions charts along with several new sections, the Guidebook offers the following:
- California Air Resources Board (CARB) - Current regulatory information, emissions summary charts, a directory of Air Quality Agencies and resource links
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Nonroad and stationary regulatory information, emissions summary charts, resource links
- A glossary of terms for emissions control technology
- FAQs related to emissions control
- Buyer’s FAQs/Buyer’s Checklist – points to be aware of when purchasing emissions control products
- An extensive abbreviation and acronym directory
- Links to funding resources
- European Union (EU) - Current regulations
- Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ) – Links to regulations and resources
- New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) - Links to regulations and resources
- New Jersey Division of Environmental Protection – Division of Air Quality (NJDEP) - Links to regulations and resources
- Emissions control product information from CleanAIR Systems

Since its October 2007 release, over 2,000 copies of the Emissions and Product Guidebook have been downloaded by air pollution professionals.

“Thank you very much for sending me the revised edition. I found the first edition to be very helpful, full of good information and a valuable reference tool.”
T. Stewart
Advanced Global Engineering

To request a copy of the newly revised Guidebook, consultants and equipment dealers can go to http://www.cleanairsys.com/emissionsguide/contact.asp or send an email request to information@cleanairsys.com

About CleanAIR Systems:
CleanAIR Systems is a technology-based corporation manufacturing emissions control systems with worldwide distribution. Their products are designed to control air pollution such as diesel particulate matter and NOx, for on- and off-road vehicles, as well as stationary machinery and power generation. Visit CleanAIR Systems online at http://www.cleanairsys.com/.

California to Retrofit 1,000 Old, Polluting Trucks

California Air Resources Board staff is proposing that $25 million in Proposition 1B Bond funding go to diesel emission reduction projects for the South Coast, Central Valley, San Francisco and San Diego air districts, mostly for truck retrofit and replacements. These recommendations will be before the entire Board for approval at a January hearing in Sacramento.

ARB also announced that it plans to allocate more than 75 percent of the overall $1 billion in Bond 1B funding to be used toward reducing diesel pollution from trucks associated with goods movement around the state. The remaining 24 percent of funding, $240 million, will be earmarked for diesel emission reductions from ships, harbor craft and locomotives.

"This strategy puts the lion's share of the dollars where they're needed most: on trucks traveling from the state's ports and along our major transportation corridors," said ARB Chairman Mary Nichols. "Within months of passing a new regulation aimed at cleaning up port trucks we are following through with much-needed funding to help drivers retrofit and replace older, dirty engines."

If approved by the Board at its Jan. 24 hearing in Sacramento, ARB staff will begin allocating the funds immediately to the air districts.

ARB staff is basing its proposed distribution of funds to specific air district projects using three criteria: population, the contribution of emissions from goods movement sources, and the need for new emission reductions to meet federal health standards. Staff also leaned heavily toward projects that would have benefits statewide. Thus, trucks traveling from the Los Angeles ports to the Inland Empire, highways 5 and 99 in the Central Valley, the San Francisco Bay Area, and the San Diego border region will achieve emission benefits far beyond their home of origin.

Proposition 1B was the transportation bond put on the ballot by the Legislature and before the voters in November 2006. The 2007-08 Budget, signed by Governor Schwarzenegger in August, funds the initial $250 million of the $1 billion set aside for air quality improvement projects in Proposition 1B.

The Board is focused on funding projects that reduce emissions and health risk, incorporate simplicity and efficiency, ensure cost-effectiveness, and leverage other funding source. Go to http://www.blogger.com/www.arb.ca.gov for application criteria.

ARB has recently passed a series of measures that focus on reducing diesel emissions from trucks and ships, with more on the way in 2008. Much of these regulations require engine replacements and retrofits that 1B funding can help in terms of early compliance, such as the regulation aimed at cleaning up the state's 20,000 port, or "drayage" trucks. ARB estimates that this regulation alone will prevent 1,200 premature deaths from 2009 through 2020, with benefits being the most dramatic in the communities where port trucks are heavily concentrated.

See the Source:
California Air Resources Board

Find out:
About diesel particulate filters for truck retrofits

air pollution
diesel emissions

ARB Fights Back Against EPA with Statistics

On the heels of the next Supreme Court battle being waged by states and proponants of stricter regulations to control greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from cars, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) has release a report comparing GHG reductions under the national CAFE standards to reductions that would be made under the proposed ARB regulations (AB 1493). The report was issued due to an unsupported claim made by USEPA administrator, Steven Johnson that California's vehicle GHG rules are less effective than recently adopted national CAFE standards. ARB staff analyzed both standards and prepared their own evaluation.

The study calculates the two programs using an "apples-to-apples" comparison of total tons of GHG emissions reduced under CAFE standards versus the projected reduction of emissions if the ARB ruling was fully implemented.

The following results are from the Executive Summary:
- In calendar year 2016, our State standards will reduce California’s GHG emissions by 17 million metric tons (MMT) of carbon dioxide. This is more than double the 8 MMT reduction produced by the federal rules.

- By 2020, California is committed to implement revised, more stringent GHG emission limits. These increase the stringency of the current rules and would reduce California GHG emissions by 33 MMTs of carbon dioxide, 74 percent more than the 19 MMTs from the federal rules in 2020.

- ARB analysis estimates the effects of the federal CAFE standards on GHG emission rates. This allows a comparison of the impact of the two programs on vehicle efficiency. Since the California rules are significantly more effective at reducing GHGs than the Federal CAFE program, they also yield a better fuel efficiency – roughly 44 mpg in 2020 for the California vehicle fleet as compared to the new CAFE standard of 35 mpg.

- The cumulative benefits of our standards have also been estimated. Between 2009 and 2016, the California standards will prevent emissions of 58 MMTs of CO2. This is almost three times the 20 MMTs expected if only the new federal CAFE standards were implemented. By 2020, the full California rules would prevent 167 MMT of CO2 emissions, more than twice the 76 MMTs reductions of CO2 expected if only the federal standards were implemented.

- There are also significant benefits for the other states that adopt the California standards. Twelve states have done so to date. In those states in 2020, California’s more stringent limits will reduce GHG emissions in those states by 59 MMTs of carbon dioxide, a 59 percent improvement over the federal standards in 2020.

Benefits to California:
- In calendar year 2016, California standards will reduce GHG emissions from cars in California by 9 million metric tons of carbon dioxide more than the federal CAFE standard. This is more than double the reduction produced by the federal standard.

- By 2020, California will have implemented revised, more stringent GHG emission limits, as set forth in its Climate Action Plan. As a result of these new requirements GHG emissions will be reduced by almost 14 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (77 percent) more than the federal standard in 2020.

- There has been interest in how the California and Federal emission standards compare. For illustration purposes only, ARB has converted the federal fuel economy standards to greenhouse gas emissions (carbon dioxide) emissions and assumed a proportional increase of the CAFE standard between 2011 and 2020, when its standard reaches 35 mpg.

- The California standard is significantly more effective at reducing greenhouse gases than the new Federal standard, yielding an equivalent fuel economy of 44 mpg by 2020 as compared to the new CAFE standard of 35 mpg.

- The California standard is 16% more stringent for 2016 models, and 18% more stringent for 2020 models, when the planned second phase of California’s standards is in place.

Benefits to Other States that Adopt the ARB Program:
- California consumed 11.5 percent of the motor vehicle gasoline in 2005 as compared to 21 percent for the 12 states that have adopted the regulation. In sum, these thirteen states consumed about one-third of the nation’s motor vehicle gasoline in 2005.

- In calendar year 2016, adopting California standards will reduce GHG emissions from cars in twelve states by 13 million metric tons of carbon dioxide more than the federal CAFE standard. This is 79 percent greater than the reduction produced by the federal standard.

- By 2020, states adopting California’s proposed more stringent GHG emission limits would reduce GHG emissions by 22 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (59 percent) more than the federal standard in 2020.

To read the full report, go to: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ccms/ab1493_v_cafe_study.pdf

emission standards
environmental news

EPA to Surrender All Documents on CA Waiver Decision

Congress to Determine Whether Johnson Ignored His Legal and Technical Staff

Washington, DC — In response to congressional demands, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is assembling all documents relating to Administrator’s Stephen Johnson’s controversial December 19th announcement blocking California and 16 other states from controlling greenhouse gases, according to an all employee e-mail released today by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). Johnson’s own immediate staff will provide “any records presenting options, recommendations, 'pros and cons,' legal issues or risks, political implications or considerations, or any other record” to investigators.

On December 20, 2007, Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), chair of the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee, wrote Johnson asking him to “immediately initiate record collection, and to preserve all potentially relevant records.” The letter cites media reports that Johnson “overrode the recommendations of your technical and legal staff in making this decision.”

Although Johnson’s decision on the request by California and other states to regulate greenhouse gases from automobiles was supposed to have been the product of months of legal and scientific deliberation, Johnson hastily called a press conference at 6:30 pm to cite the energy bill signed just that morning as the principal basis for his veto of state action. Senator Boxer in her letter characterized Johnson’s “two-page letter denying the waiver [as] devoid of any legal or technical analysis.”

The surrender of the EPA staff recommendations to Congress sets up an unusual autopsy of the behind-the-scenes factors for an executive branch decision— presumably a decision that had been cleared by the White House. Since the tenure of the administration’s first EPA Administrator, Christie Todd Whitman, agency policy on global warming has been set directly by Vice President Cheney and the White House.

“What made Johnson’s decision so striking is that for months he said he was basing it on the scientific and legal merits and then did the precise opposite,” stated PEER Executive Director Jeff Ruch, whose organization has been contacted by outraged EPA employees. "One employee told me ‘I am ashamed to admit that I work at EPA’ and another asked ‘What am I supposed to tell my children when they ask me what I am doing to fight global warming?' ”

Johnson has refused to attend a field hearing of Sen. Boxer’s committee slated for January 10, 2008 in Los Angeles. When Johnson does finally appear before Congress it promises to be highly contentious.

“To his own staff, Johnson’s tenure has been nothing short of appalling, ranking him with Anne Gorsuch Burford, who ended her turbulent tenure under President Reagan by resigning in disgrace, as the worst leader in EPA’s history,” Ruch added. “EPA under Johnson has become a major impediment to moving the country forward on the challenge of global warming.”

See the Source:
Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility

air pollution
emission standards

California Proposes New Regulations to Reduce Diesel Pollution at Ports

The California Air Resources Board Chairman Mary Nichols highlighted two port-related emissions reductions programs on Wednesday, Dec. 5th. If passed by the full Board later this week, the programs will dramatically reduce diesel particulate matter pollution from ships and trucks throughout the state by 2014.

The first regulation requires operators of certain types of ocean-going vessels to shut down their diesel auxiliary engines while docked at the state's busiest ports in favor of using shore-based electrical power. The second regulation is aimed at cleaning up emissions from the aging fleet of dirty diesel trucks that hauls goods around the clock to and from ports and rail yards throughout the state.

"These first-of-their-kind measures will continue our work to slash port-related emissions," Nichols said. "Residents from San Pedro to Oakland will breathe easier as a result of our aggressive actions to clean up diesel emissions from ports throughout the state. We owe it to the long-suffering ports communities to continue our quest of reducing all the emissions we can from ships, trucks and trains."

ARB adopted strategies in December 2005 that require cleaner engines in cargo handling equipment and clean fuel on ships.

Combined with the measures before the Board this week, ARB regulations will reduce diesel particulate matter emissions from container and cruise ship terminals by almost two-thirds by 2010, and by an estimated 75 percent by 2014. Overall diesel soot emissions will decline by 1,800 tons per year in 2014.

Shore Power
The new regulation will require certain fleet operators of container, passenger and refrigerated cargo ships ("reefers") to turn off their auxiliary engines -- which power lighting, ventilation, pumps and other onboard equipment -- while a ship is docked for most of its stay in port. The rule will affect almost 95 percent of the ship visits in these three categories.

Once docked, operators would then be expected to receive their electricity from shore-based sources or meet percentage reductions through other means. Ports affected by the regulation are those most visited: Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, San Diego, San Francisco and Hueneme in Ventura County.

A 2005 ARB exposure study at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach shows that more than two million people live in areas around the ports with predicted cancer risks of greater than 10 in a million due emissions from docked ocean-going vessels. From that study and other data, ARB estimates that about 61 premature deaths per year can be attributed to exposure to diesel exhaust generated from ships in port.

Container, passenger and reefer vessels call at California ports almost 6,000 times each year, accounting for nearly 85 percent of the emissions from all docked ships. In 2006, approximately 1.8 tons per day of diesel particulate matter and 21 tons per day of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), a key ingredient of smog, were emitted from the diesel-fueled auxiliary engines of docked ships. The regulation is expected to reduce diesel and smog-forming emissions from docked container, passenger and reefer ships by nearly 50 percent relative to levels otherwise expected to be emitted in 2014, and 80 percent by 2020.

Next year, ARB expects to introduce a similar rule that will reduce emissions from bulk ships, tankers and vehicle carriers.

Port Trucks
ARB staff estimates that California has about 20,000 port or "drayage" trucks that frequently visit the ports and rail yards and have the greatest impact on local air quality. Drayage trucks are a significant source of diesel particulate matter, contributing three tons per day statewide. With regards to the smog precursor NOx, port trucks emit 61 tons per day.

The regulation is expected to reduce diesel particulate matter emissions from drayage trucks from baseline 2007 levels some 86 percent (2.6 tons per day) by 2010. Emissions of NOx are expected to be reduced from 2007 baseline levels by 62 percent (42 tons per day) by 2014.

ARB estimates that the proposed regulation will prevent 1,200 premature deaths from 2009 through 2020, with benefits being the most dramatic in the communities where port trucks are heavily concentrated.

Phase one of the new regulation requires all pre-1994 drayage truck engines be retired or replaced with 1994 and newer engines by the end of 2009. In addition, trucks with 1994-2003 engines will need to be either replaced or retrofitted to achieve an 85 percent reduction in diesel particulate matter by the same deadline. The second phase of the regulation requires all drayage trucks to meet 2007 emissions standards by the end of 2013.

The rule also requires compliant trucks working at the 14 ports and 11 rail yards affected by this regulation to be entered into a special registry by late 2009.

Next year, the Board will consider a similar measure which will focus on reducing emissions from in-use private heavy duty diesel truck fleets.

See the Source:

CARB

Find out:

How to reduce diesel particulate matter by using diesel particulate filters from CleanAIR Systems.

diesel emissions

Got a California Diesel Truck? Take the ARB Survey

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is conducting an online survey on the use of certain on-road diesel trucks, such as long-haul and local delivery, to gather info on their use and age. CARB is requesting any person, business or corporation in California that owns or leases, for twelve months or more, any diesel-powered truck, bus, pickup, or other vehicle to complete the survey.

To access the Heavy-Duty Vehicles Survey go to:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/onroad_survey/index.php

ARB Settles with Waste Management for over $1 million

Trash hauler failed to inspect diesel trucks for excess smoke

SACRAMENTO - Waste Management recently settled with the California Air Resources Board for more than $1 million for failing to properly inspect its diesel truck fleet to assure state emission standards were met.

Waste Management, the nation's largest trash hauler, settled for air quality violations that occurred in 2004 and 2005 throughout the state.

"Trash pick-up is a critical service, but emissions spewed from uninspected trucks are not something Californians should pay for with their health," said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. "Our enforcement teams will continue to ensure clean air laws are taken seriously."

California's Periodic Smoke Inspection Program, which requires annual smoke opacity tests of California-based fleets, in conjunction with a roadside smoke inspection program, is used to ensure that all of California's heavy-duty vehicles are properly maintained, tamper-free and free from excessive smoke emissions.

In addition to the settlement monies, Waste Management has agreed to comply with the smoke inspection program and will require all fleet staff responsible for compliance with the ARB's regulations to attend classes conducted by the California Council on Diesel Education and Technology. Waste Management must also supply to ARB all smoke inspection records for the 2007 and subsequent four years.

All monies are being paid to the California Air Pollution Control Fund, which was established to mitigate various sources of pollution through education and the advancement and use of cleaner technology. This fund, upon appropriation by the Legislature, uses compliance settlement fees to support various pollution-related research projects and related programs.

The state has more than 12,000 diesel-fueled commercial and residential solid waste and recycling collection vehicles. Waste collection is a weekly event in most areas, and in some cases, neighborhoods are served by three collection vehicles each week.

Unchecked, emissions from these trucks contribute to toxic diesel particulate matter levels that are a danger to public health.

Diesel emissions contribute to poor air quality throughout the state.

See the Source:
California Air Resources Board

Find out:
How to cut emissions on waste collection vehicles using diesel oxidation catalysts or diesel particulate filters.

diesel emissions
air pollution

ARB Approves Measures to Reduce Pollution from Commercial Harbor Craft

New regulation expected to cut emissions by 50 percent by 2015

The Air Resources Board today approved a measure designed to reduce harmful emissions from commercial ferries, excursion vessels such as dinner cruises and tour boats, tugs and towboats in California waters as much as 50 percent by 2015.

With this rule in place, ARB expects emissions of diesel soot and oxides of nitrogen, and their negative health impacts, to be reduced by 40-50 percent by 2015, and 60-70 percent by 2025, compared to 2004 levels. The new measure for commercial harbor craft does not include recreational or ocean-going vessels.

"Today's Board action brings new protection to the thousands of Californians who live and work in port communities," said ARB Chair Mary Nichols. "While harbor craft play a vital role at our ports and along our coast, they also contribute significantly to air emissions most responsible for premature death, respiratory illnesses, and increased risk of heart disease. With today's vote, ARB is now regulating yet another diesel source that has fouled California's air for years."

Roughly 3 tons of diesel soot and 73 tons of NOx are emitted from commercial harbor craft engines daily. A recent ARB study revealed that, for the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, commercial harbor craft is the third highest source of diesel soot emissions contributing to cancer risk at the ports.

Statewide, approximately 90 premature deaths per year are associated with emissions from commercial harbor craft.

Currently, about 80 percent of all harbor craft engines in California are unregulated. The new regulation requires these dirty, older engines currently in use on ferries, excursion vessels, tugboats, and towboats to be replaced with newer, cleaner engines meeting more stringent U.S. EPA marine engine standards. Replacements are to be phased in starting in 2009, with the oldest, highest-use engines to be replaced first. In addition, commercial harbor craft operating in the South Coast area are required to replace their engines on an accelerated schedule, in order to help meet federally mandated air quality deadlines.

The regulation exempts certain existing harbor craft from the engine replacement requirements of the regulation such as fishing boats, crew and supply boats, pilot boats, and work boats, such as those operated by police and fire departments and other government entities. However, all new harbor craft, including these vessels, are regulated under this measure and must use the cleanest available marine engines. Similarly, replacement engines on all existing harbor craft will need to be the cleanest available.

The ARB estimates that there are about 4,200 harbor craft vessels and 8,300 harbor craft engines currently in use in California, with each vessel typically having more than one engine. Of these, there are nearly 600 ferries, excursion vessels, tugboats, and towboats equipped with about 1,900 propulsion and auxiliary engines that will be subject to this regulation. While these represent only 15 percent of the vessels (25 percent of the engines), they generate about 50 percent of the emissions. Additionally, most of their emissions are generated within the harbor or close to shore and thus have the greatest impact on adjacent communities. About 40 percent of these vessels are in the Bay Area, while 30 percent service the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The remainder are scattered throughout the State.

Over the past two years, ARB has addressed the problem of poor air quality at the ports from several different angles, adopting measures that reduce emissions from cargo handling equipment, require use of cleaner fuel in auxiliary ship engines, and limit onboard ship incineration. In December, ARB will consider two more regulations, including a measure to provide alternative power supplies at ports so that ships can avoid using diesel power while at dock, and a rule requiring retrofit or replacement of older heavy-duty diesel trucks that service ports.

Source:
California Air Resources Board

Find out:
How diesel particulate filters can reduce diesel emissions from ferries by greater than 85%.

air pollution

Hot Off the PDF Press: CleanAIR Systems’ Emissions and Product Guidebook

Environmental consultants and equipment dealers for diesel powered engines know the importance of emissions control regulations. So does CleanAIR Systems. Today’s air quality standards are tough and getting tougher. With daily changes being made to CARB and EPA rulings, it’s hard to keep up-to-date and informed. To make the job less demanding, CleanAIR Systems, a leading manufacturer of emissions control technology, has compiled a free 60-page, PDF e-book entitled the Emissions and Product Guidebook.

Distributed as a no-cost service to qualified consultants and dealers, the hyperlinked Emissions and Product Guidebook includes:
- Current regulatory information, emissions summary charts and resource links from the California - Air Resources Board (CARB) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- A glossary on emissions control technology
- FAQs related to emissions control
- An extensive directory of abbreviations and acronyms related to air pollution
- A directory of California Air Quality Agencies
- Current EU regulations
- Product cut-sheets from CleanAIR Systems

Environmental and engineering consultants, as well as equipment dealers, often face the task of bringing a client into compliance with air quality standards. From identifying regulatory requirements to analyzing possible emissions control technologies to implementing long-term strategies, the job can be daunting. By publishing the easy-to-use Emissions and Product Guidebook, CleanAIR Systems hopes to make the task less time-consuming and problematic.

To request the Emissions and Product Guidebook go to http://www.cleanairsys.com/emissionsguide/contact.asp.

Those who sign-up to receive the Guidebook will also be emailed future updates as part of the free service from CleanAIR Systems.

About CleanAIR Systems:
CleanAIR Systems is a technology-based corporation manufacturing emissions control systems with worldwide distribution. Their products are designed to control air pollution such as diesel particulate matter and NOx, for on- and off-road vehicles, as well as stationary machinery and power generation. Visit CleanAIR Systems online at http://www.cleanairsys.com/.

air pollution
emissions control

ARB Credits Local Air District for Stationary Source Program Improvements

Regulators now must tackle land use, trucks, agricultural equipment and promote new technologies

SACRAMENTO – The California Air Resources Board issued a report today that concluded the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District has improved significantly over the past several years and now regulates all stationary sources of pollution that fall under its purview.

ARB staff conducted the analysis after being directed by the Board in June to work with stakeholders via the San Joaquin Valley Air Quality Task Force to identify new measures that could be undertaken to clean up Valley smog sooner. ARB staff has since met with the task force five times throughout the Valley and held three community meetings to solicit additional input from residents.

"We have a typical good news/bad news story here: the good news is that the local air district is doing its part to regulate local pollution sources. The bad news is that the remaining areas still needing some work – trucks, agricultural equipment and suburban sprawl – will be thorny issues with no real easy answers," said ARB Chairman Mary Nichols. "ARB can commit to reducing emissions from agricultural equipment and trucks but local officials need to take charge of their growth. We owe it to Central Valley residents to continue to search for solutions to clean up their air."

Last month, ARB committed to actions that would take the Valley 90 percent of the way to attainment with federal ozone standards by 2018. The state improved earlier attainment plans by adopting a new regulation for off-road construction equipment that the local air district can tailor for its needs, as well as proposing other new measures for trucks and agricultural equipment that will help clean the Valley’s air. To close the final 10 percent gap, regulators will need to look into ways to reduce pollution from agricultural operations and via local land use planning efforts.

The Air Resources Board will consider a proposal to regulate farm equipment such as tractors and combines in 2009. In the meantime, the Board is requesting the local air district to work with the Valley’s Councils of Governments to devise a strategy that addresses pollution from sprawl that leads to increased miles travelled and overall sustainability.

Finally, ARB staff outlined recommendations for the San Joaquin Valley Air District, which included among others, to raise its cost-effectiveness thresholds for Best Available Control Technology for new sources to be in line with other air districts, to widen its search for cutting-edge technologies by looking beyond the Valley for innovative technology applications, and to continue its local task force with expanded purview to add industrial as well as mobile sources.

ARB and local air district staff are working with the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency to hold a technology forum at UC Merced next spring since emerging environmental innovations will also play a key role in reducing local pollution in the coming years.

The Air Resources Board will hear today’s staff report and recommendations at next week’s hearing in Sacramento.

See the Source:
ARB's staff report: Accelerating San Joaguin Valley Air Quality Progress

Find out:
How to reduce emissions of particulate matter from stationary engines by more than 85%

air pollution

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

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

See the Source:

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

air pollution

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.

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.

See the Source:
For more information about climate change programs

Diesel Long Haul Trucks from Mexico

On September 6, Mexico will begin a one-year pilot program allowing direct shipments by long haul trucks crossing the Mexican border into the USA. Part of the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement, the trucking provision was never put in place during the Clinton Administration. In 2001, the Bush Administration was ordered to comply with the provision. Due to an initiative by consumer, labor and environmental interests to block the Mexican trucks, many of which are older diesel vehicles, the program has been held up for years in the court system. On August 31st, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Fransisco denied petitions to hault the program and approved the Bush administration to move forward.

As the pilot program is put in place, it will allow approximately 540 rigs meeting safety, licensing, and other US requirments to travel directly over US borders to their destination, rather than transferring goods to US-owned trucks.

In 2005, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) published a report on Mexican truck traffic in regards to the first phase of the trucking provision. Their findings report the following air pollution concers:
- an extra 50 tons of NOx and 2.5 tons of particulate matter a day will be added to California's South Coast Air Basin
- 66% of Mexican trucks are older (pre-1993) diesel models and do not have electronic fuel injection
- 25% are diesel trucks older than 1979 having extremely high emissions of NOx and particulate matter
- unlike the US, Mexico does not require trucks to use ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel

See the Source:
Reuters
Landline

diesel emissions
NOx emissions
particle pollution

Old Diesels Sold to Other Countries

The San Francisco Chronicle reported on August 12, that many California businesses with large diesel fleets such as rental companies and construction firms are selling older vehicles rather than retrofitting them to meet tough California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations soon to go into effect. This means most aging diesels are being sold to states with less stringent air quality standards or to countries in Asia or South America. Although CARB’s new rulings will help decrease pollution in California, the act of reselling old diesel equipment is, in effect, the exportation of air pollution rather than solving the global problem of emissions control.

See the Source:
San Francisco Chronicle

Find out:
About diesel particulate filters for on- and off-road vehicles

diesel pollution

California Adopts Landmark Rule to Reduce Toxic Emissions from Off-Road Equipment

This news just in from the California Air Resources Board:

SACRAMENTO - The California Air Resources Board today adopted a pioneering regulation aimed at reducing toxic and cancer-causing diesel emissions from the state's estimated 180,000 "off-road" vehicles used in construction, mining, airport ground support and other industries.

"This regulation will prevent thousands of premature deaths and reduce health care costs for those suffering from respiratory disease such as asthma," said Mary Nichols, ARB Chairman. "It is also the first of its kind in the nation, and, as has occurred with other California regulations, could serve as a model for other states to follow."

Diesel particulate matter, or diesel "soot," was identified as a toxic air contaminant in 1998. In 2000, the ARB established California's Diesel Risk Reduction Plan, which aims to reduce diesel emissions to 85 percent below 2000 levels by 2020. Other sources of diesel particulate matter such as transit buses, trash trucks, cargo-handling equipment and ship auxiliary engines have already been addressed through regulations, along with diesel fuel.

Because many diesel engines lack emission controls and can remain in use for 30 years or longer, they will remain a major contributor to air pollution for years to come. The regulation adopted today will dramatically reduce emissions by installation of diesel soot filters and encouraging the replacement of older, dirtier engines with newer emission controlled models. By 2020, diesel particulate matter will be reduced by 74 percent and smog forming oxides of nitrogen by 32 percent, compared to what emissions would be without the regulation.

The new rule also includes a provision allowing areas that are currently unable to achieve clean air standards set by the US EPA for particulate matter to opt in to stricter regional requirements if incentive funds are made available. The air districts that could take advantage of this provision are the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District; both are considered "non-attainment areas" for particulate matter. Depending on the amount of incentive money made available, these provisions could as much as double the NOx emissions benefits in these districts, setting them on a faster track to meeting their clean air goals.

The requirements and deadlines vary depending on fleet size. For small fleets, which include small businesses or municipalities with a combined horsepower of 2500 or less, implementation does not begin until 2015. Medium fleets, with 2501 to 5000 horsepower, have until 2013, while large fleets, with over 5000 horsepower, must begin complying in 2010. Affected vehicles include bulldozers, loaders, backhoes and forklifts, as well as many other self-propelled off-road diesel vehicles.

ARB performed a comprehensive economic analysis of the rule's impact on business, concluding that the regulation will cost industry up to $3.5 billion over its lifetime. Staff reviewed individual companies' financial records and conducted numerous workshops to discuss the cost of the regulation as well as impacts on individual businesses. ARB also gave special consideration to small businesses (e.g., small fleets have until 2015 to begin compliance, while large fleets must begin in 2010) to ensure that the regulation would not provide undue economic hardship.

The Board's action today also sets the stage for efforts next year to develop similar requirements for the hundreds of thousands of on-road trucks that travel on California's roads every day.

According to ARB estimates, over its course, this rule will prevent at least 4,000 premature deaths statewide and avoid $18 to $26 billion in premature death and health costs.

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.

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About CARB verified diesel particulate filters used on off-road vehicles to reduce diesel particle pollution.

diesel pollution
diesel retrofit

Union Pacific Railroad Settles Air Quality Violations with $120,000

This press release was just issued by the California Air Resources Board:

Union Pacific Railroad, headquartered in Omaha, NE, recently paid $120,000 for violations of regulations requiring companies to inspect and verify that their diesel trucks in California meet state exhaust limits.

An investigation by the California Air Resources Board revealed that between 2004 and 2005, UP failed to properly inspect and document its diesel trucks' emissions throughout California.

California's Periodic Smoke Inspection program requires owners of diesel fleets with two or more heavy duty diesel engines to inspect and maintain them, and keep records. This expedites inspections, assures compliance, and guards the state's progress toward federally mandated clean air standards.

"Compliance with our regulations is the crux to clean healthful air for all Californians," said ARB's acting-Executive Officer, Tom Cackette. "We need companies to recognize that Californians demand clean air and that enforcement actions are an extension of their desire to live in a healthy and respected environment."

Most of the money from the settlement was paid into the California Air Pollution Control Fund, which mitigates pollution through education, the advancement and use of cleaner technology, and supports pollution research and related programs. The California Legislature controls the fund through allocations in the annual Budget Act.

$30,000 of the settlement is funding an ARB program operated by select community colleges that provides industry with technical and compliance training. Fleet maintenance personnel from the companies found in violation must go through this training program as a condition of settlement.

Emissions of particulate matter from diesel engines are 70 percent of the air borne carcinogens that Californians are exposed to on a daily basis. ARB has committed to reducing these emissions by 85 percent by 2020.

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.

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CARB

diesel emissions
air pollution

Air Pollution News for 07-24-07

- An organic chemist and two engineers from Wales believe they have developed the answer to our green house gas problem. “Greenbox” is technology that captures GHG emissions such as CO2 and NOx from a car, turning the vehicle’s emissions into mostly water vapor. The box captures emissions, holds the gases in an inert state, where they are then transported to a bioreactor where algae will turn the gases into biofuels. Eventually the Greenbox will be able to be used on most on vehicles, and possibly even buildings and power plants that emit greenhouse gases.

- The Coalition to Build a Cleaner California is asking new chairwoman of the California Air Resources Board (CARB), Mary Nichols to extend the deadline for reducing emissions on off-road diesel vehicles from 2020 to 2025. The Coalition is made up of representatives from the labor unions, construction companies and the airline industry. The construction industry believes that the proposed regulations will cost up to $13 billion and a loss of 30,000 jobs, causing many companies to retire old equipment, creating a loss of income and jobs. CARB and environmentalists believe that without strict regulations to reduce emissions of diesel particulate matter and NOx, air pollution will put many lives at risk in California. An estimated 180,000 off-road diesel vehicles operate in the state.

- The LA Times reports that China has stopped two environmental reports that would have opened up embarrassing and serious facts on their increasing problems with air and water pollution. China is now considered the most polluted country in the world, with an estimated 600,000 citizens dieing each year due to air pollution. Although China is putting in place stringent regulations, enforcement is often spotty or not implemented at all due to attitudes by regional officials.

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Motoring
San Francisco Chronicle
LA Times

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See video on how emissions from off-road diesel vehicles are decreased using diesel particulate filters. Watch now.

air pollution
diesel emissions

CARB Ka-boom!

What’s going on at the California Air Resources Board? The story from the Governor’s office is that CARB isn’t being the tough guy when it comes to air pollution regulations and cracking down on greenhouse gases. So he fired Robert Sawyer, the board’s chairman.

Last week CARB’s executive director, Catherine Witherspoon resigned in protest, saying the agency was being pressured by the administration to “reduce costs and satisfy lobbyists,” which lead to hampering of the agency’s ability to aggressively move forward with the state’s AB 32 commitment for clean air. On top of it all, Witherspoon claims the Governor publicly blamed Sawyer and Witherspoon for not doing more to combat pollution and global warming.

Is the spin getting out of control? Sounds like CARB is going ka-boom!

See the Source:
LA Times
Grist

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About CARB verified diesel particulate filters

current issues
emissions control

ARB Hears Progress Report on Zero Emission Vehicles

The California Air Resources Board (ARB) heard the results of a year-long analysis on the state of Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) technology. This ZEV Technology Review is part of ARB's ongoing strategy to eliminate passenger vehicle emissions that threaten the health and welfare of California's public.

"The Zero Emission Vehicle requirements are technology forcing regulations and are producing the development of zero and very low emission vehicles," said Dr. Robert Sawyer, ARB's Chairperson. "The Board asked for this assessment to stay current with advances in the technology and to assure that progress is matching our ZEV implementation schedule. The rollout is progressing very well and manufacturers are providing their required vehicle quotas according to the program's timeline."

The ZEV Technology Review describes the results of the Independent Expert Panel's (IEP) investigation. The IEP, made up of five experts, looked at three key ZEV areas: battery energy storage, hydrogen storage, and fuel cells. In the course of its work members of the panel visited sites worldwide and were given wide support and access to confidential manufacturer information.

The IEP also focused on the ability of car manufacturers to commercialize these advances into production vehicles.

The IEP was able to project the short and long term prospects for a number of advanced technologies ranging from hybrid and plug in hybrids to fuel cell and battery electric vehicles.

Overall the study found that while progress is continuing and consumer acceptance of "bridge" technologies such as hybrid vehicles is encouraging, significant research and investment is still needed to fully realize the mass commercialization of ZEVs. The ARB did not change the ZEV regulations today but directed staff to integrate the information into adaptive changes that would reinforce the success of the ZEV effort. Such proposals would be considered later this year.

In 1990 the ARB adopted regulations that required auto manufacturers to offer California vehicles with zero evaporative and tailpipe emissions as part of the state's low-emission vehicle program. The regulation stipulated that in 1998, two percent of the vehicles that large manufacturers produced for sale in California must be ZEVs; increasing to five percent in 2001 and ten percent in 2003. Since its inception, the program has been modified on several occasions to better reflect the pace of technological development and the costs and realities of the marketplace. These revisions maintained the integrity of the program while adapting to technological and economic realities that hampered ZEVs from being offered for sale in California.

The ZEV mandate is a technology forcing regulation and has stimulated developments that have given consumers more options.

Now a variety of vehicles are available that match the needs of drivers while being extremely low or non-emitting. Fuel Cell Vehicles are being made and demonstrated in California. And many vehicles are using hybrid systems to improve performance, and advanced battery technologies are being used in applications far beyond motor vehicles.

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CARB – ZEV Technology Review

emissions control

emission standards

Port of Los Angeles Will Contribute $850,000 Toward New "Hybrid" Tug

A new hybrid tug boat proposed by Seattle-based Foss Maritime Company, and funded in part by the Port of Los Angeles will be substantially less polluting, more fuel efficient and even quieter than today's modern tug boats.

Through a Technology Advancement Program (TAP) utilized as part of the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan, the Port of Los Angeles will co-fund the "green" tug initiative, contributing $850,000. Technology Advancement Program funding from the Port of Los Angeles was made possible through a Memorandum of Understanding forged five years ago between the Port and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). The Port matched a $1,000,000 California Air Resources Board (CARB) grant to create a $2,000,000 program to help develop less polluting technology for harbor craft operating within the L.A./Long Beach port complex through prototype projects like the Foss hybrid tug.

With an anticipated delivery in 2008, the hybrid tug will reduce all emissions (nitrogen oxide, particulate emissions, sulphur dioxide and carbon emissions) and exceed the EPA's Tier 2 emissions requirement for marine engines. Initial estimates are that particulate matter and nitrogen oxides are reduced by 44% for the same duty cycle as the current Dolphin tugs operating in San Pedro harbor.

Hybrid tug technology is ideally suited for harbor tugs that need high amounts of power for short periods of time. The Los Angeles-Long Beach port complex is an ideal environment for a hybrid tug, as tugs in the harbor operate close to where they dock. While performing ship assist jobs in this harbor, tug boats spend very little time at peak power (peak RPM), and a tug's full horsepower is not being used most of the day. According to Foss, tugs in the San Pedro Bay port complex can spend up to 50 percent of their time idling. When the proposed hybrid tug idles, it will emit virtually zero emissions.

"Tugs are the backbone of ports worldwide, and the 'hybrid' tug Foss will produce is a first in the industry," said Geraldine Knatz Ph.D. executive director of the Port of Los Angeles. "Because the air emissions reductions are absolutely extraordinary, this is the kind of out-of-the-box thinking that our port encourages and welcomes in line with the San Pedro Bay Clean Air Action Plan."

"Foss is proud to be working with the San Pedro Bay Ports on such an important project as the hybrid tug," said Gary C. Faber, president and COO of Foss. "This is just the latest example of how Foss sits at the leading edge of maritime technology, engineering and shipbuilding. As a company, we're committed to maintaining our natural environment. Foss anticipates there will be a growing market for our 'green' tugs in the years to come."

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Government Technology

ARB announces 2007 State Implementation Plan for Ozone

Sacramento - The California Air Resources Board (ARB) today announced its new state strategy to attain the new federal one hour air quality standard for ozone.

"The State Implementation Plan (SIP) is the blueprint for how the state will meet the federal one hour ozone standard. The plan assures attainment of clean air standards as quickly as possible through technically feasible and cost-effective measures," said Catherine Witherspoon, ARB Executive Officer.

The strategy announced today will reduce ozone-forming emissions in the South Coast Air Basin (the greater Los Angeles region) and the San Joaquin Valley by as much as one half between now and 2024. The state strategy combined with local measures proposed by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and the San Joaquin Valley Air Quality Management District make up the 2007 plan for attaining the federal one hour ozone standard. The ozone plan is due to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) by June 15, 2007.

The state's plan for the South Coast Air Basin (the greater Los Angeles area) will reduce photochemical ozone-forming emissions by 212 tons per day (tpd) in 2024. The proposed strategy builds on existing ARB programs that will reduce smog forming emissions in the South Coast by 670 tpd in 2024. The South Coast Air Quality Management District is expected to adopt regional measures that will cut another 32 tpd of ozone-forming emissions.

The San Joaquin Valley plan calls for new measures that will reduce ozone-forming emissions by 68 tons per day in 2024. Existing State programs will eliminate 473 tpd by 2024. The Valley's air quality agency is proposing its own measures that will cut an additional 54 tpd in that time period. The plan projects attainment for all other areas of the state of the federal standard by 2020.

The state strategy will also reduce emissions that form fine particulates (PM-2.5) by approximately 40 percent in the SCAQMD by 2015. However, the nature of particulate pollution is technically complex. The ARB proposes to use the remainder of 2007 to refine the science and revisit the particulate strategies for those regions. The federal PM 2.5 plan is due to USEPA in April 2008.

Mobile source measures are the heart of the ARB strategy with modernization of California's diesel fleets an essential near-term goal. The measures make up 90 percent of the reductions identified in the SIP. "The legacy fleet of older, higher polluting trucks, buses, locomotives and off-road equipment will continue to slow our progress toward cleaner air and currently is our biggest hurdle. Natural turnover is slow for engines designed to last for decades. Therefore, the state strategy is to focus on programs that will clean up or replace those engines through a comprehensive package of regulations, incentives and efforts by the goods movement industries as quickly as possible," Witherspoon added.

The SIP is a comprehensive strategy designed to attain federal air quality standards as quickly as possible through a combination of technologically feasible and cost-effective measures. It outlines ARB staff's assessment of how far adopted regulations will take us towards attainment of federal standards, what new actions can be taken, and what are the earliest feasible timeframes for meeting those standards.

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:
California Air Resource Board

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How to reduce fine particulate emissions from diesel engines using the CleanAIR PERMIT Filter

ARB Considers Alternative Fuel Incentives

SACRAMENTO - Expedited development of alternative fuels received a boost today as the Air Resources Board (ARB) considered options on how to best spend $25 million allocated by new state legislation to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

"With the threat of global warming and today's unstable political climate affecting our resources, fully exploring use of alternative fuels is a top priority," said ARB Chairman Dr. Robert F. Sawyer. "Thanks to forward thinking and sound science, California sets an example for the country and for the world. We are excited by all the possibilities and challenges ahead, and hope that our efforts will help to further diversify and enhance our future energy options."

Assembly Bill 1811, which amends and supplements the Budget Act of 2006, directs the ARB to develop a joint plan with the California Energy Commission (CEC) to spend $25 million to provide incentives for the use and production of alternative fuels. The proposed allocation amounts were guided by the budget language and input from ARB and the CEC. The legislation requires the funds to be awarded by June 30, 2007, and no funds can be awarded for projects that include fuels derived from petroleum, coke or coal.

As proposed to the Board today, the $25 million will be generally allocated as follows, with final amounts assigned on a project-by-project basis:

- $8.5 million for alternative fuel vehicles (including demonstration programs for plug-in hybrids and clean transit buses);
- $7 million for fueling infrastructure (including incentives for E-85 and other alternative fuels);
- $5 million for biofuels production;
- $3.5 million for fuel/vehicle research (including emissions testing and vehicle performance and vapor recovery certification), and
- $1 million for education.

A public workshop on the funding program was held in September that drew more than 100 participants. Solicitations for projects are expected to be sent out in January, 2007, with decisions on the final slate of projects to be made next Spring. All funds must be expended by June 30, 2009.

For more information, please visit ARB's webpage on this topic here.
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.

The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy cost, see our web site at http://www.arb.ca.gov