10 Facts on Air Pollution

1. Sixteen states have committed to voluntarily adopt California’s stricter regulations to control greenhouse gas emissions, comprising over 40% of American citizens.

2. 70,000 premature deaths in the U.S. each year are tied to air pollution.

3. An estimated 1,500 citizens of Quebec prematurely die each year due to air pollution.

4. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1.5 billion people living in urban areas throughout the world breathe dangerous levels of air pollution. They also estimate that 1 billion premature deaths occur annually as a result of air pollution, half of which are people living in developing countries. WHO also says that air pollution ranks within the top 10 causes of worldwide death and disability.

5. The USA releases one quarter of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. From 1990 to 2002, U.S. CO2 emissions increased 95 percent from 1960 levels.

6. The American Consumer Institute reports that in the next 10 years, the effects of using broadband and the Internet will save an estimated 1 billion tons of carbon from being released into the air.

7. There are an estimated 20,000 diesel “drayage” trucks operating at California ports and rail yards. The vehicles emit 3 tons of diesel particulate matter and 61 tons of smog-causing NOx per day.

8. 14,000 citizens of Sweden die each year due to environmental pollutants.

9. Commercial airlines contribute 3 percent of the U.S.’s greenhouse gas emissions, with a projected increase of 60% more by 2025 (according to CARB).

10. Particulate matter (soot) emitted from coal-fired power plants in Maryland, have been blamed for 560 premature deaths and 21,000 asthma attacks annually.

Find out:
How to decrease diesel particulate matter with diesel particulate filters; and how to decrease NOx emissions using selective catalytic reduction.

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diesel pollution

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See the Source:
EPA

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

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NOx emissions

ARB Approves State Strategy to Improve California Air Quality

Drastic emissions cuts expected in next decade

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See the Source:
CARB

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

Ozone Controversy – Science vs. EPA vs. Industry

On June 21st, the EPA proposed that it was time to strengthen the nation's air quality standards for ground-level ozone, revising the standards set in 1997. According to the EPA, the new proposal is based on the most recent scientific evidence available about the health effects of ozone, which is the primary component of smog."Advances in science are leading to cleaner skies and healthier lives," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "America's science is progressing and our air quality is improving. By strengthening the ozone standard, EPA is keeping our clean air momentum moving into the future. I have concluded the current standard is insufficient to protect public health."

But environmentalists and scientific experts say the proposed regulations are not enough and fall short of standards recommend by the EPA’s own Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC). According to scientific documents provided to the EPA, lowering emissions standards to 0.064 parts per million rather than EPA’s proposed 0.07-0.075 ppm, would decrease ozone-related deaths by a possible 75 percent. The current regulatory level is .08 ppm.

“The law says use the science, the science says lower the standard to safe levels,” commented Francesco Grifo, director of the Scientific Integrity Program for the Union of Concerned Scientists. “In disregarding its own scientists’ analysis, the EPA is risking the health of millions of Americans.”

Ozone is a health concern for individuals with asthma or other lung diseases, as well as those who spend a lot of time outside, such as children. Ozone exposure can aggravate asthma and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections. Environmentalists believe the new proposed standard is not enough to protect the public’s health, with the higher regulation level being the result of pressure from industrial concerns and the current White House administration.

“The science is clear,” said David H. Ingbar MD, president of the American Thoracic Society, “ozone pollution is causing unnecessary, illnesses and death in America. The proposed EPA standards fall short of providing the protection needed to keep Americans safe from ozone air pollution.” Dr. Ingbar also commented that the proposed standards are “unhealthy for America’s kids, unhealthy for America’s seniors, and unhealthy for America.”

However, the National Center for Policy Analysis’ E-Team, a group of exports who offer analysis based on the concept that science, the environment and the economy should form government policies, issued another perspective to the proposed standards. They stated that reducing smog emissions standards from the current level to the level suggested by the EPA, is virtually impossible, according to Joel Schwarz, an adjunct scholar with the NCPA E-Team. Schwarz continued that even if the proposed reduction were possible, it would do nothing to improve American’s overall health. He continued “These new proposed standards would turn most of the nation into a Clean Air Act ‘non-attainment area.”

Ground-level ozone is not emitted directly into the air, but is created through a reaction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions in the presence of sunlight. Emissions from industrial facilities, electric utilities, on- and off-road vehicles, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents are the major man-made sources of NOx and VOCs - ozone precursors.

The EPA says that the United States has made significant progress reducing ground-level ozone in the past quarter century. Since 1980, ozone levels have dropped 21 percent nationwide. Currently 104 US counties are not in compliance with today’s ozone levels. Based on the EPA’s new data and questionable proposed standard, 533 US counties would not be in compliance. Depending on the seriousness of a county’s ozone problems, they would need to comply with the new measures as soon as 2013, with possibly extensions to 2030.

The estimated health benefits of meeting a range of alternative ozone standards based on published scientific studies and the opinion of outside experts will be detailed in a Regulatory Impact Analysis issued by the EPA to be released this summer. Final adoption of the proposed regulations would go into effect by March 12, 2008, after public comment has been heard for 90 days prior to this date.

See the Source:
EPA's proposal to strengthen standards for ground-level ozone
Union of Concerned Scientists
NewsWise
NCPA E-Team

Find out:
How to lower NOx emissions for lean burn engines and gas turbines using selective catalytic reduction.

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NOx emissions

Court Shoots Down EPA: Weak Agency Smog Rule Violates Clean Air Act

A panel of federal judges denied appeals by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and industry to overturn the same court's December, 2006 ruling that struck down the agency's rule attempting to weaken protections against harmful smog-forming pollution.

Ozone is associated with asthma attacks, coughing, wheezing, and other respiratory illness. Higher smog levels in a region are frequently accompanied by increased hospitalization and emergency room visits for respiratory disorders. Hundreds of counties across the country currently have unhealthful levels of smog, which limits outdoor activities, increases hospitalizations, and puts millions of Americans at risk for respiratory problems.

Today's decision reaffirms that EPA violated the Clean Air Act by relaxing limits on ozone, or smog pollution, from large power plants, factories and other industrial sources.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia denied the EPA and industry petitions for rehearing, and actually clarified in even stronger terms that weakening air protections is illegal under federal law. The court characterized the industry's desired readings of the law as a "glaring loophole" that nothing suggests Congress intended.

Significantly, recognizing the harm from EPA's delay, laxity and lawlessness, the court also "urged" EPA to "act promptly in promulgating a revised rule that effectuates the statutory mandate by implementing the eight-hour [ozone] standard, which was deemed necessary to protect the public health a decade ago."

"Today's decision reaffirms that EPA must follow the Clean Air Act and limit this harmful pollution," said Earthjustice attorney David Baron. "Health experts agree that we need stronger protections, not weaker limits on smog pollution."

EPA and industry groups had tried to overturn the decision by seeking rehearing in March. The environmental and public health groups, along with the states, argued that EPA's original rule and requested appeal made no sense, because the agency's unlawfully weak ozone rule came after EPA had found that the previous ozone standard was too weak to protect public health.

"Hundreds of counties across the country currently have dangerous levels of ozone smog. We've already seen high levels this spring," said Janice Nolen, Assistant Vice President of the American Lung Association. "Ozone triggers asthma attacks, sends children to hospitals and emergency rooms, and even increases the risk of early death. Today's court decision puts us closer to having air that does not make people sick."

"EPA should heed the court's pointed warning to act promptly to adopt protective rules that will deliver long overdue clean air to the American people," said NRDC attorney John Walke. "EPA foot-dragging and law-breaking have a daily toll on people forced to breathe smog levels that doctors and scientists tell us is widely unhealthy."

The 1990 Clean Air Act required stronger anti-smog measures in cities violating ozone standards, including limits on pollution from new and expanded factories, requirements for annual cuts in smog-forming emissions, and caps on truck and car exhaust. In 1997, EPA found that the then-existing "1-hour" ozone health standard wasn't strong enough to protect health, and adopted a new "8-hour" standard to provide greater protection. Paradoxically, the agency in 2004 adopted rules that weakened pollution control requirements for areas violating both the old and the new standard. That decision triggered the court challenge leading to that rule being struck down in December, 2006, and the EPA-industry appeals being rebuffed today.

"EPA has a responsibility to protect our health and our environment from unhealthy, polluted air," said Marti Sinclair, chairperson for Sierra Club's Air Quality Committee. "Millions of Americans breathe air with unsafe ozone levels, and they deserve stronger, not weaker protection under the law."

See the Source:
Earthjustice

Find out:
How to reduce NOx, a major contributor to smog, from power plants and lean burn engines using selective catalytic reduction.

Clean Air Act
current issues

What’s Up Doc – Don’t Breathe the Air!

Should you’re doctor be advising you to check the “AQI” each day? That’s the air quality index. If you’re sensitive to pollutants or at risk due to lung or cardiovascular disease, maybe your doctor should be explaining avoidance strategies for heavy pollution days at your next checkup.

A new report in the April issue of American Journal of the Medical Sciences, suggests that health care professionals should be looking at three specific categories of air pollutants, along with how they impact health, when advising their patients.

• Particulate matter, linked to increased rates of illness and death from heart and lung (cardiopulmonary) disease—probably by promoting inflammation within the airways. Particulates may also increase lung cancer risk, but more study is needed.
• Ozone, a respiratory irritant that decreases lung function in healthy people as well as patients with asthma. Short-term increases in ozone level may also lead to increases in illness and death from cardiopulmonary disease.
• Nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide, which are highly toxic at high concentrations. Although they contribute to poor air quality, it remains unclear whether these pollutants cause health problems at the "ambient" levels associated with air pollution.

"Increased recognition of the hazards of air pollution, coupled with simple common sense recommendations from clinicians, may provide the basis for reducing exposure to outdoor air pollution," concludes Scott Shofer, MD, PhD, of Duke University School of Medicine.

Patients should be advised to watch for symptoms possibly related to air pollution exposure, such as chest pain or tightness, cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Those with respiratory diseases such as asthma should be sure to carry their "rescue" inhalers.

"We believe these simple actions may help reduce the risk of adverse events due to air pollution in sensitive patient populations," Dr. Shofer conclude. The report also calls for revised air quality standards to lower ambient levels of air pollutants—especially small particles and ozone.

See the Source:
Newswise

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How to reduce particle matter, carbon monoxide and NOx with CleanAIR emissions control technology

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particle pollution

Mayday, Mayday – Breathing May Be Hazardous to Your Health

On this May 1st, here’s a rundown of air quality news:

• EPA reports the emissions data for 2006 indicates long term improvement in US air quality for 6 pollutants: NOx, ozone, SO2, particulate matter and lead. According to the EPA total emissions of these key pollutants have dropped 54% between 1970 to 2006.


• April 30 to May 4 is Air Quality Awareness Week. This year’s theme is “Be Air Aware: Keep an Eye on the AQI”. Established by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the EPA, this week is a reminder to the public of the importance of air quality forecasts in making health decisions.
  
  NOAA forecasts are updated twice daily on www.weather.gov/aq, providing hour-by-hour information on air quality for cities, suburbs, and rural areas located in the eastern US. Similar forecasts are now available for western United States through experimental products. Approximately 300 cities nationwide use the EPA’s Air Quality Index (AQI) found on http://www.airnow.gov/ to issue daily forecasts and offer steps that should be taken to reduce exposure to pollutants when levels are high.

• The American Lung Association has released its annual air quality report “State of the Air: 2007”, showing both good news and bad news. According to the report, the eastern United States shows an increase of almost double in the level of particle pollution, mainly due to an increase in power generation and coal-fired power plants. While in the west, deadly particle pollution has dropped. Overall, ozone has dropped throughout the entire country due to a reduction in NOx emissions thanks to 1990s air regulation requirements.
  
  Snapshots from the Report:
  According to the report, 46 percent (136 million people) of the U.S. population lives in 251 counties where they are exposed to unhealthful levels of air pollution in the form of either ozone or short-term or year-round levels of particles. About 38.3 million Americans -- nearly one in 8 people -- live in 32 counties with unhealthful levels of all three: ozone and short-term and year-round particle pollution.
  
  One-third of the U.S. population lives in areas with unhealthful levels of ozone, a significant reduction since the last report when nearly half did, yet 99 million Americans still live in counties with F grades for ozone.
  
  Roughly one in three (more than 93.7 million) people in the United States lives in an area with unhealthful short-term levels of particle pollution, a significant increase since the last report, which is only partially due to the new, slightly lower threshold of unhealthful air recognized in this report (based on the newly adopted national standards). Nearly one in five (more than 54 million) people in the United States lives in an area with unhealthful year-round levels of particle pollution.
  
  Los Angeles ranked as the most polluted city in the nation for all categories in the report, even though LA's pollution levels have dropped. Other cities ranking among the worst for ozone include several in southern California, as well as large cities in Texas and on the east coast, including Houston, Dallas, New York, Washington, DC, and Philadelphia. Other cities on the lists of the worst for particle pollution include many in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states, including Pittsburgh, Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, Washington, DC-Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York.
  
  With ozone pollution dropping in the eastern US, several cities returned to the list of most polluted cities despite improved ozone levels, including Atlanta, Phoenix, and Baton Rouge. They reappeared because of greater improvements by other cities. Some cities moved up to the worst cities for ozone list for the first time, including Las Vegas, Milwaukee and Kansas City.
  
  "The American Lung Association is fighting for tougher federal standards because they protect Americans from dangerous levels of air pollution," Dr. Weaver said. "Air pollution shortens lifespan, it lands our children and elderly in emergency rooms, and it can make children and teens more vulnerable to lung disease for the rest of their lives."

Top 10 cleanest U.S. cities for long-term particle pollution

1. Cheyenne, Wyoming

2. Santa Fe-Espanola, New Mexico

3. Honolulu, Hawaii

4. Great Falls, Montana

6. Flagstaff, Arizona

6. Tucson, Arizona

8. Anchorage, Alaska

8. Bismarck, North Dakota

10. Albuquerque, New Mexico

To find out how clean the air is in your community, go to http://www.lungusa.org/, enter your zip code in the widget and click go. A grade will be issued that is determined by high ozone and high particle pollution days. It also offers statistics for groups at risk according to the total population figures.

See the Source:
EPA – air quality and emissions trends
NOAA/EPA National Air Quality Awareness Week
Local air quality forecasts
NOAA
NOAA Air Quality Guidance (East U.S.)
NOAA Air Quality Guidance (West U.S.)
American Lung Association
Best and Worst Cities: State of the Air 2007

Court Sides with Clean Air Act

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

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

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

See the Source:
Reuters

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

Knock NOx – Who’s There?

It’s new emissions control technology from EGR Technologies LLC and CleanAIR Systems to reduce particulate matter and NOx from diesel emissions.

The California Air Resources Board has granted a conditional Level 3 verification for the diesel emission control system (DECS) developed by EGR Technologies using CleanAIR PERMIT diesel particulate filters. As a Level 3 emission control strategy, the technology is verified for use with stationary prime and emergency standby generators and pumps. Comprised of an exhaust gas recirculation unit and a passively regenerating PERMIT Filter, the system also includes the CleanAIR HiBACK USB (a backpressure monitor). The DECS achieves emission reductions of greater than 85% for particulate matter and 50% for NOx.

All internal combustion engines produce NOx emissions and virtually all fuels produce NOx when burned other than electric. NOx is one of the main contributing factors of smog and air pollution. It can have serious health effects such as aggravating respiratory conditions and contributing to premature death.

See the Source:
CARB – Operational Criteria and Engine Families

Contact CleanAIR Systems for more information

Rocky Mountain High – On VOCs

The Rocky Mountain Clean Air Action and the Natural Resources Defense Council have notified Kerr-McGee, who manager eleven natural gas compressors north of Denver, that they will be filing a lawsuit to reduce air pollution emissions produced by the company.

The compressors emit 2,200 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and 400 tons of volatile organic compounds (VOC) annually. NOx and VOC pollutants react with sunlight to form smog, which has shown to have harmful health effects such as asthma attacks. During the summer of 2006, smog levels were 66 times higher than national standards. The Kerr-McGee compressors emitted the annual equivalent in NOx of about 115,000 cars driven 12,500 per year.

As of 2004, the State of Colorado required Kerr-McGee to install emissions control technology on its engines, which compress natural gas from 3,600 natural gas wells. However the company has not complied with the regulations and the violations have not be resolved.

"The state has required oil and gas companies to install basic air pollution control equipment to help keep smog in check and leave our children better protected," said Nick Persampieri with Earthjustice. "It's unfortunate that Kerr-McGee has failed to comply with the state's requirements."

By installing catalytic converters, Kerr-McGee could cut their VOC emissions by 75 percent.

See the Source:
Earthjustice

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About diesel catalytic converters for stationary engines

The Dirt on Diesels

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

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

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

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

See the Source:
EPA – March 27, 2007

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

Environmental Defense Supports EPA Proposal to Cut Dangerous Diesel Exhaust from Trains and Ships

Group Urges EPA to Finalize Protective Standards by the End of 2007

New York -- March 2, 2007 -- Today, Environmental Defense President Fred Krupp will join EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson at EPA’s announcement of proposed new emission standards for diesel trains and ships. The emission standards would apply to the nation’s fleet of diesel locomotive engines, tugs, barges, ferries and recreational marine engines. Diesel exhaust contains toxic chemicals that together with diesel particulate matter pose a cancer risk greater than that of any other air pollutant. The proposed standards, when adopted and fully phased in, would reduce particulate pollution and smog-forming oxides of nitrogen from each engine by 90 percent. Today’s announcement is scheduled for 11am ET at Port Elizabeth, New Jersey (Berth 23, Elizabeth Marine Terminal).

“EPA is clearly on the right track in proposing to address the dangerous diesel exhaust from trains and ships,” said Fred Krupp, Environmental Defense President. “We look forward to working with EPA and the states to carry this important work across the finish line by securing final clean air standards for high-polluting trains and ships.”

The proposed rule provides for clean air standards comparable to those that EPA has adopted for large diesel trucks and buses, and for construction, mining and agricultural equipment. The proposed standards will be achieved through the combination of low sulfur diesel fuel and advanced engine systems.

The use of trains for freight transport has doubled in the last 35 years. Last year, locomotives released over 900,000 tons of smog-forming oxides of nitrogen and 32,000 tons of particulate pollution. Nationally, commercial shipping is responsible for about 1 million tons of smog-forming oxides of nitrogen each year. And each year commercial marine vessels release some 40,000 tons of particulate pollution and 160,000 tons of sulfur dioxide across the United States. When finalized, EPA’s proposal to clean up the nation’s fleet of commercial ships and locomotives could help clear the way for extensive human health and environmental benefits by substantially lowering particulate pollution and smog-forming contaminants.

Another important feature of EPA’s proposal would apply clean up standards to rebuilt or remanufactured locomotive engines. Environmental Defense recommends EPA apply the same sensible policy approach to ensure rebuilt marine engines also meet updated emission standards.

Environmental Defense has documented the extensive air pollution from both ships and locomotives. Learn how commercial marine shipping is polluting our air here and learn more about locomotive pollution here.

Environmental Defense, a leading national nonprofit organization, represents more than 500,000 members. Since 1967, Environmental Defense has linked science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships to create breakthrough solutions to the most serious environmental problems.

See the Source:
Environmental Defense

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More about diesel particulate filters and how they substantially reduce diesel particulate matter

TXU to Set New Direction As Private Company

Public Benefits Include Price Cuts, Price Protection, Investments in Alternative Energy and Stronger Environmental Policies

Dallas, February 26, 2007 – TXU Corp. (NYSE: TXU), a Dallas-based energy company, together with Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) and Texas Pacific Group (TPG), two of the nation’s leading private equity firms, and Goldman Sachs & Co., a leading global investment bank, announced today the execution of a definitive merger agreement under which an investor group led by KKR and TPG will acquire TXU in a transaction valued at $45 billion. GS Capital Partners, Lehman Brothers, Citigroup and Morgan Stanley intend to be equity investors at closing.

As a result of this transaction, the newly privatized company will deliver price cuts and price protection benefits to electric customers, strengthen environmental policies, make significant investments in alternative energy and institute corporate policies tied to climate stewardship.

Stronger Environmental Policies and New Investments in Alternative Energy
- Planned coal-fueled generation units reduced from eleven to three, preventing 56 million tons of annual carbon emissions $400 million investment in demand side management initiatives Transaction endorsed by Environmental Defense and Natural Resources Defense Council Increased commitment to exploring renewable energy sources and investing in alternative energy technologies

Corporate Leadership and Climate Stewardship
- Former U.S. Secretary of State James A. Baker, III will serve as Advisory Chairman to the investment group of new owners William Reilly, Chairman Emeritus of the World Wildlife Fund and former EPA Administrator, will join board of directors and lead effort in making climate stewardship central to corporate policies

- Donald L. Evans, former U.S. Secretary of Commerce; James R. Huffines, Chairman of the University of Texas Board of Regents; and Lyndon L. Olson Jr., former Texas State Representative and former U.S. Ambassador to Sweden, will join the board of directors
TXU will create an independent Sustainable Energy Advisory Board comprised of individuals who represent the following interests: the environment, customers, Texas economic development and ERCOT reliability standards.

The acquisition of TXU by the investor group will be accompanied by an environmental focus that will make TXU a leader in conservation and energy efficiency, creating a fundamental change in the Texas electric market. In addition, the company’s new strategic direction will seek to achieve top environmental News Release performance in the industry and greater involvement and dialogue with environmental, government and community leaders.

C. John Wilder, chairman and chief executive officer of TXU Corp., said, “This is a momentous event for our company in our long journey to transform TXU from a former integrated monopoly to high performance businesses. The new ownership and business structure will enable us to better meet the growing energy needs of Texans. The long-term capital, expertise and resources of the investor group will allow us to increase our focus on reliability, lower prices, outstanding customer service and innovative products, and investments in long-term environmentally sound technology. TXU is a proud Texas corporate citizen, and the company will continue to operate with the same commitment and dedication to serving Texas.

“KKR, TPG and the rest of the investor group are all world-class investors who bring valuable experience in the industry. With these long-term and very informed investors, we can execute a new strategy that will allow us to reshape TXU’s program to build new electric generation units,” Wilder continued. “Our new strategy will meet two important objectives: addressing Texas’ immediate and future energy and reliability needs; and doing so in a manner that responds to the desires of policy makers and other key stakeholders to incorporate new technology advancements and conservation.”

Henry Kravis, founding partner of KKR, said, “TXU has outstanding employees dedicated to meeting the increasing long-term energy needs of Texas. We have listened to the various TXU constituencies, including customers, Governor Perry, Lt. Governor Dewhurst, Speaker Craddick, members of the Texas Legislature and those expressing environmental concerns. As a result, we have developed a new vision with management of how we can turn TXU into a more innovative, customer-centric, environmentally friendly company, and we plan to work with management to implement it. Our experienced energy team looks forward to providing strong support for this transformation, including making substantial, long-term capital investments in new innovation across each business – from customer product and service offerings including demand side management, to generation and grid technologies, and superior risk-management strategies. We intend to hold this as a long-term asset, and we recognize the need to balance growth with environmental considerations.”

Rich Friedman, Global Head of Goldman Sachs' Merchant Banking Division, said, “This transaction serves as a model for long-term environmental stewardship. By investing in new technologies, encouraging conservation and reducing carbon emissions and pollutants, TXU is on the path to being a 21st century power company. We, together with KKR and TPG, are proud to have been able to play a constructive role in the development of the significant environmental elements that help set this transaction apart.”

Stronger Environmental Policies and New Investments in Alternative Energy
Planned Coal Units Reduced from Eleven to Three, Preventing 56 Million Tons of Annual Carbon Emissions

This scale-back represents a 75 percent reduction in new coal capacity. In addition, the company is committed to continuing its efforts to meaningfully reduce existing carbon emissions and seeks to join the United States Climate Action Partnership (USCAP). USCAP is a broad-based group of businesses and leading environmental groups organized to work with the President, the Congress and all other stakeholders to enact an environmentally effective, economically sustainable and fair climate change program. As part of the company’s support for USCAP, TXU is also pledging to support the mandatory cap and trade program to regulate carbon emissions.

To satisfy ERCOT’s requirement for immediate additional capacity to meet the state’s increasing electricity demand, TXU expects to build two coal units at the Oak Grove site and one coal unit at the Sandow site. TXU will immediately seek to suspend the permit application process for the other eight units and withdraw them once the transaction closes. TXU does not intend to apply or reapply for permits to build additional coal units utilizing current pulverized coal-fueled technology.

$400 Million Investment in Demand Side Management

InitiativesTXU will implement an aggressive demand reduction program through a $400 million investment in conservation and energy efficiency activities over the next five years.

Transaction Endorsed by Environmental Defense and Natural Resources Defense Council

KKR, TPG and the investor group are committed to addressing TXU’s environmental issues through substantial new investments in research and demand side management initiatives and a 75 percent reduction in planned new coal capacity. Recognizing this, key environmental groups are supporting the transaction.

Fred Krupp, President of Environmental Defense, said, “This is one of the most significant developments in America's fight against global warming. Environmental Defense commends KKR and TPG for not only dropping TXU's applications for eight proposed coal plants in Texas, but also for the many other commitments they have made to reduce air pollution and global warming emissions, including their support for a mandatory federal cap and trade program to regulate carbon emissions, doubling TXU’s expenditures on efficiency measures and their overall desire to rebuild TXU as a leader in the clean energy economy.

“The debate over this issue has been a top priority for Environmental Defense and we plan to work just as hard with the new TXU to implement this agreement. We also look forward to working closely with TXU as a member of its planned Sustainable Energy Advisory Committee and to settling our federal lawsuit against TXU,” concluded Krupp.

“The NRDC fully supports this transaction and the new company's support for mandatory global warming legislation. This turnaround marks the beginning of a new, competitive focus on clean, efficient, renewable energy strategies to deliver the power we need while cutting global warming emissions,” said Frances Beinecke, President of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). “It is a big step forward for the State of Texas and for the American energy economy as a whole.”

Increased Commitment to Exploring Renewable Energy Sources and Investing in Alternative EnergyTechnologies

As a private company, free from the short-term financial pressures affecting all public companies, TXU will be able to accomplish important goals for customer service innovation and new generation technology development on a scale and schedule that would otherwise not be possible.

The investor group is grateful for Governor Perry’s commitment to a long-term reliable supply of energy for Texas and his advocacy for investment in clean energy alternatives, such as IGCC. TXU is committed to the development and deployment of advanced technologies with a commitment to exploring IGCC’s potential to meet Texas’ reliability requirements. With the support of the Governor, the company is evaluating the dedication of an attractive site for the exploration of clean coal technologies and partnership with technology leaders.

- TXU will reduce mercury (Hg) emissions, sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 20 percent from 2005 levels, as previously committed, through reductions at existing units and installation of emission controls on the new Oak Grove and Sandow units.

- TXU will reduce its own carbon emissions by increasing efficiency of its generating facilities by up to 2 percent.

- TXU will become a leader in providing electricity from renewable sources by more than doubling its purchase of wind power to more than 1,500 MW, maintaining its status as the largest buyer of wind power in Texas. TXU will also promote solar power through solar/photovoltaic rebates.

The company also intends to join the FutureGen Alliance, a non-profit consortium of companies supporting FutureGen, the U.S. Department of Energy project intended to create the world’s first near-zero-emissions fossil-fuel power plant.

See the Source:

Read the complete press release from KKR

Find out:
How power plants can reduce NOx emissions by greater than 90% with the CleanAIR low-temperature ENDURE SCR Catalyst

Ohio Plant Fined $750,000 for Air Pollution Violations

Company Also to Cut Future Emissions

(Washington, D.C. - Feb. 6, 2007) A Cincinnati-area nitric acid production facility will pay $750,000 in civil penalties to settle violations of the New Source Review (NSR) provisions of the Clean Air Act uncovered by EPA. The parent companies also agreed to install state-of-the-art pollution control equipment at the facility that will reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions by more than 200 tons per year.

EPA issued Notices of Violation to Agrium US Inc. and Royster-Clark Inc. in October 2006 for making construction modifications to a North Bend, Ohio, facility in the mid-1990s without first obtaining necessary federal pre-construction permits and installing the required pollution control equipment. The un-permitted modifications caused the facility to emit more NOx than allowed by federal law.

"This company increased its profits by ignoring environmental laws," said Granta Nakayama, EPA's assistant administrator for enforcement and compliance assistance. "The EPA will continue enforcing against companies that refuse to comply with regulations intended to protect public health and our air, water and land."

The facility releases NOx as part of its nitric acid production process. Nitric acid is used to make fertilizer, explosives and organic chemicals.

NOx causes severe respiratory problems, contributes to childhood asthma, acid rain, climate change, smog and haze, and impairs visibility in national parks. Emissions from nitric acid plants can be carried significant distances downwind, causing air quality problems in nearby states.
The Clean Air Act requires that major sources of air pollution must first obtain a permit before making any changes that would result in a significant emissions increase of any pollutant. EPA's regulations ensure that air quality is not significantly degraded from the addition of new and modified factories, industrial boilers and power plants.

EPA's national goals include focusing on improving compliance among certain industries with significant potential for environmental harm due to air emissions. These industries include the acid production, cement manufacturing, and glass manufacturing facilities.

Agrium, a Colorado corporation, purchased the plant from Royster-Clark, a Delaware corporation, last September.

The settlement will be filed with the Southern District Court of Ohio for 30 days to allow for public comment. The companies are required to pay the penalty within 30 days after the court approves the settlement.

See the Source:
Agrium/Royster-Clark Clean Air Act settlement
EPA, Reporting air and water violations

Find out:
About CleanAIR’s SCR Catalyst to reduce nitrogen oxides

My Power Plant is Cleaner Than Yours

The Dallas Business Journal reports on a battle of emissions and words being waged between various Texas power plants. Comparing the clean-up efforts of TXU Corp., NRG Energy Inc., CPS, LS Power Development and PNM Resources, the publication discusses what these power companies have and have not done to reduce emissions of CO2, NOx, SOx and mercury.

Between “spin” and actual numbers, controversy is the order of the day with TXU claiming their plan to build 11 new coal-fired power plants will actually help clean up air pollution and is challenging all other develops to follow suite. Not so fast, proclaims City Public Works (CPS) of San Antonio. CPS decided to voluntarily reduce emissions since 1997, accepting “the lowest permitted emission rates of NOx on an annual basis in the United States.”

Using a combination approach of: installing new emissions control technology, retiring older plants, balancing coal with other clean alternative power, and purchasing emissions credits, the state’s power developers are in a race to comply with state regulations, build a positive image with local communities and environmental organizations and, as a result, reduce toxic emissions along with air pollution in the state of Texas.

See the Source:
Dallas Business Journal

Find out:
How fossil-fuel power plants can reduce NOx with the CleanAIR ENDURE SCR Catalyst.

Legal Action Filed to Halt 'Fast-Tracking' of Texas Coal-Fired Power Plants

Major New Challenge to Governor's Attempt to Short-Circuit Full Public Review of Health, Environmental, and Pollution Control Issues in the Permitting Process

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 27 -- The Sierra Club, represented by the Austin office of Environmental Integrity Project (EIP), took legal action today to stop the "unprecedented, unreasonable, and ...illegal" plan by Governor Rick Perry to "fast track" administrative hearings for construction of up to 18 dirty coal-fired power plants in the state. Most of the plants in question are being proposed by the Dallas-based utility giant TXU.

EIP Austin Office Counsel Ilan Levin filed the petition on behalf of the Sierra Club to intervene in a state district lawsuit originally brought by Environmental Defense over the processing of coal plant permits. Today's legal action by Sierra Club stems from a recent state agency decision to consolidate six proposed TXU coal plant permits into one hearing, and to set those permits for a speedy decision. The lawsuit seeks to halt Perry's controversial executive order of October 27, 2005, directing the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to accelerate consideration of permit applications and the Texas State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) to issue unusually fast decisions on air pollution permits for new electric power plants.

EIP Austin Office Counsel Ilan Levin said: "Today, Sierra Club is asking a judge to overturn a Governor's executive order that imposes unfair burdens on regular people simply trying to avail themselves of the common-sense environmental protections built into state and federal laws. We're saying that speeding up the required decision process for major new sources of smog and other air pollution is illegal and unfair, especially to citizens trying to participate."

Rita Beving, Conservation Co-Chair for the Dallas Sierra Club Group, whose area's air quality would be impacted by coal plant emissions, said: "This legal action is a critical step in the fight by Texas citizens to assert their rights to protect their health and environment from an ill-considered rush to permit these polluting coal-fired power plants, whether we need them or not. The tragedy is that we could meet our energy needs through greater efficiency and renewable energy, without subjecting our cities to further air pollution from coal plants."

The lawsuit notes: "The executive order imposes an unreasonable schedule to thoroughly develop the required technical and legal issues for one major air permit of the type being considered, let alone six of them ... The Governor's Executive Order RP 49 infringes on the rights of Texas citizens to participate meaningfully in the environmental permitting arena.

The right of any affected party to participate in agency permitting decisions is rooted in the constitutional right to due process. The Governor lacks authority to unilaterally alter this system. Further, the Governor lacks the authority to dictate to an administrative law judge exactly how much time is allowed for a judicial administrative decision, and to do so violates the doctrine of separation of powers."

The Perry fast-tracking scheme has huge consequences. The Sierra Club petition notes: "To put the magnitude of the six TXU permits in context, it is worth noting the additional greenhouse gases associated with these new coal plants. While not addressed in the permits, the new units will emit an additional estimated 51 million tons of carbon dioxide per year into Texas skies. In 2005, all existing Texas power plants emitted 255.4 million tons of carbon dioxide."

The Sierra Club contends that a full and deliberate hearing process on each of the power plant applications is crucial due to the serious health and environmental consequences associated with coal-fired power plants, such as increased sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and mercury pollution.

For example, the legal filing points out: "Sulfur dioxide ... interacts with nitrogen oxides to form nitric and sulfuric acids, commonly known as acid rain, which damages forests and acidifies soil and waterways. Harvard School of Public Health studies have shown that SO2 emissions from power plants significantly harm the cardiovascular and respiratory health of people who live near the plants. According to U.S. EPA studies, fine particle pollution from power plants causes more than 20,000 premature deaths a year."

On the topic of mercury pollution, the EIP/Sierra Club petition notes: "Coal-fired power plants are the single largest source of mercury air pollution, accounting for roughly 40 percent of all mercury emissions nationwide. Mercury is a highly toxic metal that, once released into the atmosphere, settles in lakes and rivers, where it moves up the food chain to humans. The Centers for Disease Control has found that roughly 10 percent of American women carry mercury concentrations at levels considere