Caterpillar Forms Alliance with CleanAIR Systems to Reduce Emissions

New alliance between Caterpillar® and CleanAIR Systems offers customers a complete emissions solution for existing machines and engine applications.

Caterpillar, Inc., the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, clean diesel and natural gas engines and gas turbines, announced on June 17th the selection of CleanAIR Systems, Inc. of Santa Fe, New Mexico, as the Caterpillar strategic alliance partner for emissions control products. CleanAIR’s reduction technology will be installed on existing Caterpillar commercial engine applications to reduce diesel particulate matter, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and NOx; positioning CleanAIR Systems as the preferred vendor of choice for custom-designed retrofit products.

The alliance encompasses CleanAIR’s proprietary technology, custom engineering capability and the company’s use of integrated manufacturing in producing diesel particulate filters, diesel oxidation catalysts, three-way catalysts and selective catalytic reduction catalysts. Caterpillar will provide system integration capability, engineering and marketing support, as well as assistance to enable CleanAIR to meet growing demand from the broad Caterpillar customer-base.

Established in 1993, CleanAIR Systems designs and manufactures complete emissions control systems, including the PERMIT™ Filter, verified by the California Air Resources Board (ARB) for Level 3 reduction (greater than 85%) of exhaust particulate from prime power and emergency generators. Verified by ARB in 2003, CleanAIR’s PERMIT™ Filter met stringent CARB Level 3 standards years before other technologies, becoming the longest-selling, verified diesel particulate filter (DPF) technology currently on the market for stationary engines. CleanAIR’s line of emissions control products also includes an exclusive license for technology developed by Los Alamos National Laboratories.

“CleanAIR and CAT are a perfect fit,” said Michael Roach, President of CleanAIR Systems. “Due to our extensive product base and established performance history in emissions control, Caterpillar feels our company has what it takes to become a member of the CAT family. The alliance will increase our market exposure as well as introduce CleanAIR products to Caterpillar dealers around the world.”

The Caterpillar-CleanAIR agreement allows Caterpillar dealers to more effectively meet customers’ stringent air quality requirements by offering a responsive and competitive solution. With the ability to sell CleanAIR’s retrofit systems, CAT dealers can now offer a customized product for a specific application, along with the latest in product technology. The Caterpillar dealer network also has direct access to dedicated online product support through the CleanAIR CAT Dealer Web Portal recently developed by CleanAIR Systems as part of the company’s joint marketing effort with Caterpillar. Future ventures include a traveling product demonstration and regional dealer events.

The relationship between CAT and CleanAIR Systems is part of a long-term strategy that combines the strengths of both companies, creating a formidable team to deliver cost-effective solutions to customers’ increasingly complex emissions challenges.

For more information, visit CleanAIR Systems at http://www.cleanairsys.com/.

About CleanAIR Systems:
Established in 1993, CleanAIR Systems is a technology-based corporation manufacturing emissions control systems with worldwide distribution. CleanAIR’s products are designed to control air pollution such as diesel particulate matter and NOx, for internal combustion engines and gas turbines. Visit CleanAIR Systems online at http://www.cleanairsys.com/.

About Caterpillar:
For more than 80 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making progress possible and driving positive and sustainable change on every continent. With 2007 sales and revenues of $44.952 billion, Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas turbines. The company also is a leading services provider through Caterpillar Financial Services, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Services, Caterpillar Logistics Services and Progress Rail Services. More information is available at http://www.cat.com/.

No Time to Idle: Emission and Idling Reduction Technologies for EPA 2010

North American heavy duty truck manufacturers seek to position themselves as global leaders in green technology and as a result market participants have made concerted efforts to develop innovative emission reduction technologies and solutions. Currently, market participants face imminent industry regulations that address issues ranging from diesel engine emissions to idling. The implementation of these regulations will offer market participants an opportunity to leverage their technological innovations by introducing products and solutions that ensure compliance as well as demonstrate a return on investment.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Strategic Analysis of Emission and Idling Reduction Technologies for EPA 2010 and Idling Regulations Compliance, observes that as global emission regulations tighten in an effort to reduce global warming and fossil fuel reliance, the market for emission and idling reduction technologies will experience considerable growth.

“Stricter environmental regulations, growing generic competition and spiraling R&D costs have caused the North American heavy-duty truck industry to pay closer attention to the impending emission and idling reduction regulations,” notes Frost & Sullivan Program Manager Sandeep Kar.

The implementation of these regulations will incite market participants to offer the most feasible and pertinent emission reduction solutions at attractive price-points. Moreover, escalating fuel efficiency concerns, foreign oil dependency, air quality deterioration, global warming and noise pollution concerns will continue to spur regulations as well as demand for emission reduction technologies.

Regulators and public interest groups scrutinize heavy trucks due to their immense weight, large dimensions, power requirements, emissions and the valuable goods they haul. The current regulatory environment related to emission reduction offers market participants an opportunity to create new revenue streams by developing innovative solutions. These regulations offer opportunities for market participants to develop hardware systems that reduce emissions as well as services and applications that enable regulation compliance monitoring.

However, the high up-front and lifecycle costs of most emission reduction solutions represent major marketing challenges for developers. Moreover, several fleet operators have opted to wait until core and enabling technologies mature before making decisions regarding emission reduction technologies.

“Market participants have to identify and invest in the most pertinent technologies among a vast array of emerging technologies that can facilitate the development of solutions offering sustainable revenue growth opportunities,” says Kar. “The challenge is to not only develop and introduce such technologies and solutions, but also to do so at the lowest incremental cost.”
The current situation demands concerted efforts by all stakeholders to develop standardized technology platforms that can spawn innovative and cost-effective emission reduction solutions. The development and introduction of harmonized engines, aftertreatment systems and idling reduction solutions will likely benefit end users by providing an attractive return on investment for regulatory compliance technologies.

Additionally, industry participants and consumers must act collaboratively to ensure collective action aimed at increasing adoption of emission reduction technologies. Vertical integration activities, such as OEM partnerships for the development and introduction of advanced emission reduction technologies will also increase adoption.

Strategic Analysis of Emission and Idling Reduction Technologies for EPA 2010 and Idling Regulations Compliance, is part of the Automotive & Transportation Growth Partnership Service program, which also includes research in the following markets: heavy truck technologies, advanced automotive technologies, and automotive aftermarket technologies.

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Frost & Sullivan

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More on diesel particulate filters for off-road vehicles and stationary engines

air pollution
diesel emissions

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.

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San Francisco Chronicle

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About diesel particulate filters for on- and off-road vehicles

diesel pollution

Technical Sales Position Opening in Emissions Control

CleanAIR Systems, the sponsor of the AirZone Blog, has an opening for the following job position:

Technical Sales - Progressive manufacturing company, CleanAIR Systems, located in Santa Fe, NM seeks a technical sales person to become a part of our sales team. We are a fast-growing company developing cutting edge technology in the emissions control industry and are looking for someone with technical expertise to maintain and enhance our presence in both domestic and international markets. Applicants must possess a Bachelors degree in a technical field and be willing to travel. Position is full-time with great benefits. Salary DOE. Please visit our website at www.cleanairsys.com for a full description of our product line. Resumes should be sent to portega@cleanairsys.com

What About Diesels?

Last week GM vice-chairman Bob Lutz released a video on the GM FastLane Blog addressing the many inquiries sent to GM about the return of diesel cars to the American marketplace. His reply was confusing.

Lutz explains “Do not assume that the diesel engine is a panacea and is going to make everyone get to a fleet of 36 miles per gallon.”

He continues with the following points:
- Although diesel vehicles traditionally get on average 30% better fuel mileage than gasoline, they have increased emissions.

- In order for diesel cars to be sold in the US they will need to meet strict emissions standards involving more emissions control technology to reduce NOx. Each state’s regulations will vary, with California and the Northeastern states requiring much higher standards.

- The additional technology will add about $2,000 to the price tag of a diesel car.

- The new technology (SCR) will require the injection of urea, adding more hassle for car owners.

- Emissions control technology will reduce the fuel efficiency of diesel engines to only 15% above gasoline engines.

After this discussion of the problems involved with re-introducing diesel vehicles to the U.S., Lutz veers 180 degrees from this position and assures the American public, that indeed, GM is working on developing diesel cars that will soon be available in all 50 states – even in ultra-strict California.

To add to the confusion, CNNMoney.com contacted GM’s Executive Director for diesel technology, Charlie Freese, for comment. Mr. Freese believes fuel efficiency will only drop 5%, still placing the new diesel using ultra-low diesel fuel (to dramatically reduce sulfur) and fitted with emissions control technology to reduce particulate and NOx, at around 25% better fuel economy than a gasoline engine.

And then there’s an editorial by Drew Winter in the July issue of Ward’s Auto World that states the following:
- 50% of new vehicles sold in Europe are diesel powered and get approximately 30% better fuel economy than gasoline powered cars.
- European governments have encouraged the purchase of diesel vehicles by lowering diesel fuel taxes.
- Europe mandated ultra-low sulfur diesel long before the U.S., allowing for cleaner diesel emissions.
- The U.S. will never come close to Europe’s achievements without offering tax incentives for the purchase of diesel vehicles, as well as changing consumer behavior by raising taxes on gasoline.

Commentary by CleanAIR Systems, manufacturer of emissions control technology:

Our country imports more emissions control technology than we export. Creating, solving and inventing new ways to clean up vehicle emissions should be at the very forefront of our country’s technological goals, establishing the U.S. as a leader in this market.

The emissions control industry began in the 1970’s. If we had developed better, cleaner diesel vehicles 35 years ago, we would have decreased the amount of fuel used in cars by 30%. This would have reduced our emissions, reduced the amount of fuel burned, and reduced our dependency on foreign oil.

Innovative emissions control technology takes passion, persistence and the ability to change the norm with new and better ideas that create a cleaner environment.

See the Source:
GM FastLane Blog
CNNMoney.com
Ward’s Auto World
CleanAIR Systems

current issues
diesel cars

Cleaning Up Emissions with New CleanAIR Filter/Silencer

Leading emissions control manufacturer, CleanAIR Systems introduces a new addition to their line of diesel particulate filter products, the PERMIT Filter/Silencer, designed to reduce exhaust emissions from prime power and emergency generators. Facilities using gensets for power generation are already familiar with silencers installed to lessen engine noise. With the enforcement of stringent pollution regulations, generator owners also need emissions control technology along with sound attenuation to meet demanding air quality laws. The PERMIT Filter/Silencer incorporating CleanAIR’s CARB verified PERMIT Filter, meets both requirements.

Available for all stationary engine sizes, CleanAIR’s PERMIT Filter/Silencer is installed on the exhaust of a generator, eliminating visible black smoke, diesel odor and noise while the engine is running. Emissions of particulate matter are substantially reduced by more than 85% and emissions of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons by up to 99%.

“Keeping our customer in mind, we designed our PERMIT Filter/Silencer specifically to fit facilities that need to reduce emissions and sound,” explained CleanAIR Sales Engineer, Daniel Serrano. “By combining our diesel particulate filters with a silencer, the customer no longer needs two separate units that take up a lot of space. Our PERMIT Filter/Silencer does the job of both by eliminating emissions while at the same time providing sound reduction. It also reduces the overall cost.”

Manufactured using 304 stainless steel, the PERMIT Filter/Silencer is custom designed to fit each application. Utilizing CleanAIR’s integrated approach, the product is entirely designed and manufactured in-house, including: product design; flow, stress and sound modeling; filter catalyzation; and custom fabrication of the silencer shell. Each PERMIT Filter/Silencer is fully insulated to reduce heat loss and provide sound attenuation.

The stainless steel silencer is corrosion-resistant, thereby extending the life of the product. Using stainless steel also reduces the product’s total weight by up to 50% over silencers currently on the market constructed of mild steel, allowing for easier installation.

“We looked at silencer designs already on the market and knew we could design a better, more efficient product that also incorporated our CARB verified PERMIT Filters,” concluded Michael Roach, President of CleanAIR Systems. “It was a real group effort with our engineering, manufacturing and technical sales staff all offering input as to what our customers wanted in an emissions control product. Our team designed a premium product using stainless steel construction, incorporating our PERMIT Filters and still maintained a comparable price advantage. In this way all facilities from schools and hospitals to power generation plants can afford to install a better emissions control product.”

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The CleanAIR PERMIT Filter/Silencer

Watch a video to see how the PERMIT Filter/Silencer works

emissions control
particle pollution
clean air

EPA Awards Clean Air Excellence Awards

Thirteen businesses, organizations and individuals were chosen from 75 applicants from around the country, to receive the EPA's 7th Annual Clean Air Excellence Awards present on Wednesday for outstanding accomplishments in reducing air emissions.

"Congratulations to the winners of the 7th annual Clean Air Excellence Awards. One should never underestimate the power of American innovation," said William L. Wehrum, acting assistant administrator for Air and Radiation. "These original ideas and cutting-edge projects embody our nation's unwavering commitment to cleaner, healthier air."

The Clean Air Excellence Awards program recognizes and honors outstanding, innovative efforts in achieving cleaner air. Awards are given in five categories: clean air technology, community action, education/outreach, regulatory/policy innovations and transportation efficiency innovations. Two additional special awards are presented for visionary programs and individual achievement.

Established in 2000 at the recommendation of the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee, a senior-level policy committee that advises EPA on implementing the Clean Air Act.

Clean Air Technology
Eli Lilly Co. (Lafayette, Ind.) - Development of the Xact™ Multi-Metal CEMS
Environmental Safety Solutions, LLC (New York, N.Y.) - Enviroboot
Leak Surveys Inc. (Early, Texas) - The "HAWK" Leak Detection System
Railpower Hybrid Corp. (Erie, Pa.) - Railpower Switching Locomotives: Ultra Clean Power

Community Action
Cherokee Nation Environmental Programs (Tahlequah, Okla.) - Cherokee Nation Clean Air
Program
Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District (Louisville, Ky.) - Strategic Toxic Air Reduction(STAR) Program

Education/Outreach
City of Lawton & Evergreen Productions Inc. (Lawton, Okla.) - Carpool Crazy
Mothers for Clean Air (Houston, Texas) - Ozone Theater: Setting the Stage for Air Pollution Education

Regulatory/Policy Innovations
Environmental Services (Minneapolis, Minn.) - City of Minneapolis Sustainability Initiative
New Jersey Meadowlands Commission (Lyndhurst, N.J.) - Emissions Reductions, Green Building & Renewable Energy

Transportation Efficiency Innovations
Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (Springfield, Ore.) - Everybody Wins

Gregg Cooke Visionary Program Award
3M (St. Paul, Minn.) - 3M's Sustainability Program Reduces Air Emissions Worldwide

Thomas W. Zosel Outstanding Individual Achievement Award
Ron Harris, Former County Judge (Collin County, Texas)

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For complete information on this year's recipients of the Clean Air Excellence Awards

air pollution

clean air

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.

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Reuters

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

Ports Put Forth Plan to Slash Air Pollution

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

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

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

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

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LATimes.com

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

Air Quality for 2008 Beijing Olympics

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

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

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

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Argonne National Laboratory

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

Corning Filters on Hyundai-Kia Clean Diesel Cars

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

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

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

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

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

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Corning

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How Corning filters are used at CleanAIR Systems

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.

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Earthjustice

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About diesel catalytic converters for stationary engines

Cut Air Pollution … Or Else!

The EPA has finalized rules instructing 39 areas in 20 states to drastically reduce air pollution levels of fine particulate matter by 2010. The source of most particulate pollution is power plants, cars, trucks and heavy equipment. The EPA requirements include the use of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel, the introduction of clean diesel trucks and buses, the Clean Air Nonroad Diesel Rule to reduce emissions produced by off-road diesel vehicles, and the Clean Air Interstate Rule to reduce particulate matter (PM) from power plant emissions.

Under the Clean Air Act, states must have a plan in place by April of 2008, and designated areas must reduce fine particles to 1997 air quality levels by 2010. Approximately 88 million people in urban areas live with high levels air pollution containing fine particles, which have been linked to heart and lung disease, as well as premature death.

But Clean air advocate, Frank O’Donnell of Clean Air Watch believes that the finalized rules are a “flagrant gift to the electric power industry” because power plants can comply to regulations by purchasing credits through the “cap-and-trade” program and not physically reduce their emissions.

It is estimated that power plants already need to invest $50 billion to install new technology to bring emissions into compliance with the air quality standards for reduction of sulfur dioxide (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

Another contingency is that counties with the highest levels of fine particulate matter could receive a five year extension, delaying their attainment until 2015.

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EPA

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How diesel particulate matter impacts health and the environment

Fresno: Clean and Green

The City of Fresno, CA has earned national recognition from the DOE and EPA for instituting progressive measures in making the city “clean and green”.

City Mayor, Alan Autry says, “There are external standards in place to ensure compliance. We have an internal set of goals that more beyond compliance toward commitment – commitment to clean air initiatives and a commitment to being environmental stewards.”

The City of Fresno now boasts one of the largest clean fleets in California’s Central Valley, containing a total of 362 clean-air vehicles including:
- 54 Compress Natural Gas Transit Buses
- 72 Liquid Natural Gas Refuse Trucks
- 46 Hybrid Cars and Pickups
- 131 Diesel Vehicles retrofitted with emissions control technology
- 1 Class 7 Liquid Natural Gas “Plug-in” Electric Hybrid Truck (first of its kind)

The Municipal Service Center, where much of the fleet is parked, utilizes solar power from the 4,557 solar panels installed on the roof. The solar system is expected to have a 30-year life span and substantially reduce pollutants that would have otherwise been emitted by traditional power sources. The solar panels also help out during peak power hours by producing an increase in energy and lessening the load on local power grids.

Fresno City Council President Henry T. Perea emphasized, "More and more cities across the nation are recognizing their role in protecting the environment. Fresno has demonstrated its leadership in this regard and is pushing a progressive agenda to utilize more and greener technologies. Our efforts over the last several years have placed Fresno on the map of environmental innovation, and we have just begun."

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City of Fresno

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About emissions control technology to retrofit diesel engines

TV Truck Designers Partner With EPA to Help Truckers Save Money, Reduce Emissions

Keep on Truckin' While Cutting Fuel Costs, Protecting Environment

Washington, D.C. -- March 20, 2007 -- EPA's SmartWay Transport Partnership and the "Chrome Shop Mafia" have teamed up to help truck drivers save on fuel costs and cut air pollution. The Mafia, a nationally recognized crew of truck designers and custom fabricators, restore and upgrade older big rigs on Country Music Television's "Trick My Truck" show.

"Partnering with this well-known group helps EPA reach out to truckers, assisting them with understanding the financial and environmental advantages of our SmartWay program," said Bill Wehrum, EPA's acting assistant administrator for Air and Radiation.

SmartWay's kits are combinations of EPA-endorsed fuel- and emissions-savings technologies that can improve truck fuel efficiency up to 15 percent, saving more than $8,000 in fuel costs annually. The environment also benefits: These products significantly decrease harmful diesel emissions and reduce exposure to contaminants that might adversely affect the health of drivers and the general public.

Both EPA's SmartWay program and 4 State Trucks, an equipment retail outlet and service center in Joplin, Mo., that serves as headquarters for the Mafia, will begin marketing SmartWay Upgrade Kits this Thursday through Saturday at the Mid-America Trucking Show at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. Next month, 4 State Trucks will begin selling and installing SmartWay Upgrade Kits will also showcase the products on its Web site. The kits cost between $8,500 and $25,000, depending on the technologies selected for installation. Individual components can be purchased and installed for as little as $800. Truckers may obtain financing from the U.S. Small Business Administration to pay for the upgrades.

The kit typically ends up saving truckers more money than it costs, even during a loan-repayment period. For example, an upgrade kit consisting of an auxiliary power unit, single-wide tires, and trailer aerodynamics could be purchased for about $16,500. With a five-year loan at 12 percent annual interest, the cost would be about $367 per month while producing an estimated $636 in monthly fuel savings. That represents a gain of $269 per month, or $16,140 over the five-year period.

The SmartWay Transport Partnership is an innovative program developed by EPA and freight-industry representatives to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution, and to promote cleaner, more efficient ground freight transportation.

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EPA Smartway upgrade kits and financing

Cleantech 2007 Call for Venture & Partner Award Set at $10,000

Call for Venture & Partnering Presentations Now Open for Cleantech 2007, May 23-24, 2007 in Santa Clara, Calif.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TechConnect.org, producers of Cleantech 2007, today announced the Cleantech 2007 Ventures & Partner awards.

“Clean and sustainable technologies reflect the ability for innovators to bring together new perspectives and new technologies to improve today’s products, services and manufacturing processes. By making these awards, Cleantech wants to showcase leading-edge companies, as well as their go to market strategies,” said Matthew Laudon, Executive Director of TechConnect.org.

The Cleantech 2007 Ventures & Partnering Presentation Awards acknowledge business plan and partnering presentations that contribute to the goal of accelerating the flow of clean technologies to the viable market phase. The Awards are a part of the Cleantech 2007 conference, a multi-disciplinary and multi-sector conference on global sustainability addressing advancements in traditional technologies, emerging technologies and clean business practices.

The Cleantech 2007 Ventures & Partnering Presentation Awards will applaud commercialization achievements within these technology areas:

Renewable Energy
Enabling Transmission, Geothermal, Hydro, Photovoltaics, Solar Thermal, Wave, Wind

Clean Technologies
Clean Burning Fuels, Electric Vehicles, Fuel Cells, Hybrid Electric, Hydrogen, Zero Emissions, Pollution Reduction

Bio Energy
Biodiesel, Biofuels, Biomass

Novel Technologies

Advanced Materials, Biomimetics, Catalysts, Construction Materials, Distributed Power, Emerging Fuels, Energy Efficiency, Fuel Additives, Microreactors, Microturbines, Nanotechnology, Smart Grid

Environmental
Bioremediation, Desalination, Phytoremediation, Recycling, Smart Fertilizers, Waste, Water Purification, Water Treatment

Traditional Industries - Clean & Green Advancements
Agriculture, Automotive, Building, Chemical, Coal, Food, Nuclear, Oil & Gas, Paper, Semiconductor, Transportation

Cleantech 2007 has officially opened its Call for Venture Presenters submissions. Cleantech will be held May 23-24, 2007, at Santa Clara, Calif.

Judges will select the winner from proposals submitted to speak at Cleantech 2007. The deadline to apply for the Cleantech 2007 Venture Award Presentations is March 10, 2007. To submit or learn more visit: http://www.techconnect.org/Cleantech2007/participate/Venture/

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Cleantech 2007

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About current clean technology to reduce diesel and power plant emissions from CleanAIR Systems

EPA awards $94,876 grant to American Lung Association for Chicago Clean School Bus project

CHICAGO (Feb. 15, 2007) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has awarded a $94,876 grant to the American Lung Association for a project to cut diesel emissions from school buses in the Chicago metropolitan area.

EPA said the grant will be used to retrofit 43 buses in school districts in Green Oaks, Mundelein, Grayslake and Ingleside with equipment that will reduce diesel emissions.

"Breathing diesel exhaust is not good for anyone, especially children with asthma," said Regional Administrator Mary A. Gade. "EPA is working with the American Lung Association to upgrade buses so students can breathe cleaner air and live healthier lives."

The grant is part of EPA's Clean School Bus USA program. The goal of the program is to reduce children's exposure to diesel exhaust and the amount of air pollution created by diesel school buses. School buses are the safest way for children to get to school. However, pollution from the diesel vehicles has health implications for everyone, especially children.

Launched in April 2003, Clean School Bus USA brings together partners from business, education, transportation and public health organizations to eliminate unnecessary school bus idling, to retrofit buses and to replace the oldest buses with new, less polluting buses.

Diesel emissions contain large amounts of nitrogen oxides and fine particles (soot). Nitrogen oxides are precursors of ozone (smog), which is a lung irritant, and fine particles can aggravate respiratory and heart diseases. Fine particles can also impact lung function and structure.

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Clean School Bus USA

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How diesel emissions can be reduced using diesel oxidation catalysts

EPA awards $50,000 grant to Wisconsin Department of Commerce for Clean-Diesel project

CHICAGO (Feb. 15, 2007) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has awarded a $50,000 grant to the Wisconsin Department of Commerce for a project to cut emissions from heavy-duty diesel trucks that operate in Wisconsin.

"Heavy duty trucks are the workhorses of our transportation economy," said EPA Region 5 Administrator Mary A. Gade. "This grant will help truckers reduce air pollution in the communities they serve."

EPA said the grant will be used to upgrade up to 25 trucks with emission reduction equipment. Cost per truck ranges from about $2,000 for diesel oxidation catalysts to about $12,000 for diesel particulate filters.

The grant is part of Region 5's Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative, a collaboration of federal, state and local agencies, along with communities, non-profit organizations and private companies working together to reduce emissions from diesel engines in the Midwest. MCDI estimates there are more than 3 million engines in the Midwest that would benefit from new pollution-reduction technology.

The retrofits will complement the state's idle reduction grant program that provides funds to install an alternative source of power to heat, cool or provide electricity to the cab or other parts of the truck. This lets the trucker shut down the main engine to save fuel and cut diesel emissions.

Diesel emissions contain large amounts of nitrogen oxides and fine particles (soot). Nitrogen oxides are precursors of ground-level ozone (smog), which is a lung irritant, and fine particles can aggravate respiratory and heart diseases. Fine particles can also impact lung function and structure.

More information on MCDI is at http://www.epa.gov/midwestcleandiesel/.

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EPA

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About retrofitting diesel vehicles with diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filters

Excerpt from “Corning Outlines Growth Businesses”

Diesel Products

“We are expecting significant growth in our diesel products business in 2007, driven by our leadership position in the U.S. heavy-duty vehicle market and continued expansion into the light-duty business,” Thomas R. Hinman, senior vice president and general manager, Corning Diesel Technologies, will tell investors. “We believe we can grow our diesel products revenue by more than 60 percent this year and have the potential to realize $500 million to $600 million in revenue by 2010.”

Hinman will remind investors that new U.S. diesel engine standards that went into effect on January 1, 2007 require all heavy-duty engines to utilize a filter system solution that will greatly reduce particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. “Global emissions regulations will continue to tighten and drive demand for our advanced diesel products solutions,” he will say.

“This is a milestone year as heavy duty represents the first significant growth opportunity for our diesel business," Hinman will point out. “We expect another wave of growth as the U.S., Europe and Japan implement more stringent emissions standards for light-duty and heavy-duty applications. Non-road vehicles represent a third revenue opportunity at the end of this decade. We believe Corning is well positioned to lead in all three areas,” he will tell investors.

“We expect the market opportunity could reach $900 million for each of the heavy-duty and light-duty diesel application segments by 2012. In looking at this on a projected product value basis, the global opportunity for heavy duty is expected to be approximately $340 per vehicle this year, and may reach as much as $475 per vehicle by 2012,” Hinman will add.

See the Source:

Corning

Find out:
How CleanAIR Systems uses Corning cordierite ceramic filters to reduce diesel emissions.

Stricter Pollution Control Regulations Drive Industrial Air Pollution Control Market in Southeast Asia

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the new Frost & Sullivan Report "Southeast Asian Industrial Air Pollution Control Equipment Markets" to their offering.

This Frost & Sullivan research service titled Southeast Asian Industrial Air Pollution Control Equipment Market provides overview of and forecasts for the APCE markets in the region along with a complete analysis of drivers, restraints, and market trends that are influencing the revenues of the industrial air pollution control equipment markets. In this research service, Frost & Sullivan´s expert analysts thoroughly examine the following applications: ESP, fabric filter, and scrubbers.

Market Sectors
Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examine the following market sectors in this research:
By End User Verticals:
- Power plants
- Chemicals and petrochemicals
- Cement
- Steel and metal smelters
- Oil refineries
- Technologies

The following technologies are covered in this research:
- Electrostatic precipitator
- Fabric filters
- Scrubbers

Market Overview:
Stricter Pollution Control Regulations Drive Industrial Air Pollution Control Market in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is seeing a new wave of regulations and stringent implementation of legislation aimed at controlling the increasing levels of industrial pollution, which is driving growth in the industrial air pollution control equipment (APCE) market. Since tourism is a key industry in countries of this region, they need to sustain their attraction for tourists by offering a cleaner, pollution-free environment, which translates into better enforcement of installation of APCE in stationary emitting facilities. The presence of innovations in air pollution control such as the agglomerator, which captures fine particulates of size 2.5 microns, is likely to bring about further changes in legislation for particulate matter. This is also likely to activate a new wave of filters and electrostatic precipitator (ESP) sales.

Increasing medical costs due to the emission of harmful industrial pollutants have also contributed to this proactive move to control industrial pollution, thus creating a surge in the APCE market. Emissions from factories have contaminated the ambient air, necessitating some strong steps to clean up the air. This is made more significant as chemicals accumulating in the atmosphere come down as acid rain or cause a number of respiratory and cardio-vascular diseases. Such chemical pollution-related health hazards are costing Southeast Asia an estimated $18.40 billion a year in medical expenses and lost productivity, thus creating a vast market for APCE, says the analyst of this research service.

Overseas Investments to Set Quality Standards for Domestic Companies
Overseas manufacturers are finding it easy to participate in Southeast Asian countries due to low tariffs on imports and tax incentives. Most of these foreign companies have the financial strength to invest in R&D initiatives. They have brand recognition and can leverage from economies of scale as well as bigger marketing budgets, which help product penetration in the market. Domestic firms, in many cases, lose out in this aspect. They also face issues of technological inefficiency and inability to cut through bureaucracy or offer proactive maintenance and after-sales services.

On the other hand, domestic APCE companies have traditionally not been very enthusiastic participants due to the constraints of initial capital costs in R&D, development, and installation of APCE as well as intellectual property rights (IPR) issues. After the entry of foreign companies, domestic enterprises in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Taiwan have started installing filters, ESPs, and scrubbers at low costs, notes the analyst. Although these low-priced equipment do not provide the longevity or the quality that bigger brands offer, they have been able to establish a market of their own. This grey market is now posing a challenge to overseas suppliers, as companies in this space need to invest less in terms of the production of emission trapping equipment, geographic diversification, and product advertisement, thus benefiting from easier market positioning.

See the Source:
Research and Markets

Find out:
How out about Particulate Filters and Selective Catalytic Reduction manufactured by CleanAIR Systems

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

EPA Kicks Off Midwest Clean Diesel Leadership Program

CHICAGO, Jan. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 hosted the first meeting of its Midwest Clean Diesel Leadership Group today in Chicago. The group of 32 public-sector and private- industry organizations shares the goal of cutting emissions from one million diesel engines in the region by 2010.

The Leadership Group is co-chaired by Cummins Inc., Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Ohio Environmental Council and EPA Region 5.

"EPA helped form the Leadership Group to accelerate efforts toward cleaner air," said EPA Region 5 Administrator Mary A. Gade. "Cleaning up diesel emissions in this country will take a concerted, collaborative effort of public and private organizations, and this group will bring greater visibility, energy and resources to this effort."

"From schoolchildren to truck drivers, millions of Americans are exposed everyday to dangerous emissions from America's aging fleet of diesel-powered vehicles and heavy equipment," said Staci R. Putney McLennan, director of clean air programs at the Ohio Environmental Council. "The good news is that cost-effective pollution-control technologies are available. We look forward to collaborating with industry and government representatives to tackle this important challenge."

"We look forward to sharing the strategies and approaches we have used in Illinois with our colleagues from other Midwestern states," said Illinois EPA Director Doug Scott. "We are also interested in learning about strategies others have found effective, as well as how we all can maximize the clean air benefits from the ongoing technological advances."

"This initiative is about fostering a collaborative environment where we all work together for cleaner communities," said Brian Mormino, director of government relations for Cummins Inc. "Cummins is pleased to step forward with our public and private partners to lead this effort. We have made a significant investment to meet EPA's emissions standards for new engines and know that we can accomplish much more by leveraging our relationships to address those already in operation today."

EPA created the Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative to reduce emissions from older, existing diesel engines not covered by EPA's stringent standards for cleaner fuels and new, cleaner engines. MCDI estimates that more than 3 million diesel engines in the Midwest would benefit from the use of cleaner fuels and idle-reduction and diesel-retrofit technologies and strategies. These include rebuilding, re-powering, replacing, refueling and retrofitting these engines with emission control devices. Already, the public-private partnership has undertaken more than $30 million in projects, affecting 350,000 engines, and reducing air pollution by more than 3.5 million pounds per year.

Diesel emissions contain large amounts of nitrogen oxides and fine particles (soot). Nitrogen oxides are precursors of ozone (smog), which is a lung irritant, and fine particles can aggravate respiratory and heart diseases. EPA has found that fine particles from diesel engines are a leading public health risk in the Midwest.

Quotes from the Midwest Clean Diesel Leadership Group

“New clean diesel technology completely changes the way people view diesel. The Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative is taking the lead to increase the adoption of clean diesel technologies to dramatically reduce emissions by 90 percent in older trucks and buses.”
Patrick Charbonneau, Vice President of Government Relations International Truck and Engine Corporation

“We are pleased and honored to be a part of this group and share its focus on partnership and real, measurable environmental and health outcomes for the region. This kind of recognition and support by EPA is especially critical for Minnesota proactively to stay ahead of air quality problems and to comply with all federal air quality standards. We applaud EPA's foresight and dedication in launching this comprehensive effort to address a major regional air quality problem like diesel emissions.”
Bill Droessler, Clean Air Minnesota Director Minnesota Environmental Initiative

“As the crossroads of America, Indiana has a significant interest in improving air quality while facilitating the increased movement of goods necessary for our growing economy. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management is honored to be part of the Midwest Clean Diesel Leadership Group. The initiative is an excellent example of a public/private partnership to harness the power of the marketplace to improve both the economy and the environment in Indiana and the entire Midwest.”
Thomas Easterly, Commissioner Indiana Department of Environmental Management

“Our partners are making a difference in the Midwest in improving the quality of life by reducing air pollution.”
Carl Lisek, South Shore Clean Cities Inc.

“The diesel industry is proud to be an active participant in the Midwest Clean Diesel Leadership Group. The diversity of supporters stepping forward to join together for this program speaks volumes about the universal agreement that cleaner diesel means cleaner air for all of us, and the industry is committed to doing its part. Opportunities for upgrading the existing diesel fleet are now greater than ever, and diesel retrofit programs have proven time and again to be one of the most cost-effective ways we can reduce diesel emissions, help improve air quality and promote environmental progress.”
Allen Schaeffer, Executive Director Diesel Technology Forum

“The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency recognizes the importance of cleaning up diesel emissions and working in partnership with businesses and stakeholders to voluntarily reduce diesel emissions with a number of actions. As a state focused on maintaining attainment of air quality standards, strategic partnerships are the focus for gaining air quality improvement. For example, as a major partner along with several businesses and stakeholder groups, the MPCA helped establish, promote and support Clean Air Minnesota's Project Green Fleet which will retrofit 500 diesel school buses, reducing harmful particulates 30 percent by the end of 2007.”
David Thornton, Assistant Commissioner for Air Policy Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

“Continuing to release harmful diesel particulate matter into the air when available, cost-effective technologies can nearly eliminate this environmental health problem is unacceptable. The American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago is pleased to join the Midwest Clean Diesel Group in its efforts to quickly reduce soot pollution in order to protect the most vulnerable populations: children with developing lungs, the elderly and those suffering from pulmonary diseases.”
Brian Urbaszewski, Director of Environmental Health Programs American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago

“The American Lung Association supports the advancement and promotion of cleaner traditional and alternative fuels because the reduction in toxic petroleum components is good for lung health and the environment.”
Harold Wimmer, President and CEO
American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest

See the Source:
EPA – Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative

Find out:
How soot and fine particulate matter can be substantially reduced with CleanAIR diesel particulate filters.

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.

New Mexico Company Exhibiting at International Conference

Santa Fe, NM – November 1, 2006 – When you flip on a switch, do you know where your electricity comes from? Or what kind of environmental impact it has on the earth? Many of us take for granted how electricity is generated, the fuel used in the process of generation and the pollution produced as a result of burning this fuel. For those attending Power-Gen International 2006 in Orlando, Florida from November 28-30, the focus is all about the where, when and how of power generation. For one New Mexico company, it will be an opportunity to present their state-of-the-art emissions control technology to an international audience.

CleanAIR Systems designs, tests, and manufactures equipment to substantially reduce air pollution produced by vehicles, stationary engines and power plants. For the past four years, a major part of CleanAIR’s business has been helping power plants, hospitals and companies using diesel stationary generators as a back-up power supply, to decrease their emissions of particulate matter (black smoke), carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. Most recently CleanAIR Systems has developed technology to also reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides or NOx. A major problem in the fight against air pollution and global warming, NOx is produced by all power generation plants that burn fuel to make electricity (coal, natural gas, diesel, and even biodiesel).
As an exhibitor at Power-Gen, CleanAIR Systems will present their emissions control technology to over 16,000 attendees from all parts of the globe. Billed as the world’s largest conference on power generation, the exhibition will also boast 1,000 exhibitors representing the full scope of this market segment from coal-fired power plants to solar energy. According to the Power-Gen website, “Power-Gen International focuses on educating the industry on key trends and technologies impacting power generation, including operation, maintenance, construction, upgrading and design of natural gas and coal plants, plus renewable energy alternatives. Exhibits feature the latest in power products and technologies.”

Established in 1993, CleanAIR Systems, Inc. located in Santa Fe, NM, is a technology-based corporation manufacturing emissions control systems with worldwide distribution. Their products are designed to control air pollution for on- and off-road vehicles, as well as stationary machinery and power generation.