Republicans Boycott Senate Review of Bush Environmental Record

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing on September 24th to review the Bush administration's record on public health and environmental matters, but it was conducted in the absence of Ranking Member Senator James Inhofe of Oklahoma, a Republican and former chair of the committee.

Senator Inhofe was not ill or out of town, he boycotted the hearing, and he asked the two government witnesses scheduled to honor his objection. Neither one attended the hearing nor did any of the Republican committee members.

Inhofe's spokesman Marc Morano said this is the first time the senator has objected to an Environment and Public Works Committee hearing. "Senator Inhofe's actions were in response to the Majority's refusal to grant a single Minority requested hearing this entire 110th Congress, despite numerous requests," said Morano.

Sierra Club Executive Director Carl Pope told the committee, the administration's attempts to dismantle environmental protections have been thwarted by the checks and balances written into the U.S. Constitution.

"The good news is that little of the Bush administration's affirmative environmental agenda has survived the challenges our system of checks and balances makes possible - Congress, the Courts, the states, and direct intervention by the public has undone most of the legal damage which the Administration sought to do," Pope said.

"The entire edifice of administration policy on clean air lies shattered in judicial smithereens - and in its place a vigorous, state based air quality protection structure is being put in place in much, but sadly not all, of the country," said Pope.

To read the entire news report, go to: Environment News.

2008 Report on the Environment: Highlights of National Trends

EPA today released the "2008 Report on the Environment: Highlights of National Trends" (2008 ROE HD), which provides the American people with an important resource for better understanding trends in our nation's health and environment. The report is intended for a general audience and summarizes highlights of the more comprehensive "EPA's 2008 Report on the Environment," which was released in May, and provided the scientific and technical information. Together the two reports present national environmental trends and inform EPA's strategic planning process with the best available, scientifically sound information.

EPA also launched a new Web site that allows the user to search the full technical report for specific trends in air, water, and land.

See the Source:
2008 ROE HD, ROE and searchabl eROE

June 5th is World Environment Day

Established in 1972 by the United Nations General Assembly, World Environment Day (WED) brings international attention to environmental concerns in the hopes of stimulating public action. Held on June 5th, WED is hosted each year by a different city. This year's event will be held in Wellington, New Zealand with the slogan: Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy.

See the Source:
United Nations Environment Programme

environment

Some Biofuels Might Do More Harm than Good to the Environment

Biofuels based on ethanol, vegetable oil and other renewable sources are increasingly popular with government and environmentalists as a way to reduce fossil fuel dependence and limit greenhouse gas emissions.

But new research led by a biologist at the University of Washington, Bothell, shows that some of the most popular current biofuel stocks might have exactly the opposite impacts than intended. The authors of a paper published in the June issue of the journal Conservation Biology offer a dozen policy recommendations to promote sustainability and biodiversity in biofuel production.

The study looked at factors such as the energy needed to produce a renewable fuel source compared with how much energy is produced, the impact on soil fertility and effects on food supply when fuels based on crops such as corn and soybeans are mixed with fossil fuels. Based on those factors, the authors determined that corn-based ethanol is the worst alternative overall.

"It's foolish to say we should be developing a particular biofuel when that could mean that we’re just replacing one problem with another," said lead author Martha Groom of the UW Bothell. Co-authors are Elizabeth Gray of The Nature Conservancy and Patricia Townsend of the UW Seattle.

The authors argue that precise calculations are needed to determine the ecological footprints of large-scale cultivation of various crops used for biofuels.

They note, for example, that because such large amounts of energy are required to grow corn and convert it to ethanol, the net energy gain of the resulting fuel is modest. Using a crop such as switchgrass, common forage for cattle, would require much less energy to produce the fuel, and using algae would require even less. Changing direction to biofuels based on switchgrass or algae would require significant policy changes, since the technologies to produce such fuels are not fully developed.

The paper's policy suggestions are "not definitive at all," Groom said, "but rather each category calls out a question and is a starting point in trying to find the proper answers."

These concerns are becoming more acute with the rapid rise of both food and fuel prices, she said. The issue is especially touchy for farmers who might for the first time be realizing significant profits on their crops, but it also is a serious concern for motorists.

"I've heard about people getting their gas tanks siphoned, and I hadn't heard of that since the '70s," she said.

A difficulty, Groom said, is that while escalating prices add pressure to find less costly fuel sources, acting too hastily could create a host of other problems. For example, farmers who plant only corn because it is suddenly profitable, and don't rotate with crops such as soybeans, are likely to greatly deplete their soil, which could limit crop growth and promote soil erosion.

Also, some plants are better than others for absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, while others perhaps need more cultivation, which requires more fossil fuel for farm equipment. In addition, fertilization, watering and harvesting all require energy.

The study took about a year to conduct and is a synthesis of peer-reviewed research published in a various journals. The scientists examined the literature looking for indicators of biofuels that are more sustainable and carry a smaller ecological footprint, then used that information to derive the policy recommendations.

The primary audiences for the work are policy makers, students and other biologists, Groom said. The primary goals are to establish a logical basis to evaluate options for biofuel development and to spur new research to find the most ecologically promising alternatives.
"We don't want to make new mistakes. If we don't ask the right questions to start with, we're going to replace old problems with new ones," she said.

Policy Recommendations:
• Calculate a biofuel's ecological footprint
• Promote only biofuels that can be produced sustainably
• Select highly efficient species for biofuels
• Work to minimize land needed for biofuels
• Encourage reclamation of degraded areas
• Prohibit clearing areas for more cultivation
• Promote use of energy crops that require less fertilizer, pesticide and energy
• Promote native and perennial species
• Prohibit use of invasive species
• Promote crop rotation on cultivated lands
• Encourage soil conservation
• Promote only biofuels that are at least net carbon neutral

See the Source:
University of Washington

environment

Tell the EPA What You Think

Ever wanted to tell EPA what you thought on an environmental topic? Each week, you have your chance in the EPA blog, "Greenversations." Each question is an open-ended blog entry; please share your thoughts as comments.

See the Source:
EPA Blog

environment

EPA Launches Environmental Indicators Gateway

On April 9, 2008, the EPA launched the Environmental Indicators Gateway Web site to provide enhanced public access to environmental and health information generated by EPA. Information is presented in the context of "environmental indicators," numerical values that provide insights into the status and trends of environmental and public health conditions over time. The Gateway establishes a single catalog of EPA's indicator work that allows browsing and searching among existing EPA Web sites and indicator materials. The site allows users to browse EPA's environmental indicator reports by geography, topic area, or time period. For each report featured on the site, users can find information on key details of the project including geography, project purpose, contact information, and data quality considerations.

In addition to enhancing public access, the Gateway provides a resource for EPA and other federal agencies and partners to better coordinate their own environmental indicator work. By sharing key information and best practices among existing projects, EPA can improve its ability to generate environmental indicator information in the future. To better accomplish the goals of EPA's Environmental Indicators Initiative, EPA plans further enhancements to the site, which will improve coordination among existing indicator work and provide additional tools for accessing environmental indicators and information across EPA.

See the Source:

EPA - New Environmental Indicators

environment

Lehman Student Receives Award for Research on Asthma in the Bronx

Andrew Maroko, a doctoral student in the Earth and Environmental Science program at the CUNY Graduate Center and Lehman College, received a cash award and a certificate last month for his work on the relationship between pollution and disease in the Bronx. His study shows that more people in the Bronx were exposed to air pollution from major stationary point sources than was previously known.

The award was given at the NOAA-CREST Symposium, held February 20-22 at the University of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez. At the symposium, Maroko presented the paper “Loose-coupling an air dispersion model and a geographic information system (GIS): Asthma and air pollution in the Bronx, New York City.” He coauthored the paper with Prof. Juliana Maantay of Lehman’s Environmental, Geographic and Geological Sciences Department and Jun Tu, also a doctoral candidate in the Earth and Environmental Science program.

The paper describes a set of novel procedures for linking a mathematical pollutant dispersion model and a geographical information system, using asthma and air pollution as a case study to illustrate the new method. The findings will enable health researchers, epidemiologists and others to look more realistically at the relationship between pollution and disease.

“I suppose the simplest thing to say is that there is a statistically significant association between estimated exposure to certain locally emitted airborne pollutants and an increased risk of being hospitalized for asthma,” said Maroko.

See the Source:

CUNY Newswire

Find Out:

How to reduce air pollution with emissions control technology

air pollution

EPA Seeks Public Comment on U.S. Greenhouse Gas Inventory

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking public comment on a draft annual report that analyzes sources of greenhouse gas emissions. The report, Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2006, will be open for public comment for 30 days after the Federal Register notice is published.

The major finding in this year's draft report is that overall emissions during 2006 decreased by 1.5 percent from the previous year. This decrease was due primarily to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions associated with fuel and electricity consumption. Total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2006 were about 7,202 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent. These gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride. Overall, emissions have grown by 14.1 percent from 1990 to 2006 while the U.S. economy has grown by 59 percent over the same period.

The inventory tracks annual greenhouse gas emissions at the national level and presents historical emissions from 1990 to 2006. The inventory also calculates carbon dioxide emissions that are removed from the atmosphere by "sinks," e.g., through the uptake of carbon by forests, vegetation, and soils.

EPA prepares the annual report in collaboration with experts from multiple federal agencies. After responding to public comments, the U.S. government will submit the final inventory report to the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, fulfilling its annual requirement as a party to this international treaty on climate change. The UNFCCC treaty, ratified by the United States in 1992, sets an overall framework for intergovernmental efforts to tackle the challenge posed by climate change.

See the Source:
EPA - information on the draft report and how to submit public comments

EPA Knows More About Children's Health Today Than Ever

New Report Highlights 10 Years of Comprehensive Research

EPA knows more now than ever about children's environmental health and how to create a healthier environment for children. This is the result of a 10-year research effort on children's environmental health highlighted in a new report issued today.

"Understanding potential environmental health risks to children is important to EPA," said George Gray, assistant administrator of EPA's Office of Research and Development. "This research will help us assess and address environmental factors that may affect some of the most vulnerable members of our society."

The report, "A Decade of Children's Environmental Health: Highlights from EPA's Science to Achieve Results Program" focuses on 10 years of research funded or performed by EPA's National Center for Environmental Research's Science to Achieve Results (STAR) grants program.

Some of the major findings of this research include:
- People metabolize pesticides differently based on their genotype; some faster, others slower. This finding is of particular concern during pregnancy, as many babies do not develop the ability to metabolize some pesticides during the first two years of life, putting them at greater risks of health effects.
- Children living close to major roadways in Southern California have a higher risk of asthma.
- EPA’s ban on two household pesticides (diazinon and chlorpyrifos) resulted in a rapid decrease in exposures in New York City. Children born after the ban were also healthier.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) can be effectively implemented in urban areas to reduce both pesticide and allergen triggers.
- Community partners play a critical role in informing, implementing, and translating children’s environmental health research.

The 1997 Federal Executive Order, "Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks," mandated all federal agencies to place a high priority on identifying and assessing risks to children. In 1998, the STAR program, which funds and supports human health, economics, ecology and engineering sciences, launched its own children's health initiative. To date, the program has awarded more than 60 grants and issued more than 10 research solicitations.

The report summarizes research from the STAR children's health program over the past 10 years, highlighting scientific findings in epidemiology, exposure science, genetics, community-based participatory research, interventions, statistics and methods. This body of work has impacted policy in the United States and influenced scientific directions internationally.

See the Source:

EPA - A Decade of Children's Environmental Health

environment

New Web Multimedia Portal Launched on EPA.gov

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today launched its new web multimedia portal: www.epa.gov/multimedia. The multimedia portal is EPA’s one-stop location for environmental video, audio/podcasts, and photography.

The portal also includes interactive features such as “Ask EPA” and the Deputy Administrator's blog, “Flow of the River”. Another feature called "EPA in Action" goes behind-the-scenes; following the diverse jobs performed by the EPA workforce and examines some of the most pressing environmental issues facing our nation today.

Viewing video is integrated into the site using flash player, while photos of events and EPA work will be posted in a series of online galleries. Users may also subscribe to several podcast series or select from a number of individual podcasts featuring EPA experts and senior officials.

This new multimedia portal is an important resource for the public, journalists, academia, local governments and the environmental community. The portal will help increase awareness of important news items through an intuitive, media-rich focus, rather than through traditional electronic print.

environment

Air & Waste Management Association Kicks Off 1st Annual

Competition Offers Students an Opportunity to Tackle a “Real” Environmental Challenge

As part of its 101st Annual Conference & Exhibition, the Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA) is challenging undergraduate and graduate students to try their hands at solving the types of environmental questions faced by professionals in the industry.

“The student Environmental Challenge is a new kind of experience that allows students to showcase their knowledge, discover what types of skills they still need to develop, and potentially catch the eye of industry leaders who manage some of the world’s biggest environmental programs,” said Adrianne Carolla, A&WMA Executive Director. “Our members are excited about how the ECi will allow them to share their experiences and interact with future professionals.”

The ECi requires students to build an interdisciplinary team of no more than five people to study a “true-to-life” environmental problem based on the experiences of A&WMA members. The 2008 problem asks teams to consider how sustainable energy sources could replace a proposed fossil fuel-based Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) power plant in the Pacific Northwest, which was denied a permit. Teams will examine the issues surrounding the problem, discuss approaches to solving its challenges, and draft a presentation that will offer their potential solutions to judges during A&WMA’s Annual Conference & Exhibition in Portland, OR, June 24-27, 2008.

“The ECi committee has done its best to craft a competition that best simulates what environmental professionals face in their work,” said Steve Rybolt of the Port of Seattle, Chairman for A&WMA’s 2008 ECi. “We’ve even engineered a mechanism through which student teams can experience the twists, turns, and unexpected issues that almost always impact projects with environmental consequences.”

Student teams should expect some “late breaking” news on the problem that could require alterations to their proposals. Students will need to network among A&WMA members during the Annual Conference & Exhibition to evaluate the changes to the problem, and modify their presentations.

In addition to offering high-quality exposure to potential employers, student teams are eligible to win more than $15,000 in cash prizes. The ECi is sponsored by URS Corp. and the chapters of A&WMA’s Pacific Northwest International Section. View the detailed problem and read the rules, eligibility requirements, and policies governing the ECI program at http://www.awma.org/ACE2008/eci.htm. For additional information, or for a team application, contact Steve Rybolt at rybolt.s@portseattle.org.

An Opportunity to Network with Industry Leaders
A&WMA’s 101st Annual Conference & Exhibition is the premier networking and development event for environmental professionals. The 2008 annual gathering will feature keynote presentations from Bill Reinert of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A; Will Swopes of Intel Corp., Ernesta Ballard of Weyerhaeuser Corp.; Michael McCracken of The Climate Institute; and William Reilly, former administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and president of the World Wildlife Fund

Student housing is available at Portland State University. Additionally, student teams should check with local A&WMA sections and chapters regarding the availability of funding for students attending the Annual Conference & Exhibition. As part of the Annual Conference & Exhibition, students can submit an abstract for A&WMA’s student poster competition, attend panel discussions and tours designed for new professionals, and tour the exhibit hall. For more details, visit www.awma.org/ACE2008

See the Source:

A&WA - Annual Conference and Exhibition

Aspen Institute Energy and Environment Awards

The Aspen Institute, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering creative thinking and leadership, is now accepting nominations for its first annual Aspen Institute Energy and Environment Awards.

Nomination forms, information and judging criteria for the awards are available at: http://www.energyandenvironmentawards.com/

The award categories include:
- Corporate Energy Generation
- Corporate Energy Conservation
- Individual Thought Leadership
- Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)
- Government Agency

The awards will be presented during a dinner ceremony on March 29 in Aspen, Colorado, at the Aspen Environment Forum, presented by the Aspen Institute and National Geographic.

Information on the Forum is available at: http://www.aspenenvironment.org/

The deadline for award nominations is Feb. 17, 2008.

The awards draw international attention to the organizations and people who are making the biggest strides, acting as leaders, catalysts, and educators in the effort to address global demands for energy and the need to reduce environmental impacts.

This year's competition entails six separate award categories, including corporate energy generation and conservation programs, as well as individual thought leadership in the field of energy and environmental problem solving, with a special emphasis on disruptive solutions that have the potential for widescale application.

In addition, an award will be made to an NGO (non-governmental organization) for its contributions in renewable energy generation, improved efficiency, radical price reductions, or stimulation of new green energy markets in developing countries.

A separate award will go to a government entity for encouraging renewable energy generation or efficiency and/or its pursuit of other significant new policies that advance energy and environmental goals.

See the Source:

The Aspen Institute

environmental news

The Staggering Statistics of Air Pollution

60,000,000 - The number of plastic bottles thrown into U.S. landfills each day. It takes 1.5 million barrels of crude oil each year to produce these bottles - translating into enough fuel to run 100,000 cars for a year.

45,000,000 - The number of barrels of oil saved each year by using public transportation.

6,000,000 - The number of servers found in American data centers, consuming more energy than over 300 million televisions found in American homes.

2,150,000 - The number of barrels of oil saved if 100,000 homes installed eco-friendly geothermal heating systems.

400,000 - The number of Chinese that die prematurely each year from respiratory illnesses and other diseases related to air pollution.

2,000 - The number of coal-fired power plants located in China. (One new power plant goes into operation every 4 to 7 days in China).

13 - The number of pounds a person would lose if they walked one half hour a day instead of riding or driving a motor vehicle. If every US citizen between the ages of 10 to 74 walked this equivalent each day rather than drive, our carbon dioxide emissions would be decreased by 64 million tons.

Find out:

- How to reduce diesel particulate pollution by using diesel particulate filters

- How to get rid of NOx with selective catalytic reduction catalysts

environment
air pollution

To Green or Not to Green: Is Corporate America Implementing Strategies to Protect the Environment?

New Harris Interactive Study Looks at “Going Green” Efforts Through the Eyes of IT Decision Makers

It is almost impossible for one to pick up a newspaper, magazine or access the Internet without seeing an article concerning the “greening” of Corporate America. A recent study conducted by Harris Interactive® with more than 300 IT decision makers indicates there is a plethora of thoughts and activities for “Going Green”. While the majority of companies have implemented “Going Green” strategies with recycling and proper waste disposal, overall only 41 percent of corporations have deployed virtualization or server consolidation strategies to save on energy cost.

What is “Going Green”?
Today, as part of their corporate citizenship, brand equity, and go to market strategy, some corporations are implementing a “Going Green” strategy. One definition of “Going Green” is designing, selling, or funding eco-friendly products and services. For example, does your company recycle old electronic products to properly dispose of electronic waste such as lead and mercury?

Innovative “Green Thinking”: Why or Why Not?
Attitudes for adopting “Green Thinking” are diverse among the IT professionals surveyed. About 16 percent might be put in an “anti-green camp”, saying that corporations should be environmentally friendly only if they can do so and achieve their profitability goals. However, 71 percent might be described as “pro green”, believing that corporations should go beyond governmental requirements in their efforts to be environmentally friendly (39%) and that they should be environmentally friendly even if they have to sacrifice some of their profitability goals (32%).

Among those IT professionals that either have implemented a going green strategy or are in a pilot phase, fifty seven percent say “Going Green” is good for business. Fifty-five percent say that “going green” reduces their energy costs, thus improving profitability, while 53 percent say that being environmentally friendly is a corporate value. Only 27 percent say that the decision to implement this strategy is due to top management, and 21 percent say that the implementation is due to government regulatory requirements.

On the flipside, for those with that have not implemented a “green strategy”, the reasons for not implementing are varied:

- Twenty-six percent says that they “fully comply with current governmental regulations for environmental safety”, while 25 percent says that they have other pressing corporate needs

- One quarter isn’t sure of what actions that they must take to “Go Green” in the most cost effective way

- Twenty percent indicate that they don’t have the funds to implement a “Going Green” strategy

- Sixteen percent feel that they are already environmentally friendly

How Do They Do It? Actions Taken in “Going Green”
Nevertheless, despite the positive attitude toward “going green” efforts, the plot thickens when asked about the firms’ actual actions in becoming “a green company” and when focusing on the actions that are underway. Ultimately, there appears to be a lot more bark than bite, since most of the action is in recycling programs and very few firms are doing the heaving lifting that includes adopting alternative power solutions and designing energy efficient buildings.

Only nine percent say they have a fully implemented plan across all areas of their respective companies and about 32 percent say they are in “pilot mode” or have partially implemented something in departments considered appropriate. Nearly one-quarter (23%) say their company has no plan at all.

According to Milton Ellis, Vice President and Senior Consultant of the Harris Interactive Technology Practice, “‘Going Green’ represents a win-win opportunity for IT suppliers and users of virtualization technologies. More people would agree that being kind to our environment is a good thing. So like motherhood and apple pie, wouldn’t you expect businesses to get behind the ‘Going Green’ movement? Seems like a logical thing to do.”

See the Source:
Business Wire - Harris Interactive

Find out:
How companies can go green by reducing their emissions of PM, CO, and HC from emergency generators by retrofitting with diesel particulate filters from CleanAIR Systems.

environmental news

EPA Widens Window on Regulatory Process

EPA is sharing more information about ways the public can get involved in environmental regulation.

The agency has added new features to one of its most popular Web sites for environmental regulatory information. This site – titled "Laws, Regulations, Guidance and Dockets" - is often the public's first exposure to EPA's regulatory activities. Its user-friendliness has been enhanced with easily accessible ways to search and comment on EPA regulations and significant guidance documents, and to learn how environmental regulations are written. The site also includes new sections for finding regulations and related documents, plus regulatory history, statutory authority, supporting analyses, compliance information, and guidance for implementation. Also, for the first time, searches for regulatory information can be conducted by environmental topics, such as water or air, or by business sectors, such as transportation or construction.

The new site is easily accessible from EPA's homepage and can be found by choosing "Laws, Regulations, Guidance & Dockets" from the left-hand navigation bar at www.epa.gov/lawsregs/

air pollution
emission standards

ARB Fights Back Against EPA with Statistics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

emission standards
environmental news

New Report: Emissions of Greenhouse Gases in the US

The US Energy Information Administration issued a new report in Nov. on "Emissions of Greenhouse Gases in the United States 2006". The report states that GHG emissions have declined by 1.5% in 2006 due to a drop in carbon dioxide emissions. Lower energy use, along with an increase use of natural gas for power generation are attributed to the decline.

See the Source:
Emissions of Greenhouse Gases in the United States 2006

environment

Censoring Climage Change

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

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

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

See the Source:

Boston Globe

climate change
global-warming

ARB Tripling Early Action Measures Set by AB 32

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

SACRAMENTO - The Air Resources Board today approved staff's proposal to triple the set of early measures to help meet the state's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions roughly 25 percent by 2020 as required by the Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The new measures are projected to reduce about 3 million metric tons of annual greenhouse gas emissions. Combined with the early action measures adopted by the Board in June - a low carbon fuel standard, restrictions in do-it-yourself air conditioner repairs and methane capture from landfills - ARB now has measures in the works to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 16 million metric tons.

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

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

See the Source:
California Air Resoures Board

emission standards

Increase of Global CO2 Emissions Alarming

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

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

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

See the Source:
USA Today

global-warming

The Greening of America

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

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

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

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

environmental news
green news

Hidden Costs of Climate Change: Major, Nationwide, Uncounted

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

global-warming
climate change

Environmental Education - Support in Congress

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See the Source:
Newswise

environment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See the Source:
Texas Tech University

global-warming

Fast Facts: Pollution Stats

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See the Source:
BusinessWire
Environmental Defense

global-warming

The Worst Polluted Places in the World

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


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

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

See the Source:
Blacksmith Institute

Healing the Ozone Layer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

environment

In the News: Carbon Reporting and Biodiesel

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

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

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

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

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

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

See the Source:
National Express Group


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

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


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

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

See the Source:
National Biodiesel Board

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

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


September 6, 2007 - What They’re Saying…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See the Source:

BusinessWire

environment

YouTube to the Environmental Rescue

The Scientist Magazine along with the University of Singapore are sending out a call to the global community of scientists for videos documenting environmental damage. Most people are aware of degradation and abuse to the environment, but little has been done by governments to create and enforce real change.

In an attempt to bring this issue to the awareness of world leaders, editors at The Scientist along with scientists from the National University of Singapore and the social video website YouTube, are joining forces to establish a “crowdsourcing experiment”. YouTube is dedicating an environmental damage channel where short videos can be posted documenting environmental abuse within a local region.

Their intention is that actual videos created throughout the world will have a strong, visual impact and move governments to make changes. By building a collection of videos, the project creators hope to provide a compelling snapshot of our world and the environmental effect caused by the refusal to take action.

Videos posted to YouTube’s Save the Planet channel can range in topic from the effects of pollution, loss of habitat, environmentally unfriendly activities or damaging behavior towards a species.

Richard Gallagher, editor of The Scientist explains, "The visual image has always been a catalyst for awareness. The problem with global environmental damage is the effects are often far away from the source, making it easy to avoid the problem. The more videos posted, the more the public can learn about the problems at hand, and the more that governments will find it difficult to ignore the need to act any longer."

See the Source:
MarketWire
The Scientist Magazine
YouTube Save the Planet

Find out:
About reducing the impact of diesel pollution on the environment by watching videos created by CleanAIR Systems on how emissions control technology works.

environment
current issues

In the News: Global Warming Update

- The Western Climate Initiative led by California’s Gov. Schwarzenegger has laid the foundation to cut greenhouse emissions by 15 percent by 2020 to decrease the effects of global warming. The collective is made up of six Western states (Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington and Utah) and two Canadian provinces (Manitoba and British Columbia). They have agreed to design a market-base program similar to cap-and-trade, with a deadline of August 2008 to present the plan. The Bush administration has opposed such mandatory cuts, favoring a voluntary approach.

- The Bush administration has been called on the carpet by a federal court for failure to issue global warming assessment reports. District Court Judge Saundra Armstrong ruled that the administration was in violation of a 1990 law and must issue a research plan by March 1, 2008. Federal law mandates an updated plan every three years. The last plan was issued in 2003. In addition, national assessment reports are required every four years. The last such report was issued in 2000 by the Clinton administration.

See the Source:
Reuters
ABC News

global-warming
environment

The Dirt on Diesel: CleanAIR on America the Green

The founder of CleanAIR Systems, a manufacturer of emissions control equipment, was recently interviewed by America the Green for their weekly environmental podcast. The discussion centered on the new resurgence in diesel vehicles and how diesel has cleaned up its act to become “green”.

Topics included why diesel is much more acceptable in Europe than the U.S., why diesel is now considered the “interim” fuel to help reduce greenhouse gases, and how diesel has changed to become a cleaner vehicle option.

To listen to the Podcast entitled: Diesel Cleans Up its Act with Michael Roach, Founder of CleanAIR Systems, go to: http://www.americathegreen.com/diesel-cleans-up/. America the Green can also be downloaded on iTunes.

See the Source:
America the Green

Find out:
More about diesel emissions control at CleanAIR Systems

green news
environmental blogs

Pollution Blamed for 40 Percent of Deaths Worldwide

Cornell researcher, David Pimentel, concludes about 40 percent of deaths that occur worldwide are caused by water, air and soil pollution. He surmises environmental degradation coupled with world population growth, are major causes behind the rapid increase in human diseases, recently reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). Pollution and an increase in population both contribute to malnourishment and disease susceptibility experienced by 3.7 billion people, he says.

Pimentel and a team of Cornell graduate students examined data from over 120 published papers on the effects of population growth, malnutrition and various kinds of environmental degradation on human diseases. Their report is published in the online version of the journal Human Ecology.

"We have serious environmental resource problems of water, land and energy, and these are now coming to bear on food production, malnutrition and the incidence of diseases," said Pimentel.

57 percent of the current world population of 6.5 billion people is malnourished, compared with 20 percent of a world population of 2.5 billion in 1950. Malnutrition is not only the direct cause of 6 million children's deaths each year but also makes millions of people much more susceptible to such killers as acute respiratory infections, malaria and a host of other life-threatening diseases, according to the research.

The study also concluded that air pollution from smoke and various chemicals kills 3 million people a year. In the United States alone about 3 million tons of toxic chemicals are released into the environment -- contributing to cancer, birth defects, immune system defects and many other serious health problems.

"A growing number of people lack basic needs, like pure water and ample food. They become more susceptible to diseases driven by malnourishment, and air, water and soil pollutants," Pimentel concludes. He and his co-authors call for comprehensive and fair population policies and more conservation of environmental resources that support human life.

See the Source:
NewsWise
Human Ecology

air pollution
environment

EIP Reports 50 Dirtiest U.S. Power Plants

Even as some of America’s dirtiest power plants start to clean up their act in terms of certain toxic emissions, the carbon dioxide (CO2) pollution linked to global warming from large, old, and inefficient electricity-generating facilities continues unchecked and could rise 34 percent by 2030, according to a report from the nonprofit Environmental Integrity Project (EIP). A searchable database ranking 378 U.S. power plants on carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx) and mercury pollution is now available online at http://www.dirtykilowatts.org.

The 12 states with the heaviest concentrations of the dirtiest power plants in terms of total tons of carbon dioxide emitted are: Texas, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, West Virginia, Wyoming, Florida, Kentucky, and New Mexico.

The "Dirty Kilowatts" report also ranks the worst power plants on the basis of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and mercury, looking at all four pollutants both in terms of total tons of emissions and also emission rate (pounds per megawatt-hour of electricity produced). For example, just 14 percent of the 378 ranked fossil-fuel-burning power plants account for 40 percent of their sulfur dioxide emissions. Taken together, the 378 plants ranked in this report represent about a third of all power plants tracked in EPA’s inventory, but they account for almost 90 percent of the electricity generated by the plants in EPA’s inventory, and approximately half of total U.S. electric generation. Plants in North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Indiana, and South Dakota top the
non-CO2 rankings.

The EIP report notes: “Nationwide, the power plants that provide electricity to run our homes, businesses, and factories also account for 40 percent of carbon dioxide, roughly two thirds of sulfur dioxide, 22 percent of nitrogen oxides, and roughly a third of all mercury emissions (in the U.S.)

“Power plants are major contributors to global warming, emitting billions of tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) each year. In addition, power plants emit millions of tons of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), pollutants that trigger asthma attacks and contribute to lung and heart disease, and cause smog and haze in cities and national parks. And, power plants emit dangerous toxins like mercury, a neurotoxin especially harmful to children and developing fetuses.”

Ilan Levin, counsel, Environmental Integrity Project, said: “While Congress is poised to seriously consider legislation to limit the greenhouse gases that made 2006 the hottest year on record, the electric power industry is racing to build a new fleet of coal-fired power plants that rely on conventional combustion technologies that would only accelerate global warming. Once utility companies secure their air pollution permits, we can expect them to argue that these new plants should be ‘grandfathered,’ or exempt from any pending limits on greenhouse gases. We’ve been through this before. When the original Clean Air Act was passed in 1970, the electric utility industry persuaded Congress to not impose strict pollution controls on old power plants, because they would soon be replaced by newer state-of-the-art facilities. Yet despite the industry’s promises, many of the nation’s oldest and dirtiest power plants continue to operate today. Americans pay the bill for that delay when they suffer the ill health consequences of breathing needlessly dirty air.”

Power plants are responsible for about 40 percent of all man-made CO2 emissions in the nation, and unlike emissions of SO2 and NOx, the electric power industry’s CO2 emissions are projected to steadily rise. Carbon dioxide emissions contribute to global warming.

Sulfates (from SO2) are major components of the fine particle pollution that plagues many parts of the country, especially communities nearby or directly downwind of coal-fired power plants.

Sulfur dioxide also interacts with NOx 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 EPA studies, fine particle pollution from power plants results in thousands of premature deaths each year Nitrogen oxide is tied to ground-level ozone, which is especially harmful to children and people with respiratory problems such as asthma. Ground-level ozone is formed when NOx and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in sunlight. NOx also reacts with ammonia, moisture, and other compounds to form fine particle pollution, which damages lung tissue and is linked to premature death. Small particles penetrate deeply into sensitive parts of the lungs and can cause or worsen respiratory disease such as emphysema and bronchitis, and aggravate heart disease.

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 considered to put a fetus at risk of neurological damage.

See the Source:
Environmental Integrity Project – 50 Dirtiest U.S. Power Plants

Find out:
About reducing NOx emissions from power plants using selective catalytic reduction from CleanAIR Systems.

NOx emissions
air pollution

Air Pollution News Bites: 08-02-07

- A recent study estimates that demand for air pollution control products in China will increase by 18 percent each year through 2010. The increase is attributed to the Chinese government’s plan to increase the purchase of air pollution control technology and new legislation concerning strict environmental protection regulations. Products in demand by China include: electrostatic precipitators, baghouse systems, particulate filters, and catalysts.

- A new analysis studying atmospheric “brown clouds” hovering over Asia, have concluded that the buildup of greenhouse gases mainly due to the burning of fossil fuels, is a major contributor to the melting of tropical glaciers such as those found in the Himalayans. Researchers found that combining the heating effect of greenhouse gases and the elements found in brown clouds, such as soot, heightens the effect of global warming.

"The conventional thinking is that brown clouds have masked as much as 50 percent of global warming by greenhouse gases through so-called global dimming," said atmospheric chemist V. Ramanathan. "While this is true globally, this study reveals that over southern and eastern Asia, the soot particles in the brown clouds are in fact amplifying the atmospheric warming trend caused by greenhouse gases by as much as 50 percent."

He went on to state, "It is likely that in curbing greenhouse gases we can tackle the twin challenges of climate change and brown clouds, and in doing so, reap wider benefits--from reduced air pollution to improved agricultural yields."

See the Source:
MarketWire
National Science Foundation

Find out:
How to reduce particulate pollution by using diesel particulate filters

air pollution
global-warming

Air Pollution Linked to Clogged Arteries

Got high cholesterol? You might want to stay away from air pollution.

That’s the message of a new UCLA study linking diesel exhaust to atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, which significantly increases one’s risk for heart attack and stroke. Published in the July 26 edition of the online journal Genome Biology, the findings are the first to explain how fine particles in air pollution conspire with artery-clogging fats to switch on the genes that cause blood vessel inflammation and lead to cardiovascular disease.

“When you add one plus one, it normally totals two,” said principal investigator Dr. André Nel, chief of nanomedicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and a researcher at UCLA’s California NanoSystems Institute. “But we found that adding diesel particles to cholesterol fats equals three. Their combination creates a dangerous synergy that wreaks cardiovascular havoc far beyond what’s caused by the diesel or cholesterol alone.”

The researchers set up a scenario to investigate the interaction between diesel exhaust particles and the fatty acids found in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — the “bad” type of cholesterol that leads to artery blockage.

In particular, the team was interested in how oxidation — cell and tissue damage resulting from exposure to molecules known as free radicals — contributes to inflammation and artery disease. Free radicals enter the body through small particles present in polluted air and are also byproducts of normal processes, such as the metabolic conversion of food into energy.

“Diesel particles are coated in chemicals containing free radicals, and the fatty acids in LDL cholesterol generate free radicals during metabolism in the cells,” said first author Ke Wei Gong, a UCLA cardiology researcher. “We wanted to measure what happens when these two sources of oxidation come into contact.”

The scientists combined the pollutants and oxidized fats and cultured them with cells from the inner lining of human blood vessels. A few hours later, the team extracted DNA from the cells for genetic analysis.

“We saw that the diesel particles and oxidized fats had worked in tandem to activate the genes that promote cellular inflammation — a major risk factor for atherosclerosis,” said Dr. Jesus Araujo, UCLA assistant professor of medicine and director of environmental cardiology at the Geffen School of Medicine.

“The interaction left a genetic footprint that reveals how interaction between the particles and cholesterol accelerates the narrowing and blockage of the blood vessels,” Araujo noted.

To duplicate these findings in living cells, the UCLA team exposed mice with high cholesterol to the diesel particles and saw activation of some of the same gene groups in the animals’ tissue.

“Exactly how air pollutants cause cardiovascular injury is poorly understood,” Nel said.

“But we do know that these particles are coated with chemicals that damage tissue and cause inflammation of the nose and lungs. Vascular inflammation in turn leads to cholesterol deposits and clogged arteries, which can give rise to blood clots that trigger heart attack or stroke.”

The researchers’ next step will be to convert the genes’ responses to the pollutant-cholesterol combination into a biomarker that will enable physicians to easily evaluate air pollution’s effect on health, especially cardiovascular disease.

“Once a biomarker is developed, we’d simply need to test a blood sample in order to measure a person’s exposure to particulate matter and determine whether it has reached levels that require medical intervention,” Araujo said.

The American Cancer Society has reported a 6 percent increase in heart- and lung-related deaths for every 10 micrograms per cubic meter rise in particulates.

“Our results emphasize the importance of controlling air pollution as another tool for preventing cardiovascular disease,” Gong said.

See the Source:
Newswise

Find out:
More about diesel air pollution.

air pollution
diesel pollution

Is Your Daily Commute Giving You a Heart Attack?

Recently, German researchers from the University of Duisberg-Essen found that regularly commuting in heavy traffic or living in high-traffic areas can contribute to atherosclerosis, high blood pressure and an increase risk of a heart attack. Using ongoing data from three industrialized cities in Germany, the researchers found that breathing air pollution at this level created the same damage as inhaling second hand smoke.

They surmised the artery damage was most likely caused by a high concentration of particulate matter from vehicle emissions. This is the first study to establish a direct link to air pollution created by traffic and arterial damage.

“The only immediate protective action that can be taken by people living close to heavy traffic is increased attention to known cardiac risk factors, such as obesity and high blood pressure,” said Dr. Hoffmann, head researcher for the project. “Over the longer run, community action is needed.”

Using data already on record, Forbes magazine compiled three factors to come up with the unhealthiest commutes in the U.S. They looked at levels of particulate pollution; the estimated time spent in rush hour traffic; and the per-capita fatal car accidents registered for a region. From the collected data, the unhealthiest workday drives are: Riverside, CA; Atlanta, GA; and Los Angles, CA. Apparently LA drivers spend the most time in traffic.

The average American takes 25 minutes to drive to work, during that time the California Air Resources Board (CARB) estimates this time equals 50% of a person’s daily exposure to fine particulate matter – one of the worst pollutants to inhale and a known contributor to heart disease.

See the Source:
Heartzine.com
Forbes

Find out:
The health and environmental impact of diesel particulate matter.

air pollution
particle pollution

Air Pollution News for 07-24-07

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

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

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

See the Source:
Motoring
San Francisco Chronicle
LA Times

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

air pollution
diesel emissions

Biodiesel Generators Bringing Green Power to Hollywood

Green Power Generators™, a new company specializing in custom built biodiesel fueled generators are offering a new line of generators designed to dramatically reduce carbon dioxide emissions in both small and large-scale events and productions. GPG unveiled its new generators to the press and entertainment industry in Hollywood on July 19th.

GPG has chosen to highlight the break-through designs first for members of the entertainment industry, but the generators will be of equal interest for any business that involves high energy consumption.

“We’re very excited to be able to provide the entertainment industry with the only truly eco-friendly energy outsourcing option available today,” explained Tomer DeVito, co-founder of GPG and a television commercial and music video producer. “Generators are the biggest polluters on sets, at concerts and events, and we wanted to change that. We hope to pioneer a change in the way we do things in Hollywood, and beyond.”

Adds Alton Butler, co-founder of GPG and president of Line 204 Studios, GPG’s parent company: “This is a real breakthrough in a business world that is growing increasingly concerned about the environment. The industry standard tier-2 diesel engines are not qualified to burn biodiesel. The available industry standard diesel-engine generators can burn only up to 5% bio-diesel (B5) – if you burn a higher percentage you risk losing your warranty. Currently productions don’t have an option for burning cleaner fuels. GPGs are specially designed to burn the cleanest biodiesel fuels possible”.

In its annual report card issued in November 2006, the UCLA Institute of the Environment put the film industry number two behind the Aerospace industry on the list of industry pollution offenders in California.

“We are proud to support GPG’s efforts to help reduce the entertainment industry’s carbon footprint,” said Debbie Levin, president of the Environmental Media Association. “Very few options exist for producers who want to reduce the emissions on their sets. GPG presents a formidable option that should be a no-brainer not only for Hollywood but for any industry that out sources power.”

See the Source:
Green Power Generators

Find out:
How to reduce emissions even further from emergency and prime power generators using biodiesel by retrofitting with the PERMIT Filter/Silencer from CleanAIR Systems. Although biodiesel certainly reduces emissions by about 50% over regular diesel, a filter/silencer can make a generator even cleaner as well as reduce noise.

diesel emissions
diesel generator

China Fights Air Pollution

According to Industrial Info Resources, China shut down 156 small coal-fired power plants during the first six months of this year in an effort to reduce emissions and comply with a target set by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of the People’s Republic of China. The total generating capacity of the power generation units is 5,510 megawatts and will meet 55% of emissions reductions set for 2007 by the NDRC.

Treehugger reports one million cars will be taken off Beijing roads in August for a two week trial to test new smog-control measures in an effort to reduce air pollution in anticipation of next year’s Beijing Olympics, representing 1/3 of the city’s cars. Last month, Beijing’s registered vehicles numbered 3 million, more than double from 5 years ago, with about 1,000 cars going on the road every day.

See the Source:
Marketwire

Treehugger

air pollution
environment

Air Pollution and Parkinson's

The University of Toronto has released a new study that ties manganese air pollution produced by industries such as steel foundries to a high risk of Parkinson’s. The study was conducted using 110,000 subjects living in Toronto and Hamilton over a three year period and appears in the July issue of Environmental Research.

The researchers compared the effect of manganese exposure through air pollution generated by vehicles and that generated from industrial sources. They found no association between traffic-generated manganese and Parkinson’s. But exposure to ambient manganese from sources such as steel foundries appeared to add to the natural loss of brain neurons, possibly accelerating the aging process and contributing to the advancement of Parkinson’s disease.

See the Source:
University of Toronto

air pollution

GHG Emissions Bill Introduced

Yesterday (July 11th) Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-New Mexico) and Arlen Specter (R-Pennsylvania) introduced legislature to cut greenhouse gas emissions 20% by 2030. The bill presents new rules for power plants, refineries and steelmakers, allowing half of carbon credits for industries to be issued by the government and the other half to either be purchased or reduced by the corporations themselves.

Although the proposed “cap-and-trade” system has environmental critics, who point out that the legislation would create a market for trading greenhouse gas permits, the bi-partisan effort may be more likely to pass as it is considered “mainstream”.

According to John Rowe, chief executive of Exelon, the bill sets aggressive, yet attainable goals, and at the same time builds bridges in order to achieve those goals.

See the Source:
Reuters
Bloomberg

current issues
environment

WHO: The Best and Worst Countries on Environment

A recent report by WHO put together data from 192 countries to determine the health and environmental risk to its citizens. The study looked at air and water pollution, farming practices, noise pollution, climate change, the ecosystem, UV radiation and hazards involved with the workplace.

Here’s what they found:

- Worst countries: Angola, Burkina Faso, Mali and Afghanistan

- Best countries: Iceland, Israel, Italy, Germany, Spain, France, Britain and the US

- In 23 countries, 10 percent of deaths are blamed on unsafe water and indoor air pollution

- Low income countries suffer more than high income countries, losing 20 times more healthy years per person each year.

- All countries are affected by environmental health factors.

See the Source:
WHO Country-by Country Profiles

environment
climate change

What’s Up with Wind Power: The Good and Not-So-Good

- The Department of Energy (DOE) just released the first “Annual Report on US Wind Power Installation, Cost, and Performance Trends: 2006”.

- Wind power currently accounts for only 1% of all electricity produced in the US.
- The DOE predicts an increase in wind power generated electricity to reach 7% by 2022. If this goal is to be reached, 36,000 wind turbines will need to be built.

- The top 10 states according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) producing the most kilowatt hours of electricity are:
1. Texas
2. California
3. Iowa
4. Minnesota
5. Washington
6. Oklahoma
7. New Mexico
8. Oregon
9. New York
10. Kansas

- The EPA estimates that a 25-MW wind facility could cover up to 1,500 acres, equal to 60 acres per megawatt.

- 1 MW of power produced by a wind turbine would produce enough electricity for approximately 175 to 300 homes annually (depending on the source of the information). As of March 2007, our national wind energy capacity is 11,699 MW. In comparison, the average size of one US power plant is 213 MW.

- According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, if all US electric power plants were operating at full capacity in 1990, they would have produced 690,000 MW of electricity.

- According to the American Wind Energy Association, 1,700 MW of wind generated power will displace 3 million tons of CO2 emissions each year.

See the Source:
Annual Report on US Wind Power Installation, Cost, and Performance Trends: 2006
A Problem With Wind Power
Wind Energy Projects

environment
energy

China: Death by Air Pollution

Recent news on China’s devastating air pollution levels has garnered world attention. Here’s a run down on the facts from various news source:

• A World Bank report release at a Beijing conference in March, suggests 400,000 Chinese die every year due to outdoor air pollution. Reportedly Chinese officials tried to have these statistics removed from the report. The government denies they tried to cover-up the numbers.



• Two thirds of the electricity generated in China comes from coal-fired power plants, with the country holding 13 percent of the world’s reserves of coal. With coal being the top producer of greenhouse gas emissions, China is now producing more CO2 emissions than the United States, establishing itself as the No. 1 GHG producer in the world.



• An average of two coal-fired power plants a week are being built in China. Almost all of them are being built with out-dated equipment and no emissions control technology. Chinese utilities believe that using emissions control technology will decrease their power plant’s energy output. Because of this, they are resistant to retrofitting their plants with new technology.



• There is an ever increasing consensus from world scientists that China’s economic growth and the resulting greenhouse emissions will push our environment pass the tipping point of no return.



• China’s emissions from coal-fired power plants are increasing at an annual rate that is double the total emissions growth of all industrialized economies combined.



• China’s environmental agency is blaming public unrest and riots on anger stemming from pollution, with an increasing number of demonstrations taking place over power plant emissions and air pollution.


See the Source:
Council on Foreign Relations
Guardian Unlimited
San Francisco Chronicler

current issues
global-warming

EPA Doesn’t Come Clean on Candidates

The EPA has not provided the public with all the facts when it comes to 55 experts chosen for a special panel that will reevaluate the health risks of particulate matter air pollution.

Last year the agency’s Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee criticized the EPA standard for particulate matter, stating there is “clear and convincing scientific evidence that significant adverse human-health effects occur in response to short-term and chronic particulate matter exposures at and below” the current EPA standard. The special panel being selected will reevaluate this statement for further recommendation.

The short list of experts is open for public comment, but apparently the EPA failed to post complete information on their website concerning several of the candidates. Without this information, the public is unable to make an informed decision. Here is some of the information in question according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest:

- Candidate Professor Robert Phalen: wrote a book questioning the link between particulate matter and its association with health problems such as asthma, heart disease and premature death. The book also argues that tighter air quality restrictions are premature. Professor Phalen has received research funding from the Southern California Edison Co. and the Electric Power Reasearch Institute.

- Candidate Peter Valberg: an employee of Gradient Corporation, conducts consulting services for Carbon Black Manufacturers and an unknown mining company. He has done work for the Engine Manufacturers Association. His employer, Gradient Corporation, is a defense product consulting company that has received monies for writing controversial reports defending such products as cigarettes.

- 11 candidates have an involvement with the Health Effects Institute (this was disclosed). But not mentioned was the fact that the Health Effects Institute receives 50 percent of its funding from the automobile industry.

Send your comments about the short list of candidates to butterfield.fred@epa.gov before July 20. The final committee will be composed of less than half of the nominated candidates.

See the Source:
Center for Science in the Public Interest

Find out:
More about the health impact of diesel particulate matter

particle pollution
emission standards

EPA's New Go Green! Newsletter

The EPA has launched a monthly “green” tips newsletter to help US consumers make a difference. The newsletter is free and will be sent to you by email after registering at http://service.govdelivery.com/service/subscribe.html?code=USAEPA_298.

Go Green! offers "what you can do" information on activities and events that can make a difference in shifting to a “green culture”.

The newsletter will include information on such issues as how to calculate individual energy use, upcoming environmental activities and observances and recent news reports from EPA.

The July issue includes the following:

• July is UV Safety month.


• Be Prepared - Early Hurricane Preparations Can Save Lives and Property.


• New tools to help "Good Samaritans" clean up mine waste, restore watersheds, improve fisheries.


• Buy Energy Star products - A Big Part of the Climate Change Solution.


• Calculate how individual energy use contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution

See the Source:
Go Green! Monthly Newsletter
Go Green! July Issue

environment
climate change

Trees and Urban Pollution

- Leaves filter particulate pollution.

- Trees help absorb carbon dioxide.

- The crown of trees stops an abundance of rain water from reaching drainage systems, which could clog older systems and cause flooding.

- Trees shade blacktopped areas. When asphalt reflects the sun’s heat, it creates “heat islands”, causing an increase in urban temperature.

- Cities east of the Mississippi River require 40 percent tree coverage.

- Cities west of the Mississippi River require 25 percent tree coverage.

- Washington, DC has lost half of its tree cover.

- Cities in Michigan, N. Carolina and Florida have loss 27 percent of their tree cover.

- A large tree removes 60 to 70 times more particulate matter from the air than a small tree.

- 2,000 cities have launched long-term planting programs.

- Los Angeles plans to plant 1 million trees within the next 30 years.

See the Source:
Time

air pollution
particle pollution
environment

CLEAN Energy Act of 2007 Passes Senate

On Thursday, the US Senate voted 65-27 to pass the new energy bill, CLEAN Energy Act of 2007 (H.R. 6), which would help reduce foreign oil dependency, increase production of alternative fuels, and boost fuel economy be requiring vehicles to average 35 miles per gallon by 2020, a 40 percent increase over today’s standards. Although it was a bi-partisan win for the bill, neither Democrats nor Republicans got exactly what they wanted. H.R. 6 is expected to also pass the House, possibly as soon as next week.

See the Source:
The Library of Congress

current issues
energy

Dangerous Increase in Hot Days for the Mediterranean

Researchers at Purdue University researcher projects a 200 percent to 500 percent increase in the number of dangerously hot days in the Mediterranean by the end of the 21st century if the current rate of greenhouse gas emissions continues, with France projected to have the most increase in high-temp extremes.

The study also showed a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions could reduce projected dangerous hot days by up to 50 percent.

"Rare events today, like the 2003 heat wave in Europe, will become much more common as greenhouse gas concentrations increase," said Noah Diffenbaugh, the Purdue assistant professor of earth and atmospheric sciences who led the study. "The frequency at which that scale of event occurs at high greenhouse gas concentrations is staggering. Rare events become the norm, and the extreme events of the future are unprecedented in their severity."

A 2003 heat wave led to 15,000 deaths in France and almost 3,000 in Italy. The researchers found that global warming causes summer temperatures to dramatically exceed the range that was correlated with the increased number of deaths.

"The thresholds of the 2003 event are substantially exceeded in the future in both of our research scenarios," said Diffenbaugh. "This research is about understanding the response to different emissions levels. We find that decreases in greenhouse gas emissions greatly reduce the impact, but we see negative effects even with reduced emissions. Technological and behavioral changes that are made now will have a big influence on what actually happens in the future."

Extremely high temperatures could also affect the region’s economy, including metropolitan areas such as Rome, Paris and Barcelona. The study covered the entire Mediterranean area, which includes 21 countries in Europe, Africa and Asia. Major cities covered in the study include: Prague, Zurich, Bucharest, Athens, Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Cairo, Algiers and Casablanca.

The researchers found that this warming and reduced precipitation contribute to a preferential warming of the hottest days of the year. "We found that the hottest days of the year, or the 'hot tail,' warm more than the typical summer days warm," Diffenbaugh said.

"One might expect that an average warming of four degrees would equate to each day warming by four degrees, but in fact the hottest days warm quite a bit more."

This is due, in large part, to a surface moisture feedback. The surface gets dryer as it gets hotter and the dry soil leads to less moisture in the area and less evaporative cooling. The locations of intensified warming on hottest days of the year matched the locations where surface drying occurred, Diffenbaugh said.
"The hottest temperatures we are used to experiencing will become the normal temperatures of the summer, and the hot periods will be magnified," Diffenbaugh said. "Take Paris: If we look at the temperatures that occurred there during the heat wave in 2003, when 15,000 people died, those temperatures are exceeded a couple dozen times every year in the future projection. That means that severe heat waves, such as those rare events that have occurred in the past couple of years, are likely to become far more common."

Related Web sites:
Purdue Climate Change Research Center: http://www.purdue.edu/climate
Diffenbaugh Research Group: http://www.purdue.edu/eas/earthsystem/

See the Source:
Newswise

climate change
global-warming

Entrepreneurs Invited to Submit Energy Ideas

Presidential hopeful and New Mexico governor, Bill Richardson today solicited applications for the newly created Energy Innovation Fund as part of the Governor’s commitment to make New Mexico “The Clean Energy State.”

“The fund will accelerate the innovation and adoption of clean energy technologies in our state and ask New Mexico entrepreneurs to put forward their ideas,” said Governor Bill Richardson.

Under Governor Richardson’s leadership, New Mexico has already taken great strides in clean energy – requiring that at least 20% of electric utility power supply come from renewable sources by 2020, creating the Renewable Energy Transmission Authority (RETA), and providing tax credits for the use of alternative fuels.

The Energy Innovation Fund (EIF) created during New Mexico’s 2007 Legislative session, will help to accelerate the development of innovation to enable faster commercial adaptation of clean energy technologies in the state. This year, the focus of the EIF is biofuels and concentrating solar power.

Applications for funding must:
• Relate to achieving New Mexico goals in clean energy
• Be an innovative project
• Have the potential for a significant impact on New Mexico
• Include partnerships between private and public sectors, with at least one of the principals in the project being a New Mexico entity.

Applications for the New Mexico Energy Innovation Fund are now being accepted, through June 19, 2007. Project funding will be considered in the amount of $200,000 and above.

To download an application or for more information:
http://governor.state.nm.us/priorities-energy.php?mm=4

See the Source:
Office of New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson

environment

GreenXchange Xpo – The World’s Green Marketplace

Environmental leaders and visionaries will join together in shaping a new global event focusing attention on critical issues of sustainability and energy. The new event, GreenXchange Xpo will be launched October 1-3, 2008 at the Los Angeles Convention Center with the intention of becoming the world’s leading marketplace for green innovation and technology.

“Los Angeles is setting the green standard for its use of renewable energy,” says LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. “GreenXchange is a critical step in establishing a marketplace for the ideas, products and services that take sustainability from theory to practice. Bringing the private and public sectors together under one roof for a global exchange on green innovation, will dramatically impact our opportunity to achieve lasting worldwide sustainability.”

The goal of GreenXchange is to bring together the largest exchange of green ideas and commerce in the world. Those participating in the invent include: green entrepreneurs and professionals; climate change policy-makers and regulators; environmental stewards, planners, consultants, and academic scientists; media, venture investors and market-makers; organized labor and management; builders, conservationists and recyclers; and futurists.

See the Source:
GreenXchange

environment
energy

Dirty Trucks Must Clean Up Their Act in B.C.

British Columbia will become the first province in Canada to make diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs) mandatory on older heavy-duty trucks. This means that nearly 8,000 trucks built between 1989 and 1993 must be retrofitted with special diesel filters by 2009. Newer EPA-mandated trucks built in 2002 as well as this year, virtually eliminate smog-inducing emissions like particulate matter and NOx.

The diesel trucks, says Canada's Environment Minister Barry Penner, are among the worst culprits on the road for emitting a disproportionate amount of particulate matter (PM), which is said to cause respiratory diseases.

“It will have an immediate and tangible benefit,” said Penner. “This will take up to 60 tons per year of particulate matter out of the air we breathe.”

The Canadian government estimates that one older diesel truck emits as much PM as 60 new trucks.

Catalysts to retrofit the vehicles will cost between $1,200 and $2,500 per truck, and are expected to reduce total emissions of PM by up to 3.4 percent and total emissions by nearly half, especially if the rigs use ultra low-sulfur diesel or bio-diesel blends.

Buses and construction equipment are exempt from the requirement for now. DOC retrofits are also planned for government vehicles such as ambulances and school buses.

The order won’t affect RVs, pickup trucks, construction equipment and unlicensed off-road vehicles.

See the Source:
Today’s Trucking Online

Find out:
More on diesel oxidation catalysts to reduce emissions on diesel heavy-duty trucks.

diesel retrofit
diesel retrofit

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

Is Global Warming Real? NASA Chief Questions Validity

A top NASA administrator, Michael Griffin, commented on a recent NPR broadcast that global warming is “a problem we must wrestle with,” yet it is arrogant to believe that the climate we are experiencing today is the best we could have and that “we need to take steps to make sure that it doesn’t change.”

The Director of the Science and Public Policy Institute added “many rationalist scientists agree with him, clearly demonstrating there is no scientific consensus on man-made, catastrophic global warming.”

Other scientists from around the world also came to Griffin’s defense. Dr. Walter Starck, an Australian marine scientist commented, “Griffin makes an important distinction between the scientific findings of climate change and dramatic predictions of catastrophic consequences accompanied by policy demands. The former can be evaluated by its evidence, but; the latter rest only on assertions and claims to authority. Alternate predictions of benefits from projected changes have been proposed with comparable authority and plausibility. For example, unless one chooses to define the Little Ice Age as ‘normal’ and ‘optimal’ the net effect of any warming has only been beneficial and any anthropogenic contribution very small indeed. Dramatic predictions of imminent disaster have a near perfect record of failure. Griffin’s note of caution in the escalating concern over climate change deserves sober consideration.”

However NASA scientist, James Hansen, was sharply critical of Griffin’s statements.

See the Source:
E-Wire

climate change
global-warming

Google Goes Green

Search engine behemoth Google and El Solutions, a California provider of solar power systems have joined forces to complete the largest solar installation on any corporate campus in the United States. Recently completed at Google’s Mountain View, CA headquarters, the system has a total capacity of 1.6 megawatts or the equivalent to supply 1,000 average California homes with electricity. The two companies will present a behind-the-scenes explanation of the solar project at the West Coast Energy Management Congress to be held June 6th at the Long Beach Convention Center.

See the Source:
Business Wire

Google Blog

energy
environment

“Green” – The New Revolution in Industry

Three members of the steering committee for the Energy Future Coalition recently sent a long commentary to online environmental news source, Grist. Their dissertation presents the view that the recent rise in environmentalism, clean technologies and concern for global warming should be seen as an economic boon rather than a corporate bust that would “invigorate our economy with new ideas, new industries, and new jobs.”

Within their essay they quote venture capitalist, John Doerr (whose company invested early in Google, Amazon and Sun Microsystems) as calling clean energy “the largest economic opportunity of the 21st century.”

To bring about a change, five rules are proposed that, according to the authors would “reduce emissions, give consumers new choices, launch new businesses, and accelerate the profitable transition to new energy technologies.” They are:
1. Put a price on carbon.
2. Set carbon efficiency standards for vehicles.
3. Make energy efficiency the business of utilities.
4. Modernize the electric power grid to be more efficient and better deliver clean energy.
5. Increase government support for clean energy.

In conclusion, “with one strategic leap, we can wipe out two of the biggest threats to our children’s well-being while creating the high-tech industries that will employ them in the future.”

To read the complete essay, go to Grist: Soapbox.

See the Source:
Energy Future Coalition

Find out:
About selective catalytic reduction for coal-fired power plants to reduce NOx emissions.

California Proposal Would Clean Up Heavy Equipment.

California air quality regulators are currently hearing testimony concerning a proposal requiring off-road diesel equipment to be retrofitted with emissions control technology or replace them with newer, cleaner engines. This sweeping ruling would force construction companies, airports and ski resorts to drastically reduce emissions of diesel particulate matter and NOx by as soon as 2010 to comply with new air quality regulations.

“This by far is the largest diesel rule ever undertaken,” stated Natural Resources Defense Council scientist, Diane Bailey. “Nobody writes air pollution on the death certificate, but the fact is it is responsible for thousands of deaths in California.”

There are an estimated 180,000 diesel off-road vehicles in California that would fall under the proposed ruling.

See the Source:
Press Telegram

Find out:
About diesel particulate filters for off-road equipment

City Air Pollution More Deadly than Living near Chernobyl Radiation

Scientists conducting a study at the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in Great Britain have calculated and compared the mortality rates between populations living near Chernobyl’s radioactive zone and those living in London.

Researchers found that approximately 16,000 people were killed by radiation after the Chernobyl explosion, with survivors having a 1 percent higher risk of premature death. In comparison, residents of London experience a 2.8 percent increased risk of early death from heart and lung disease related to exposure to air pollution. The UK’s Royal Commissions on Environmental Pollution estimates that 24,000 deaths a year in Britain are caused by air pollution.

The study was published in the “BMC Public Health” journal.

See the Source:
NewsTarget

air pollution

Tulsa Becomes 500th City to Sign U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement

On May 15th, Tulsa, Oklahoma signed-on as the 500th city to voluntarily commit to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2012 to 7% below 1990 levels, by signing the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.

Globally, cities produce as much as 78 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions. As of today, there are 514 cities who have signed the agreement, accounting for 20 percent of the U.S. population or 65 million Americans in 50 states.

The Mayors Climate Protection Agreement came into being when Seattle’s Mayor, Greg Nickels decided cities should take the lead in adhering to the goals of the Kyoto Protocol, even though the Federal Government refused to ratify the international treaty, taking action against climate change and global warming.

“The real leaders on global warming solutions in our country are to be found in the city halls, not in Washington, DC,” explained Glen Brand, Cool Cities Campaign Director for the Sierra Club. “Mayors like Seattle's Greg Nickels, Salt Lake City's Rocky Anderson, and Minneapolis' R.T. Rybak are showing that clean energy solutions are feasible, cost-effective and politically popular. It’s time for our leaders in Washington to follow the extraordinary lead of over 500 cities.”

See the source:
Stopglobalwarming.org
Seattle.Gov - US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement

The Facts on School Buses and Diesel Emissions

• 24 million children are exposed to diesel fumes each day as they ride the bus to school
  
  
• Diesel exhaust includes fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons
  
  
• Diesel emissions are classified by the EPA as “likely carcinogen”
  
  
• 70 percent of cancer risk from air pollution is attributed to diesel emissions
  
  
• Children are more affected by diesel exhaust than adults
  
  
• There are approximately 390,000 diesel school buses on the road every day in the USA
  
  
• Children are affect more by diesel exhaust when sitting at the rear of the bus where diesel emissions accumulate
  
  
• Retrofitting older buses with emissions control technology can cut emissions by 85%
  

See the Source:
EPA Clean School Bus USA
Northeast Diesel Collaborative
National Resources Defense Council

Find out:
How to decrease diesel emissions using diesel particulate filters and diesel oxidation converters.

diesel pollution
particulate matter

Governor Richardson Challenges Bush Response to Global Warming

Richardson to unveil a bold new energy plan which will revolutionize America's fight against global warming and for energy independence at speech to the New American Foundation on Thursday, May 17th in Washington, DC

SANTA FE, NM – May 15, 2007 -- Governor Bill Richardson today challenged President Bush's response to the Supreme Court ruling requiring federal agencies to regulate vehicle emissions.

"The 'debate' on global warming is over and the Supreme Court has ordered this administration to stop dragging its feet and act," stated Governor Richardson. "My state joined twelve other states to challenge the Bush Administration to enforce the Clean Air Act and fought them all the way to the Supreme Court--and won. President Bush's decision to drag out the vehicle emission rulemaking process over the next two years rebuffs the Supreme Court's ruling and rejects the reality and urgency of global warming.

"This is a timid action, when America and the world needs bold action. My approach to solving our energy and global warming problem is market-based. I would use the engine of the market to drive bold and quick innovation. Our top priorities need to be focusing on a sharp reduction in oil demand, creating dramatic energy efficiencies, reducing greenhouse gases and restoring America as a leader in technology and science."

As Energy Secretary, he pushed for aggressive energy efficiency standards, conservation in the midst of the California electricity crisis, a national renewable portfolio standard, and development of alternative vehicles.

As Governor of New Mexico, Bill Richardson has initiated mandates requiring utilities to meet renewable energy requirements, supported generous solar tax incentives, eliminated sales taxes on hybrid vehicles, and set aggressive targets to reduce global warming pollution. New Mexico is on track to exceed the Kyoto Protocols and has become the Clean Energy State.

"Our next President must sharply reduce American demand for fossil fuels that add to greenhouse gas concentrations," said Richardson. "By doing so, the U.S. will reclaim its ability to participate in - and lead - international agreements to slow, stop, and reverse climate change trends. The United States cannot lead the world, and will not have the support of the world's people, unless it gets its energy addiction under control, and joins the world effort to take real steps reducing global warming pollution.

"We have no choice, but to make a change and fast. At peak, we now import 65% of our oil. We send about $300 billion in petrodollars to foreign countries every year. Our economy is half as energy-efficient as Japan's or Western Europe's. With 5% of the world's population, we account for 25% of global warming pollution.

In a speech to the New American Foundation Thursday morning at 10:00 am at the Washington Hilton, Monroe Room, 1919 Connecticut Avenue in Washington, DC Governor Richardson will unveil his comprehensive plan for energy and reducing global warming. The Governor's aggressive proposals directly address critical issues facing the United States- vehicle fuel efficiency, fuels made from renewable resources, green building standards, greenhouse gas emissions, and shifting the economy from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

"Baby steps and incremental measures won't work. We need to act boldly, and act now. We need a "man-on-the-moon effort"- a strong national commitment to get it done," said Richardson. "President Kennedy exhorted the nation to put a man on the moon within ten years, not 20 or 30. The nation responded to that call. We can do the same with energy and global warming.

"So what we need today is a ten-year plan to reduce our dependence on oil by 50%, and a ten-year plan to reduce our global warming pollution by at least 20%. As President, I will implement a bold plan that meets these goals and ushers in a new era of energy independence and security for the United States."

See the Source:
Nhpols.com – Campaigns & Elections

climate change
global-warming
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

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

air pollution
NOx emissions
particle pollution

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)

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

air pollution

clean air

Today’s Air News: From Squirrel to Obama

What’s new in the fight against air pollution?
- Squirrel: Have Air Pollution Monitor, Will Travel
- GM Going Green
- Obama Bam-Bams Global Climate Change

Squirrel: Have Air Pollution Monitor, Will Travel
Introducing Squirrel, a cool techie Bluetooth gizmo being developed by the University of California San Diego and the California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology. This wireless personal pollution monitor will allow users to measure air pollution levels at ground level, make informed decisions on exposure to pollutants, and is small enough to take with you for readings-on-the-go. Right now, the Squirrel prototype monitors carbon monoxide and ozone, but future capabilities will allow measurements of nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide. Plus other measurement extras will be added such as temperature, barometric pressure and humidity.

GM Going Green
Breaking news! GM just joined the U.S. Climate Action Partnership (USCAP), calling for a cap and trade system to reduce greenhouse gases. The first car manufacturer to join the coalition, the news is not only stirring up climate change, but also the political climate. The group is composed of environmental leaders and high-level corporate partners. With the addition of GM, the USCAP now counts 22 companies as part of its roster, including utilities, chemical production and manufacturing.

The group’s mission:
- cut greenhouse gas emissions 60-80 percent
- create business incentives
- act swiftly and thoughtfully

Obama Bam-Bams Global Climate Change
Presidential hopeful, Barack Obama introduced his new climate action plan during a speech at the Detroit Economic Club to reduce dependence on foreign oil, while fighting the causes of global climate change. Obama’s goal is to cut oil consumption by 2.5 million barrels of oil per day, take 50 million cars’ worth of pollution off the road, save over $50 billion at the gas pump, while helping the auto industry save jobs and regain its standing in the world – all by 2020.

The Obama Plan has 3 key points:
- Setting fuel economy standards for an annual savings of 20 billion gallons of gasoline.
- Helping consumers with tax credits who buy hybrids.
- Helping manufacturers to manufacturer fuel-efficient vehicles by helping with the health care costs of retirees and offering tax incentives for retooling plants.

See the Source:
medGadget
Environmental Defense
BusinessWire

Find out:
More on emissions control technology to reduce air pollution when you visit CleanAIR Systems

air pollution
climate change
current issues

Try Out the New EPA Tool to Check the Air You Breathe

AirCompare is a new EPA air quality tool, providing local air quality information to help people make educated decisions about moving, vacationing or living in different areas of the country.

"From people getting ready to retire to vacationers or those changing jobs, Americans are increasingly considering air quality as they make their plans," said Bill Wehrum, EPA's acting assistant administrator for Air and Radiation. "AirCompare helps answer those questions in a way that's simple to understand."

Using the EPA's Air Quality Index (AQI), AirCompare explains air quality from a health perspective. A person with asthma, for example, can use AirCompare to select up to 10 counties across the country -- and with the click of a button, find out how many days the air was unhealthy for asthmatics last year. Or someone planning a trip can find out the best time of year to visit a particular area, based on concerns about asthma, heart disease, outdoor activity, or just general interest.

See the Source:
EPA - AirCompare

air pollution

More from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

The third volume of the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report was release on May 4th, entitled “Mitigation of Climate Change.” The report offers options for short-term and long-term strategies to stabilize factors contributing to climate change.

The report covers six areas:
• Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission trends
• Mitigation in the short and medium term, across different economic sectors (until 2030)
• Mitigation in the long-term (beyond 2030)
• Policies, measures and instruments to mitigate climate change
• Sustainable development and climate change mitigation
• Gaps in knowledge

According to the report summary, greenhouse gas emissions have grown since pre-industrial times, with the biggest increase of 70% was between 1970 and 2004. The largest increase can be seen in the area of energy supply with an increase of 145%.

To read the complete report along with suggestions on how changes can be made, visit: http://www.ipcc.ch/SPM040507.pdf

See the Source:
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

climate change
environment
global-warming

The Buzz on Breathing

Find out how dirty the air is in your area. Try out a map developed by the American Lung Association. Does your city, county and state get a passing grade? What variables are involved with air quality in your region? Click on this US map to find out.

This week there has been a big buzz in the environmental field about the recent American Lung Association “State of the Air: 2007” annual report. Although there was good news in that ozone pollution was down through out the country, there was still bad news for California, in particular Southern California. The 71-member Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) are pressing Governor Schwarzenegger and President Bush to take a tougher stance in passing stricter state and federal rules to fight unhealthy fine particle pollution.

To get across their point, Southern California city and county officials have declared their air quality a health crisis.

"You simply have to have the state and federal government do things differently or we are not going to meet the federal standards," said Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge, a SCAG board member.

SCAG states that fine particle pollution in Southern California results annually in:

• 5,400 premature deaths
• 2,400 hospitalizations
• 1,000,000 lost work days

Although much is being done to fight air pollution in the state, various state and federal agencies disagree on strategies.

See the Source:
The Press-Enterprise
State of the Air: 2007

Find out:
About diesel particulate filters from CleanAIR Systems to fight fine particle pollution.

air pollution
particle pollution

Senator Bingaman on Alternative Fuel Vehicles

On May 1st, Senator Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico chaired a hearing to explore possible incentives Congress should consider in helping to expand the availability of advance technology vehicles in our country. He also opened conversation on how the United States can become the world leader in manufacturing alternative fuels.

Bingaman invited Martin Eberhard, CEO of Tesla Motors, to testify. The hearing in the Finance Committee's Subcommittee on Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure took a closer look at what incentives are needed to create a larger market for vehicles that use less - or no - fossil fuels, and to encourage more companies like Tesla Motors to manufacture their products in the U.S. Bingaman is the chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure.

"Right now, over 50 percent of the nearly 21 million barrels of oil we use each day in the U.S. is imported. And almost 70 percent of that oil consumption is used in the transportation sector. These numbers suggest that in order to achieve energy security, we need to reduce our use of imported fuels. We can begin this effort by becoming efficient users of transportation fuels," Bingaman said.

The U.S. tax code has several incentives to encourage manufacturers and consumers to build and purchase more fuel efficient vehicles. There are tax penalties that apply to the purchase of the least fuel efficient vehicles. The tax code also features credits, against income or excise tax, for bio-based fuel blends that take the place of imported fuels.

But the Senator wants to do more. "We have taken steps that allow us to continue providing incentives to all types of advanced technologies that increase our fuel efficiency and reduce polluting emissions. What we learned today is that we also need to provide incentives for manufacturers to produce these technologies in the United States," Bingaman said. Today the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee met to vote on legislation to promote the efficient use of energy, expand the use of biofuels and to invest in research and development capture and storing of carbon emissions.

See the Source:
United States Senator – Jeff Bingaman

current issues

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

Green on the National Mall

The National Sustainable Design Expo opens to the public today on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., showcasing innovative, commercially viable ideas for generating energy. Held April 24 and 25, the Expo includes exhibits from government agencies and nonprofit organizations, demonstrating successful, sustainable technologies and products such as energy generated from ocean waves to fuel produced from algae.

"Green designs not only help protect our planet by using renewable fuel sources and less toxics, but they also ring up big sales at the cash register." said Dr. George Gray, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development. "There are great environmental challenges facing the U.S. in the coming decades. Smart companies are seeing these challenges as a golden opportunity to create a brand new market - - green technologies.”

The Expo includes the annual People, Prosperity and the Planet (P3) Award, a national competition involving 41 teams of college and university students exhibiting environmental design projects. Former P3 projects proved that green designs save energy and are profitable, with several of the projects going on to become new commercial ventures.

EPA launched the P3 award in 2004 to respond to sustainability challenges in the developed and developing world. This national competition enables college students to research, develop and design scientific, technical and policy solutions to sustainability challenges.

See the Source:
Expo and the P3 Award
EPA’s Sustainability Research Program

environment

Monitoring Global Warming

The Christian Science Monitor has launched a new website focusing on the causes and effects of global warming and its impact on climate change. Offering original content, the Monitor intends the website to become a key resource for distributing the latest scientific research in the field of climate change, as well as offering to the general public suggestions on how to make a difference in preventing global warming.

"Our website, in particular, improves the way that the Monitor can help readers understand a subject that for many years has been a source of confusion and contention, but is now recognized as an issue that demands attention from everyone," said Monitor Editor Richard Bergenheim. "We want to help people understand what steps can be taken to mitigate effects of global warming and how we can adapt to climate change."

"This new approach to covering topics such as global warming is just the first in what we hope will be a series of in-depth reports on issues that affect us all as global citizens," added Monitor Managing Publisher Jonathan Wells.

The new website also offers a free weekly e-newsletter and will soon include multi-media resources such as slide shows and video.

See the Source:
The Christian Science Monitor – Global Warming

climate change
global-warming

Super Solar: SunEdison Breaks Ground

Colorado has broken ground on what will soon be one of the largest photovoltaic power plants in the United States. The 82-acre tract in the San Luis Valley located in south central Colorado is rated as having the best solar power conditions in the state. Upon completion the plant will create enough clean energy to power approximately 1,500 homes a year, thereby removing from the atmosphere carbon emissions equivalent to 2,840 cars driving 12,500 annually.

The solar plant will be financed, built and maintained by SunEdison. Xcel Energy will buy the power generated by the plant, which will help meet the 2020 Colorado deadline for utilities to generate 20 percent of their power from renewable energy sources.

“With wind farms across the plains, new bio-diesel and ethanol plants, the National Renewable Energy Lab, innovative businesses like SunEdison and Xcel Energy and this solar energy project, Colorado really is the renewable energy capital of the Nation,” said U.S. Senator Ken Salazar. “Combined with responsible development of fossil fuels and new technologies, renewable energy resources will help to secure our energy independence, strengthen our national and economic security and conserve our natural resources. And, solar energy will play an ever increasing role in that independence movement. This solar plant project, near my home in the San Luis Valley, will help bring new investments and new jobs to Colorado and I am proud to participate in this groundbreaking event.”

See the Source:
SunEdison

energy

Murky Results for Ethanol Emissions

An environmental engineer from Stanford University using computer modeling software, has compared US air pollution levels in 2020 produced by gasoline fueled-vehicles vs. a fleet that burns an ethanol/gasoline blend of 85/15.

The study indicates that ethanol could potentially add more smog-forming pollutants to the atmosphere than gasoline, by increasing hydrocarbons by 22 percent. This would increase surface ozone, as well as ozone-related deaths. Currently 4,700 people die yearly from respiratory problems related to smog. According to the study, 200 more people would die each year if ethanol use was increased.

In the study published in Environmental Science & Technology, Stanford engineer Mark Jacobson writes: “Due to its ozone effects, future E85 may be a greater overall public health risk than gasoline. It can be concluded with confidence only that E85 is unlikely to improve air quality over future gasoline vehicles."

See the Source:
Scientific American
Environmental Science and Technology
Environmental and Urban Economics

Find out:
How to reduce hydrocarbons using oxidation converters from CleanAIR Systems

air pollution
current issues

Where Have All the “Wheaties” Gone?

A recent study published in Environmental Research Letters, reports climate change has already had an affect on global food production with the reduction of cereal grain yields. Examining the years from 1981 to 2002, it is estimated that global warming reduced the production of wheat, corn and barley by 40 million metric tons per year.

“Global Scale Climate-Crop Yield Relationships and the Impacts of Recent Warming” is the first report to study the present day effect of climate change on food production, which could be the impetus to drive food prices, food security and future decisions on land use.

See the Source:
Global Scale Climate-Crop Yield Relationships and the Impacts of Recent Warming

global-warming
climate change

Chill Out with the Campus Climate Challenge

The National Wildlife Federation’s national competition, Chill Out, inspires colleges and universities to make a “cool” difference when it comes to global warming by reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Eight winning schools were announced on April 18th for developing innovative projects that other colleges should emulate.

“The projects implemented by the Chill Out winners go well beyond the minimum 30 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions scientists urge by 2030, putting them well on the pathway toward climate neutrality before mid-Century,” says Julian Keniry, Director of Campus and Community Leadership for the National Wildlife Federation. “These schools, and many of the over 100 schools which entered the Chill Out competition, are modeling exactly what the science says should be done.”

Together the eight winning schools saved a combined $5 million annually and 40 million pounds of CO2, which would have normally been emitted into the atmosphere if the campus projects had not been put into place.

See the Source:
Chill Out competition

climate change
global-warming

Earth Day: What Can You Do to Reduce Air Pollution?

In celebration of Earth Day, here’s our list of recommendations for reducing emissions and improving air quality. Take a stand - make a difference!

- Support regional clean air regulations by contacting your state and local representatives, urging them to pass strong air quality standards.

- Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs to reduce energy consumption, and lessen the impact of energy produced by burning fossil fuels.

- Use ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel in all diesel engines to reduce emissions of sulfur oxides.

- Urge your local city government to retrofit public transportation with emissions control technology.

- Purchase renewable wind or solar energy blocks from your utilities provider.

- Find out if your local schools and colleges have diesel emergency generators. If so, urge them to be retrofitted with diesel particulate filters. This will substantially reduce diesel emissions of particulate matter, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.

- Educate yourself! There are many websites and blogs (just like ours) that publish daily environmental information. Take advantage of the news offered and become an informed, activist against air pollution.

See the Source:
EPA – Earth Day
CleanAIR Systems

In Search of Smog Stories

In the battle to require more stringent regulations on vehicle emissions, The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is fighting back with smog stories solicited from the public. The “Clean Air Voices in the Community” program is asking the public to submit personal stories, photographs and videos on how smog affects their lives. The stories will be posted on the SCAQMD website at www.aqmd.gov, as well as distributed in newsletters and PSAs.

The goal of the program is to raise awareness of the situation and bring a sense of urgency that the state and federal government, along with the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach need to take aggressive action against emissions from trucks, ships and cars. The main issue is particulate pollution, which is known to cause serious health problems and premature death.

To submit stories and other material, email yourstory@aqmd.gov.

See the Source:
DailyBreeze.com

Find out:
How to reduce particulate emissions by using diesel particulate filters

Students Recognized for Contributing To Healthier Environment

The EPA will recognize 50 young people from around the country on Saturday at the President's Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA) for their contributions in promoting environmental awareness and community involvement in such issues as recycling, energy efficiency, climate change and water conservation. Young people from all 50 states and the US territories are invited to participate. Winners were selected from among applicants to EPA's 10 regional offices. Regional EPA panels judge projects on environmental needs, accomplishment of goals, long-term environmental benefits and positive impact on local communities.

See the Source:
EPA – President’s Environmental Youth Awards

East Meets West: The Impact of Asian Pollution on Clouds, Weather, Climate Change

Using the newest aircraft for environmental research, scientists are launching a project to study and track plumes of dust and pollutants which originate in Asia and travel across the Pacific to North America. Captured as “event”, it is believed they are so large in size as to have an affect on cloud formation, weather and global climate change.

The Pacific Dust Experiment (PACDEX) will be launched in late April and continue for two months.

"PACDEX will open a window into what happens to the atmosphere as these massive plumes cross the Pacific Ocean. The plumes affect clouds, precipitation, and the amount of sunlight that reaches Earth," explains National Center for Atmospheric Research scientist Jeff Stith, a principal investigator on the project. "We want to determine how the various particles of dust and pollutants in the plumes influence clouds and climate, and how far downwind those effects occur."

Sulfate particles found within the plumes cool the planet by blocking solar radiation, at the same time that other particles of black carbon create a warming effect by absorbing sunlight. Various particles may also mask up to half of the global warming impact of greenhouse gases. Future warming will be influenced by the amount of particulate matter emissions originating in Asia.

Dust and pollutants also reduce light, contributing to the “global dimming” phenomenon that can affect temperature and precipitation.

See the Source:
The National Center for Atmospheric Research and the UCAR Office of Programs

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

The Clean Diesel Technology Tour

The Clean Diesel Technology Tour, the largest gathering ever of clean diesel executives, vehicles and technologies, takes place today at the Sacramento Convention Center, spotlighting diesel’s role in meeting California challenges regarding clean air standards, climate change and fuel efficiency. Sponsored by the Diesel Technology Forum (DTF), the tour offers industry, government officials and representatives from the environmental community the opportunity to interact and exchange ideas while reviewing the impressive improvements of modern diesel technologies.

During the tour, results of a recent survey commissioned by the DTF will be released, showing current California residents’ attitudes toward the impacts of their personal vehicle choices on climate change, and their perceptions of the diesel industry’s environmental progress over the past two decades.

Tour topics include discussing the importance of clean diesel technology to California today and its future potential; environmental challenges at the ports and in goods movement; the state’s low-carbon fuel initiative; and Governor Schwartzenegger’s views regarding climate change issues that industries need to address.

Executives from the diesel industry will discuss plans for the introduction of new clean diesel vehicles, engines and related technology in the near future.

The event will feature an opportunity to see and drive some of the cleanest, most fuel-efficient clean diesel vehicles made, including several brought from Europe to demonstrate the state-of-art in light-duty diesel technology. There will also be displays of 2007 emissions-compliant Class 8 trucks, Tier III off-road equipment and a wide array of emissions-control technologies that are making new and older diesels the cleanest ever, and ready for use in California’s strict regulatory environment.

In light-duty cars, trucks and SUVs, diesel yields up to 40 percent more miles per gallon than unleaded gasoline, an important benefit with the challenge of today’s high fuel prices. Diesel became even more attractive with rollout of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel in California last September and nationwide last October. The sulfur content of this new, clean diesel is 15 parts per million, down previously from 150 parts per million in California, reducing emissions from diesels and enabling a new generation of clean engines for the entire spectrum of diesel-powered equipment. These new engines are up to 90 percent cleaner than the previous generation of diesel engines. Cars and SUVs expressly designed to burn clean diesel, which will make them as clean as gasoline-powered engines, are expected to be introduced in California starting in 2008.

About the Diesel Technology Forum
The Diesel Technology Forum (DTF) is an association of companies that manufacture diesel engines, components, fuel, and emissions control systems. The DTF brings together the diesel industry, the broad diesel user community, civic and public interest leaders, government regulators, academics, scientists, the petroleum industry and public health researchers to encourage the exchange of information, ideas, scientific findings and points-of-view about current and future uses of diesel power technology.

See the Source:

Diesel Technology Forum

The Greening of the Ivy League

The EPA has crowned the Ivy League as the overall champion conference of the College & University Green Power Challenge for 2006-2007, beating out 15 other collegiate athletic conferences. NYU won individual school honors for purchasing more green power than any other school in the competition.

"EPA applauds this year's College & University Green Power Conference Champions for their leadership in green power purchasing," said Bill Wehrum, EPA's acting assistant administrator for Air and Radiation. "EPA hopes this year's competition inspires schools around the nation to participate in the 2007-2008 EPA College & University Green Power Challenge. Buying green power is a great way to demonstrate that what's good for the environment is also good for higher education."

Since April 2006, EPA's Green Power Partnership has ranked conferences by the quantity of green power purchased by their respective colleges and universities. These conferences must have schools that qualify as EPA Green Power Partners and make a collective green power purchase of at least 10 million kWh conference-wide in order to be eligible for the challenge. The 33 schools and 16 conferences taking part in this year's challenge are buying more than 750 million kWh of green power. EPA estimates that this amount of green power is equal to the electricity needed to power more than 60,000 average American homes each year.

Leading the Ivy League was the University of Pennsylvania followed by Harvard and Yale, with a collective purchase totaling more than 140 million kWh of green power.

Green power is produced from eligible renewable resources such as solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, biomass and low-impact hydro. Green power is considered cleaner than conventional sources of electricity, has a superior environmental profile to conventional power, and does not contribute additional carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere. Buying green power has proven to be an excellent strategy for colleges and universities across the country to reduce the environmental impact of their purchased electricity, while allowing them to tie environmental action to the educational mission of the school.

See the Source:
EPA - College and University Green Power Challenge

Americans are Environmental “Doers” According to Report

A new report released on April 17 entitled, “The 2007 Cone Consumer Environmental Survey” states that 32% of Americans have a heightened interest in environmental issues compared to findings from last year’s survey. They are also looking for companies to step up to the plate and act, with 93% believing that companies have a responsibility to help the environment.

The study also shows that many Americans consider themselves “doers” by the decision to purchase environmentally-friendly products, donate to an environmental organization, becoming advocates for environmental issues, and making an effort to personally reduce their impact on the environment. This includes:

- 93% Conserving energy
- 89% Recycling
- 86% Conserving water
- 70% Telling family and friends about environmental issues

Americans also want businesses to be more proactive is their handling of packaging and transportation. Action supported include:

- 71% Reducing pollution through office and manufacturing operations
- 69% Designing products/packaging with more environmentally-friendly contents and minimal packaging
- 62% Communicating environmental efforts to consumers and employees so each group can support those efforts
- 59% Donating money to environmental causes
- 57% Lobbying for environmentally-friendly policies

“This is a call-to-action for companies. It’s an opportunity for innovation in product design, packaging, and distribution,” says Julia Hobbs Kivistik, executive vice president of Cause Brandingsm, Cone LLC. “Companies ultimately need to engage consumers and effectively communicate the impact their business practices and products have on the environment. Consumers are listening.”

See the Source:
2007 Cone Consumer Environmental Survey

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