Mobile Emissions Today articles from April 2004

Mobile Emissions Today archives from April 2004

CARB to Accelerate Emission Control Software Upgrade.(California Air Resources Board)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... A new plan from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) calls for emission control software to be installed on heavy-duty diesel vehicles much sooner than currently required. The software is required as part of a settlement between the...

CDT Reports Fourth-quarter, Year-end Financial Results.(Clean Diesel Technologies, Inc)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Stamford, CT-based Clean Diesel Technologies, Inc. (CDT), "a specialty chemical company with patented products that reduce emissions from diesel engines while simultaneously improving fuel economy," recently announced its financial results for...

TERI Proposes Use of ULSD in India.(The Energy and Resources Institute (India) , ultra low sulfur diesel)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Indian newspaper the Business Standard recently reported that the non-profit Energy and Resource Institute (TERI) has proposed the use of ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) as a means of reducing diesel emissions from heavy-duty commercial vehicles...

AZ Bill Looks to Extend Diesel Engine Compliance Deadline.(Arizona Bill Looks to Extend Diesel Engine Compliance Deadline.)(Brief Article)
April 2, 2004... The Arizona Republic recently reported that a state House-approved bill soon to be considered by the state Senate would extend the deadline for those owning small heavy-duty diesel truck fleets equipped with pre-1988 engines to either retrofit...

CARB Settles Clean Air Enforcement Cases.(California Air Resources Board settles Clean Air Enforcement Cases.)(Brief Article)
April 2, 2004... The California Air Resources Board (CARB) recently announced it has reached settlements totaling $154,000 with five companies cited for violations of California's clean air regulations. According to CARB, companies involved in the...

Weekly Update.(National AFV Day:Showcasing Cleaner Choices in Tranportation)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
April 2, 2004... NATIONAL AFV DAY ODYSSEY: SHOWCASING CLEANER CHOICES IN TRANSPORTATION, April 2, 2004, multiple U.S. locations NESEA GREEN CAR CLUB SPRING BRAKE, April 10, 2004, Tri-County Toyota, Limmerick, PA RUN FOR CLEAN AIR, April 10, 2004,...

Philadelphia to Augment Regional Emissions Tests.(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... The emissions inspection program in the five-county greater Philadelphia area will be augmented to include an onboard diagnostic inspection and maintenance check and a gas cap test for most light-duty trucks and cars from model year 1996 and...

Conference Highlights Clean Air Challenges in Asia.(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... India's Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) recently announced that attendees of last week's three-day International Conference on Clean Air in Asian Cities conference in New Delhi, India debated the clean air challenges that confront...

Toyota, Isuzu Win Philippine Fuel Efficiency Contest.(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... The Manila Times recently reported that the Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) earlier this month conducted its annual "Fuel Economy Run," an event designed to evaluate the real-world fuel efficiency of locally operated vehicle models. ...

Clean Air Trust Names GAO 'Villain of the Month'.(General Accounting Office)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... The Clean Air Trust recently named the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) as its "clean air villain of the month" for March 2004 for "appearing to front for trucking companies that are facing tougher clean-air standards." "GAO appeared...

DOE Offers Conflicting Views of CA Waiver Request.(Department of Energy)(Brief Article)
April 6, 2004... Bloomberg News recently reported that Department of Energy (DOE) secretary Spencer Abraham said during testimony delivered late last week before the House Energy and Commerce Committee that he believes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)...

CT DMV Reports Lower Hydrocarbon Fail Rates.(Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles)(Brief Article)
April 6, 2004... The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (CT DMV) recently announced that previously reported false hydrocarbon failures for emissions tests are "considerably lower than originally estimated." According to CT DMV, approximately 2,424...

Flexcar Adds Vehicles to Seattle Fleet.(Brief Article)
April 6, 2004... Flexcar recently added 23 cars to it Seattle fleet, bringing the fleet total to 130 vehicles in 20 neighborhoods around the city. Close to 10,000 business and single commuters belong to the Seattle Flexcar program. In addition to...

House Bill Includes CA Transportation Project Funds.(Francisco )(Brief Article)
April 7, 2004... The recent transportation bill approved by the U.S. House of Representatives includes $120 million in funding for various San Francisco Bay Area projects, including several clean air initiatives. "The legislation brings us a step closer to...

KY Locality May Escape Reinstatement of Emissions Testing.(Kentucky)(Brief Article)
April 7, 2004... Local Kentucky newspaper the Courier-Journal recently reported that EPA Atlanta office regulatory development section chief Richard Schutt has revealed that EPA officials have expressed their belief that it may be possible for the Louisville...

EC Urges Member States to Comply With Clean Fuel Law.(European Union. European Commission)(Brief Article)
April 7, 2004... The European Commission (EC) recently sent Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and Sweden a second written warning for failing to comply with an EU law aimed at promoting the use of low-sulfur fuels. ...

Study Says More Consumers to Consider Clean Vehicles.(Brief Article)
April 8, 2004... J.D. Power and Associates recently announced the release of the 2004 Consumer Acceptance of Alternative Powertrains Study, which indicates that more consumers are expected to consider purchasing vehicles equipped with clean diesel engines or...

Cardiff, FatPower to Form Clean Fuel Technology Company.(Cardiff Resources, Inc. and FatPower, Inc. forms Hy-Drive Technologies, Ltd.,)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2004... Canadian capital pool company Cardiff Resources, Inc. and Canadian fuel processor developer FatPower, Inc. recently announced the receipt of shareholder approval to form Hy-Drive Technologies, Ltd., an energy technology firm that has developed...

Boeing Dreamliner to Feature Clean Engines.(Brief Article)
April 9, 2004... The new Boeing 7E7 Dreamliner aircraft, scheduled to debut this year, is expected to feature engines capable of reducing fuel consumption and associated emissions by 20 percent over those of comparably sized planes. Engine types selected...

Philadelphia Partners With PhillyCarShare.(Brief Article)
April 9, 2004... PhillyCarShare recently announced it has formed a partnership with the city of Philadelphia to reduce the city's fleet, improve air quality and help save "millions of taxpayer dollars." According to PhillyCarShare, the partnership targets...

European Researchers Begin Development of CLEVER Vehicle.(Compact Low Emission Vehicle for Urban Transport)(Brief Article)
April 9, 2004... The University of Bath recently announced that a team of European scientists has begun development of a new compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered, three-wheeled vehicle that "combines the safety of a micro-car and the maneuverability of a...

Weekly Update.(Brief Article)(Calendar)
April 9, 2004... NESEA GREEN CAR CLUB SPRING BRAKE, April 10, 2004, Tri-County Toyota, Limmerick, PA RUN FOR CLEAN AIR, April 10, 2004, Cherokee Boulevard, Knoxville, TN WEST COAST REGION CONFERENCE ON MARINE PORT AIR QUALITY IMPACTS, April 21-22,...

Sierra Club Applauds Introduction of Clean Cruise Ships Act.(Brief Article)
April 12, 2004... Sierra Club executive director Carl Pope recently praised U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representatives Sam Farr (D-CA) and Chris Shays (R-CT) for introducing the Clean Cruise Ships Act, "a visionary bill that will protect America's...

EPA Offers Emissions Reduction Grants.(Environmental Protection Agency)(Brief Article)
April 12, 2004... The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is offering grants to state and nonprofit organizations under the SmartWay Transport Partnership for the reduction of emissions from idling trucks. Grants of between $100,000 and $200,000 will be...

TERI Calls For Stricter Emissions Standards in India.(The Energy and Resource Institute)(Brief Article)
April 12, 2004... Local Indian newspaper the News Today recently reported that while speaking at last week's workshop on "Fuel Choices for Transport and the Environment" in Chennai, officials with The Energy and Resource Institute (TERI) urged the national...

ASE Touts National Defense Energy Savings Act.(Brief Article)
April 13, 2004... The Alliance to Save Energy (ASE) recently expressed its support for a bipartisan bill introduced late last week by ASE vice-chair U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) with Senators Evan Bayh (D-IN), Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Jack Reed (D-RI) that...

RFA Says Oxygenate Waivers Will Not Reduce Gas Prices.(Renewable Fuels Association)(Brief Article)
April 13, 2004... The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) recently announced it has sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency administrator Mike Leavitt "strongly rebutting" assertions that granting Clean Air Act oxygenate waivers would help such states as...

VW Introduces New Diesel-powered Passat TDI.(Volkswagen)(Brief Article)
April 13, 2004... Volkswagen (VW) of America, Inc. recently announced the U.S. introduction of the 2004 diesel-powered Passat TDI. According to VW, the new Passat TDI achieves 38 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway and 27 mpg in city driving conditions,...

AZ Attorney General Indicts Emission Testing Employees.(Arizona)(Brief Article)
April 14, 2004... The Arizona Attorney General's Office recently announced the indictment of 14 former emission testing employees for fraudulent schemes and practices and forgery. According to the attorney general's office, the indictments follow an...

Chinese Researchers Develop Cleaner Diesel Engine.(Brief Article)
April 14, 2004... Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Beijing Normal University have developed a new diesel engine design that is capable of reducing emissions. The new engine utilizes a catalytic converter to lower emissions of soot and...

Public Comment on Adirondacks Snowmobile Use Concludes.(Brief Article)
April 14, 2004... The Associated Press (AP) recently reported that New York Department of Environmental Conservation official Michael Fraser noted that the three-month comment period on the state's draft proposal to permit the use of additional snowmobiles in...

Corning Opens New Clean Diesel Products Facility in NY.(New York)(Brief Article)
April 15, 2004... Corning, Inc. recently opened a new plant in Erwin, NY that manufactures diesel substrates and filters for medium- and heavy-duty applications, such as trucks and buses. Corning said it expects the new facility will help meet growing...

ADAC Selects VW Lupo 3L TDI as Most Fuel-efficient Vehicle.(Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil Club ,Volkswagen)(Brief Article)
April 15, 2004... Volkswagen (VW) recently announced that German automobile club ADAC has named the diesel-powered VW Lupo 3L TDI "the most fuel-efficient vehicle." According to VW, the Lupo, which features a three-cylinder TDI engine with unit injectors,...

Toronto to Host 2004 Windsor Workshop.(Brief Article)
April 15, 2004... The 2004 Windsor Workshop, a transportation technology and fuel forum, will be held June 14 through 17 at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto, Ontario. The event will open the morning of Monday, June 14, with a plenary session titled...

CT DMV Disputes Extent of Alleged Emissions Fraud.
April 16, 2004... The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) recently disputed an article in the Hartford Courant stating that "hundreds" of vehicles passed the state's emissions tests under "questionable circumstances." Rather, CT DMV officials...

BorgWarner Develops New Engine Cooling Technology.(Brief Article)
April 16, 2004... Auburn Hills, MI-based BorgWarner Emissions/Thermal Systems, a designer and supplier of components and systems for engine, air and thermal management and for emissions control for the global vehicle market, recently announced the development of...

Weekly Update.(transportation industry)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
April 16, 2004... WEST COAST REGION CONFERENCE ON MARINE PORT AIR QUALITY IMPACTS, April 21-22, 2004, Embassy Suites Hotel, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, SeaTac, WA 10TH NATIONAL CLEAN CITIES CONFERENCE AND EXPO, May 2-5, 2004, Greater Ft....

PA Governor Recommends Three-year Phaseout for MTBE.(Pennsylvania, methyl tertiary butyl ether)(Brief Article)
April 19, 2004... On behalf of Pennsylvania governor Edward Rendell, state environmental protection secretary Kathleen McGinty recently stated that Pennsylvania "should consider a three-year phaseout period for the fuel additive methyl tertiary butyl ether...

ABI Predicts DPF Market to Reach 2.5 Billion Euros by 2010.(ABI Research)(Brief Article)
April 19, 2004... ABI Research recently announced the publication of a new report, titled "Engine Management Systems: Emerging Markets for Advanced Exhaust, Fuel and Intake Technologies," which predicts that the worldwide diesel particulate filter (DPF) market...

IVECO to Utilize ArvinMeritor SCR Technology.(Industrial Vehicle Corporation ,)(Selective Catalytic Reduction/silencer technology)(Brief Article)
April 19, 2004... IVECO recently announced plans to make ArvinMeritor's Selective Catalytic Reduction/silencer (SCR) technology standard in its Cursor series heavy-duty vehicles. According to ArvinMeritor, the SCR technology utilizes urea to lower emissions...

EPA Issues Designations on Ground-level Ozone Health Standards.(Environmental Protection Agency)(Brief Article)
April 20, 2004... The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) informed 31 governors late last week that areas of their states do not meet new health standards for ground-level ozone. According to the EPA, part or all of 474 counties nationwide are in...

Earthjustice Argues for Stricter Snowmobile Rules.(Brief Article)
April 20, 2004... Earthjustice recently announced that attorney Jim Pew, representing Environmental Defense and Bluewater Network, has presented oral arguments challenging the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) national emissions standards for snowmobiles...

ETG Offers New Emissions Technology for Low-Load Vehicles.(Emissions Technology Group)(Brief Article)
April 20, 2004... A new exhaust filter technology from Sweden's Emissions Technology Group (ETG) is designed to help cut emissions from off-road vehicles with low-load engines. According to ETG, the catalytic particulate oxidizer (CPO) requires a...

India to Utilize Remote Vehicle Emissions Sensors.(Brief Article)
April 21, 2004... The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India recently announced that the Delhi Department of Transport plans to install remote vehicular emissions sensors around the city during the next two weeks in order to identify "gross polluters on the roads."...

Green Mountain to Address Clean Air Issues in TX.(Texas)(Brief Article)
April 21, 2004... Green Mountain Energy Company will work with two environmental groups in Texas on Earth Day to help educate the public on choices, including "smart transportation decisions," that can help reduce air pollution. In particular, the groups...

ALA President Comments on EPA's Ozone Designations.(American Lung Association, Environmental Protection Agency)(Brief Article)
April 21, 2004... American Lung Association (ALA) president and CEO John Kirkwood recently issued a statement in response to the EPA's new designations of ozone nonattainment areas, commenting that while "millions of people will benefit from the cleaner air that...

Sierra Club Criticizes GM Canada's Fuel Efficiency Stance.(General Motors)(Brief Article)
April 22, 2004... Sierra Club of Canada recently criticized General Motors (GM) Canada president Michael Grimaldi for a statement last week in which he claimed that meeting federal government plans for a 25-percent improvement in vehicular fuel efficiency could...

Report Says Vehicular CO2 Reductions Will Save Money in CA.(carbon dioxide, California)(Brief Article)
April 22, 2004... A recent report from the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) claims that existing technology could be incorporated into motor vehicle design to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) in California by 20 percent in "just over" three years or...

CODEPINK to Protest at Hummer Dealerships on Earth Day.(Brief Article)
April 22, 2004... Venice, CA-based "women's peace group" CODEPINK plans to conduct "creative demonstrations ranging from pickets, to sing-alongs and bike-ins" at Hummer dealerships in more than one dozen cities today in honor of Earth Day 2004. "We can't...

DOE Official Says Only EPA Will Decide on Oxygenate Waivers.(Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency)(Brief Article)
April 23, 2004... Dow Jones recently reported that Department of Energy (DOE) secretary Spencer Abraham has maintained that while he delivered testimony earlier this month before the House Energy and Commerce Committee stating his belief that the Environmental...

New Environmental Indicators Index Says Emissions Down.(Pacific Research Institute for Public Policy)(American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research)(Brief Article)
April 23, 2004... The Pacific Research Institute for Public Policy (PRI), "a nonprofit, non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting the principles of limited government, individual freedom and personal responsibility," recently announced its release,...

Weekly Update.(Brief Article)(Calendar)
April 23, 2004... 10TH NATIONAL CLEAN CITIES CONFERENCE AND EXPO, May 2-5, 2004, Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 2004 TOUR DE SOL - THE GREAT AMERICAN GREEN TRANSPORTATION FESTIVAL, May 21-25, 2004, TBA,...

Supreme Court Considers Opening Border to Mexican Trucks.(Brief Article)
April 26, 2004... The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) recently reported that the U.S. Supreme Court last week heard oral arguments in a case to determine whether to open the U.S. border to Mexico-domiciled trucks that fail to meet U.S. emissions...

Nissan Receives Exemption From U.S. Fuel Economy Rule.(Brief Article)
April 26, 2004... Reuters recently reported that Nissan North America has received permission from the Department of Transportation's (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for exemption from a U.S. fuel efficiency rule which mandates that a...

New Jersey Transit Launches OzonePass Program.(Brief Article)
April 26, 2004... New Jersey Transit recently announced plans to launch a new "OzonePass" program designed to provide discounts to commuters during designated ozone-alert days between May 17 and September 17. New Jersey Transit said employers will be able to...

Notice.
April 26, 2004... EIN Publishing is launching a new newsletter feature known as the "Corporate Profile" that will offer subscribers an opportunity, in a few brief paragraphs, to spotlight their company. For consideration in highlighting your company, we ask...

ConnPIRG Advocate Comments on Passage of Clean Cars Bill.(Connecticut Public Interest Research Group)(Brief Article)
April 27, 2004... Connecticut Public Interest Research Group (ConnPIRG) advocate Christopher Phelps recently applauded the state legislature for its passage of SB 119, the Clean Cars Bill, during an Earth Day Event held last week. "This is a home run for...

EPA Says Tier 2 Gasoline Sulfur Program 'On Schedule'.(Environmental Protection Agency)(Brief Article)
April 27, 2004... The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced it has reaffirmed its commitment to full, on-time implementation of its Tier 2 Gasoline Sulfur Program, which is designed to reduce sulfur levels in gasoline, by rejecting a proposal...

Kerry Repudiates SUV Ownership Claims.(John Kerry, sport utility vehicle)(Brief Article)
April 27, 2004... The Associated Press (AP) recently reported that presidential candidate John Kerry has maintained he does not own a Chevrolet sport utility vehicle (SUV) even though his family members operate one. According to AP, Kerry, who supports the...

Agbar Responds to Suspension of CT Emissions Testing Program.(Connecticut)(Agbar Technologies, Inc)(Brief Article)
April 28, 2004... Agbar Technologies, Inc. recently announced it is commencing legal action against the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the State of Connecticut over the suspension of the state's vehicle emissions testing program, which is...

EPA Official Questions VET Elimination Plans in Northern KY.(Environmental Protection Agency,vehicle emissions testing)(Kentucky)(Brief Article)
April 28, 2004... Local Ohio newspaper the Cincinnati Post recently reported that EPA Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards division director Lydia Wegman has questioned the Kentucky government's plans to eliminate vehicle emissions testing (VET) in the...

Light Trucks Outsell Cars in Almost Every State.(Brief Article)
April 28, 2004... The Associated Press (AP) recently reported that the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers has revealed that minivan, sport utility vehicle (SUV) and other light truck purchases outpaced car sales during 2003 in all U.S. states except...

Delphi to Participate in DOE Idling Project.(Department of Energy)(Brief Article)
April 29, 2004... Delphi Corporation will work with the Department of Energy (DOE) on a project to develop solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) auxiliary power units (APUs) for commercial vehicles to reduce idling and lower emissions and fuel consumption. The APUs...

DENSO Receives EPA Award for Fuel-saving A/C Technology.(Environmental Protectin Agency)(Brief Article)
April 29, 2004... DENSO Corporation recently announced that a team comprising DENSO, Toyota Motor Corporation and Toyota Industries Corporation has received a 2004 Climate Protection Award from the Environmental Protection Agency for the development of an...

European Parliament Considers Emissions-based Toll Fees.(Brief Article)
April 29, 2004... Members of the European Parliament (MEP) recently considered a new proposal calling for the consideration of the environmental and health effects of vehicle emissions in establishing road tolls for heavy goods vehicles. Specifically, MEPs...

Supreme Court Rules Against SCAQMD Clean Air Regulations.(South Coast Air Quality Management District)(Brief Article)
April 30, 2004... The Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) recently announced that, by a vote of eight to one, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that a set of fleet regulations previously adopted by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) "do...

EPA Releases Annual Fuel Economy Trends Report.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2004... EPA recently announced the release of "Light-duty Automotive Technology and Fuel Economy Trends: 1975 through 2004," a new report which reveals that model year 2004 vehicles are estimated to average approximately 20.8 miles per gallon. ...

Fluor Honored for Work on Austrian Clean Fuel Projects.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2004... The European Construction Industry ACTIVE Project of the Year honor has been awarded to a joint project team involving Fluor Corporation and OMV Aktiengesellschaft. The award cites work the companies have done on two clean-fuels projects...

Weekly Update.(Brief Article)(Calendar)
April 30, 2004... 10TH NATIONAL CLEAN CITIES CONFERENCE AND EXPO, May 2-5, 2004, Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 2004 TOUR DE SOL - THE GREAT AMERICAN GREEN TRANSPORTATION FESTIVAL, May 21-25, 2004, TBA,...