Mobile Emissions Today articles from January 2004

Mobile Emissions Today archives from January 2004

Chevron Phillips to Upgrade Buses of Local TX School District.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2004... The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) recently announced that Chevron Phillips Chemical Company has agreed to retrofit two Nederland Independent School District buses with catalyzed diesel particulate filters as part of the...

ExxonMobil Baytown Refinery to Reduce Sulfur Content of Gas.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2004... Exxonmobil Corporation recently announced the start-up of new facilities at its Baytown Refinery that are expected to help reduce the sulfur content of the gasoline it produces by up to 90 percent. ExxonMobil noted that the three-year...

Cummins to Meet NOx Emission Standards With Cooled-EGR.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2004... Cummins, Inc. recently confirmed that it will meet the 2007 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on-highway oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emission standards using cooled-exhaust gas recirculation (cooled-EGR), "the same technology employed today by...

EPA Introduces New Motorcycle Standards.(Brief Article)
January 6, 2004... The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced the signing of a final rule that establishes new emissions standards for highway motorcycles. The new regulations, to take effect in 2006 and 2008 respectively, focus on the emissions...

DOT Proposes Federal Fuel Efficiency Reforms.(Brief Article)
January 6, 2004... The Department of Transportation (DOT) recently announced that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking seeking public comment on Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE)...

Global Exchange, Bus Riders Union to Protest L.A. Auto Show.(Brief Article)
January 6, 2004... Global Exchange, "an international human rights organization dedicated to promoting environmental, political and social justice," recently announced plans to join with the Los Angeles Bus Riders Union in staging a protest during the Los Angeles...

Three PA Counties Implement New Emissions Inspections.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2004... The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) recently announced that, beginning this month, it has implemented, in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), federally mandated emissions testing in Berks,...

Winter Wildlands Comments on Snowmobile Ruling.(National Parks plan to allow snowmobiling in Yellowstone set aside)
January 7, 2004... The Winter Wildlands Alliance, a national organization working to "protect a quality human-powered winter recreation experience," recently remarked that while U.S. District Court judge Emmet Sullivan's decision last month to set aside the...

Ontario to Introduce New Diesel Truck, Bus Emission Limits.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2004... The Ontario Ministry of Environment recently announced that the first stage of the province's new emission standards for large diesel trucks and buses is scheduled to go into effect April 1, with the second stage to follow April 1, 2005. ...

Yolobus, Unitrans Launch New CNG Buses.(new compressed natural gas powered buses added to fleet)(Brief Article)
January 8, 2004... The University of California, Davis (UC Davis), recently announced that Yolobus, the transit system for Yolo County, CA, and the Unitrans campus transportation system introduced last month 18 new compressed natural gas (CNG) powered buses to...

LPG, CNG Vehicles to Operate in Philippines.(MGE plans to purchase 400 liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-powered vehicles to help support the government's clean air initiatives)
January 8, 2004... Industry officials in the Philippines recently reported that taxicab company MGE plans to purchase 400 liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-powered vehicles to help support the government's clean air initiatives. According to officials, Toyota...

Honda, GM Recognized for 'Environmental Superiority'.(companies receive the top honors in the 2004 Automotive Market Environmental Superiority (AMES) study, an environmental performance index)
January 8, 2004... AMES Award, LLC recently announced that Honda Motor Company and General Motors Corporation (GM) received the top honors in the 2004 Automotive Market Environmental Superiority (AMES) Study, "an environmental performance index for over 250...

DDC Announces Plan for Series 50 Engine Certification.(Brief Article)
January 9, 2004... Detroit Diesel Corporation (DDC) recently announced the plan for certification of its 2007 Series 50 urban bus engines. After investigating several possible technical solutions for 2007, DDC said it is now focused on "the two with the most...

HORIBA Wins EPA Emissions Equipment Contract.(Brief Article)
January 9, 2004... HORIBA Instruments, Inc. recently announced it has been awarded a contract from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to equip two test sites at its National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL) with a complete gaseous and...

Argonne Develops New Diesel Engine Catalyst.(Brief Article)
January 9, 2004... The Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory recently announced the development of a new catalyst that could potentially help automakers meet the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) deadline to eliminate 95 percent of...

Caterpillar Plans for 2007 EPA Regulations With ACERT.(Brief Article)
January 13, 2004... Caterpillar, Inc. recently announced it intends to meet 2007 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions standards without the use of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology, relying instead on its own ACERT technology. "Our...

WestStart, NAC to Host Clean Heavy-duty Vehicles Conference.(US Army National Automotive Center partners with WestStart to produce conference)(Brief Article)
January 13, 2004... WestStart-CALSTART, Inc. and the U.S. Army National Automotive Center (NAC) will host the Clean Heavy-duty Vehicles Conference, "the only national conference focused exclusively on advanced technologies and fuels for heavy-duty on- and non-road...

Report Examines Environmental Impact of Diesel Vehicles.(Brief Article)
January 13, 2004... The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) recently announced the release of a new report, titled "The Diesel Dilemma: Diesel's Role in the Race for Clean Cars," which indicates that diesel cars of the future "can be much cleaner than today's...

Local IN School District Files MTBE Contamination Suit.(North Newton School Corporation has filed suit against 41 oil companies over exposure to methyl tertiary butyl ether)(Brief Article)
January 14, 2004... City officials in Morocco, Indiana recently reported that the local North Newton School Corporation has filed suit against 41 oil companies over exposure to methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE)-contaminated drinking water in the school district....

SwRI Launches Heavy-duty Gasoline Engine Consortium.(The Southwest Research Institute to develop high efficiency, durable gasoline engine)(Brief Article)
January 14, 2004... The Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) recently announced plans to launch a four-year cooperative research program this year to develop a high-efficiency, durable gasoline engine for heavy-duty applications. According to SwRI, the...

Baltimore Receives Federal Aid to Purchase ULSD.(Brief Article)
January 14, 2004... City officials in Baltimore, MD recently reported that the Maryland Department of Energy has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the purchase of ULSD fuel for use in 165 East Baltimore transit buses....

New Jersey Legislature Approves 'Clean Cars' Bill.(Brief Article)
January 15, 2004... The New Jersey Public Interest Research Group (NJPIRG) recently announced that both the state senate and assembly have voted to approve the New Jersey Clean Cars legislation, which aims to reduce air pollution in the state by an additional 23...

Cummins Extends Uptime Guarantee for EPA-Certified Engines.(Brief Article)
January 15, 2004... Cummins, Inc. recently announced the extension of it Uptime Guarantee for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-certified heavy-duty on-highway truck engines to include all engines placed in service through December 31, 2004. According to...

MBTA Replaces First Bus Fleets With CNG Models.(Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to purchase compressed natural gas buses)(Brief Article)
January 15, 2004... City officials in Boston, MA recently reported that the Greater Boston communities of Hyde Park, Roslindale and West Roxbury have become the first areas serviced by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to replace their older...

Subaru Classifies Outback as Light Duty Truck.
January 16, 2004... Subaru of America, Inc. recently announced that the decision to classify its newly redesigned 2005 model year Outback sedan and wagon as a light duty truck instead of a light duty vehicle was based on "customer demand for more SUV-type...

Local PA School District Seeks Bus Retrofit Funding.(Brief Article)
January 16, 2004... City officials in Pittsburgh, PA recently reported that the Allegheny County Health Department has granted preliminary approval for the awarding of $185,00 to the local Penn Hills School District to conduct a pilot program evaluating the use of...

Weekly Update.(Brief Article)(Calendar)
January 16, 2004... AUTOMOTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGIES, February 18-19, 2004, The Grand, Amsterdam 4TH ANNUAL CLEAN HEAVY-DUTY VEHICLES CONFERENCE, February 25-27, 2004, Rancho Las Palmas Resort, Rancho Mirage, CA 10TH NATIONAL CLEAN CITIES CONFERENCE...

AZ State Senator Seeks Efficiency-based Registration Fees.(Brief Article)
January 20, 2004... Government officials in Arizona recently reported that state senator Slade Mead (R-Phoenix) has authored a new bill -- SB 1060 -- that would alter the state's annual vehicle registration fee system to base payments on a vehicle's fuel...

NH Officials Consider MTBE Ban.(New Hampshire considers banning the sale of the gasoline additive methyl tertiary butyl ether)(Brief Article)
January 20, 2004... Government officials in New Hampshire recently reported that the Science, Technology and Energy Committee of the state House of Representatives is considering legislation that would ban the sale of the gasoline additive methyl tertiary butyl...

South Korea Plans New Vehicle Emissions Regulations.(Brief Article)
January 20, 2004... Government officials in South Korea recently revealed plans for new automotive emissions regulations, which would meet California ultra low emission vehicle standards for gasoline-fueled cars as well as Euro IV standards for diesel-powered...

ESW Files for CARB Certification for Catalytic Converter.
January 22, 2004... Environmental Solutions Worldwide, Inc. (ESW) recently announced it has filed for California Air Resources Board (CARB) review and certification for its Enviro-Cat gasoline catalytic converter product, which recently met required emissions...

Local ID School District Tests Biodiesel.(study designed to compare the emissions of diesel-powered school buses with those of buses operating on a bio-diesel blend)(Brief Article)
January 22, 2004... Local officials in Meridian, ID recently reported that the Desert Research Institute of Nevada and the Community Planning Association (COMPASS) are currently conducting a study designed to compare the emissions of diesel-powered school buses...

GHG Center Verifies Performance of New Gear Lubricant.(The Greenhouse Gas Technology Center recently announced its independent verification of the performance of a new gear lubricant)(Brief Article)
January 23, 2004... The Greenhouse Gas Technology Center (GHG Center), a public/private partnership between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Southwest Research Institute (SRI) that operates under the EPA's Environmental Technology Verification (ETV)...

New Honda Facility to Develop Fuel-efficient Vehicle Systems.(Brief Article)
January 23, 2004... Automotive industry officials recently reported that Honda Motor Company is constructing a new research and development facility in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan to develop more fuel-efficient vehicle technologies. According to officials, the...

Welsh Assembly Provides Funding for Clean Air Program.(Energy Saving Trust's Transport Energy CleanUp Wales program receives government funding to reduce emissions from commercial diesel vehicles)(Brief Article)
January 23, 2004... Welsh minister for economic development and transport Andrew Davies recently announced that the National Assembly for Wales will provide 250,000 pounds (about $461,351) in funding to the Energy Saving Trust's Transport Energy CleanUp Wales...

Weekly Update.(Brief Article)(Calendar)
January 23, 2004... AUTOMOTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGIES, February 18-19, 2004, The Grand, Amsterdam 4TH ANNUAL CLEAN HEAVY-DUTY VEHICLES CONFERENCE, February 25-27, 2004, Rancho Las Palmas Resort, Rancho Mirage, CA THE ENERGY EXCHANGE'S ANNUAL GLOBAL...

Study Evaluates Prenatal Exposure to 'Urban Air Pollutants'.(Brief Article)
January 26, 2004... The Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, part of the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, recently announced the results of a new study which reveal that "combined prenatal exposure to second-hand smoke and...

Scottish Localities Consider Pollution Fines for Motorists.(Brief Article)
January 26, 2004... Local officials in Scotland recently reported that the city councils of Glasgow, South Ayreshire and Aberdeen are considering the introduction of several motor vehicle fines designed to help reduce air pollution. According to officials,...

London Boroughs Participate in New Carpool Project.(Brief Article)
January 26, 2004... The Wimbledon Post recently reported the launch of Share the Car, a new carpooling program involving 10 London boroughs that was co-developed by the South and West London Transport Conference (SWELTRAC) and liftshare.com. According to the...

EPA Proposes Approval of RFG 'Opt-out' Rule for NH.(The Environmental Protection Agency Reformulated gasoline program )(Brief Article)
January 27, 2004... The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced it is proposing to approve a new rule allowing New Hampshire to opt-out of the federal reformulated gasoline program (RFG) and instead implement its own fuel program known as "Oxygen...

VT Officials Debate Vehicle Emissions Standards.(Brief Article)
January 27, 2004... Vermont state officials recently reported that a state legislative committee has voted against proposed rules that would require the state to take "emergency" steps to maintain compliance with California vehicle emissions standards. State...

Website Allows Users to Calculate Transportation Emissions.(Brief Article)
January 27, 2004... The Detroit News recently reported that The Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT), a group seeking to "invent and implement new tools and methods which create livable urban communities for everyone," has developed a website "for those...

Earthjustice Sues EPA for Missing Emissions Deadline.
January 28, 2004... Earthjustice, on behalf of the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (USPIRG) and the Sierra Club, recently filed suit against the EPA for failure to meet a 2003 deadline to propose regulations for reducing vehiclular emissions. According to...

EPA, Automakers, Gas Refiners Celebrate Clean Air Program.(The Environmental Protection Agency)
January 28, 2004... The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced that its program for cleaner vehicles and fuel was "officially recognized" earlier this week by EPA administrator Mike Leavitt in Washington, DC with a display of 17 2004 model-year...

CDT Completes Testing of New Diesel Emission Control System.(Clean Diesel Technologies, Inc.)(Brief Article)
January 28, 2004... Clean Diesel Technologies, Inc. (CDT) recently announced it has completed testing of a new diesel-emission reduction system under the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) protocol for retrofit...

CARB Reaches Settlement With Volkswagen.(The California Air Resources Board )(Brief Article)
January 29, 2004... The California Air Resources Board (CARB) recently announced that Volkswagen of America, Inc. has agreed to pay a settlement of $552,500 for distributing and selling vehicles in California that were not certified to meet state automobile...

Flexcar Program Expands to Stapleton, CO.(Brief Article)
January 29, 2004... Seattle WA-based car-sharing company Flexcar recently announced it has expanded into the Denver area through a partnership with Forest City Stapleton, Inc., master developer of the Stapleton urban development. According to Flexcar, the...

IEPA Launches Website for Clean School Bus Program.(The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency)(Brief Article)
January 29, 2004... The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) recently announced the launch of a new website, located on the Internet at http://www.epa.state.il.us/air/cleanbus, designed to assist state school districts in applying for and receiving...

EPA Approves Changes to AZ Cleaner Burning Gasoline Program.(Brief Article)
January 30, 2004... The Environmental Protection Agency recently announced its approval of Arizona's revised air quality plan, which introduces changes to the state's Cleaner Burning Gasoline program. According to EPA, the revised plan requires the use of...

New Zealand Launches 'Walking' School Buses.(Brief Article)
January 30, 2004... The government of New Zealand recently announced the launch of a formal campaign encouraging "walking" school buses in an effort to reduce the amount of vehicle emissions. "A walking school bus involves at least two parents collecting...

Energy Exchange to Host Alternative Fuels Forum in Germany.(Brief Article)
January 30, 2004... The Energy Exchange, Ltd. will host the Annual Global Alternative Fuels Forum for Automotive Applications on March 3 and 4 in Hamburg, Germany, during which "six months of experiences with hydrogen drive fuel cell buses and their related...

CT DMV Makes Arrest for Alleged Emissions Test Bribery.(Brief Article)
January 30, 2004... The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) recently announced it has made its first arrest for attempted bribery in the state's new emissions test program. According to CT DMV, inspectors from the department's Bureau of Safety and...

Weekly Update.(Calendar)
January 30, 2004... AUTOMOTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGIES, February 18-19, 2004, The Grand, Amsterdam 4TH ANNUAL CLEAN HEAVY-DUTY VEHICLES CONFERENCE, February 25-27, 2004, Rancho Las Palmas Resort, Rancho Mirage, CA THE ENERGY EXCHANGE'S ANNUAL GLOBAL...