Mobile Emissions Today articles from June 2005

Mobile Emissions Today archives from June 2005

California ARB Amends Diesel ATCM for Agricultural Engines.(California Air Resources Board, Air Toxic Control Measure)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... The California Air Resources Board (ARB) recently announced it has amended a measure to reduce particulate emissions from new diesel-powered agricultural engines and provide farmers with the ability to employ a wider range of engines to replace...

DOE Announces Partnership Projects to Increase Fuel Efficiency.(Department of Energy)
June 1, 2005... The Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced a new partnership with industry and academia that consists of six projects with a value including cost share of more than $14 million aimed at significantly improving the vehicle efficiency of...

Study Finds Ethanol Blends Cost-effective for U.S. Motorists.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) recently announced that preliminary findings of a pilot study have confirmed that the use of ethanol fuel blends enables more miles to be traveled for less money. According to ACE, the research,...

DOE, USCAR to Codevelop New Lightweight Vehicle Materials.(Department of Energy)(U.S. Council for Automotive Research)(Brief Article)
June 2, 2005... The Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Council for Automotive Research (USCAR) recently announced a $70-million, five-year agreement to develop lightweight, high-strength materials capable of increasing fuel efficiency through a reduction...

Brazilian Company Begins Using O2Diesel in Garbage Trucks.(O2Diesel Corporation)(Brief Article)
June 2, 2005... O2Diesel Corporation recently announced that Comlurb, a municipally owned trash collection company serving Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has begun using O2Diesel's proprietary ethanol-diesel fuel blend in its fleet of trash hauling vehicles. ...

EPA Announces Availability of Clean School Bus Grants.(Environmental Protection Agency )(Brief Article)
June 2, 2005... The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced it is offering $7.5 million in grants to school districts seeking to cut emissions from their bus fleets. According to EPA, the grants, part of the agency's Clean School Bus...

EPA Plans New Rule to Help Ease ULSD Transition.(Environmental Protection Agency )(ultra-low sulfur diesel )(Brief Article)
June 3, 2005... In an effort to facilitate the transition to ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced plans to issue a rule later this year that will take two actions -- shift the retail compliance date...

Tyndall Report Says Aviation Growth to Hinder Climate Targets.(Brief Article)
June 3, 2005... Friends of the Earth (FOE) U.K. recently announced the release of a new report, conducted by the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, which indicates that U.K. greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets will be "almost impossible"...

Weekly Update.(Calendar)
June 3, 2005... FEDFLEET 2005: THE FIFTH NATIONAL FEDERAL FLEET MANAGER WORKSHOP AND INFORMATION FAIR, June 7-9, 2005, Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center, Nashville, TN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT AND DISASTERS: BRIDGING THE...

Maine Governor Adopts CA Vehicle Emissions Standards.(Cleaner Cars)(Brief Article)
June 6, 2005... The Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) recently announced that Maine governor John Elias Baldacci has signed into law the Cleaner Car program, the final piece of the California Low-emission Vehicle II program, under which approximately...

EPA Rejects RFG Waiver Requests From CA, CT, NY.(Environmental Protection Agency)(reformulated gasoline)(Brief Article)
June 6, 2005... The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced it has rejected requests from California, Connecticut and New York to be exempted from federal rules requiring that reformulated gasoline (RFG) sold in the states contain two percent...

Renewable Ventures Launches 'Certified Clean Car' Program.(www.renewableventures.com)(Renewable Ventures LLC.)(Brief Article)
June 6, 2005... Renewable Ventures, LLC, a leading provider of renewable energy investment and facility management, recently announced the launch of its "Certified Clean Car" program, an initiative designed to enable drivers to offset their automotive carbon...

LA Port to Provide More Funding for Truck Fleet Modernization.(Brief Article)
June 6, 2005... The Port of Los Angeles recently announced that the city's Board of Harbor Commissioners has voted unanimously to approve a memorandum of understanding with Gateway Cities Council to provide an additional $4.7 million over the next three years...

Delaware Legislators Support Bill Prohibiting MTBE Use, Sale.(methyl tertiary butyl ether)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2005... The Associated Press (AP) recently reported that the Delaware House of Representatives has approved new legislation to ban use or sale of the gasoline additive methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) in the state. According to AP, the bill was...

EU Official Says ETS Most Likely Aviation Emissions Option.(emissions trading scheme)(Brief Article)
June 7, 2005... Reuters recently reported that European Union (EU) environment commissioner Stavros Dimas commented during a news conference late last month that while he anticipates the airline industry will join the EU emissions trading scheme (ETS), the...

ABD Criticizes EST's Proposed Car Tax Increase.(Association of British Drivers, Energy Saving Trust )(Brief Article)
June 7, 2005... The Association of British Drivers (ABD) recently criticized a proposal from the U.K. Energy Saving Trust (EST) to increase the road tax, or vehicle excise duty (VED), from 165 pounds to 900 pounds (approximately $300 to $1,638) on any car that...

EPA Announces New In-use Emissions Testing Program.(Environmental Protection Agency)(Brief Article)
June 8, 2005... The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced a new in-use emissions testing program for diesel trucks and buses that the agency said promises to be "more accurate, less expensive and more effective." "This program is a...

UW Students Create New Fuel Additive Development Process.(University of Wisconsin Madison College of Engineering)(Brief Article)
June 8, 2005... The University of Wisconsin (UW) Madison College of Engineering recently announced that a group of graduate students has authored a report published in the June 3 issue of the journal Science, Chemical and Biological Engineering that details a...

Maine DEP Awards Bus Retrofit Grant to Local School District.(Maine School Administrative District #1)(Department of Environmental Protection)(Brief Article)
June 8, 2005... The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently announced it has awarded a grant to the Maine School Administrative District #1 to retrofit 22 diesel school buses with emission control devices. According to DEP, the...

O2Diesel Appoints New Chairman, Directors.(Brief Article)
June 9, 2005... Newark, DE-based clean diesel fuel developer O2Diesel Corporation recently announced its election of three new directors -- Arthur Meyer, who was appointed chairman, E. Holt Williams and Jeffrey Cornish. According to O2Diesel, Meyer...

CSP Analyzes PM10 Levels From 61 U.K. Monitoring Points.(Chartered Society of Physiotherapy)(Brief Article)
June 9, 2005... The U.K. Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) recently analyzed the presence of particulate matter up to 10 micrometers in size (PM10) as identified by readings taken from 61 monitoring points across the country for the first five months of...

EPA Proposes Deferring CAA Requirements for Compliant Areas.(Environmental Protection Agency)(Clean Air Act)(Brief Article)
June 10, 2005... The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced that 14 communities throughout the U.S. are ahead of schedule in the effort to reduce ground-level ozone. Because these communities have reached a specific milestone to clean the air...

ETA Finds Top U.K. Firms Urge Alternative Commutes.(Environmental Transport Association)(Brief Article)
June 10, 2005... U.K. roadside assistance company Environmental Transport Association (ETA) recently released a new survey which finds that many of the U.K.'s top firms have included initiatives designed to reduce the environmental impact of transportation as...

Study Assesses Impact of Smog, Extreme Weather in Canada.(Toronto Public Health)(Brief Article)
June 10, 2005... Toronto Public Health recently announced the release of a new study identifying the combined impact of air pollution and extreme weather in four Canadian cities -- Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Windsor -- over a 46-year period. According...

Weekly Update.(Calendar)
June 10, 2005... INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT AND DISASTERS: BRIDGING THE GAPS FOR GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, July 24-30, 2005, Charlotte, NC NATIONAL PETROCHEMICAL & REFINERS ASSOCIATION'S (NPRA) CLEAN FUELS CHALLENGE, August 9-10,...

DaimlerChrysler Reports on Prototype Mercedes Bionic Car.(Brief Article)
June 13, 2005... DaimlerChrysler released last week during the automaker's Innovation Symposium in Washington a new report on its prototype Mercedes-Benz bionic car, a boxfish-shaped concept vehicle capable of reducing fuel consumption by 20 percent and...

U.K. Environment Agency Says Air Quality Generally Improving.(Brief Article)
June 13, 2005... The U.K. Environment Agency recently announced the publication of its latest "report card" on the state of the environment in England and Wales, which finds that while air quality is "overall, much better," many towns and cities continue to...

Canadian Government Launches New Clean Air Online Website.(Brief Article)
June 13, 2005... Canadian environment minister Stephane Dion launched last week during the Sixth Annual Greater Toronto Area Smog Summit a new website, known as Clean Air Online, that is designed to provide "locally relevant and action-oriented" information,...

U.K. Announces Plans for Trial Road Charging Program.(Brief Article)
June 14, 2005... Reuters reported last week that U.K. transportation secretary Alistair Darling has unveiled plans for a trial program that would charge motorists up to 1.34 pounds (about $2.40) per mile to drive in certain areas. Reuters said the goal of...

Umicore Opens New Catalyst Production Facility in China.(N.V. Umicore S.A.)(Brief Article)
June 14, 2005... Belgian metals and materials group Umicore recently announced the opening of its new automotive catalyst plant in Suzhou, China. Following a year of construction, Umicore said the plant will become operational in the second half of 2005,...

University of Waterloo Team Wins Clean Car Challenge.(Brief Article)
June 14, 2005... General Motors (GM) and the Department of Energy (DOE), lead sponsors for the "Challenge X: Crossover to Sustainable Mobility" engineering competition, recently announced that students from the University of Waterloo took top honors late last...

CT School District Contracts for 35 'Green' Buses.(Plainville School District)(Connecticut's New Britain Herald reported earlier this month that the Plainville School District (PSD) has signed a five-year contract with New Britain, CT-based bus company DATTCO to operate 35 "green diesel" buses beginning in sometime this fall. According to the Herald, the buses are fitted with "special" catalytic converters and particulate filters, and are able to operate on ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel. The newspaper noted that in eight months of testing, DATTCO has observed that the ULSD-fueled buses achieved a fuel economy of 9.8 miles per gallon (mpg), while traditional diesel-fueled buses averaged approximately eight mpg. The Herald reported that under the contract, PSD will pay DATTCO)(Brief Article)
June 15, 2005... Connecticut's New Britain Herald reported earlier this month that the Plainville School District (PSD) has signed a five-year contract with New Britain, CT-based bus company DATTCO to operate 35 "green diesel" buses beginning in sometime this...

Yale Poll Reveals Public Support for Cleaner Vehicles.(Yale University)(Brief Article)
June 15, 2005... Yale University recently announced the results of a new research survey of 1,000 U.S. adults, which reveal that 93 percent of respondents believe requiring the auto industry to manufacture cars that achieve greater gas mileage is a "good idea."...

U.S. Conference of Mayors Mandates Emissions Reductions.(Kyoto Protocol)(Brief Article)
June 16, 2005... The Associated Press (AP) recently reported that earlier this week in Chicago, the U.S. Conference of Mayors voted unanimously to mandate that their cities adhere to or exceed Kyoto Protocol emissions reduction goals. AP said that the...

DaimlerChrysler Reports Strong Sales of Liberty CRD Jeep.(common rail diesel )(Brief Article)
June 16, 2005... DaimlerChrysler recently reported that as of the end of May, the automaker has sold more than 3,000 2005 Jeep Liberty common rail diesel (CRD) mid-size sport-utility vehicles (SUVs). The company noted that more than 6,000 units have been...

New U.K. Poll Reveals Average Amount of Emissions Per Car.(Brief Article)
June 16, 2005... The U.K. Energy Saving Trust (EST) recently announced the results of a new national poll, which reveal that the average car commuter travels 19 miles per day, emitting on average six kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO2). According to EST, the...

Senate Finance Committee Approves Ethanol Production Incentives.
June 17, 2005... Reuters recently reported that the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance approved yesterday afternoon a package including $10.7 billion in incentives for the use of alternative fuels and renewable energy. According to Reuters, the package...

EPA Announces Completion of Boston Clean Diesel Trolley Project.(Environmental Protection Agency)(Brief Article)
June 17, 2005... The EPA recently announced the completion of a project that equipped Boston's diesel tourist trolleys with advanced pollution controls designed to help reduce emissions from the vehicles. According to the EPA, a $64,000 grant that the city...

Weekly Update.(Calendar)
June 17, 2005... INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT AND DISASTERS: BRIDGING THE GAPS FOR GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, July 24-30, 2005, Charlotte, NC NATIONAL PETROCHEMICAL & REFINERS ASSOCIATION'S (NPRA) CLEAN FUELS CHALLENGE, August 9-10,...

Volkswagen to Pay $1.1 Million for Clean Air Act Violation.(United States. Environmental Protection Agency, Volkswagen of America Inc.)(Brief Article)
June 20, 2005... The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced that Volkswagen of America, Inc. has agreed to pay $1.1 million to resolve its failure to promptly notify the agency and to correct a defective oxygen sensor affecting at least...

Underground Road Network Coming to Beijing Financial District.(Brief Article)
June 20, 2005... China Daily recently reported that an underground network of roads is being built underneath downtown Beijing's banking and financial district in an effort to help relieve congestion. According to China Daily, the underground network will...

NPS Recommends Traffic Reduction Plans for Grand Canyon.(United States. National Park Service)(improve air quality in Grand Canyon National Park)(Brief Article)
June 20, 2005... The Arizona Republic reported last week that the National Park Service (NPS) has issued a 217-page report that recommends added parking and increased use of alternative fuel buses to help reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality in...

Sen. Voinovich Introduces Diesel Emissions Reduction Bill.(Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2005)(Brief Article)
June 21, 2005... U.S. Senator George Voinovich (R-OH) recently introduced bipartisan legislation designed to further reduce emissions from existing diesel engines. According to Voinovich, the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2005, co-sponsored by Senators...

Singapore NEA to Make ULSD Mandatory From December.(Singapore's National Environment Agency)(ultra-low sulfur diesel)(Brief Article)
June 21, 2005... Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) recently announced that, to help pave the way for the country to adopt the Euro IV emission standards for diesel vehicles in October 2006, it will make the use of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD)...

Atlanta Achieves Attainment With 1-Hour Ozone Standard.(Brief Article)
June 22, 2005... The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced it has redesignated the metropolitan Atlanta, GA area as in attainment with the one-hour air quality standard for ground-level ozone for the first time since 1978. The agency...

DEFRA Releases New Report on PM Levels.(Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)(Air Quality Expert Group)(particulate matter)(Brief Article)
June 22, 2005... The U.K. Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) recently announced that the Air Quality Expert Group (AQEG), a non-departmental public body established in 2001 to provide scientific advice on air quality, has released a new...

NH Bill Allows Stations to Set Inspection Fees.(Brief Article)
June 23, 2005... The New Hampshire Union Leader reported last week that negotiators from the state's House of Representatives and Senate have agreed on a final version of a bill that would allow service stations to set their own fees for the state's new...

New Welsh Website to Link Those Interested in Car Sharing.(http://www.sewtacarshare.com)(South East Wales Transport Alliance)(Brief Article)
June 23, 2005... The South Wales Echo recently reported that the South East Wales Transport Alliance (SEWTA) has initiated a new scheme designed to support those looking to participate in car sharing. According to the Echo, drivers and passengers will be...

Stagecoach Employs Cummins Urea System on U.K. Transit Bus.(Brief Article)
June 23, 2005... The Guardian recently reported that U.K. bus company Stagecoach has begun operating a bus retrofitted with a urea-filled tank in an effort to combat nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. According to the newspaper, Cummins, Inc. developed the...

Baytech Obtains CARB, EPA Engine Certifications.(Environmental Protection Agency)(California Air Resources Board)(Brief Article)
June 24, 2005... Baytech Corporation recently announced it has received 2005 and 2006 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) certifications for its propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) fueled GM 8.1L heavy-duty...

Baton Rouge Mayor-President Announces Clean Vehicle Purchase.(compressed natural gas powered vehicles)(Brief Article)
June 24, 2005... Baton Rouge, LA mayor-president Melvin Holden recently announced East Baton Rouge Parish's purchase of five new compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered vehicles with support from the Department of Energy's Clean Cities Program. According to...

New Poll Finds New Yorkers Desire Cleaner Air Cabs.(Brief Article)
June 24, 2005... Tarrytown, NY's Coalition Advocating for Smart Transportation (CAST) recently announced the results of a survey conducted earlier this month among 600 registered voters in New York City which reveal that "if New Yorkers had their way, the...

Weekly Update.(Calendar)
June 24, 2005... INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT AND DISASTERS: BRIDGING THE GAPS FOR GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, July 24-30, 2005, Charlotte, NC NATIONAL PETROCHEMICAL & REFINERS ASSOCIATION'S (NPRA) CLEAN FUELS CHALLENGE, August 9-10,...

ESW Signs Memorandum of Understanding With PURI tech.(PURI tech GmbH)(Environmental Solutions Worldwide Inc)(Brief Article)
June 27, 2005... Concord, Ontario-based Environmental Solutions Worldwide, Inc. (ESW), a company engaged through its subsidiaries ESW Canada, Inc. and ESW America, Inc. in the design, development, manufacturing and sale of such "environmental technologies" as...

EC Says CO2 Emissions Down Nearly 12 Percent Since 1995.(European Commission)(Brief Article)
June 27, 2005... The European Commission (EC) recently reported that carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from new passenger cars sold in the EU-15 decreased by 11.8 percent between 1995 and 2003. According to the commission, the recently adopted annual report on...

Senate Votes Down Increase in CAFE Standards.(corporate average fuel economy)(Brief Article)
June 28, 2005... Reuters reported last week that the U.S. Senate voted 67 to 28 to reject a proposal by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) that would have increased corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards for passenger vehicles and sport-utility vehicles. ...

Catalytica Announces Resignation of President, CEO.(Brief Article)
June 28, 2005... Emissions reduction technology manufacturer and service provider Catalytica Energy Systems, Inc. recently announced the resignation of its president and CEO Mike Murry "for personal and family reasons," effective June 30. Catalytica noted...

New South Wales to Begin Powering Fleet With Ethanol Blend.(Brief Article)
June 28, 2005... Local Australian newspaper the Daily Telegraph recently reported that New South Wales (NSW) premier Bob Carr has announced a new plan under which the government will begin using E10, a fuel blend of 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent standard...

Union Pacific to Launch New Emissions Reduction Effort.(Union Pacific Railroad Co)(Brief Article)
June 29, 2005... Union Pacific Railroad recently announced the signing of a voluntary agreement with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to reduce diesel emissions at the company's rail yards in California through the implementation of a new program. ...

ESW Expands Catalyst Manufacturing Division in Ontario.(Environmental Solutions Worldwide Inc)(Brief Article)
June 29, 2005... Environmental Solutions Worldwide, Inc. (ESW) recently announced a major expansion of its wholly owned subsidiary ESW Canada, Inc. (ESWC), to the company's new corporate headquarters and facilities in Concord, Ontario. According to ESW,...

St. Paul Nonprofit Launches New Car-sharing Program.(Neighborhood Energy Consortium)(Brief Article)
June 29, 2005... Local Minnesota newspaper the Pioneer Press reported last week that St. Paul, MN-based nonprofit group Neighborhood Energy Consortium has launched a new car-sharing program that serves the metropolitan areas of St. Paul and Minneapolis. ...

Senate Energy Bill Fails to Address MTBE Issues.(methyl tertiary butyl ether)(Brief Article)
June 30, 2005... The Associated Press (AP) recently reported that the energy legislation approved earlier this week in the Senate by a vote of 85-12, which incentivizes the use of renewable energy, alternative fuels, hybrid electric vehicles, and...

VPIRG Finds Transportation Major Source of State CO2.(Vermont Public Interest Research Group)(Brief Article)
June 30, 2005... The Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG) recently announced the release of a new report, titled "Driving Global Warming: Commuting in Vermont and Its Contribution to Global Warming," which finds that transportation is the leading...