Mobile Emissions Today articles from March 2005

Mobile Emissions Today archives from March 2005

ISE Hybrid System Employs Ultracapacitors to Reduce Emissions.(ISE Research ThunderVolt)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Maxwell Technologies, Inc. recently announced that a transit bus powered by an ISE Corporation ThunderVolt hybrid electric drive system, using Maxwell's BOOSTCAP ultracapacitors for electrical energy storage and power delivery, has successfully...

Air Products Hydrogen Station Used in ZEB Test Program.(zero-emissions bus)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Air Products recently announced that its new fueling station technology has been installed at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority's (VTA) Cerone Operating Division in San Jose, CA to provide hydrogen for three VTA transportation buses....

EPA Announces Diesel Engine Retrofit Grants.(Environmental Protection Agency)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced it has awarded $1.6 million in grants for 18 diesel engine retrofit projects as part of the agency's new Clean Diesel Campaign. According to EPA, the awards fund projects...

Canada Nears Completion of GHG Vehicle Emissions Deal.(greenhouse gases)(Brief Article)
March 2, 2005... Reuters recently reported that Canadian Natural Resources minister John Efford informed Parliament last week that the country is nearing completion of a voluntary emissions reduction agreement with vehicle manufacturers aimed at reducing...

Blue Sun Helps Denver Public School District Improve Air Quality.(Brief Article)
March 2, 2005... Blue Sun Biodiesel recently announced that the Denver Public School (DPS) district -- operator of the largest school bus fleet in Colorado -- has begun fueling 50 of its school buses with Blue Sun's biodiesel fuel as part of the Environmental...

O2Diesel, ALE Combustives Sign Distribution Deal.(Brief Article)
March 2, 2005... Alternative fuel interest O2Diesel Corporation recently announced that its Brazilian subsidiary has signed a distribution agreement with Brazilian fuel wholesaler ALE Combustives S/A (ALE). Under the agreement, O2Diesel said ALE will...

MD Drivers Conduct Demonstration in Support of Clean Cars Act.(Brief Article)
March 3, 2005... The Washington Post recently reported that approximately 60 hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) drivers surrounded the Maryland State House in Annapolis in their HEVs late last week, in an effort to encourage passage of the Maryland Clean Cars Act...

EPA, ADEQ to Launch Cross-border Emissions Inspection Program.(Environmental Protection Agency)(Arizona Department of Environmental Quality)(Brief Article)
March 3, 2005... The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) are scheduled to launch on March 11 a three-week pilot program to inspect the exhaust emissions of trucks crossing the U.S.-Mexico border at...

Survey Finds Customers Influenced by Car Emission Labels.(Brief Article)
March 3, 2005... Friends of the Earth (FOE) U.K. recently announced that a new survey published by Auto Express magazine finds more than two-thirds of motorists polled said they would be influenced by the U.K. government's color-coded labeling scheme for new...

Local NY Town Purchases Ford Escape Hybrids for City Fleet.(Brief Article)
March 3, 2005... The New York Daily News recently reported that the town of North Hampstead, NY has purchased seven new Ford Escape Hybrid SUVs for use in its vehicle fleet. According to the newspaper, the hybrid vehicles are slated for use by North...

Local Maryland Residents Support Proposed MTBE Regulations.(methyl tertiary butyl ether)(Brief Article)
March 4, 2005... The Baltimore Sun recently reported that Harford, MD residents appealed last month to state legislators to enact seven proposed bills concerning use of the gasoline additive methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), which has been found contaminating...

DOE Offers Funding for SEP Special Projects.(Department of Energy)(State Energy Programs)(Brief Article)
March 4, 2005... The National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition (NEVC) recently reported that the Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the availability of funding for State Energy Programs (SEP) Special Projects through its Clean Cities initiative. According...

Esso Launches New Anti-idling Campaign in Toronto.(Esso Resources Canada Ltd)(Brief Article)
March 4, 2005... Imperial Oil, Ltd. recently announced that Esso is launching a new campaign in Greater Toronto, Ontario aimed at encouraging its car wash customers to reduce emissions by turning off their engines while waiting in line. According to...

Weekly Update.(Calendar)
March 4, 2005... HART WORLD FUELS CONFERENCE: REFINING AND AUTOMOTIVE HORIZONS -- GLOBAL ENERGY POLICY EVOLUTION OR REVOLUTION?, March 9-11, 2005, Renaissance Parc 55 Hotel, San Francisco, CA 15TH COORDINATING RESEARCH COUNCIL (CRC) ON-ROAD VEHICLE...

California ARB Hears Reports on Railroad, Seaport Emissions.(Air Resources Board)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... The California Air Resources Board (ARB) recently announced it has heard two staff reports that focus on emissions from the state's railroads and seaports. According to ARB, emissions from port-related activities are likely to be the...

Colorado Counties to Terminate Emissions Testing in 2007.(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... Local Colorado newspaper The Gazette recently reported that the state Air Quality Control Commission voted earlier this month to cease vehicle emissions testing in El Paso, Weld and Larimer counties by December 2007. According to the...

Sensors, Inc.(Company Profile)
March 7, 2005... Saline, MI-based Sensors, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of portable emissions measurement systems for real-world applications. The company also provides solutions for engine test cells, end-of-line testing and comparison studies of...

Catalytica Reports 4th-quarter, Year-end Financial Results.(Catalytica Energy Systems Inc)(Brief Article)
March 8, 2005... Gilbert, AZ-based emissions solutions provider Catalytica Energy Systems, Inc. recently announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2004, reporting a quarterly net loss of $3.3 million, or 19 cents per...

FOE Urges U.K. to Support Aviation Fuel Tax for Aid Funding.(Friends of the Earth)(Brief Article)
March 8, 2005... Friends of the Earth (FOE) U.K. recently announced that it, together with the World Development Movement (WDM), has called on the U.K. government to support plans proposed by France and Germany to raise global aid funding by taxing aviation...

NYPA to Expand Clean School Bus Effort.(New York Power Authority)(Brief Article)
March 8, 2005... The Office of New York governor George Pataki recently announced that the New York Power Authority (NYPA) will expand its Clean School Bus Program from a proposed 1,000 buses to between 1,500 and 2,000. According to NYPA, the $6-million...

Ohio EPA Recommends Termination of Vehicle Emissions Testing.(Environmental Protection Agency)(Brief Article)
March 9, 2005... The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently recommended that the General Assembly end the state's "E-Check" vehicle emissions inspection program in the Cincinnati and Dayton areas after its contract with Envirotest Systems expires...

Palm Springs to Host Clean Cities Conference & Expo.(Brief Article)
March 9, 2005... Guiding Transitions, the 11th Annual Clean Cities Conference & Exposition, will be held May 1 through 4 at the Palm Springs Convention Center in Palm Springs, CA. On Sunday, May 1, a morning session will address "How to Become an...

Study Assesses Developments in Clean Heavy-duty Powertrains.(Brief Article)
March 9, 2005... Collaborative product and technology development firm TIAX and industry forecasting firm Global Insight recently released a new report, titled "The Future of Heavy-Duty Powertrains," which predicts that new developments in powertrain technology...

Ricardo to Develop Switchable Two-/Four-stroke Engine.(Ricardo plc to investigate a gasoline engine emission reduction)(Brief Article)
March 10, 2005... U.K. engineering technology provider Ricardo plc recently joined with a consortium of automotive partners in announcing the launch of a 1.9-million-pound (about $3.7-million) advanced research program to further investigate a gasoline engine...

CATF Report Finds Diesel Emissions Increase U.S. Mortality.(Clean Air Task Force)(Brief Article)
March 10, 2005... The Clean Air Task Force (CATF) recently released a new report, titled "Diesel and Health in America: The Lingering Threat," which indicates that more than 20,000 Americans die prematurely each year from breathing toxic diesel fumes, despite...

Wisconsin County Opposes Proposed State Ethanol Mandate.(Brief Article)
March 11, 2005... Local Wisconsin newspaper the Journal Sentinel recently reported that the Waukesha County Board has voted to oppose proposed state legislation that would implement a 10-percent ethanol mandate for all gasoline sold in the state. According...

Fleetguard, EPA Partner on Mexican Diesel Retrofit Program.(Environmental Protection Agency)(Brief Article)
March 11, 2005... Nashville, TN-based Fleetguard, Inc., a filtration, exhaust, coolant and chemical specialist for diesel and gas powered equipment, recently announced it has partnered with the EPA, Johnson Matthey and the Center of Sustainable Transportation...

SVUSD Receives BAQMD Grant for Clean Diesel, Retrofitted Buses.(Sonoma Valley Unified School District)(Bay Area Quality Management District)(Brief Article)
March 11, 2005... Local California newspaper the Sonoma Index-Tribune recently reported that the Bay Area Quality Management District (BAQMD) has awarded a $440,000 grant to the Sonoma Valley Unified School District (SVUSD) to purchase four new clean diesel...

WashPIRG Calls for State Adoption of Clean Cars Standards.(Public Interest Research Group)(Brief Article)
March 11, 2005... The Washington Public Interest Research Group (WashPIRG) recently announced the release of a new report, titled "Ready to Roll," which finds that "technology that reduces air pollution and lowers fuel consumption is readily available to...

Weekly Update.(Calendar)
March 11, 2005... 15TH COORDINATING RESEARCH COUNCIL (CRC) ON-ROAD VEHICLE EMISSIONS WORKSHOP, April 4-6, 2005, Hyatt Islandia, San Diego, CA 16TH GLOBAL WARMING INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE & EXPO (GWXVI), April 19-21, 2005, New York, NY ULTRA-LOW SULFUR...

Washington to Introduce HOT Lane Pilot Program.(high occupancy toll)(Brief Article)
March 14, 2005... The Washington House of Representatives recently announced it has voted to approve House Bill 1179, which would charge the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) with developing a high occupancy toll (HOT) lane pilot project in...

O2Diesel Launches New 'CityHome' Clean Fuels Program.(O2Diesel Corporation)(Brief Article)
March 14, 2005... O2Diesel Corporation recently announced that after three years of testing, Lincoln, NE's municipal transit authority StarTran will convert its entire 67-bus fleet to O2Diesel's ethanol-diesel fuel blend. According to O2Diesel, the contract...

London to Host Clean Energy Technology & Investment Show.(Brief Article)
March 14, 2005... The Clean Energy Technology & Investment Show will be held May 5 through 7 at The Business Design Center in London, England. While leading automakers will exhibit their new technologies during the event, a Clean Energy conference will also...

U.K. Academy of Engineering Publishes New Transport Report.(Brief Article)
March 15, 2005... The U.K. Royal Academy of Engineering recently announced the release of a new report, titled "Transport 2050," which presents the Academy's 50-year vision of the U.K. transport system and identifies actions to be taken now in order to combat...

New National Body to Encourage Cycling in U.K.(Brief Article)
March 15, 2005... U.K. minister for local transport Charlotte Atkins recently announced a new national body to plan and coordinate the development of cycling across the country, as well as a new National Standard for Cycle Training. According to the U.K....

DC Metro to Purchase New CNG, Hybrid, Clean Diesel Buses.(Compressed Natural Gas)(Brief Article)
March 15, 2005... The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) recently announced it has proposed a five-year plan to the Metro Planning and Development Committee that allocates $877 million to support transit improvements, including the purchase...

South Korea Launches HEV Incentives to Help Reduce Pollution.(hybrid electric vehicle)(Brief Article)
March 16, 2005... Express Newsline recently reported that the South Korean government has decided to initiate new hybrid electric vehicle incentives designed to help reduce regional air pollution. According to Express Newsline, under the new incentives,...

CA Senator Renews Call for Federal Oxygenate Waiver.(Brief Article)
March 16, 2005... U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) last week urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to grant California a waiver from the federal oxygenate requirement that requires the state to blend its gasoline with ethanol, "even though the...

FOE Criticizes New U.S. Transportation Bill.(Friends of the Earth)(Brief Article)
March 16, 2005... Friends of the Earth (FOE) recently criticized the U.S. House of Representatives for approving the new six-year transportation authorization bill, which, if passed, could potentially "weaken clean air and environmental protections" by rolling...

Recognized as 'North American Refiner of the Year'.(Premcor Inc environmental commitment)(Brief Article)
March 17, 2005... Old Greenwich, CT-based petroleum refiner Premcor recently announced it was honored earlier this month by World Refining Magazine as the 2005 "North American Refiner of the Year" based on "the company's commitment to environmental quality,...

Speedemissions Opens New Concept Store in Atlanta.(Speedemissions Inc)(Auto Advantage company)(Brief Article)
March 17, 2005... Vehicle emissions testing interest Speedemissions, Inc. this week announced the opening of a strategic alliance store with Atlanta, GA-based full-service car wash company Auto Advantage. Speedemissions said it hopes Auto Advantage's high...

PA CATA Operates CNG Buses to Help Reduce Air Pollution.(Pennsylvania Centre Area Transportation Authority)(compressed natural gas)(Brief Article)
March 17, 2005... The Associated Press (AP) recently reported that the Pennsylvania Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) has begun using compressed natural gas (CNG) in all of its transport buses. According to AP, former CATA manager Hugh Mose said...

Valero Selects UOP Hydroprocessing Technologies for ULSD.(Valero Energy Corporation)(UOP LLC)(ultra-low sulfur diesel)(Brief Article)
March 18, 2005... Petroleum refining technology interest UOP, LLC recently announced it has been selected to provide Valero Energy Corporation with hydroprocessing technologies for the production of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) and treated fluid catalytic...

SRP Purchases Hybrids in Hopes of Improving Environment.(Salt River Project)(Brief Article)
March 18, 2005... The Salt River Project (SRP) recently announced the purchase of five hybrid 2005 Ford Escape sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and one hybrid 2005 Chevrolet Silverado truck for use by its employees in the field. SRP said it plans to evaluate...

Bangkok Governor Unveils New Emissions Reduction Scheme.(Brief Article)
March 18, 2005... The Thai News Agency (TNA) recently reported that Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayothin revealed earlier this week that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has introduced a new campaign designed to increase local drivers' involvement in...

Weekly Update.(Calendar)
March 18, 2005... 15TH COORDINATING RESEARCH COUNCIL (CRC) ON-ROAD VEHICLE EMISSIONS WORKSHOP, April 4-6, 2005, Hyatt Islandia, San Diego, CA 16TH GLOBAL WARMING INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE & EXPO (GWXVI), April 19-21, 2005, New York, NY ULTRA-LOW SULFUR...

Local KS County Commences Conversion to O2Diesel.(Brief Article)
March 21, 2005... O2Diesel Corporation announced last week that Johnson County, Kansas, has begun converting its 75-bus fleet to O2Diesel's ethanol-diesel fuel blend, under the company's recently launched CityHome initiative. According to O2Diesel, the...

MPCA Releases Two New Reports on State Air Quality.(Minnesota. Pollution Control Agency (MPCA))(Brief Article)
March 21, 2005... The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) recently released the "Air Quality Index (AQI) Summary for 2004," which provides an overview of data collected during the past year, as well as the 2005 report to the state legislature, titled "Air...

NPRA Calls for Sen. Inhofe's Consideration of MTBE Protections.(National Petrochemical and Refiners Association(NRPA))(Brief Article)
March 21, 2005... The National Petrochemical & Refiners Association (NRPA) recently announced that while it commends U.S. Senate Environment & Public Works Committee chairman James Inhofe (R-OK) for "his efforts to initiate the legislative process on vital fuels...

Volkswagen Extends Warranty Protection for Biodiesel Fuel Use.(Brief Article)
March 22, 2005... Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) and Volkswagen (VW) AG recently announced that VW has decided to extend warranty protection for the use of biodiesel fuel blends in all of its U.S.-market, diesel-powered automobiles. According to ADM...

WestStart-CALSTART Releases Clean Fuels Market Survey Results.(WestStart-CALSTART Inc.)(Brief Article)
March 22, 2005... WestStart-CALSTART recently announced the results of its Clean Fuels and Technologies Market Survey, which reveal that the top concerns of the heavy-duty vehicle industry over the next five years will be "the increased cost and reduced...

Canada Extends Commercial Transport Efficiency Rebate Program.(Brief Article)
March 23, 2005... Fenton, MI-based Webasto Product North America, Inc. recently announced that the Canadian government has extended until April 2006 its Commercial Transportation Energy Efficiency Rebate program, enabling technology that helps reduce vehicular...

Mopar Introduces New Fuel System Cleaning Kit.(Brief Article)
March 23, 2005... Fuel cleaning interest Mopar recently announced the launch of its new premium fuel system cleaning kit this month. To support automotive leaders in selling the kit to customers, Mopar said Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealership sales and...

British Airways Chief Urges Aviation Emissions Reduction Strategy.(Brief Article)
March 23, 2005... British Airways recently announced that its chief executive Rod Eddington, speaking during the Aviation and Environment summit in Geneva, Italy last week, called on the global aviation industry to work together to develop an effective strategy...

NH Senate Alters New Vehicle Inspection Rules.(New Hampshire(NH))(Brief Article)
March 24, 2005... The Associated Press (AP) recently reported that the New Hampshire Senate has completed work on its alterations to the state's new vehicle inspection and emissions testing program. According to AP, the legislature is hoping to hone the...

WRI Finds Automakers Not Complying with ACEA Agreement.(World Resources Institute (WRI))(European Automobile Manufacturers Association)
March 24, 2005... The World Resources Institute (WRI) and the Sustainable Asset Management (SAM) Group recently announced the release of a new report which finds that European Union (EU) automotive companies are not disclosing carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction...

New Website's Poll Reveals Support for Fuel-efficient Vehicles.
March 24, 2005... Results for America, a project of the Newton, MA-based Civil Society Institute, recently announced the results of a new opinion poll conducted by Opinion Research Corporation to launch 40mpg.org, a new website which provides a forum for drivers...

Local PA Transit Official Voices Concern Over ULSD Costs.(ultra-low sulfur diesel)(Brief Article)
March 25, 2005... The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently reported that Port Authority of Allegheny County director of purchasing and materials management Terry Johnson commented earlier this month that the transit agency has concerns about the cost of the...

Canada Close to Signing Emissions Deal With Automakers.(Brief Article)
March 25, 2005... The Globe and Mail recently reported that government and industry sources have revealed that the Canadian government could sign a voluntary greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction agreement with two of the country's automobile manufacturing...

Praxair Signs Contract Extension With ESP for Calibration Gases.
March 25, 2005... Praxair, Inc. recently announced it has signed a contract extension with Environmental Systems Products (ESP) for the supply of precisely mixed, automotive inspection and maintenance calibration gases through 2006. According to Praxair,...

Weekly Update.(Calendar)
March 25, 2005... 15TH COORDINATING RESEARCH COUNCIL (CRC) ON-ROAD VEHICLE EMISSIONS WORKSHOP, April 4-6, 2005, Hyatt Islandia, San Diego, CA 16TH GLOBAL WARMING INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE & EXPO (GWXVI), April 19-21, 2005, New York, NY ULTRA-LOW SULFUR...

Wisconsin Senator Proposes Biodiesel School Bus Bill.(Brief Article)
March 28, 2005... Wisconsin state senator Joe Leibham (R-Sheboygan) recently proposed during a Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Transportation public hearing held earlier this month Senate Bill (S.B.) 39, which would create an incentive for local school...

Local British Town Considers New Electric Streetcars.(Brief Article)
March 28, 2005... Local U.K. newspaper the Shropshire Star recently reported that town councillors in Shrewsbury have proposed the introduction of new electric streetcars in an effort to help reduce area pollution. According to the newspaper, Shrewsbury...

EMA Files Court Action Over CA ARB 'Reflash Rule'.(Engine Manufacturers Association)(California Air Resources Board)(Brief Article)
March 29, 2005... Citing existing and legally binding settlement agreements that engine manufacturers entered into with the California Air Resources Board (ARB), as well as a voluntary agreement to accelerate efforts to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from...

German Groups Criticize Automakers for Lawsuit Over CA Regs.(Brief Article)
March 29, 2005... The Associated Press (AP) recently reported that several German environmental groups have sent letters calling on the country's automakers to end their participation in a lawsuit seeking to reverse new California rules on vehicle emissions. ...

City Dedicates New PhillyCarShare Parking Space.(Brief Article)
March 29, 2005... Local Pennsylvania newspaper the Weekly Press recently reported that the Philadelphia Parking Authority has dedicated a new on-street parking space in Queen Village for use by the PhillyCarShare program's Toyota Prius hybrid. According to...

MD Clean Cars Act Withdrawn From House Consideration.(Brief Article)
March 30, 2005... Local Maryland newspaper the Delmarva Daily Times recently reported that sponsors of state House Bill 564, the Maryland Clean Cars Act of 2005, last week withdrew the legislation from consideration by the House Environmental Matters Committee...

Nashville to Require Emissions Testing for Large Vehicles.(Brief Article)
March 30, 2005... The Associated Press (AP) recently reported that Tennessee's Air Pollution Control Division (APCD) announced this week new regulations for the Nashville area which require that larger vehicles pass an emissions test before being registered. ...

New York City Reconsiders Clean Bus Purchase.(Brief Article)
March 30, 2005... The New York Times recently reported that New York City Transit has developed a plan to reallocate financing for 120 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and 55 diesel buses to help fund the purchase of 100 new hybrid electric buses in an effort...

New Hyundai Task Force to Expand Clean Vehicle Production.(Hyundai Motor Company Ltd.)(Brief Article)
March 31, 2005... Hyundai Motor Company recently announced the launch of a new task force charged with expanding the production of environmentally friendly vehicles, carrying out a "broad range" of research and development to increase energy efficiency at its...

Airborne Soot Levels Found to Surpass EU Limits in Munich.(European Union)(Brief Article)
March 31, 2005... The Associated Press (AP) recently reported that the environmental protection authority of Bavaria, Germany has revealed that the amount of soot contained in Munich's air has surpassed acceptable limits 36 times this year, exceeding the number...

WaveCrest to Develop Electric Drive Systems in Thailand.(WaveCrest Laboratories)(Brief Article)
March 31, 2005... WaveCrest Laboratories recently announced it has selected Thailand as the location for its new "WaveCrest Center of Excellence Asia." WaveCrest said it plans to partner with businesses, government ministries, and academic and research...

Former Security Officials Call on U.S. to Reduce Oil Dependence.(federal government automotive fuel economy initiatives)(Brief Article)
March 31, 2005... Reuters recently reported that a group of former U.S. security officials has sent a letter to President George Bush calling on the federal government to adopt a $1-billion, five-year program aimed at developing more fuel-efficient vehicles and...