Climate, EPA and Ozone

EPA Climate Change Adaptation Plan sees likely increase in tropospheric ozone, with more difficulty in attaining NAAQS in many areas

Green Car Congress

FEBRUARY 10, 2013

Among the many climate-related vulnerabilities that can impact its mission, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cites a likely increase in tropospheric ozone pollution as potentially making it more difficult to attain National Ambient Air Quality Standards ( NAAQS ) in many areas with existing ozone problems.

Climate Change

Climate Change Ozone Climate EPA

China study connects ozone pollution to cardiovascular health

Green Car Congress

JULY 17, 2017

Exposure to ozone, long associated with impaired lung function, is also connected to health changes that can cause cardiovascular disease such as heart attack, high blood pressure and stroke, according to a new study of Chinese adults. The findings associated ozone exposure with markers of platelet activation and increased blood pressure.

Ozone

Ozone Pollution Connect Connected

EPA, NHTSA issue One National Program Rule; EPA withdraws CA waiver for GHG and fuel economy

Green Car Congress

SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

For its part, EPA is withdrawing the Clean Air Act preemption waiver it granted to the State of California in January 2013 as it relates to California’s GHG and ZEV programs. EPA said that the legal basis for withdrawing the California waiver is under CAA section 209(b)(1)(B), which covers compelling and extraordinary conditions.

Fuel Economy

Fuel Economy EPA Economy Fuel

EPA proposes retaining current NAAQS for particulate matter

Green Car Congress

APRIL 15, 2020

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to retain, without changes, the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter (PM) including both fine particles (PM 2.5 ) and coarse particles (PM 10 ). EPA sets both an annual and a 24-hour standard for fine particles (PM 2.5 ). Average PM 2.5

EPA

EPA Standards Ozone Pollution

EPA proposes stringent new emissions standards for light-, medium-, heavy-duty vehicles for MY 2027 and beyond

Green Car Congress

APRIL 13, 2023

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced two new proposed federal emissions standards spanning light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles for model year 2027 and beyond. The light-duty vehicle category includes passenger cars and light trucks consistent with previous EPA criteria pollutant and GHG rules.

EPA

EPA Light Standards Emissions

EPA awards $6M in research funding to improve air quality models

Green Car Congress

JULY 10, 2020

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $5,959,842 million in research funding to nine institutions to improve air quality models used to simulate ozone, particulate matter (PM), regional haze, air toxics, and emerging pollutants.

EPA

EPA Ozone Colorado Mercury

EPA proposes approval of new ozone plans for the two of the worst Air Quality Zones in US: California’s San Joaquin Valley and South Coast

Green Car Congress

SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

US EPA Region 9 8-hour ozone trends, 1979-2000. Source: EPA. These State Implementation Plans (SIPs) are the roadmaps to meeting the 1997 8-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) of 0.08 In 1997, EPA first established the 8-hour ozone standard, which replaced the older 1-hour ozone standard (0.12

Ozone

Ozone EPA Pollution 2002

EPA proposes new rules to reduce global warming HFC emissions from refrigerants

Green Car Congress

OCTOBER 16, 2015

EPA has proposed a new to reduce emissions of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases used in refrigeration and air conditioning. EPA is also proposing numerous changes to the National Recycling and Emission Reduction Program. EPA will accept comments on the proposal for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register.

EPA

EPA Emissions Global Ozone

EPA issues final approval for HFO-1234yf refrigerant for mobile AC systems

Green Car Congress

FEBRUARY 28, 2011

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued final approval for HFO-1234yf refrigerant ( earlier post ) in motor vehicle air conditioning systems. The chemical, which does not deplete the ozone layer, may now be used in air conditioning for new cars and light trucks. Using HFO-1234yf is one option available to automakers.

EPA

EPA Ozone Light Climate

EPA, NSF, NOAA, Southern Company and EPRI contribute >$20M to fund SouthEast Atmosphere Study

Green Car Congress

JUNE 6, 2013

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Southern Company, and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) are together contributing more than $20 million in research funding to support the SouthEast Atmosphere Study (SAS).

EPRI

EPRI EPA Mercury Ozone

New international Climate and Clean Air Coalition to focus on reduction of short-lived climate pollutants

Green Car Congress

FEBRUARY 16, 2012

Global benefits from full implementation of measures for reduction of short-lived climate pollutants in 2030 compared to the reference scenario. The climate change benefit is estimated for a given year (2050) and human health and crop benefits are. for 2030 and beyond. Source: UNEP. Click to enlarge. Earlier post.).

Climate

Climate Pollution Clean Cleaning

EPA releases national assessment of strategies to reduce air pollution at ports

Green Car Congress

SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

A new report from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finds that air pollution at US ports can be reduced significantly at all port types and sizes through a variety of strategies and cleaner technologies. national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). Source: National Port Strategy Assessment. Click to enlarge.

Pollution

Pollution EPA Cleaner Emissions

EPA report to Congress finds a strong scientific and technical foundation for mitigating black carbon emissions

Green Car Congress

APRIL 2, 2012

Source: EPA. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted its final Report to Congress on Black Carbon , in response to an October 2009 request from Congress to advance efforts to understand the role of black carbon (BC) in climate change. Effects of BC on climate, as compared to GHGs. Source: EPA.

Congress

Congress EPA Carbon Emissions

EPA says methane emissions from natural gas production have dropped 36% from 2007-2011

Green Car Congress

APRIL 29, 2013

In its recently released Inventory of US Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990 – 2011 ( earlier post ), the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that methane (CH 4 ) emissions from the field production of natural gas have declined by 36% from 2007 to 2011 (from 83.1 a global warming potential of 21. Tg CO 2 eq) in 2011.

2007

2007 2011 EPA Gas

EPA Issues Proposed Endangerment Finding for Greenhouse Gases; Proposed Cause or Contribute Finding Identifies Motor Vehicles as Contributing Source

Green Car Congress

APRIL 17, 2009

After a thorough scientific review ordered in 2007 by the US Supreme Court, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposal with two distinct findings regarding greenhouse gases. In both magnitude and probability, climate change is an enormous problem. The proposal does not include any proposed regulations.

EPA

EPA Climate Change Ozone Motor

US EPA proposing allowing high-octane, higher ethanol content fuels as part of Tier 3 regs; E30 as example

Green Car Congress

APRIL 3, 2013

Having approval for such a high octane certification fuel would, the EPA proposed in the Tier 3 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: help manufacturers that wish to raise compression ratios to improve vehicle efficiency, as a step toward complying with the 2017 and later light-duty greenhouse gas and CAFE standards (2017 LD GHG). Earlier post.)

EPA

EPA Fuel Parts Gasoline

EPA Administrator Outlines Seven Key Themes for Agency in 2010 and Beyond

Green Car Congress

JANUARY 13, 2010

Lisa P Jackson, Administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency, issued a public memo to EPA employees detaling “ seven key themes to focus the work of our agency ” in 2010 and beyond. The seven themes are: Taking Action on Climate Change. Improving Air Quality. Protecting America’s Waters.

EPA

EPA 2010 Climate Change Mercury

Indo-US task force to study HFC phase-down

Green Car Congress

FEBRUARY 22, 2011

The global warming potentials (GWP) of HFCs range from 140 (HFC-152a) to 11,700 (HFC-23), according to the US EPA. HFCs are chemicals are potential substitutes for ozone-depleting and climate-warming CFCs and HCFCs currently being phased out under the Montreal Protocol treaty to protect the ozone layer.

Micronesia

Micronesia Ozone South Africa India

Stanford Professor Urges EPA to Include Black Carbon in Endangerment Finding

Green Car Congress

MAY 18, 2009

In testimony for the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) public hearing ( earlier post ) on the proposed endangerment finding for greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act ( earlier post ), Stanford Professor Mark Jacobson urged the EPA to include black carbon in the finding. F, with about 40% due to ozone.

Carbon

Carbon EPA Pollution Ozone

Study: Hydrofluorocarbons Will Contribute Significantly to Global Warming by 2050

Green Car Congress

JUNE 23, 2009

Global ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) and HFC emissions (A), global CO 2 and HFC emissions (B), and ODS, HFC, and CO 2 global RF (C) for the period 2000–2050. These HFCs, gases used in refrigerators and air conditioners, are substitutes for ozone-depleting gases, but they are also strong greenhouse gases. Velders et al.

Global

Global Ozone Micronesia Mauritius

House Chairmen Waxman, Markey Release Draft of Energy and Climate Legislation; Among the Many Provisions Are Cap-and-Trade, Harmonization of CAFE and California Vehicle Regulations, and Low Carbon Fuel Standard

Green Car Congress

APRIL 1, 2009

Markey of the Energy and Environment Subcommittee on Tuesday released a draft of far-reaching energy and climate legislation that targets job creation, promotes renewables and energy efficiency, and places limits on emissions of greenhouse gases. Waxman of the Energy and Commerce Committee and Chairman Edward J. light duty vehicles—e.g.,

Climate

Climate Standards Carbon California

Study finds global rivers and streams emitting 3x IPCC estimates of the GHG N2O

Green Car Congress

DECEMBER 22, 2010

That’s three times the amount estimated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Nitrous oxide is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change and stratospheric ozone destruction. —Jake Beaulieu of the University of Notre Dame and the US EPA, and lead author of the PNAS paper.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire Global Climate Change Ozone

Calif. ARB releases GHG scoping plan update; more ZEVs, “LEV IV”, MD and HD regulations; ZEV for trucks; more LCFS

Green Car Congress

FEBRUARY 11, 2014

The update identifies eight key sectors for ongoing action: Energy; Transportation, fuels, land use and infrastructure; Agriculture; Water; Waste management; Natural lands; Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (such as methane and black carbon); and Green Buildings. million zero emission vehicles on its roads by 2025.

Transportation

Transportation Emissions California Ozone

EPA issues greenhouse gas proposals

Green Cars News

APRIL 19, 2009

After a thorough scientific review was ordered by the US Supreme Court in 2007, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a proposal on greenhouse gases. It has been deemed by the EPA that the emissions from new motor vehicles and their engines contribute to these concentrations and threaten climate change.

EPA

EPA Gas Climate Change Arlington

EPA proposes new standards to reduce methane and VOCs emissions from oil and gas industry

Green Car Congress

AUGUST 18, 2015

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its latest set of proposed standards to reduce emissions of methane and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the oil and natural gas industry. EPA required green completions for hydraulically fractured natural gas wells in its 2012 rules. Costs and benefits.

EPA

EPA Oil Gas Industrial

NOAA Study Identifies Nitrous Oxide as Top Ozone-Depleting Emission in 21st Century

Green Car Congress

AUGUST 28, 2009

Currently, anthropogenic N 2 O emissions represent the largest contribution to ozone depletion. The study, published online 27 August in the journal Science , for the first time evaluated nitrous oxide emissions from human activities in terms of their potential impact on Earth’s ozone layer. Source: Ravishankara et al. The team, A.R.

Ozone

Ozone Emissions Climate 2009

ARB releases proposed cap-and-trade regulation for comment; transportation fuels impacted in 2015

Green Car Congress

OCTOBER 29, 2010

The design of the California cap-and-trade program allows linkage with programs established by partner jurisdictions in the Western Climate Initiative (WCI) to create a regional market system. Tags: Climate Change Emissions Fuels Policy. The program is expected to reduce GHG emissions between 18 and 27 MMTCO 2 e in 2020.

2015

2015 Transportation Fuel Emissions

Study finds fleet switch from PFI to GDI engines will result in net reduction in global warming

Green Car Congress

MAY 12, 2017

A new study quantifying emissions from a fleet of gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines and port fuel injection (PFI) engines finds that the measured decrease in CO 2 emissions from GDIs is much greater than the potential climate forcing associated with higher black carbon emissions from GDI engines. —Saliba et al.

Fleet

Fleet Engine Global Fuel Economy

Study identifies Bakken Formation alone as responsible for ~2% of global ethane emissions

Green Car Congress

APRIL 29, 2016

Ethane reacts with sunlight and other molecules in the atmosphere to form ozone, which at the surface can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation and other ailments and damage crops. A snapshot from a simulation of how Bakken oil field hydrocarbon emissions including ethane affect North American ground-level ozone concentrations.

Global

Global Ozone Emissions North Dakota

Perspective: US Needs to Transition to Hydrous Ethanol as the Primary Renewable Transportation Fuel

Green Car Congress

AUGUST 30, 2009

It is possible to use gasoline C made with hydrated ethanol (AEHC) with minimum risk of phase separation due to Brazilian climate conditions. 80.27, “high ozone season” means the period from June 1 to September 15 of any calendar year and “regulatory control period” means the period from May 1 to September 15 of any calendar year.

Transportation

Transportation Fuel Renewable Gasoline-Electric

Volkswagen to use CO2 as refrigerant for future air conditioning systems

Green Car Congress

MARCH 8, 2013

R134a, the current widespread MAC refrigerant, has a GWP of 1,300, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). R134a replaced CFC-12 as the MAC refrigerant in the early 1990s due to the negative impact of CFCs on the Earth’s ozone layer. With its GWP of 1, it is also the refrigerant that has the least impact on climate.

Future

Future CO2 Climate 2009

Researchers Determine Process Through Which Hydrocarbon Compounds Emitted by Trees Form Aerosols, With Impact on Human Health and Climate

Green Car Congress

AUGUST 9, 2009

Aerosols impact human health, due to their ability to penetrate deep into lungs, and impact Earth’s climate through the scattering and absorption of solar radiation and through serving as the nuclei on which clouds form, noted co-author Prof. Tags: Climate models Emissions Health. John Seinfeld from Caltech. “ Science , 325, 730-733.

Climate

Climate New Zealand Denmark 2009

EV Driven

EPA Climate Change Adaptation Plan sees likely increase in tropospheric ozone, with more difficulty in attaining NAAQS in many areas

China study connects ozone pollution to cardiovascular health

EPA, NHTSA issue One National Program Rule; EPA withdraws CA waiver for GHG and fuel economy

EPA proposes retaining current NAAQS for particulate matter

EPA proposes stringent new emissions standards for light-, medium-, heavy-duty vehicles for MY 2027 and beyond

EPA awards $6M in research funding to improve air quality models

EPA proposes approval of new ozone plans for the two of the worst Air Quality Zones in US: California’s San Joaquin Valley and South Coast

EPA proposes new rules to reduce global warming HFC emissions from refrigerants

EPA issues final approval for HFO-1234yf refrigerant for mobile AC systems

EPA, NSF, NOAA, Southern Company and EPRI contribute >$20M to fund SouthEast Atmosphere Study

New international Climate and Clean Air Coalition to focus on reduction of short-lived climate pollutants

EPA releases national assessment of strategies to reduce air pollution at ports

EPA report to Congress finds a strong scientific and technical foundation for mitigating black carbon emissions

EPA says methane emissions from natural gas production have dropped 36% from 2007-2011

EPA Issues Proposed Endangerment Finding for Greenhouse Gases; Proposed Cause or Contribute Finding Identifies Motor Vehicles as Contributing Source

US EPA proposing allowing high-octane, higher ethanol content fuels as part of Tier 3 regs; E30 as example

EPA Administrator Outlines Seven Key Themes for Agency in 2010 and Beyond

Indo-US task force to study HFC phase-down

Stanford Professor Urges EPA to Include Black Carbon in Endangerment Finding

Study: Hydrofluorocarbons Will Contribute Significantly to Global Warming by 2050

House Chairmen Waxman, Markey Release Draft of Energy and Climate Legislation; Among the Many Provisions Are Cap-and-Trade, Harmonization of CAFE and California Vehicle Regulations, and Low Carbon Fuel Standard

Study finds global rivers and streams emitting 3x IPCC estimates of the GHG N2O

Calif. ARB releases GHG scoping plan update; more ZEVs, “LEV IV”, MD and HD regulations; ZEV for trucks; more LCFS

EPA issues greenhouse gas proposals

EPA proposes new standards to reduce methane and VOCs emissions from oil and gas industry

NOAA Study Identifies Nitrous Oxide as Top Ozone-Depleting Emission in 21st Century

ARB releases proposed cap-and-trade regulation for comment; transportation fuels impacted in 2015

Study finds fleet switch from PFI to GDI engines will result in net reduction in global warming

Study identifies Bakken Formation alone as responsible for ~2% of global ethane emissions

Perspective: US Needs to Transition to Hydrous Ethanol as the Primary Renewable Transportation Fuel

Volkswagen to use CO2 as refrigerant for future air conditioning systems

Researchers Determine Process Through Which Hydrocarbon Compounds Emitted by Trees Form Aerosols, With Impact on Human Health and Climate

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