Emissions, EPA, Gas and Ozone

EPA proposes new heavy-duty truck emissions rules

Green Car Congress

MARCH 8, 2022

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing new, stronger standards to promote clean air and reduce pollution from heavy-duty vehicles and engines starting in model year (MY) 2027. This proposed rulemaking builds on and improves the existing emission control program for on-highway heavy-duty engines and vehicles.

EPA

EPA Emissions Ozone Pollution

EPA initiates new review of the Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards

Green Car Congress

AUGUST 22, 2023

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new review of the Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). EPA Administrator Michael Regan reached this decision after considering advice provided by the independent Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC). —EPA Administrator Michael S.

Ozone

Ozone EPA Standards 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

UK researchers report that alcohols in windshield washer fluid are major unreported source of VOCs emissions from cars, including EVs

Green Car Congress

JUNE 8, 2023

In a recent open-access paper published in ACS’ Environmental Science & Technology , researchers from the University of York report that alcohols in windshield washer fluid account for a larger fraction of real-world vehicle emissions than previous estimates have suggested. Cliff et al. —Cliff et al.

Emissions

Emissions Exhaust Cars Ozone

Study quantifies impact of oil and gas emissions on Denver’s ozone problem

Green Car Congress

AUGUST 12, 2016

The first peer-reviewed study to directly quantify how emissions from oil and natural gas (O&NG) activities influence summertime tropospheric ozone (O 3 ) pollution in the Colorado Front Range confirms that chemical vapors from oil and gas activities are a significant contributor to the region’s chronic ozone problem.

Ozone

Ozone Oil Gas Emissions

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

Green Car Congress

SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

This action is based on the premise that federal law preempts state and local tailpipe greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards as well as zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandates. The California waiver authority exists because California has uniquely difficult problems with ozone-forming pollutants. Earlier post.)

Fuel Economy

Fuel Economy EPA Economy Fuel

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 CH 4 emissions represented 8.8%

2007

2007 2011 EPA Gas

EPA updates VOCs standards for oil and gas storage tanks

Green Car Congress

AUGUST 5, 2013

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued final updates to its 2012 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) performance standards for storage tanks used in crude oil and natural gas production and transmission. Storage tanks that emit 6 or more tons of VOCs a year must reduce emissions by 95%.

EPA

EPA Oil Standards Gas

Eaton introduces set of products to reduce vapor emissions during refueling; LEV III regulations

Green Car Congress

JANUARY 14, 2021

Power management company Eaton has introduced a complete suite of solutions from its Vehicle Group to reduce vapor emissions produced during the refueling of gasoline-powered vehicles. If fuel vapor is released into the atmosphere, it contributes to a category of pollutants known as evaporative emissions.

Eaton

Eaton Emissions Gasoline-Electric Production

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. After reviewing public comments, EPA plans to finalize this rule in 2016.

EPA

EPA Emissions Global Ozone

California SCAQMD petitioning EPA for national ultra-low NOx standard for trucks

Green Car Congress

MAY 18, 2016

The Governing Board of California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) earlier this year voted to petition the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to adopt tougher emission standards for engines of heavy-duty trucks to help the region meet federal clean air goals. liter engine, produced by Cummins Westport Inc.,

EPA

EPA Standards California Ozone

MECA report finds additional NOx emission reductions from new heavy-duty trucks achievable and cost-effective

Green Car Congress

FEBRUARY 5, 2020

Source of data: US EPA (2019). The transportation sector was responsible for over 7 million tons of NO x emissions in the US in 2014, with 50% of this sector’s NO x attributed to heavy-duty on- and off-road vehicles and equipment. NO x is a precursor for both ground level ozone and secondary PM 2.5 Chart: MECA.

Emissions

Emissions Diesel Engine 2010

Study Links Springtime Ozone Increases Above Western North America to Emissions in Asia

Green Car Congress

JANUARY 21, 2010

Springtime ozone distributions for 1984, 1995–2008 in the mid-troposphere (3.0–8.0 Springtime ozone levels above western North America are rising primarily due to air flowing eastward from the Pacific Ocean, a trend that is largest when the air originates in Asia. The US EPA recently proposed new tougher ground-level ozone standards.

North America

North America Ozone Asia America

EPA proposes air pollution standards for oil and gas drilling operations; focus on capture of escaping natural gas

Green Car Congress

JULY 28, 2011

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed standards to reduce harmful air pollution from oil and gas drilling operations. These proposed updated standards—which are being issued in response to a court order—would rely on cost-effective existing technologies to reduce emissions.

Escape

Escape Gas EPA Oil

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 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. This requirement has reduced fuel-based particulate-matter emissions from these vessels by about 90%.

Pollution

Pollution EPA Cleaner Emissions

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).

EPA

EPA Fuel Parts Gasoline

EPA waives requirements for gasoline pump vapor recovery

Green Car Congress

MAY 10, 2012

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that the systems used at gas station pumps to capture harmful gasoline vapors while refueling cars can be phased out. Modern vehicles are equipped to capture those emissions.

Gasoline

Gasoline EPA Escape Ozone

EPA Proposes Transport Rule to Cut Pollution from Power Plants in 31 States and DC; New Approach for Pollution Reduction

Green Car Congress

JULY 6, 2010

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing regulations employing the “good neighbor” provision of the Clean Air Act to reduce interstate transport of upwind state emissions from power generation that contribute to air quality problems in downwind states. NO x emissions would drop by 52%. Click to enlarge.

Pollution

Pollution EPA Transportation DC

EPA proposes waiving Federal requirements for stations to capture gasoline vapors when vehicles refuel beginning in 2013

Green Car Congress

JULY 11, 2011

Source: EPA. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing a proposed rule under the Clean Air Act (CAA) that would waive requirements beginning in 2013 for systems used at gas station pumps to capture potentially harmful gasoline vapors while refueling cars. Most VRS are vacuum assist, according to EPA.

EPA

EPA Gasoline 2013 Ozone

EPA and DOT issue final Phase 2 GHG and fuel efficiency rulemaking for medium- and heavy-duty trucks

Green Car Congress

AUGUST 16, 2016

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) jointly released the finalized Phase 2 greenhouse gas and fuel efficiency standards for medium- and heavy-duty trucks. California to keep pushing for more stringent regulations.

EPA

EPA Fuel Standards Emissions

Why Schools Should Electrify Their Bus Fleets

Blink Charging

SEPTEMBER 12, 2023

Numerous studies compiled by the Environmental Defense Fund show that in addition to harming the community, diesel school buses also “self-pollute” with emissions entering the bus cabin, to the point that “ the interior cabin of a diesel bus is five times higher ” than outside the bus.

Fleet

Fleet Pollution Diesel Ozone

Federal Judge rules that Washington State must regulate refinery GHG emissions under State Implementation Plan

Green Car Congress

DECEMBER 5, 2011

Pechman for the Western District of Washington has ruled that the Washington Department of Ecology, Northwest Clean Air Agency, and Puget Sound Clean Air Agency must regulate greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from the five oil refineries operating in Washington State. by the EPA, it becomes federal law and federally-enforceable.

Washington

Washington Emissions Sierra EPA

US DOT to award up to $101.4M to transit projects to reduce emissions and to promote clean-fuel technologies

Green Car Congress

JUNE 29, 2011

million to transit projects that improve emissions while supporting emerging clean fuel and advanced propulsion technologies. million from FTA’s Transit Investment in Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) III Program. million from FTA’s Transit Investment in Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) III Program.

Clean

Clean Cleaning Emissions Fuel

Monitoring shows plumes of carcinogenic formaldehyde in neighborhoods along Houston’s Ship Channel

Green Car Congress

JULY 3, 2021

In addition to contributing to cancer risk, formaldehyde reacts secondarily to form ground-level ozone, a respiratory irritant responsible for increased rates of cardiac arrest and asthma. Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas to which brief exposure can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, and throat.

Neighborhood

Neighborhood Houston Pollution Ozone

USDOT FTA announces $182M in Low-No grants for transit vehicles & facilities nationwide

Green Car Congress

JUNE 29, 2021

The US Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced approximately $182 million in funding for low- and no-emissions buses and the facilities that support them. The community seeks to reduce carbon monoxide pollution to improve air quality and quality of life in their EPA-designated non-attainment area.

Grant

Grant Kansas City Vehicles Chicago

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. Jackson wrote that EPA will also focus on improving EPA’s internal operations, from performance measures to agency processes.

EPA

EPA 2010 Climate Change Mercury

California ARB to award $1M for locomotive advanced technology demonstration project

Green Car Congress

MARCH 1, 2012

The California Air Resources Board (ARB or Board) announced a solicitation for a grantee for up to $1 million to support up to two independent projects for demonstration and administration of advanced locomotive technologies that approach, meet, or exceed US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier-4 locomotive NO x and PM emission standards (i.e.,

California

California Ozone EPA Pollution

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. Combined with the endangerment finding, this enables the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles under the Clean Air Act.

EPA

EPA Climate Change Ozone Motors

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

Pennsylvania DEP awards nearly $517,000 in clean diesel grants

Green Car Congress

AUGUST 28, 2011

Each of the four recipients will match a percentage of the grant amount with their own funds to purchase compressed natural gas-powered vehicles; retrofit diesel engines with cleaner technology; replace older, more polluting diesel buses with cleaner diesel buses; or purchase hybrid electric-powered buses.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Grant Clean Cleaning

California ARB Seeks Further Reductions of Diesel Emissions at State Rail Yards

Green Car Congress

SEPTEMBER 26, 2009

The California Air Resources Board directed its staff to take steps to provide further locomotive and rail yard emission reductions beyond those achieved by existing US Environmental Protection Agency and state regulations and agreements. While we are pleased to have already reduced diesel emissions at the rail yards, it’s not enough.

Diesel

Diesel California Emissions 2007

Why Electric Buses Are the Healthy School Choice

Blink Charging

NOVEMBER 28, 2023

Electric school buses have no tailpipe emissions, so students are not directly exposed to harmful vehicle fumes when on or near the bus. Between 2022 and 2026, the CSB will distribute $5 billion to replace existing school buses with zero- or low-emission models. The CSB has two methods of funding: Rebates and Grants.

Fleet

Fleet Electric Electrical United States

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 California Air Resources Board released the draft proposed first update to the AB 32 Scoping Plan, which guides development and implementation of California’s greenhouse gas emission reduction programs. California’s zero emission vehicle (ZEV) regulation is also driving a transformation of the fleet. Transportation.

Transportation

Transportation Emissions California Ozone

BP Products to Pay Nearly $180M to Settle Violations at Texas City Refinery; Conversion of Diesel Vehicles to Natural Gas Part of Settlement

Green Car Congress

FEBRUARY 20, 2009

As part of the settlement, the company will spend an additional $6 million to reduce air pollution from diesel vehicle emissions in Texas City and the surrounding area. As a result, emissions of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons from these vehicles will be substantially reduced.

Texas

Texas Ozone Diesel Parts

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

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

Green Car Congress

DECEMBER 22, 2010

Scientists report in an open access paper this week in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) that river and stream networks are the source of at least 10% of human-caused nitrous oxide emissions to the atmosphere. This new global emission estimate is startling.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire Global Climate Change Ozone

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. The proposal also includes incentives to spur the oil and gas industry to minimize leaks.

EPA

EPA Oil Gas Industrial

OptiFuel finalizing $2.6M DOE grant to demonstrate RNG hybrid line-haul locomotive

Green Car Congress

JULY 24, 2020

million US Department of Energy (DOE) grant to demonstrate a pre-production Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) hybrid 4,300 hp line-haul locomotive. This program is integral to OptiFuel’s 5-year plan to disrupt and decarbonize the rail market with a full line of zero and near-zero NO x , PM and CO 2 emissions freight and passenger locomotives.

Grant

Grant Hybrid Ozone EPA

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. Any Federal vehicle standards are to achieve at least the results of the California standards.

Climate

Climate Standards Carbon California

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

Green Car Congress

OCTOBER 29, 2010

The California Air Resources Board released its proposed greenhouse gas cap-and-trade regulation. A key part of ARB’s AB 32 Scoping Plan ( earlier post ), the cap-and-trade program provides an overall limit on the emissions from sources responsible for 85% of California’s greenhouse gas emissions.

2015

2015 Transportation Fuel Emissions

New CE-CERT report finds Cummins Wesport ISL G near-zero gas engine performs with lower NOx than EPA certification standard over range of cycles

Green Car Congress

FEBRUARY 2, 2017

Cummins Westport ISL G near-zero (NZ) natural gas engine ( earlier post ) meets and exceeds the certification standards during a full range of duty cycles. The engine was certified in the fall of 2016 by the EPA and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to 0.02 g/bhp-hr emission target and averaged between 0.014 and 0.002 g/bhp-hr.

EPA

EPA Standards Gas Engine

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

Green Car Congress

AUGUST 28, 2009

Comparison of annual N 2 O ODP-weighted emissions from the 1990s with emissions of other ODS in 1987 and in 2008. Even at the height of ODS emissions in the 1980s, annual anthropogenic N 2 O emissions were the fourth most significant. About one-third of global nitrous oxide emissions are from human activities.

Ozone

Ozone Emissions 2009 Climate

National Academies release third review of the 21st Century Truck Partnership

Green Car Congress

SEPTEMBER 14, 2015

The Partnership aims to “ accelerate the introduction of advanced truck and bus technologies that use less fuel, have greater fuel diversity, operate more safely, are more reliable, meet future emissions standards, and are cost effective.” The 21CTP was formed in 2001 to reduce fuel usage and emissions in trucks of Classes 3 through 8.

MPG

MPG Miles 2009 Fuel

EPA proposes new heavy-duty truck emissions rules

EPA initiates new review of the Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards

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

UK researchers report that alcohols in windshield washer fluid are major unreported source of VOCs emissions from cars, including EVs

Study quantifies impact of oil and gas emissions on Denver’s ozone problem

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

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

EPA updates VOCs standards for oil and gas storage tanks

Eaton introduces set of products to reduce vapor emissions during refueling; LEV III regulations

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

California SCAQMD petitioning EPA for national ultra-low NOx standard for trucks

MECA report finds additional NOx emission reductions from new heavy-duty trucks achievable and cost-effective

Study Links Springtime Ozone Increases Above Western North America to Emissions in Asia

EPA proposes air pollution standards for oil and gas drilling operations; focus on capture of escaping natural gas

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

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

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

EPA waives requirements for gasoline pump vapor recovery

EPA Proposes Transport Rule to Cut Pollution from Power Plants in 31 States and DC; New Approach for Pollution Reduction

EPA proposes waiving Federal requirements for stations to capture gasoline vapors when vehicles refuel beginning in 2013

EPA and DOT issue final Phase 2 GHG and fuel efficiency rulemaking for medium- and heavy-duty trucks

Why Schools Should Electrify Their Bus Fleets

Federal Judge rules that Washington State must regulate refinery GHG emissions under State Implementation Plan

US DOT to award up to $101.4M to transit projects to reduce emissions and to promote clean-fuel technologies

Monitoring shows plumes of carcinogenic formaldehyde in neighborhoods along Houston’s Ship Channel

USDOT FTA announces $182M in Low-No grants for transit vehicles & facilities nationwide

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

California ARB to award $1M for locomotive advanced technology demonstration project

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

Stanford Professor Urges EPA to Include Black Carbon in Endangerment Finding

Pennsylvania DEP awards nearly $517,000 in clean diesel grants

California ARB Seeks Further Reductions of Diesel Emissions at State Rail Yards

Why Electric Buses Are the Healthy School Choice

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

BP Products to Pay Nearly $180M to Settle Violations at Texas City Refinery; Conversion of Diesel Vehicles to Natural Gas Part of Settlement

EPA issues greenhouse gas proposals

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

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

OptiFuel finalizing $2.6M DOE grant to demonstrate RNG hybrid line-haul locomotive

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

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

New CE-CERT report finds Cummins Wesport ISL G near-zero gas engine performs with lower NOx than EPA certification standard over range of cycles

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

National Academies release third review of the 21st Century Truck Partnership

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