EPA, Ozone, Resource and Standards

EPA proposes tightening primary ozone standards to range of 65-70 ppb; final rule by October 2015

Green Car Congress

NOVEMBER 26, 2014

Counties where measured ozone is above proposed range of standards, based on 2011-2013 monitoring data. Source: EPA. EPA will seek public comment on the proposal for 90 days following publication in the Federal Register, and the agency plans to hold three public hearings. Click to enlarge. Earlier post.).

Ozone

Ozone EPA Standards 2015

EPA launches Cleaner Trucks Initiative to update NOx standards for heavy-duty trucks

Green Car Congress

NOVEMBER 14, 2018

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched the Cleaner Trucks Initiative (CTI) to further decrease NO x emissions from on-highway heavy-duty trucks and engines. The US has made major reductions in NO x emissions, but it’s been nearly 20 years since EPA updated these standards.

EPA

EPA Cleaner Standards 2001

UB study finds link between ambient ozone exposure, artery wall thickness

Green Car Congress

MAY 31, 2019

Long-term exposure to ambient ozone appears to accelerate arterial conditions that progress into cardiovascular disease and stroke, according to a new University at Buffalo study. The study found that chronic exposure to ozone was associated with a progression of thickening of the main artery that supplies blood to the head and neck.

Ozone

Ozone Los Angeles North Carolina New York City

Obama Administration withdraws proposed rulemaking on strengthened ozone standards

Green Car Congress

SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

In a statement released this morning, President Barack Obama said he has requested that US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson withdraw the agency’s draft Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) rulemaking. National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Earlier post.)

Ozone

Ozone Obama Standards 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

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.

EPA

EPA Standards California Ozone

EPA issues ANPR on Clean Trucks Initiative, seeking input from public and stakeholders

Green Car Congress

JANUARY 7, 2020

The US EPA issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) for the Cleaner Trucks Initiative (CTI). The eventual CTI rulemaking will establish new, more stringent emission standards for NO x and other pollutants for highway heavy-duty engines. EPA is seeking input from the public and interested stakeholders.

EPA

EPA Ozone Clean Cleaning

Rice/EPA study finds ground-level ozone falling faster than CMAQ model predicted

Green Car Congress

MARCH 11, 2013

Researchers from Rice University and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report in a paper in the journal Atmospheric Chemistry that particularly in Northeastern cities, ozone levels dropped even beyond what was anticipated by cutting emissions of NO x from 2002 to 2006. This is good news. —Daniel Cohan, co-author.

Ozone

Ozone EPA 2002 2006

EPA to begin work on proposed rulemaking for on-road heavy-duty ultra-low NOx standard for MY 2024

Green Car Congress

DECEMBER 23, 2016

Earlier this year, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) received several petitions from state and local government agencies from across the country and other organizations to increase the stringency of the on-highway heavy-duty engine NO x emission standards from 0.2 —EPA memorandum in response to petitions.

EPA

EPA Standards Ozone 2000

MECA emissions inventory & air quality modeling shows potential benefits of national cleaner trucks initiative at CARB limits

Green Car Congress

JUNE 26, 2020

The objective of the emission impact analysis was to respond to EPA’s request for comments as to the merits of reducing NO x emissions from heavy-duty trucks by 50 to 90% as outlined in the 6 January 2020 Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) of the CTI. Source: MECA. ppb in the west (San Bernardino, CA) and 4.9

Cleaner

Cleaner Ozone Emissions Atlanta

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

California ARB approves air quality plan for South Coast Air Basin ahead of 2023 deadline; calls for Federal action

Green Car Congress

DECEMBER 15, 2019

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) voted to approve an updated plan for the South Coast Air Basin aimed at further cutting smog-forming emissions to attain the federal 8-hour ozone standard. To meet the 80 parts per billion ozone standard in the South Coast, all levels of government must do their part.

California

California Ozone Los Angeles EPA

Study Finds Ozone Concentrations at Current Clean Air Standards Levels Can Impair Even Healthy Lungs

Green Car Congress

JULY 25, 2009

Exposure to ozone at levels currently deemed safe by the NAAQS clean air standards can have a significant and negative effect on lung function, according to researchers at the University of California, Davis. The previous primary and secondary standards were identical 8-hour standards, set at 0.08 Earlier post.).

Ozone

Ozone Standards Clean Cleaning

FCA recalls 850,000+ gasoline vehicles due to problem with catalytic converters

Green Car Congress

MARCH 14, 2019

The recall was announced after an investigation by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). NO x emissions in California are the most important contributor to ambient ozone and a key contributor to fine particulate matter pollution (PM 2.5

Convert

Convert Gasoline Ozone Dodge

US reaches $1.5B settlement with Daimler AG over emissions cheating in Mercedes-Benz diesels; civil penalty of $875M

Green Car Congress

SEPTEMBER 15, 2020

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), USDepartment of Justice (DOJ), and California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced a proposed settlement with Daimler AG and its American subsidiary Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC resolving alleged violations of the Clean Air Act and California law associated with emissions cheating.

District of Columbia

District of Columbia Emissions Diesel Mercedes

EPA researchers find deaths from air pollution falling over time, but many sectors continue to pose a risk

Green Car Congress

APRIL 1, 2013

In a new study apportioning air pollution health burdens across US sectors, researchers at the Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determined that mortality from air pollution has fallen over time but that many sectors continue to pose a substantial risk to human health.

Pollution

Pollution Ozone EPA 2005

PM2.5, O3 pollution associated with development of Alzheimer’s disease; new study identifies evolving axonal damage

Green Car Congress

DECEMBER 23, 2018

and ozone at or above the current standards have been linked to neuroinflammation and high risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). suggesting long-term exposure to PM 2.5 , as well as ozone above the current US EPA standards, are associated with increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Exposures to concentrations of PM 2.5

Pollution

Pollution Ozone Mexico Montana

Study: more stringent O3 and PM2.5 air pollution standards could save thousands of lives, greatly improve public health

Green Car Congress

AUGUST 11, 2016

In “Estimated Excess Morbidity and Mortality Caused by Air Pollution above ATS Recommended Standards, 2011-2013,” published online in the August edition of Annals of the American Thoracic Society , researchers report on the annual health benefits of meeting more protective standards recommended by the ATS for O 3 and PM 2.5.

Pollution

Pollution Standards Ozone EPA

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

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 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. standards established in 2006 and the 1997 annual PM 2.5

Pollution

Pollution EPA Transportation DC

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

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

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

Green Car Congress

JANUARY 14, 2021

This category of emissions is the largest source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by automobiles, which are a main source of haze, ozone, and particulate matter. The LEV III regulations include increasingly stringent emission standards for pollutants for new passenger vehicles to be phased in through the 2025 model year.

Eaton

Eaton Emissions Gasoline-Electric Production

Study finds significant slowdown in decrease of NOx emissions in US; implications for air quality management

Green Car Congress

MAY 1, 2018

They found that levels of pollutants that can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, or smog, have failed to continue a fairly steady decline as estimated by the US Environmental Protection Agency. These results show that meeting future air quality standards for ozone pollution will be more challenging than previously thought.

Emissions

Emissions Ozone Pollution EPA

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). NO x is a precursor for both ground level ozone and secondary PM 2.5 which are regulated under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) because of their adverse effects on human health and the environment. NO x is a precursor for both ground level ozone and secondary PM 2.5

Emissions

Emissions Diesel Engine 2010

Researchers Discover New Chemistry for Ozone Formation; Not Yet Monitored or Incorporated into Atmospheric Models

Green Car Congress

JULY 24, 2009

A) shows the base case peak concentrations for O 3 (ozone), ClNO and HCl in parts-per-billion by volume (ppbv). (B) Under extreme circumstances, this previously unknown chemistry could account for up to 40 parts per billion (ppb) of ozone; the current US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 8-hour average standard is 75 ppb.

Ozone

Ozone Pollution 2009 Coal

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

Annual American Lung Association report shows continued progress in air quality, but more to be done

Green Car Congress

APRIL 29, 2011

This year’s report finds that the majority of American cities most-polluted by ozone (smog) or year-round particle pollution (soot) have improved, showing continued progress in the cleanup of toxics under the requirements of the Clean Air Act. When ozone is inhaled, it irritates the lungs. 10 Most Ozone-Polluted Cities.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles Ozone Long Beach Fresno

National Academies report finds EPA’s controlled human exposure studies of air pollution are warranted

Green Car Congress

MARCH 29, 2017

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) carries out controlled human inhalation exposure (CHIE) studies in which volunteer participants agree to be intentionally exposed by inhalation to specific pollutants at restricted concentrations over short periods to obtain important information about the effects of outdoor air pollution on human health.

Pollution

Pollution Ozone EPA San Francisco

CRC ACES Phase 2 report finds emissions from modern heavy-duty diesels well below required levels

Green Car Congress

DECEMBER 4, 2013

2010 engines emissions reduction relative to 2010, 2007, and 2004 US emission standards. earlier post ), found that emissions of NO 2 and other nitrogen oxides—which can have direct health effects and contribute to the formation of smog—were approximately 61% below the 2010 EPA standard and 99% lower than in 2004 engines.

Diesel

Diesel Emissions 2004 San Antonio

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

Green Car Congress

DECEMBER 5, 2011

Under the CAA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes national. ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for criteria pollutants. by the EPA, it becomes federal law and federally-enforceable. To date, the EPA has established NAAQS for six pollutants: particulate. The EPA has not established NAAQS for GHGs.

Washington

Washington Emissions Sierra EPA

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. The Air Resources Board is required to update the Scoping Plan every five years. Background. Transportation.

Transportation

Transportation Emissions California Ozone

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

Among the direct transportation-related provisions in the extensive package are a low-carbon fuel standard for all transportation fuels; financial support for large scale demonstrations of electric vehicles; and financial support for automakers retooling plants to make electric vehicles. trucks, construction machines, ships and planes.

Climate

Climate Standards Carbon California

HEI ACES study of lifetime animal exposure to New Technology Diesel Engine exhaust finds no lung cancer

Green Car Congress

JANUARY 27, 2015

exhaust from heavy-duty diesel engines meeting EPA 2007 and later emissions requirements—has found no evidence of carcinogenic lung tumors. HEI is an independent, non-profit research institute funded jointly by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the worldwide motor vehicle industry. Earlier post.)

Exhaust

Exhaust Diesel Engine 2007

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. The emission reductions were to be beyond existing US EPA regulations and ARB regulations and agreements.

Diesel

Diesel California Emissions 2007

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 gas and hydrocarbons can then be treated and used or sold, avoiding the waste of natural resources that cannot be renewed.

EPA

EPA Oil Gas Industrial

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 to 9 times higher than the NO x certification standard.

EPA

EPA Standards Gas Engine

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.” These new targets need to be set for the research efforts.

MPG

MPG Miles 2009 Fuel

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

Green Car Congress

AUGUST 30, 2009

During the early 1900s, a distillery was a standard piece of farm equipment. 80.28, “applicable standard” means: 9.0 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. 40 CFR § 80.27

Transportation

Transportation Fuel Renewable Gasoline-Electric

ROUSH CleanTech develops near-zero NOx propane autogas engine; CARB-certified at 0.02 g/bhp-hr

Green Car Congress

AUGUST 28, 2018

Alternative-fuel technology company ROUSH CleanTech has developed the first available propane autogas engine certified to California Air Resources Board’s (CARB’s) optional low oxides of nitrogen emissions standard for heavy-duty engines with 0.02 g/bhp-hr heavy-duty engine standard. grams per brake horsepower-hour (g/bhp-hr).

Engine

Engine Cleaner Ozone Emissions

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

Green Car Congress

MAY 12, 2017

The study, by a team of researchers from Carnegie Mellon University, University of Georgia, Aerodyne Research, California Air Resources Board (ARB), Ohio State University, UC Berkeley, and UC San Diego is published in the ACS journal Environmental Science & Technology. The EPA GHG program is aimed at reducing tailpipe CO 2 emissions.

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

Abt life-cycle analysis of different Li-ion chemistries for PHEVs and EVs identifies opportunities for improving environmental profile of batteries

Green Car Congress

JUNE 30, 2013

The study, carried out through a partnership with EPA, the US Department of Energy, the Li-ion battery industry, and academicians, was the first life-cycle assessment to bring together and to use data directly provided by Li-ion battery suppliers, manufacturers, and recyclers. A recent Abt Associates, Inc. Sensitivity analysis.

Li-ion

Li-ion PHEV Batteries Battery

EPA proposes tightening primary ozone standards to range of 65-70 ppb; final rule by October 2015

EPA launches Cleaner Trucks Initiative to update NOx standards for heavy-duty trucks

UB study finds link between ambient ozone exposure, artery wall thickness

Obama Administration withdraws proposed rulemaking on strengthened ozone standards

China study connects ozone pollution to cardiovascular health

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

EPA issues ANPR on Clean Trucks Initiative, seeking input from public and stakeholders

Rice/EPA study finds ground-level ozone falling faster than CMAQ model predicted

EPA to begin work on proposed rulemaking for on-road heavy-duty ultra-low NOx standard for MY 2024

MECA emissions inventory & air quality modeling shows potential benefits of national cleaner trucks initiative at CARB limits

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

California ARB approves air quality plan for South Coast Air Basin ahead of 2023 deadline; calls for Federal action

Study Finds Ozone Concentrations at Current Clean Air Standards Levels Can Impair Even Healthy Lungs

FCA recalls 850,000+ gasoline vehicles due to problem with catalytic converters

US reaches $1.5B settlement with Daimler AG over emissions cheating in Mercedes-Benz diesels; civil penalty of $875M

EPA researchers find deaths from air pollution falling over time, but many sectors continue to pose a risk

PM2.5, O3 pollution associated with development of Alzheimer’s disease; new study identifies evolving axonal damage

Study: more stringent O3 and PM2.5 air pollution standards could save thousands of lives, greatly improve public health

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

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

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

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

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

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

Study finds significant slowdown in decrease of NOx emissions in US; implications for air quality management

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

Researchers Discover New Chemistry for Ozone Formation; Not Yet Monitored or Incorporated into Atmospheric Models

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

Annual American Lung Association report shows continued progress in air quality, but more to be done

National Academies report finds EPA’s controlled human exposure studies of air pollution are warranted

CRC ACES Phase 2 report finds emissions from modern heavy-duty diesels well below required levels

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

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

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

HEI ACES study of lifetime animal exposure to New Technology Diesel Engine exhaust finds no lung cancer

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

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

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

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

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

ROUSH CleanTech develops near-zero NOx propane autogas engine; CARB-certified at 0.02 g/bhp-hr

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

Abt life-cycle analysis of different Li-ion chemistries for PHEVs and EVs identifies opportunities for improving environmental profile of batteries

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