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Research shows clean fuel-use for ships off California coast extremely effective in reducing sulfur dioxide pollution

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Data collected during a major 2010 state-federal atmospheric research project show that the first-in-the-nation regulation requiring ocean-going vessels to use clean fuel when near the California coast has been extremely effective in reducing sulfur dioxide pollution from ships, according to the California Air Resources Board (ARB).

Pollution 186
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National Academies report finds EPA’s controlled human exposure studies of air pollution are warranted

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Results from CHIE studies are used to inform the periodic review of National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for common pollutants, such as ozone and particulate matter (PM), and advise other policy decisions. The NAAQS process has broad health importance because it regulates the outdoor air concentrations of those pollutants.

Pollution 150
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California ARB and NOAA Collaborating in $20M Research on Interaction of Air Pollution and Climate Change; One Atmosphere Approach

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The California Air Resources Board (ARB) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are collaborating in the $20-million CalNex research project to examine the nexus between air pollution and climate change. The complex roles that ozone and aerosols play in the atmosphere provide examples of such trade-offs.

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Field study finds soot particles absorb significantly less sunlight than predicted by models; climate models may be overestimating warming by BC

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Black carbon is part of a group of pollution sources known as Short-Lived Climate Forcers (SLCFs), including methane gas and ozone, which are produced on earth. Researchers tested air samples using a combination of real-time techniques, including aerosol mass spectrometry and photoacoustic spectroscopy. —Timothy Onasch. Christopher D.

Climate 261
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HEI study finds no heart effects of ozone exposure in healthy older adults; lungs affected at relatively low exposures

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The largest systematic study ever conducted of human volunteers exposed to ozone air pollution has found no evidence of effects on the heart in its healthy, older participants, but did find effects on the volunteers’ ability to breathe, even at low ambient levels. Possible pathways by which ozone may cause adverse health effects.

Ozone 150
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New Comprehensive Lifecycle Energy and Emissions Inventory Includes Non-Operational Components; Large Aircraft Can Perform Better than Light Rail

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Mikhail Chester and Arpad Horvath inventoried on-road, rail, and air travel to determine energy consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and criteria air pollutant (CAP) emissions (excluding PM, lead, and ozone due to lack of data). 83% of rail passenger kilometers are performed by metropolitan systems (with Amtrak serving the remaining).

Light 150
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Researchers Engineer Yeast to Produce Methyl Halides from Biomass; Precursors for Biohydrocarbon Fuels

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Researchers at the University of California San Francisco have engineered the industrial yeast S. fermentans ferments cellulosic feedstocks to acetate and ethanol, which the modified S. cerevisiae uses to produce methyl halides. Adapted from Bayer et al. Click to enlarge. cerevisiae to convert biomass to methyl halides with good yield.

Engine 150