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Minnesota becomes latest state to adopt California clean car standards

Green Car Congress

Original map from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The low-emission vehicle (LEV) standard requires vehicle manufacturers to deliver passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs that produce lower greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants for sale in Minnesota.

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CARB fines major online automotive parts retailer $1M for selling illegal aftermarket parts in California; ~4,000 emissions violations

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was a retailer, everyone in the chain of commerce—that is manufacturers, distributors, dealers, installers, and retailers—has an important responsibility to ensure that all aftermarket products they offer for sale have first been exempted by CARB. Although the former AutoAnything, Inc. —CARB Enforcement Chief Todd Sax.

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EPA issues updated air pollution standards for oil and natural gas production; first federal rules for fracked natural gas wells

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In response to a court deadline, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized standards to reduce air pollution associated with oil and natural gas production. These gases can pollute the air and as a result threaten public health. In 2015, all new fractured wells will be required to use green completions.

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CARB warns vehicle and engine manufacturers about hiding software or hardware changes that affect emissions

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This letter is part of CARB’s ongoing effort to protect public health and reduce combustion pollution so that California’s air quality will meet federal standards. If fully disclosed when the vehicle is being certified for sale in California, an AECD may be legal as there may be a technically justified rationale for its limited use.

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Expert panel report finds achieving 1M plug-in vehicles in US by 2015 would require concentrated action to overcome barriers

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A new study sponsored by Indiana University concludes that President Obama’s vision of one million plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) on US roads by 2015 will require concentrated efforts action from all stakeholders— the auto industry, federal government, the scientific community, and consumers—to be realized.

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EPA issues final actions to cut methane emissions from municipal solid waste landfills

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As landfill waste decomposes, it produces landfill gas (LFG)—a collection of air pollutants, including air toxics, volatile organic compounds, carbon dioxide, and methane. The NMOC portion of LFG can contain various organic HAPs (hazardous air pollutants) and VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

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ICCT report highlights importance of California ZEV mandate for EV policies worldwide, recommends steps forward

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The California ZEV program supports three broad statewide policy goals: reduce criteria pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions; reduce gasoline and diesel fuel demand; and maintain leadership in environmental technology policy and foster job growth. Appropriate metrics for measuring progress toward commercialization.