Carbon, Emissions, Gas and Ozone

EPA proposes new heavy-duty truck emissions rules

Green Car Congress

MARCH 8, 2022

The proposed multi-pollutant rule would further reduce air pollution from heavy-duty engines and vehicles across the United States, including ozone and particulate matter (PM). In addition, as part of this rulemaking, EPA is proposing targeted updates to the existing Heavy-Duty Greenhouse Gas Emissions Phase 2 program (HD GHG Phase 2).

EPA

EPA Emissions Ozone Pollution

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

CSIRO study finds ozone uptake in oceans much lower than previously thought

Green Car Congress

JULY 31, 2019

CSIRO scientists have developed a new way to account for ozone in computer simulations of the climate. This latest modeling shows that the oceans take much less ozone out of the atmosphere than previously thought. Ozone (O 3 ) is formed by reactions of chemicals such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds—i.e.,

Ozone

Ozone Climate Global Water

Reducing Black Carbon Emissions and Ground-Level Ozone Would Provide Immediate Benefit Against Climate Change

Green Car Congress

AUGUST 21, 2009

Reducing emissions of black carbon soot and ground-level ozone would quickly make a considerable dent in the climate change problem and would also contribute to public health and protect crop yields, according to an essay in the September/October issue of Foreign Affairs. Besides a danger to breathe, ozone lowers crop yields.

Climate Change

Climate Change Ozone Climate Carbon

Latest GHG Inventory shows California remains below 2020 emissions target; much steeper rate of GHG reductions required

Green Car Congress

OCTOBER 23, 2020

California’s latest greenhouse gas data shows that while the state continues to stay below its 2020 target for emissions, there is much more work to do to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. California statewide GHG emissions dropped below the 2020 GHG Limit in 2016 and have remained below the 2020 GHG Limit since then.

2020

2020 California Emissions 2018

Oregon EQC approves Clean Trucks Rule

Green Car Congress

NOVEMBER 18, 2021

Under the ACT Rule, Oregon requires medium- and heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers to sell zero-emission vehicles as a certain percentage of sales, beginning with the 2025 vehicle model year. In Oregon, heavy-duty trucks and buses are responsible for nearly 23% of total transportation sector greenhouse gas emissions.

Oregon

Oregon Clean Cleaning Ozone

UNEP study: small number of measures targeting black carbon and tropospheric ozone could yield immediate climate benefits

Green Car Congress

FEBRUARY 22, 2011

Black carbon and tropospheric ozone are harmful air pollutants that also contribute to climate change. Reducing black carbon and tropospheric ozone now will slow the rate of climate change within the first half of this century, the study said. Click to enlarge. °C (within a likely range of 0.2-0.7

Ozone

Ozone Climate Carbon Climate Change

Emissions of potent GHG HFC-23 have grown, contradicting reports of huge reductions

Green Car Congress

JANUARY 23, 2020

Despite reports that global emissions of the potent greenhouse gas, HFC-23, were almost eliminated in 2017, an international team of scientists, led by the University of Bristol, has found atmospheric levels growing at record values. This gas has very few industrial applications. This would have been a big win for climate.

Emissions

Emissions India Ozone 2017

Fast action on black carbon, ozone and methane could help limit global temperature rise to 2 degrees C

Green Car Congress

JUNE 15, 2011

Fast action on pollutants such as black carbon, ground-level ozone and methane may help limit near term global temperature rise and significantly increase the chances of keeping temperature rise below 2 °C (3.6 °F)—and emission reduction potential. of oil and natural gas. of oil and natural gas.

Ozone

Ozone Carbon Climate Change Global

International study identifies 14 key measures to reduce methane and black carbon emissions; reduction in projected global mean warming of ~0.5 °C by 2050

Green Car Congress

JANUARY 13, 2012

A study by an international team of researchers, led by Drew Shindell of NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) in New York City, has identified 14 measures targeting methane and black carbon (BC) emissions that could reduce projected global mean warming ~0.5°C Their paper is published in the journal Science.

Carbon

Carbon Ozone Emissions International

Texas study finds PHEV use could increase ozone at night, decrease ozone during the day

Green Car Congress

APRIL 22, 2011

A study by researchers at the University of Texas found that in general, use of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) can lead to an increase in ozone during nighttime hours (due to decreased scavenging from both vehicles and EGU stacks) and a decrease in ozone during daytime hours. The results are less clear in Dallas and Houston.

Ozone

Ozone PHEV Texas San Antonio

Tohoku team finds swirling ammonia in combustion chambers can help reduce NO emissions

Green Car Congress

OCTOBER 15, 2018

Researchers at Tohoku University in Japan have identified a way to reduce harmful NO emissions produced by ammonia fuel during combustion. The process involves swirling the gas with air as part of the power generation process. A paper on their work is published in the journal Combustion Theory and Modelling.

Emissions

Emissions Hydrogen Fuel Global

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. Together, the proposals would reduce oil imports by approximately 20 billion barrels.

EPA

EPA Light Standards Emissions

California 2017 GHG inventory shows 1.2% total drop from 2016; transportation sector emissions up 1%

Green Car Congress

AUGUST 14, 2019

The California Air Resources Board’s latest state inventory of greenhouse gas emissions shows that California’s GHG emissions continue to decrease. while the carbon intensity of its economy declined by 4.5%. Trends in California GHG Emissions. Changes in emissions by Scoping Plan sector between 2000 and 2017.

2017

2017 2016 Transportation Emissions

California introduces first-in-nation rules to reduce climate “super pollutants” from commercial refrigeration, air conditioning equipment

Green Car Congress

DECEMBER 14, 2020

HFCs are synthetic gases that are used in a variety of applications, but mainly to replace ozone-depleting substances in aerosols, foams, refrigeration and air-conditioning. California is required to reduce HFC emissions 40% below 2013 levels by 2030 under Senate Bill 1383. This equipment often leaks refrigerants over time.

Pollution

Pollution California Commercial Climate

Study uncovers role of longer-chain unburned hydrocarbon emissions from diesels in London air pollution; calls for regulatory shift

Green Car Congress

SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

The study found that 60% of the winter primary hydrocarbon hydroxyl radical reactivity in London is from those diesel-related hydrocarbons; the authors predicted that the longer-chain HCs contribute up to 50 % of the ozone production potential in London. —Dunmore et al. Dunmore et al. Dunmore et al.

London

London Pollution Diesel Emissions

Study: 25% EV adoption would save US $17B annually from avoided climate change & pollution damages

Green Car Congress

AUGUST 18, 2020

Vehicle electrification in the United States could prevent hundreds to thousands of premature deaths annually while reducing carbon emissions by hundreds of millions of tons. In the new study, Horton, Peters and their team looked at vehicle fleet and emissions data from 2014. Peters, D.

Climate Change

Climate Change Pollution Climate 2014

Northwestern/Princeton study explores air quality impacts of aggressive conversion to EVs

Green Car Congress

APRIL 15, 2019

For example, states in the western US (WUS) generally produce a larger fraction of their electricity from renewable and/or “emission-free” sources (i.e., coal, oil, natural gas, and biomass). Among the findings: Summer surface ozone (O 3 ) decreases in most locations due to widespread reductions of traffic NO x emissions.

Conversion

Conversion Jordan Ozone Coal

Using Ozone-Generated Bubbles to Remove Oil Sheen and Contaminants from Water

Green Car Congress

NOVEMBER 17, 2009

A University of Utah engineer has developed an inexpensive new method to remove oil sheen by repeatedly pressurizing and depressurizing ozone gas, creating microscopic bubbles that attack the oil so it can be removed by sand filters. The ozone in the bubble attacks certain pollutants because it is a strong oxidant.

Ozone

Ozone Water Oil-Sands Oil

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

California ARB moves forward with climate and air quality actions

Green Car Congress

MARCH 24, 2017

CARB approved the State Strategy for the State Implementation Plan ( State SIP Strategy ), which describes CARB’s commitment for further reducing vehicle emissions needed to meet federal air quality standards over the next 15 years. emissions by more than 20%.

Climate

Climate California Ozone Pollution

MIT study finds air quality co-benefits of US carbon policies can significantly offset costs, depending upon the policy

Green Car Congress

AUGUST 25, 2014

The human health benefits associated with improvements in air quality related to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions improvements can offset 26–1,050% of the cost of US carbon policies, depending upon the type of policy, according to a new study by a team from MIT. precursors through 2030. precursors through 2030.

MIT

MIT Carbon Climate Climate Change

Study findings suggest that switching from coal to natural gas would do little for global climate

Green Car Congress

SEPTEMBER 8, 2011

Relying more on natural gas would reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, but it would do little to help solve the climate problem. The situation is further complicated by uncertainty over the amount of methane that leaks from natural gas operations. Methane is an especially potent greenhouse gas. degree Celsius).

Coal

Coal Climate Gas Global

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

IPCC: GHG emissions accelerating despite mitigation efforts; major institutional and technological change required to keep the heat down

Green Car Congress

APRIL 13, 2014

Decomposition of the decadal change in total global CO 2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion by four driving factors; population, income (GDP) per capita, energy intensity of GDP and carbon intensity of energy. giga tonne carbon dioxide equivalent (GtCO 2 eq) (2.2%) per year from 2000 to 2010 compared to 0.4 Click to enlarge.

Emissions

Emissions Climate Change 2000 Climate

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

United States and China agree to work together on phasing down HFCs

Green Car Congress

JUNE 9, 2013

A global phase down of HFCs could potentially reduce some 90 gigatons of CO 2 equivalent by 2050, equal to roughly two years worth of current global greenhouse gas emissions. While they do not deplete the ozone layer, many are highly potent greenhouse gases.

United States

United States Ozone China Climate Change

More Reflective Roofs and Pavements Could Help Offset Climate Emissions

Green Car Congress

FEBRUARY 22, 2010

Increasing the reflectivity or albedo of roofs and pavements in urban areas could offset greenhouse gas emissions by a significant amount, according to an open access paper published last month in the IOP journal Environmental Research Letters.

Climate

Climate Emissions Climate Change 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. emission units” or sources of air contaminants.

Washington

Washington Emissions Sierra EPA

Up close and personal with Volkswagen’s e-Golf carbon offset project: Garcia River Forest

Green Car Congress

JUNE 8, 2015

In 2014, Volkswagen of America announced that starting with the launch of the zero-tailpipe emissions battery-electric 2015 e-Golf ( earlier post ), it would invest in projects to offset the carbon emissions created from the e-Golf on a full lifecycle basis: production, distribution and up to approximately 36,000 miles (57,936 km) of driving.

Carbon

Carbon Personal Store Emissions

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

WMO reports GHG concentrations at highest in 800K years

Green Car Congress

OCTOBER 31, 2017

Concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere surged at a record-breaking speed in 2016 to the highest level in 800,000 years, according to the World Meteorological Organization’s Greenhouse Gas Bulletin. Concentrations of CO 2 are now 145% of pre-industrial (before 1750) levels, according to the Greenhouse Gas Bulletin.

2016

2016 Climate Climate Change 2015

Test of Planet-Cooling Scheme Could Start in 2022

Cars That Think

DECEMBER 19, 2021

Up there, 10 to 50 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, ozone molecules absorb the sun’s ultraviolet light, protecting life far below. Eventually, they’ll add equipment to spray tiny aerosol particles of calcium carbonate, the compound found in limestone, blackboard chalk, and Tums antacids. cancel the launch.

Ozone

Ozone Solar Climate Change Climate

California Air Resources Board posts revised draft of strategy to reduce “Super Pollutants”

Green Car Congress

NOVEMBER 29, 2016

SLCPs include black carbon (soot), methane and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)—the fastest-growing source of GHG emissions in California and globally—which are used as refrigerants, aerosol propellants and insulation. Black carbon. CO 2 remains in the atmosphere for up to a century.

Pollution

Pollution California Emissions Climate

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

California ARB releases final version of proposed update to Climate Change Scoping Plan; LEV IV

Green Car Congress

MAY 16, 2014

The AB 32 Scoping Plan, which guides development and implementation of California’s greenhouse gas emission reduction programs. Furthermore, commercially available technologies, such as fuel efficient passenger vehicle tires, can be utilized by both new and in-use vehicles in the near-term to achieve GHG emission reductions.

Climate Change

Climate Change Climate California Ozone

ICCT finds growth in shipping in Arctic could increase pollutant emissions 150-600% by 2025 with current fuels

Green Car Congress

FEBRUARY 5, 2015

Comparison of the potential reduction in emissions with the application of lower sulfur 0.5% While that report projected vessel activity, it did not explore the environmental impacts of increased shipping in terms of air emissions or the potential climate impacts from increases in short-lived climate pollutants such as black carbon.

Pollution

Pollution Emissions Mariner Fuel

Renault makes public its lifecycle study of Fluence ICE vs Fluence EV

Green Car Congress

JULY 11, 2013

Renault’s comparison of the carbon footprint of EV and ICE vehicles over production, operation and end of life. Emission standard. Quantifies non-natural increase of greenhouse effect gas concentration (CO 2 , N 2 O, CH 4 , refrigerants.) Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential (kg Ethene equivalent). emissions).

Li-ion

Li-ion Gasoline-Electric Ozone Diesel

Low-lying and other vulnerable countries calling for fast action on non-CO2 global warming pollutants

Green Car Congress

NOVEMBER 29, 2010

Led by the tiny Pacific island of the Federated States of Micronesia, a growing group of low-lying islands and other vulnerable countries are calling for fast action on the approximately 50% of global warming that is caused by pollutants other than carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). million lives lost each year due to black carbon soot.

Micronesia

Micronesia Pollution Ozone Global

Study finds warming caused by synthetic greenhouse gases could outweigh climate benefits from phasing down CFCs

Green Car Congress

APRIL 11, 2014

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)—commonly used in refrigerators and air conditioners—play a role in creating a hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica. We infer recent SGHG emissions and examine the impact of future emissions scenarios, with a particular focus on proposals to reduce HFC use under the Montreal Protocol.

Climate

Climate Ozone Climate Change MIT

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

Study estimates ~4M children worldwide develop asthma each year because of NO2 air pollution

Green Car Congress

APRIL 11, 2019

Improving access to cleaner forms of transportation, like electrified public transport and active commuting by cycling and walking, would not only bring down NO 2 levels, but would also reduce asthma, enhance physical fitness, and cut greenhouse gas emissions. —Susan Anenberg.

Pollution

Pollution United Arab Emirates South Korea Las Vegas

Researchers describe the “where” and “when” of life cycle emissions from gasoline and ethanol in the US

Green Car Congress

OCTOBER 11, 2012

Contributions of regions to total life cycle emissions for three fuels (µg per vehicle-mile traveled per km 2 land area). Dashed lines show US average emissions. Associated tailpipe emissions alone account for 40?60% Credit: ACS, Tessum et al. Click to enlarge. —Tessum et al.

Gasoline

Gasoline Emissions Gasoline-Electric Pollution

NASA GISS Study Finds That Methane Has an Elevated Warming Effect Due to Interactions With Aerosols

Green Car Congress

OCTOBER 30, 2009

New research by a team at the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) in New York suggests that gas-aerosol interactions can amplify the global warming impact of some greenhouse gases. Because the latter was a $126 billion/year market in 2008, even small differences in GWPs can have large economic consequences. Shindell et al.

Climate Change

Climate Change Climate Ozone Pollution

EPA proposes new heavy-duty truck emissions rules

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

CSIRO study finds ozone uptake in oceans much lower than previously thought

Reducing Black Carbon Emissions and Ground-Level Ozone Would Provide Immediate Benefit Against Climate Change

Latest GHG Inventory shows California remains below 2020 emissions target; much steeper rate of GHG reductions required

Oregon EQC approves Clean Trucks Rule

UNEP study: small number of measures targeting black carbon and tropospheric ozone could yield immediate climate benefits

Emissions of potent GHG HFC-23 have grown, contradicting reports of huge reductions

Fast action on black carbon, ozone and methane could help limit global temperature rise to 2 degrees C

International study identifies 14 key measures to reduce methane and black carbon emissions; reduction in projected global mean warming of ~0.5 °C by 2050

Texas study finds PHEV use could increase ozone at night, decrease ozone during the day

Tohoku team finds swirling ammonia in combustion chambers can help reduce NO emissions

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

California 2017 GHG inventory shows 1.2% total drop from 2016; transportation sector emissions up 1%

California introduces first-in-nation rules to reduce climate “super pollutants” from commercial refrigeration, air conditioning equipment

Study uncovers role of longer-chain unburned hydrocarbon emissions from diesels in London air pollution; calls for regulatory shift

Study: 25% EV adoption would save US $17B annually from avoided climate change & pollution damages

Northwestern/Princeton study explores air quality impacts of aggressive conversion to EVs

Using Ozone-Generated Bubbles to Remove Oil Sheen and Contaminants from Water

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

California ARB moves forward with climate and air quality actions

MIT study finds air quality co-benefits of US carbon policies can significantly offset costs, depending upon the policy

Study findings suggest that switching from coal to natural gas would do little for global climate

Why Schools Should Electrify Their Bus Fleets

IPCC: GHG emissions accelerating despite mitigation efforts; major institutional and technological change required to keep the heat down

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

United States and China agree to work together on phasing down HFCs

More Reflective Roofs and Pavements Could Help Offset Climate Emissions

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

Up close and personal with Volkswagen’s e-Golf carbon offset project: Garcia River Forest

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

WMO reports GHG concentrations at highest in 800K years

Test of Planet-Cooling Scheme Could Start in 2022

California Air Resources Board posts revised draft of strategy to reduce “Super Pollutants”

Stanford Professor Urges EPA to Include Black Carbon in Endangerment Finding

California ARB releases final version of proposed update to Climate Change Scoping Plan; LEV IV

ICCT finds growth in shipping in Arctic could increase pollutant emissions 150-600% by 2025 with current fuels

Renault makes public its lifecycle study of Fluence ICE vs Fluence EV

Low-lying and other vulnerable countries calling for fast action on non-CO2 global warming pollutants

Study finds warming caused by synthetic greenhouse gases could outweigh climate benefits from phasing down CFCs

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

Study estimates ~4M children worldwide develop asthma each year because of NO2 air pollution

Researchers describe the “where” and “when” of life cycle emissions from gasoline and ethanol in the US

NASA GISS Study Finds That Methane Has an Elevated Warming Effect Due to Interactions With Aerosols

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