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UCL-led study finds climate impact caused by growing space industry needs urgent mitigation

Green Car Congress

The rapidly growing space industry may have a greater climate effect than the aviation industry and undo repair to the protective ozone layer if left unregulated, according to a new study led by UCL and published in the journal Earth’s Future as an open-access paper. The space industry is one of the world’s fastest growing sectors.

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

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Researchers from Northwestern University and Princeton University have explored the impact on US air quality from an aggressive conversion of internal combustion vehicles to battery-powered electric vehicles (EVs). Across scenarios, we found the more cars that transitioned to electric power, the better for summertime ozone levels.

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

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has agreed to spend more than $161 million on pollution controls, enhanced maintenance and monitoring, and improved internal management practices to resolve Clean Air Act violations at its Texas City, Texas refinery. BP Products North America Inc. The company will also pay a $12 million civil penalty.

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Test of Planet-Cooling Scheme Could Start in 2022

Cars That Think

Up there, 10 to 50 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, ozone molecules absorb the sun’s ultraviolet light, protecting life far below. Even less is understood about the potential risks to people and the environment—could the particles deplete the ozone layer, for example, or significantly alter the weather? about 0.6 °C.

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

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ABuilding on the proposed stronger ambient air quality standards for ozone ( earlier post ), EPA will develop a strategy for a cleaner and more efficient power sector, with strong emission reduction goals for SO 2 , NO x , mercury and other air toxics. Expanding the Conversation on Environmentalism and Working for Environmental Justice.

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UNEP Report Calls for More Sophisticated Approach to Developing Biofuels; Limitations of Current LCA Studies

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Here, RME show advantages for primary energy and GHG, but disadvantages in terms of acidification, eutrophication and ozone depletion. While this mainly depends on the feedstock and conversion technology, other factors including methodological assumptions also have an impact. Source: “Assessing Biofuels”. Click to enlarge.

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Study finds paved surfaces in Houston worsen air quality

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The international study could have implications for the air quality of fast-growing coastal cities in the United States and other mid-latitude regions overseas—the proliferation of strip malls, subdivisions, and other paved areas may interfere with breezes needed to clear away smog and other pollution.

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