American Lung Association 2015 report shows Valley has worst air in the nation.

The American Lung Association released its State of the Air 2015 report yesterday and once again, the news is not good for residents of Bakersfield and other San Joaquin Valley cities. Except for ozone concentrations (Los Angeles/Long Beach was the worst), San Joaquin Valley cities had the top four worst ratings for short-term particle pollution (24-hour PM 2.5) and year-round particle pollution (Annual PM 2.5). As for ozone, Valley cities were the second, third, fourth, and eighth worst in the nation.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/american-lung-association-2015-report-shows-valley-has-worst-air-the-nation

Jerry Brown shakes California up again with a new agressive GHG reduction target

California Governor Jerry Brown shook up the regulated community again today, announcing a new Executive Order that sets a more stringent greenhouse gas reduction target for his state than anywhere else in North America.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/jerry-brown-shakes-california-up-again-with-a-new-agressive-ghg-reduction-target

ARB holding oil and gas industry GHG emission control workshop today

As previously announced, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) will hold the first of two workshops on a proposed new regulation to address the control of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the Oil & Gas industry. Today’s workshop begins at 1:30 p.m. in Sacramento and is available via webcast.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/arb-holding-oil-and-gas-industry-ghg-emission-control-workshop-today

The devil is in the details as Bakersfield adopts emergency water ordinance

The Bakersfield City Council adopted an emergency water ordinance at a public hearing last night that restricts the use of water for lawns and landscaping. The effective date of the ordinance (the date the new restrictions become applicable) is today. Residents who violate the new restrictions will be subject to misdemeanors and/or monetary penalties.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/the-devil-is-the-details-as-bakersfield-adopts-emergency-water-ordinance

EPA Awards $1.3 Million to the Port of Los Angeles for an electric-drive crane

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that it has awarded a $1.3 million grant to the City of Los Angeles Harbor Department. The funds will be used to replace an older, 950-horsepower, diesel cargo crane with a new, zero-emission electric-drive crane. The 110-foot crane will be used to unload and process scrap metal on and off moving containers for overseas shipments.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/epa-awards-1-3-million-to-the-port-of-los-angeles-for-an-electric-drive-crane

The best music videos about the environment

Tomorrow is Earth Day.

Shown below are some of the best music videos that deal with the environment. The videos aren’t ranked from worst to best or presented in a Top Ten format. They touch upon themes of urban sprawl, climate change, air and water pollution, and even nuclear holocaust.

This is undoubtedly an incomplete list and some of the videos, in particular those from artists in the 70s, are merely recorded versions of live performances. However, the lyrics and music of all of them have powerful messages for each of us.

Included with each description is a link to a YouTube video of the song. Click on the link below to see if your favorite is shown.

http://www.axs.com/the-best-music-videos-about-the-environment-49943

Earth Day luncheon at CSUB this Wednesday

Kern Green and the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring the 3rd Annual Earth Day Luncheon this Wednesday, April 22, at California State University Bakersfield (CSUB). The event will have exhibitor booths and a panel discussion in addition to a free lunch. The topic of this year's luncheon is "Celebrating Earth Day, Everyday at Work and Home."

Read more at the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/earth-day-luncheon-at-csub-this-wednesday

ARB proposing new greenhouse gas rules for oil and natural gas operations

The California Air Pollution Control Board (ARB) announced this week that it will be holding workshops this month to discuss draft regulations for the oil and natural gas industry. The regulations will focus on the control of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from such operations in order to meet the state's goals in reducing air pollutants that are causing global warming and climate change.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/arb-proposing-new-greenhouse-gas-rules-for-oil-and-natural-gas-operations

EPA releases 20th annual U.S. greenhouse gas inventory

 The 20th Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions was released today by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The latest information is for calendar year 2013 and shows a two percent increase of GHG emissions from 2012 levels. However, the new inventory also shows a nine percent drop from 2005 emissions.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/epa-releases-20th-annual-u-s-greenhouse-gas-inventory

CalEPA awards $500,000 to Environmental Justice groups

The California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) today announced the award of more than $500,000 in grants for Environmental Justice (EJ) programs across the state. Almost 20 percent, or about $100,000, will find its way to San Joaquin Valley organizations in Kern, Kings, Fresno, and other counties.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/calepa-awards-500-000-to-environmental-justice-groups

Millions of Californians to share nearly $300M of climate change credits

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the California Air Resources Board (ARB) reminded consumers today to look for a credit in their April or May electricity bills. Almost 10.7 million Californian households will see their bills reduced by an average of $27 as a result of provisions in the State’s Cap-and-Trade Program to fight climate change. This will be the third time the credits have been given. In April and October of last year, $736 million was given to consumers via credits. CPUC and ARB estimate that $577 million will be given in 2015.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/millions-of-californians-to-share-nearly-300m-of-climate-change-credits