The ban applies to four counties: Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and the SJV Air Basin portion of Kern.
For more info: Check Before You Burn
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
APCD issues wood burning ban for Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) has issued a midnight to midnight ban of wood burning devices, including fireplaces and open fire pits, due to unhealthy levels of particulate matter in the atmosphere and a strong inversion layer.
The ban applies to four counties: Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and the SJV Air Basin portion of Kern.
For more info: Check Before You Burn
The ban applies to four counties: Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and the SJV Air Basin portion of Kern.
For more info: Check Before You Burn
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Free emission test and smog repairs for your car this Saturday
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (APCD) and Valley CAN are sponsoring another FREE emissions test for your vehicle this Saturday, December 2, 2017, from 8 a.m. to noon.
In addition to the free test for everyone, owners of the first 525 vehicles that qualify will receive a $500 voucher good toward repairs at a local participating STAR smog shop if your vehicle fails the test.
The event will be held at the Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 South "P" Street, Bakersfield. CA 93307 at the South "P" Street parking lot.
For more info: Free Smog Repairs
In addition to the free test for everyone, owners of the first 525 vehicles that qualify will receive a $500 voucher good toward repairs at a local participating STAR smog shop if your vehicle fails the test.
The event will be held at the Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 South "P" Street, Bakersfield. CA 93307 at the South "P" Street parking lot.
For more info: Free Smog Repairs
Monday, October 9, 2017
Here's something scary to think about before Halloween!
Bet you never thought about this before. Be careful before you try on or wear those Halloween costumes, especially wigs, that you might buy this year!
Photo © Kama Ruby
Halloween Warning: Head Lice May Be Waiting In Store Costumes
Gusty winds and wildfire smoke prompt health caution
When it's windy in the San Joaquin Valley, health concerns raise their ugly head.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind alert.
In addition, please read the following advisory from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District:
Gusty winds and wildfire smoke prompt health caution. Potential elevated PM10 and PM2.5 pose health concern
The National Weather Service has issued a wind alert.
In addition, please read the following advisory from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District:
Gusty winds and wildfire smoke prompt health caution. Potential elevated PM10 and PM2.5 pose health concern
Sunday, October 1, 2017
Ride Share Week - October 2 - 6, 2017
Want to do something easy and inexpensive to help improve the environment? Participate in Ride Share Week 2017 starting tomorrow. Join a carpool, take a bus, ride a bike, or walk to work or school or wherever you usually go. As a bonus, make some new friends and reacquaint yourself with some old ones.
For more information, go to the CommuteKern events website, here: CommuteKern Events
Then once you've seen what a great idea this is, make a pledge to do it!
For more information, go to the CommuteKern events website, here: CommuteKern Events
Then once you've seen what a great idea this is, make a pledge to do it!
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
LiveSmart Fair at Urner's this Saturday - National Drive Electric Week
Want to learn more about electric vehicles? Visit the LiveSmart Fair at Urner's in Bakersfield this Saturday and have all of your questions answered, including what it's like to drive one.
The first 100 people to test drive an EV also will receive a free lunch! Can't beat that unless you win the lottery!
RSVP at National Drive Electric Week's website for a chance to win $250 as well: RSVP website
For more info: Project Clean Air - LiveSmart Fair
The first 100 people to test drive an EV also will receive a free lunch! Can't beat that unless you win the lottery!
RSVP at National Drive Electric Week's website for a chance to win $250 as well: RSVP website
For more info: Project Clean Air - LiveSmart Fair
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Jerry Brown officially extends California's landmark cap-and-trade program
California’s Governor Jerry Brown yesterday signed into law
the state’s revised cap-and-trade program, AB 398. The action extends and
improves the state’s ambitious and world-leading climate change plan to effect
reductions in greenhouse gases.
Photo: California Governor's website
"California
is leading the world in dealing with a principal existential threat that
humanity faces," said Governor Brown. "We are a nation-state in a
globalizing world and we're having an impact and you're here witnessing one of
the key milestones in turning around this carbonized world into a decarbonized,
sustainable future."
The signing took place on Treasure Island, the same location where former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the state’s original cap-and-trade-program, AB 32 (the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006) over 10 years ago. The new program, which was approved with bipartisan support, is designed to ensure that California reduces its GHG emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 as required by AB 32.
The signing took place on Treasure Island, the same location where former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the state’s original cap-and-trade-program, AB 32 (the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006) over 10 years ago. The new program, which was approved with bipartisan support, is designed to ensure that California reduces its GHG emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 as required by AB 32.
"Thanks
to bipartisan support California was able to extend its historic cap and trade
program which protects our environment and preserves our nation-leading
economic growth. Governor Brown and legislative leaders from both parties came
together to ensure that California continues to march toward a clean,
prosperous future. I want to especially thank Assembly Republican Leader Chad
Mayes and his Republican colleagues for following in the footsteps of great
Republicans like Teddy Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan, who both recognized the
importance of fighting for clean air and water and natural spaces. I hope
politicians around the country can learn from the example set in Sacramento
last week. Republicans and Democrats were able to come together to pass
legislation that helps clean up our environment for our children while at the
same time supporting a booming economy," said former Governor Schwarzenegger.
"As the Trump Administration seeks to undermine our nation's climate leadership - the world is looking to California. We are proving that growing an economy and protecting the environment is not an either-or proposition; we can and will continue to do both. Today's extension of our landmark cap-and-trade program, coupled with our effective clean energy policies, will move us forward into the future and we plan to take the rest of the world with us," said Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León.
"As the Trump Administration seeks to undermine our nation's climate leadership - the world is looking to California. We are proving that growing an economy and protecting the environment is not an either-or proposition; we can and will continue to do both. Today's extension of our landmark cap-and-trade program, coupled with our effective clean energy policies, will move us forward into the future and we plan to take the rest of the world with us," said Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León.
Friday, July 21, 2017
VW Dieselgate fines reach $1.5 Billion in California according to CARB
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced an additional $153.8 million in fines against Volkswagen for the notorious emissions cheating scandal involving its model year 2009 - 2016, 2.0 and 3.0 liter diesel fueled passenger vehicles.
The additional penalties bring the total fines the company must pay in California to nearly $1.5 billion, the largest in history for violations of air quality rules.
“This payment to the State of California closes another chapter in the so-called ‘dieselgate’ case against Volkswagen, but it is not the end of the story,” said CARB Chair Mary Nichols. “There are still consumers waiting to find out the future of their cars. CARB is working with U.S. EPA to determine if the remaining vehicles can be modified.”
“What Volkswagen did was categorically unacceptable,” said Attorney General Xavier Becerra. “At the California Department of Justice, we’ve been holding Volkswagen accountable since we learned of their inexcusable actions. One thing should be crystal clear: wrongdoers who believe they can run and hide are sorely mistaken.”
The total fines are broken down as follows:
The Consent Decree also includes an injunction requiring the company to implement a corporate compliance program, conduct enhanced vehicle testing, and undertake a series of audit and reporting obligations to ensure future compliance with U.S. and California laws and regulations.
The additional penalties bring the total fines the company must pay in California to nearly $1.5 billion, the largest in history for violations of air quality rules.
“What Volkswagen did was categorically unacceptable,” said Attorney General Xavier Becerra. “At the California Department of Justice, we’ve been holding Volkswagen accountable since we learned of their inexcusable actions. One thing should be crystal clear: wrongdoers who believe they can run and hide are sorely mistaken.”
The total fines are broken down as follows:
- $153.8 million for penalties for air quality violations and the cost of CARB's investigation.
- More than $422 million dollars VW must pay into a national trust to mitigate environmental harm in California.
- $800 million dollars in Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) related investments that VW must perform in California pursuant to an investment plan approved by CARB.
- $25 million dollars VW has paid to CARB to support ZEV investment programs, including vehicle replacement programs, for low-income residents.
- Consumer relief, including restitution and modification or buy back of the affected vehicles.
- $86 million dollars it has paid to the California Attorney General’s office for civil penalties and costs.
- Any additional mitigation payments VW is required to make if it fails to modify or buy back at least 85% of the subject vehicles in California.
The Consent Decree also includes an injunction requiring the company to implement a corporate compliance program, conduct enhanced vehicle testing, and undertake a series of audit and reporting obligations to ensure future compliance with U.S. and California laws and regulations.
Smoke from Mariposa Detwiler Fire to impact the Valley this weekend
The San Joaquin Valley APCD has issued an advisory related to smoke from the Detwiler Fire near Mariposa.
Because of the build-up of high pressure, lighter winds, and deteriorating dispersion conditions, smoke from the fire may affect air quality in the central and southern San Joaquin Valley through the weekend.
The smoke contains particulate mater (PM2.5) that can cause serious health problems including lung disease, asthma attacks, and may increase the risk for strokes and heart attacks. Those people with existing respiratory conditions, young children, and the elderly may be particularly impacted by these conditions.
The SJVAPCD urges residents to follow their doctor's orders when exposed to PM2.5 and to stay indoors if possible, particularly if they can smell smoke or see ash in the sky.
For more air quality information about current wildfires, please refer to the SJVAPCD's wildfire page.
Photo: Cal Fire website
Because of the build-up of high pressure, lighter winds, and deteriorating dispersion conditions, smoke from the fire may affect air quality in the central and southern San Joaquin Valley through the weekend.
The smoke contains particulate mater (PM2.5) that can cause serious health problems including lung disease, asthma attacks, and may increase the risk for strokes and heart attacks. Those people with existing respiratory conditions, young children, and the elderly may be particularly impacted by these conditions.
The SJVAPCD urges residents to follow their doctor's orders when exposed to PM2.5 and to stay indoors if possible, particularly if they can smell smoke or see ash in the sky.
For more air quality information about current wildfires, please refer to the SJVAPCD's wildfire page.
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
Three Republican Senators join with Democrats to stop Trump from eliminating an Obama climate change rule
There is hope for the environment yet as the U.S. Senate today defeated an attempt by the Trump administration to overturn a rule that regulates the emissions of methane from certain oil and natural gas production operations.
A decorated pumping unit in Coalinga oil field, Fresno County, CA. Photo by W. F. Guerard, Jr. (from DOGGR website)
Republicans John McCain of Arizona, Lindsay Graham of South Carolina, and Susan Collins of Maine joined with their Democratic counterparts to defeat the measure by a vote of 51 - 49. The simple majority vote prevented President* Trump from using Vice-President Pence to break an anticipated 50 - 50 tie that never materialized.
More details are available at this link: Senate methane emissions vote
A decorated pumping unit in Coalinga oil field, Fresno County, CA. Photo by W. F. Guerard, Jr. (from DOGGR website)
Republicans John McCain of Arizona, Lindsay Graham of South Carolina, and Susan Collins of Maine joined with their Democratic counterparts to defeat the measure by a vote of 51 - 49. The simple majority vote prevented President* Trump from using Vice-President Pence to break an anticipated 50 - 50 tie that never materialized.
More details are available at this link: Senate methane emissions vote
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Bakersfield and San Joaquin Valley win again - worst air in the nation
The American Lung Association released its Annual State of the Air 2017 report today and once again, Bakersfield and other cities in the San Joaquin Valley share the dubious "honor" of having the worst air in the country.
The report found that although continued improvement in air quality across the nation has occurred, nearly four in ten Americans - roughly 125 million - live in counties where ozone or particle pollution in the air is at unhealthy levels. The consequences of this are increased risks of developing lung cancer, heart disease, asthma, premature death, and developmental and reproductive harm.
Bakersfield, in particular, has particularly nasty air, earning the distinction of having the number one worst short-term particle pollution (24-hour PM2.5) and the second worst ozone and long-term particle pollution (annual PM2.5).
The report demonstrates that in much of the country, the Clean Air Act has successfully reduced air pollution over the last 50 years. However, as noted by Harold P. Wimmer, National President and CEO of the American Lung Association, the report "...adds to the evidence that the ongoing changes in our climate make it harder to protect human health. As we move into an ever warmer climate, cleaning up these pollutants will become ever more challenging, highlighting the critical importance of protecting the Clean Air Act."
The Full report may be accessed here: Annual State of the Air 2017
The summary of the most polluted cities may be seen below:
Top 10 U.S. Cities Most Polluted by Short-Term Particle Pollution (24-hour PM2.5):
The report found that although continued improvement in air quality across the nation has occurred, nearly four in ten Americans - roughly 125 million - live in counties where ozone or particle pollution in the air is at unhealthy levels. The consequences of this are increased risks of developing lung cancer, heart disease, asthma, premature death, and developmental and reproductive harm.
Photo credit: California EPA
Bakersfield, in particular, has particularly nasty air, earning the distinction of having the number one worst short-term particle pollution (24-hour PM2.5) and the second worst ozone and long-term particle pollution (annual PM2.5).
The report demonstrates that in much of the country, the Clean Air Act has successfully reduced air pollution over the last 50 years. However, as noted by Harold P. Wimmer, National President and CEO of the American Lung Association, the report "...adds to the evidence that the ongoing changes in our climate make it harder to protect human health. As we move into an ever warmer climate, cleaning up these pollutants will become ever more challenging, highlighting the critical importance of protecting the Clean Air Act."
The Full report may be accessed here: Annual State of the Air 2017
The summary of the most polluted cities may be seen below:
Top 10 U.S. Cities Most Polluted by Short-Term Particle Pollution (24-hour PM2.5):
- Bakersfield, Calif.
- Visalia-Porterville-Hanford, Calif.
- Fresno-Madera, Calif.
- Modesto-Merced, Calif.
- Fairbanks, Ala.
- San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, Calif.
- Salt Lake City-Provo-Orem, Utah
- Logan, Utah-Idaho
- Los Angeles-Long Beach, Calif.
- Reno-Carson City-Fernley, Nev.
Top 10 U.S. Cities Most Polluted by Year-Round Particle Pollution (Annual PM2.5):
- Visalia-Porterville-Hanford, Calif.
- Bakersfield, Calif.
- Fresno-Madera, Calif.
- San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, Calif.
- Los Angeles-Long Beach, Calif.
- Modesto-Merced, Calif.
- El Centro, Calif.
- Pittsburgh-New Castle-Weirton, Pa.-Ohio-W.Va.
- Cleveland-Akron-Canton, Ohio
- San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, Calif.
Top 10 Most Ozone-Polluted Cities:
- Los Angeles-Long Beach, Calif.
- Bakersfield, Calif.
- Fresno-Madera, Calif.
- Visalia-Porterville-Hanford, Calif.
- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Ariz.
- Modesto-Merced, Calif.
- San Diego-Carlsbad, Calif.
- Sacramento-Roseville, Calif.
- New York-Newark, N.Y.–N.J.-Conn.-Pa.
- Las Vegas-Henderson, Nev.-Ariz.
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
A Nittany Lion in the lion's den, Michael Mann takes on Congressional climate change deniers
The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology held what was ostensibly a hearing on the scientific basis of climate change today, but, according to several reports, not much happened other than name-calling.
Led by climate change denier Texas Republican Lamar Smith, the committee put noted climate change researcher Dr. Michael Mann of the Pennsylvania State University on a panel with three other scientists, Dr. Judith Curry of the Georgia Institute of Technology, Dr. John Christy of the University of Alabama at Huntsville, and Dr. Roger Pielke Jr. of the University of Colorado.
It is generally safe to say that Dr. Mann represented the overwhelming consensus of world wide climate change experts that human activity is the main driver of climate change. To say he didn't get a lot of support from those convinced that they are right and 97-98% of the world's climate change researchers are wrong may be an understatement.
Today's hearing was entitled "Climate Science: Assumptions, Policy Implications, and the Scientific Method."
However, various news reports about the hearing referred to it as a "colossal train wreck" and a "shitstorm," a "food fight among scientists," and one where both sides were referring to each other as using tactics similar to "Josef Stalin."
If you have two to three hours to spare, you can view all of the action at the video link below:
http://wtop.com/news/2017/03/house-hearing-on-climate-science-focuses-on-name-calling/
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Trump's War on the Environment begins with an Executive Order to end Obama's Clean Power Plan and other environmental protections
As promised to his many followers, particularly coal miners who cling to the belief that their jobs depend upon it, President* Donald Trump signed an executive order today that aims to undo many of the environmental protections implemented and/or planned for by the previous Obama administration.
The main target is Obama's Clean Power Plan, which would reduce the nation's dependence upon coal fired power plants even more than current economic conditions (cheap natural gas, increased usage of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, etc.) are already doing.
Trump and his supporters claim the new executive order will result in more jobs for those in the energy industry, particularly coal miners. The latter group was represented by several miners at the signing who stood behind Trump as he signed the measure.
Additionally, the new order will open up federal lands to coal mining, eliminate requirements to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas production facilities, and reduce the importance of climate change impacts on permitting decisions.
The ball is now in the court of environmentalists, the alternative energy industry, and individual states who will be impacted by the potential increase in emissions and environmental degradation expected.
Video Credit: The White House
The main target is Obama's Clean Power Plan, which would reduce the nation's dependence upon coal fired power plants even more than current economic conditions (cheap natural gas, increased usage of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, etc.) are already doing.
Trump and his supporters claim the new executive order will result in more jobs for those in the energy industry, particularly coal miners. The latter group was represented by several miners at the signing who stood behind Trump as he signed the measure.
Additionally, the new order will open up federal lands to coal mining, eliminate requirements to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas production facilities, and reduce the importance of climate change impacts on permitting decisions.
The ball is now in the court of environmentalists, the alternative energy industry, and individual states who will be impacted by the potential increase in emissions and environmental degradation expected.
Monday, March 27, 2017
California draws a line in the sand for Trump, Pruitt, and the new EPA
Our apologies for not having posted recently, but, we were in Palm Springs playing in an international team tennis tournament as well as attending some of the action at the BNP Paribas Open Tennis Championships at Indian Wells, CA.
Anyway, a lot has happened recently in the environmental world. One of the more significant is the response from California authorities to the efforts of the Donald Trump administration to effectively dismantle the EPA and roll back environmental regulations.
Recent actions by the California Air Resources Board (ARB) demonstrate clearly that whatever Trump and his new EPA chief, Scott Pruitt, try to do to weaken environmental rules, California is drawing a line in the sand and effectively challenging them to a fight.
Here are a few links that clearly show the differences between the new feds and California:
Anyway, a lot has happened recently in the environmental world. One of the more significant is the response from California authorities to the efforts of the Donald Trump administration to effectively dismantle the EPA and roll back environmental regulations.
photo credit: St. Germaine / Marlene Swetlishoff/Tsu-tana, The Rainbow Scribe
Recent actions by the California Air Resources Board (ARB) demonstrate clearly that whatever Trump and his new EPA chief, Scott Pruitt, try to do to weaken environmental rules, California is drawing a line in the sand and effectively challenging them to a fight.
Here are a few links that clearly show the differences between the new feds and California:
CARB finds vehicle standards are achievable and cost-effective
CARB votes to move forward with greenhouse gas reductions and zero emission programs through 2025; action sets the table for accelerating programs post-2025
CARB approves rule for monitoring and repairing methane leaks from oil and gas facilities
Regulation applies to natural gas pipeline equipment and storage facilities
CARB approves broad plan for reducing climate “super pollutants”
Reductions in short-lived climate pollutants enhance 2030 climate efforts
Today the California Air Resources Board approved two critical efforts to provide cleaner air for all Californians.
In the first action, the Board 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. The Board also approved the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s comprehensive air quality plan.
The Board also directed staff to report annually on progress on implementation of the SIP Strategy including recommendations on additional funding as well as direction to expedite implementation where possible.
In parallel to actions at the state level, CARB will continue to call for strong federal action to develop more stringent engine standards for cars, trucks, ships, aircraft and locomotives.
In the first action, the Board 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. The Board also approved the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s comprehensive air quality plan.
The Board also directed staff to report annually on progress on implementation of the SIP Strategy including recommendations on additional funding as well as direction to expedite implementation where possible.
In parallel to actions at the state level, CARB will continue to call for strong federal action to develop more stringent engine standards for cars, trucks, ships, aircraft and locomotives.
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
2016 - 2017 Check Before You Burn season ends
The San Joaquin Valley APCD announced today that the 2016 - 2017 Check Before You Burn season has ended.The APCD said that its 14th winter of the program ended with a record improvement of air quality.
The program was implemented to reduce the emissions and harmful effects resulting from the burning of wood in fireplaces and other heating devices.
“We are moving in the right direction thanks to the cooperation of Valley residents and their investments in cleaner devices,” said Seyed Sadredin, the District’s executive director and air pollution control officer. “Together with the increased funding for the Burn Cleaner program, which grants money for the purchase of cleaner devices, Check Before You Burn has had a remarkable effect on winter air quality in the Valley.”
Although the program will not kick in again until November of 2017, the APCD strongly discourages residential wood burning during this time.
The program was implemented to reduce the emissions and harmful effects resulting from the burning of wood in fireplaces and other heating devices.
“We are moving in the right direction thanks to the cooperation of Valley residents and their investments in cleaner devices,” said Seyed Sadredin, the District’s executive director and air pollution control officer. “Together with the increased funding for the Burn Cleaner program, which grants money for the purchase of cleaner devices, Check Before You Burn has had a remarkable effect on winter air quality in the Valley.”
Although the program will not kick in again until November of 2017, the APCD strongly discourages residential wood burning during this time.
Here's how to get your money back from your dirty VW, Audi, or Porsche
This is a Public Service Announcement (PSA) for all of you unfortunate souls who were mislead into parting with your hard earned dollars by Volkswagen and its Audi and Porsche subsidiaries.
As you recall, the above vehicle manufacturers were caught in the biggest emission scandal ever, rigging certain of their products to bypass mandated federal and California air pollution controls except when the cars were undergoing a required inspection.
The vehicles - cars and SUVs - were marketed as having "clean diesel" technology, thereby misleading those whose concerns for the environment may have led them into purchasing or leasing in the first place.
Under a settlement with California and United States authorities, the company has agreed to provide the following options to the government and/or folks who got caught by this corporate scam:
However, additional vehicles were also part of the emissions scandal. A complete list can be found here: ARB Volkswagen Information
For more information on what settlements are available for which vehicles, please click on the following link or call 1-844-98-CLAIM:
Emissions Scandal Settlement
As you recall, the above vehicle manufacturers were caught in the biggest emission scandal ever, rigging certain of their products to bypass mandated federal and California air pollution controls except when the cars were undergoing a required inspection.
The vehicles - cars and SUVs - were marketed as having "clean diesel" technology, thereby misleading those whose concerns for the environment may have led them into purchasing or leasing in the first place.
Under a settlement with California and United States authorities, the company has agreed to provide the following options to the government and/or folks who got caught by this corporate scam:
- Cash payments
- Vehicle buybacks
- Early lease terminations
- Potential emission modifications & extended vehicle warranties
- Environmental remediation
- Promotion of Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) technology
However, additional vehicles were also part of the emissions scandal. A complete list can be found here: ARB Volkswagen Information
For more information on what settlements are available for which vehicles, please click on the following link or call 1-844-98-CLAIM:
Emissions Scandal Settlement
Monday, February 6, 2017
Bill Moyer on why Scott Pruitt is a bad choice to lead the EPA
Here is a terrific analysis of what it would mean if Scott Pruitt is named director of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).
Kudos to Bill Moyer for putting this together.
Kudos to Bill Moyer for putting this together.
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Prepare for smoggier, less healthy air if Trump's pick for EPA is approved
Residents of the San Joaquin Valley and the Los Angeles area are well aware of how bad photochemical smog can be. Both areas still fail to meet not only federal but also California standards for clean, healthy air.
However, based upon testimony during his confirmation hearings before the U.S. Senate, residents of those areas had better start getting prepared for a return to smoggier days based upon Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt's answers yesterday.
Pruitt, President*-elect Trump's pick to head the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has long been a friend to the oil and gas industry and a vocal opponent of several ground breaking environmental laws. During his testimony he refused to say that he would support a certain federal waiver that allows California and other states to adopt air pollution regulations that are more stringent than what EPA requires.
This waiver has allowed California to adopt tougher air pollution controls for motor vehicles, for example, as well as adopting stronger air permitting and air pollution control requirements for industrial sources as well. Those more robust regulations have demonstrably resulted in far greater progress in reducing air pollution in California than otherwise would have occurred under EPA regulations alone.
However, Pruitt, who has a history of arguing for state's rights when it benefits industrial concerns, hinted that continuation of the waiver if he is approved to be EPA's leader will not be a given.
Get out the gas masks - the air around here is going to get hard to breathe real soon.
However, based upon testimony during his confirmation hearings before the U.S. Senate, residents of those areas had better start getting prepared for a return to smoggier days based upon Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt's answers yesterday.
Scott Pruitt, Photo by Michael Reynolds / EPA - Fair use
This waiver has allowed California to adopt tougher air pollution controls for motor vehicles, for example, as well as adopting stronger air permitting and air pollution control requirements for industrial sources as well. Those more robust regulations have demonstrably resulted in far greater progress in reducing air pollution in California than otherwise would have occurred under EPA regulations alone.
However, Pruitt, who has a history of arguing for state's rights when it benefits industrial concerns, hinted that continuation of the waiver if he is approved to be EPA's leader will not be a given.
Get out the gas masks - the air around here is going to get hard to breathe real soon.
Friday, January 13, 2017
Will 2017 be the year that all diesel car makers get nailed by EPA and CARB for emission control cheating?
Will 2017 be the year that all diesel car makers get nailed by EPA and CARB for emission control cheating?
Fresh after recent news that the EPA and CARB have agreed on settlement penalties (and some engine fixes) related to the Volkswagen/Audi/Porsche emissions cheating scandal, the agencies announced this week that they are charging Fiat/Chrysler with similar nefarious misdeeds and are issuing Notices of Violation to the corporation and its applicable entities.
Apparently a number of auxiliary emission control devices (AECDs) were found in 3.0 liter diesel Jeep Grand Cherokees and Ram pickup trucks from the 2014 - 2016 model years. The devices were not disclosed to either of the agencies when they were submitted for certification under the Clean Air Act.
According to the government, the devices significantly increase emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), a precursor to photochemical smog.
The NOVs apply to about 104,000 of these vehicles nationwide and 14,000 in California.
CARB Chair Mary D. Nichols said, "Once again. a major automaker has failed to meet their (sic) legal obligations for vehicle certification and gotten caught. CARB and USEPA made a commitment to enhanced testing as the Volkswagen case developed, and this is a result of that collaboration."
Nichols was referring to a September 25, 2015 notice that it sent out to all major automakers that diesel vehicles would face expanded emissions testing as part of CARB's In-Use Compliance Program. The program was developed as a result of the Volkswagen scandal.
Cynthia Giles, Assistant Administrator for USEPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, added, "Failing to disclose software that affects emissions in a vehicle's engine is a serious violation of the law, which can result in harmful pollution in the air we breathe...All automakers must play by the same rules, and we will continue to hold companies accountable that gain an unfair and illegal competitive advantage."
In defense of his company, FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne reportedly ripped into USEPA, saying that his company had done nothing illegal. He referred to the charges as "offensive" and "incredibly belligerent." He said, "We're trying to do an honest job here. We're not trying to break the bloody law."
He added that anyone who disagreed with his assertion that there is nothing in common with what VW did and the charges against FCA must be "smoking illegal material."
So far, VW, Audi, Porsche and now Jeep and Dodge have run afoul of EPA and ARB regulators. Many are now asking how many others will be found to have done similar things before the year is over?
Fresh after recent news that the EPA and CARB have agreed on settlement penalties (and some engine fixes) related to the Volkswagen/Audi/Porsche emissions cheating scandal, the agencies announced this week that they are charging Fiat/Chrysler with similar nefarious misdeeds and are issuing Notices of Violation to the corporation and its applicable entities.
Photo: 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep website, Fair use
Apparently a number of auxiliary emission control devices (AECDs) were found in 3.0 liter diesel Jeep Grand Cherokees and Ram pickup trucks from the 2014 - 2016 model years. The devices were not disclosed to either of the agencies when they were submitted for certification under the Clean Air Act.
According to the government, the devices significantly increase emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), a precursor to photochemical smog.
The NOVs apply to about 104,000 of these vehicles nationwide and 14,000 in California.
CARB Chair Mary D. Nichols said, "Once again. a major automaker has failed to meet their (sic) legal obligations for vehicle certification and gotten caught. CARB and USEPA made a commitment to enhanced testing as the Volkswagen case developed, and this is a result of that collaboration."
Nichols was referring to a September 25, 2015 notice that it sent out to all major automakers that diesel vehicles would face expanded emissions testing as part of CARB's In-Use Compliance Program. The program was developed as a result of the Volkswagen scandal.
Cynthia Giles, Assistant Administrator for USEPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, added, "Failing to disclose software that affects emissions in a vehicle's engine is a serious violation of the law, which can result in harmful pollution in the air we breathe...All automakers must play by the same rules, and we will continue to hold companies accountable that gain an unfair and illegal competitive advantage."
In defense of his company, FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne reportedly ripped into USEPA, saying that his company had done nothing illegal. He referred to the charges as "offensive" and "incredibly belligerent." He said, "We're trying to do an honest job here. We're not trying to break the bloody law."
He added that anyone who disagreed with his assertion that there is nothing in common with what VW did and the charges against FCA must be "smoking illegal material."
So far, VW, Audi, Porsche and now Jeep and Dodge have run afoul of EPA and ARB regulators. Many are now asking how many others will be found to have done similar things before the year is over?
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