tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19895139850228516382024-03-14T03:19:05.086-07:00California Environmental NewsEnvironmental news from a California perspective. Comments appreciated but keep it civil. Otherwise, expect to be banned.MACCIFJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608664101135738342noreply@blogger.comBlogger566125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1989513985022851638.post-41693487708411404452023-11-29T13:25:00.000-08:002023-11-29T13:35:36.947-08:00Historic reductions in San Joaquin Valley Ag emissions noted by air agencies<p>A<span style="font-family: inherit;"> proclamation applauding the efforts of San Joaquin Valley farmers in cooperation with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (District), the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to reduce agricultural air emissions throughout the Valley was issued today by representatives of all four agencies. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/styles/list/public/images/iStock-173024164_1.jpg?h=9a0947a4&itok=yEalz6WV" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/styles/list/public/images/iStock-173024164_1.jpg?h=9a0947a4&itok=yEalz6WV" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Photo Credit: CARB</span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Through several different incentive programs, the Valley ag industry turned over and destroyed more than 12,800 pieces of older, high polluting agricultural equipment, including old tractors and other equipment, resulting in the reduction of over 11 tons per day of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. NOx emissions are a key component of photochemical smog formation.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">The reductions achieved are the equivalent of removing 1.5 million cars off of California roads.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">According to Martha Guzman, USEPA's Regional Administrator for Region 9, “Emissions from agricultural equipment are the largest source of nitrogen oxide in the Valley and will require continued innovation and strategies for reducing air pollution – including via the $10 million grant for a low-dust nut harvester that we are announcing today.”</span></p><p class="yiv2238509377MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; outline: none !important;"><span style="color: black; outline: none !important;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“The District applauds the leadership of local and state legislators, as well as Valley farmers in recognizing the public health and climate benefits provided throughout California from clean air investments,” stated Samir Sheikh, Executive Director/Air Pollution Control Officer for the Valley Air District. “The San Joaquin Valley agricultural sector feeds the world and coordinated multi-agency efforts like this must continue to support farmers’ ongoing transition to sustainable and air-friendly practices.”</span></span></p><p class="yiv2238509377MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; outline: none !important;"><span style="color: black; outline: none !important;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></p><p>For more information: <span style="background-color: white; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: var(--set-font-heading); font-size: var(--set-font-size-h4); letter-spacing: var(--letter-spacing);"><a href="Collaborative Efforts Result in Historic Reductions in Ag Emissions Valley Agricultural Leads Nation in efforts to Improve Air Quality" target="_blank">Valley Agricultural Leads Nation in efforts to Improve Air Quality</a></span></p>MACCIFJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608664101135738342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1989513985022851638.post-37336840183104588152023-08-16T15:20:00.008-07:002023-08-16T15:25:23.515-07:00Is a California water agency racist? USEPA plans to investigate<p style="text-align: justify;">California is known for leading the way in several respects regarding environmental protections for air, water, and other natural resources. But, has one of its major regulatory agencies been using racist policies to do its job? </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://water.ca.gov/-/media/DWR-Images/Delta/San-Joaquin-Delta.jpg?mw=500&hash=F70112AB540E121160D4CDFCBBB72FEA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="500" height="332" src="https://water.ca.gov/-/media/DWR-Images/Delta/San-Joaquin-Delta.jpg?mw=500&hash=F70112AB540E121160D4CDFCBBB72FEA" width="500" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Photo Credit: California Water Resources Control Board</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">In response to allegations by indigenous groups and environmental activists that the California State Water Resources Board has discriminated against Native American tribes and people of color, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) </span><a href="https://www.restorethedelta.org/wp-content/uploads/2023.08.08-REC_Acceptance_01RNO-23-R9.pdf" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">has informed the State Water Board</a><span style="text-align: left;"> that it is under investigation for violating the civil rights of those groups.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://water.ca.gov/water-basics/the-delta">According to the State Water Board itself</a>, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta supplies freshwater to two-thirds of the state's population and millions of acres of farmland. Fresh water from the Sacramento, San Joaquin, and other rivers mix with salt water from the San Francisco Bay to form the largest estuary on the West Coast, home to a diverse range of fish and other wildlife.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">However, the groups claim that the State Water Board has failed to properly review and update water quality control plans for the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta every 3 years as required by law. According to those groups, the Bay-Delta plan has not been updated in almost 17 years.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Because of this failure, the groups claim that water quality has significantly worsened, leading to decreased fish populations, increased toxic algae blooms, and stagnant waterways, all of which negatively impact tribes who depend upon these resources for their living. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">For more information:</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2023-08-11/epa-probes-racism-complaints-against-california-water-board?utm_id=107754&sfmc_id=1868402&skey_id=dc1743f1e49a68d61b9a66dbfba6885314a79a6e1b93f04ec99569bbd338895d" target="_blank">L.A. Times: EPA to Investigate California State Water Board for alleged civil rights violations</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.watereducation.org/aquapedia/sacramento-san-joaquin-delta" target="_blank">Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta info</a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>MACCIFJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608664101135738342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1989513985022851638.post-4616054182866970122023-08-04T17:25:00.000-07:002023-08-04T17:25:17.303-07:00EPA sparks furor over approval of new Chevron boat fuel that could cause cancer to everyone exposed to it over a lifetime<p>Folks who aren't particularly fond of the oil and gas industry and oil companies in particular are causing quite a stir over <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/epa-approved-chevron-fuel-ingredient-cancer-risk-plastics-biofuel" target="_blank">EPA's recent approval of a new boat fuel by Chevron</a>. The new fuel, derived from discarded plastic, is so toxic that everyone exposed to it over the course of a lifetime would be expected to get cancer - that's according to calculations made by investigative reporters from ProPublica from data in an EPA risk assessment. Their calculated risk was 1.3:1 - basically anyone exposed to it - a number ProPublica claims was confirmed by EPA.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMOAphBzmcE17rjSMSM75l8T3GR_AtSQLpQCdHj96cZVqw-tFxkEcBWCEF5_Cdr8hGgIFz2730xZWjihwlgiErPJ3OTJqI4g7vEW9Ouy4ixQZ-JWvSTcYmKgXDa8VOfvcgmd0agX5OKYT58DhTj07rxr8xE7t525E1jb4Ady9NVjgxGG7xNhxPRknp1wur/s1000/Chevron1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMOAphBzmcE17rjSMSM75l8T3GR_AtSQLpQCdHj96cZVqw-tFxkEcBWCEF5_Cdr8hGgIFz2730xZWjihwlgiErPJ3OTJqI4g7vEW9Ouy4ixQZ-JWvSTcYmKgXDa8VOfvcgmd0agX5OKYT58DhTj07rxr8xE7t525E1jb4Ady9NVjgxGG7xNhxPRknp1wur/s320/Chevron1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: © Frank J. Maccioli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>EPA had earlier refused to provide the risk assessment to reporters from ProPublica and another news site, The Guardian. The document was not obtained until ProPublica made a formal request through the federal Freedom of Information Act.</p><p>EPA's risk assessment, which was also done to review some other new fuel additives, including jet fuel (which apparently would cause cancer in 1 of 4 people exposed), typically uses extreme exposure scenarios to arrive at a risk number. However, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/aug/04/epa-boat-fuel-cancer-risk-chevron-mississippi" target="_blank">as noted in this article</a>, EPA's <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23608271-cancer_guidelines_final_3-25-05">Risk Assessment Guidelines for Carcinogens</a> generally does not approve things that result in a risk of more than 1 cancer death in 1 million exposures, let alone a 1 in 4 risk, or, as it worked out for the boat fuel additive, a 1.3 in 1 risk!</p><p>So what do you think, is this much ado about nothing or a serious threat to the well being of folks who operate boats and/or live near marinas?</p><p><br /></p>MACCIFJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608664101135738342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1989513985022851638.post-91328090089398054402022-12-17T16:36:00.000-08:002022-12-17T16:36:31.382-08:00CARB Approves Unprecedented Climate Action Plan<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: inherit; font-size: calc(15px * var(--dynamic-font-scale,1)); font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: inherit;">The California Air Resources Board (CARB) just approved the unprecedented climate action plan that was described here in a <a href="https://environalysis.blogspot.com/2022/11/california-proposes-drastic-fossil-fuel.html" target="_blank">previous article</a>.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: inherit; font-size: calc(15px * var(--dynamic-font-scale,1)); font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: inherit;">The next steps will require the adoption of specific rules and regulations to implement the plan, which aims to reduce fossil fuel emissions in the state to negligible levels by 2045.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/inline-images/LPG.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="800" height="217" src="https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/inline-images/LPG.png" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: small; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: inherit;">Photo Credit: California Air Resources Board</span></div></span><p></p><p><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(15px * var(--dynamic-font-scale,1)); font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: inherit;">So, what do you think? As I asked before, will it be successful or just a pipe dream? Ref: </span><span class="q-inline" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: inherit; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(15px * var(--dynamic-font-scale,1)); font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: inherit;"><a class="q-box Link___StyledBox-t2xg9c-0 dFkjrQ puppeteer_test_link qu-cursor--pointer qu-hover--textDecoration--underline" href="https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/news/carb-approves-unprecedented-climate-action-plan-shift-worlds-4th-largest-economy-fossil-fuels" rel="noopener nofollow" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.6); background: none; border-radius: inherit; box-sizing: border-box; color: #195faa; cursor: pointer; position: relative;" target="_blank" title="ww2.arb.ca.gov">CARB approves unprecedented climate action plan to shift world’s 4th largest economy from fossil fuels to clean and renewable energy</a></span></p><p>More info at: <a href="https://qr.ae/pr84tW" target="_blank">Frank's Environment Space</a></p>MACCIFJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608664101135738342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1989513985022851638.post-69965310235722910292022-12-08T11:15:00.001-08:002022-12-08T11:15:16.083-08:00Tired of arguing with climate change deniers? Try this instead.<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you ever find yourself getting frustrated, tired, and angry trying to explain climate change science to deniers? Or maybe just fed up with arguing with them? Do what I do - just tell them they are wrong and refer them to this web-site (I am unaffiliated with it). it has rebuttals to every single “climate change is a hoax” argument that anyone makes.</span></p><p class="q-text qu-display--block qu-wordBreak--break-word qu-textAlign--start" style="box-sizing: border-box; direction: ltr; margin: 0px 0px 1em; overflow-wrap: anywhere; padding: 0px; word-break: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Just refer the folks arguing with you to this site and tell them to argue with the experts:</span></span></p><div class="q-relative qu-borderAll qu-borderWidth--regular qu-borderRadius--medium qu-overflow--hidden" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.6); border-color: rgb(222, 224, 225); border-radius: 10px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #195faa; cursor: pointer; margin-bottom: 1em; overflow: hidden; position: relative; text-decoration-line: none;"><div class="q-flex qu-justifyContent--space-between" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; display: flex; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; justify-content: space-between; min-height: 100px;"><div class="q-relative qu-overflow--hidden" style="box-sizing: border-box; flex: 0 0 100px; overflow: hidden; position: relative;"><div class="q-box qu-bg--darken" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03); background-image: url("https://citizensclimatelobby.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IEA-Minerals.png"); background-position: center center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: cover; box-sizing: border-box; height: 101.375px; transition-duration: 180ms; transition-property: background-image; transition-timing-function: ease-in-out;"></div><div class="q-absolute qu-fullY qu-borderLeft" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); border-right-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); border-top-width: 1px; bottom: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; position: absolute; right: 0px; top: 0px; z-index: 1;"></div></div><div class="q-box qu-p--medium qu-overflow--hidden qu-hover--bg--darken" style="box-sizing: border-box; overflow: hidden; padding: 16px; width: 522px;" width="100%"><div class="q-flex qu-verticalAlign--middle qu-alignItems--center" style="align-items: center; box-sizing: border-box; display: flex; height: 69.375px; vertical-align: middle;"><div class="q-box qu-overflow--hidden" style="box-sizing: border-box; overflow: hidden;"><div class="q-text qu-truncateLines--3 qu-bold qu-color--gray_dark_dim qu-wordBreak--break-word" style="-webkit-box-orient: vertical; -webkit-line-clamp: 3; box-sizing: border-box; color: #282829; display: -webkit-box; font-weight: 700; overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis; word-break: break-word;"><a class="q-box Link___StyledBox-t2xg9c-0 dFkjrQ puppeteer_test_link qu-cursor--pointer qu-hover--textDecoration--none" href="https://skepticalscience.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.6); border-radius: inherit; box-sizing: border-box; color: #195faa; cursor: pointer; margin-bottom: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="skepticalscience.com">Global Warming and Climate Change skepticism examined</a></div><div class="q-text qu-dynamicFontSize--small qu-truncateLines--1 qu-color--gray qu-mt--tiny" style="-webkit-box-orient: vertical; -webkit-line-clamp: 1; box-sizing: border-box; color: #636466; display: -webkit-box; font-size: calc(13px * var(--dynamic-font-scale,1)) !important; margin-top: 4px; overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis;"><a class="q-box Link___StyledBox-t2xg9c-0 dFkjrQ puppeteer_test_link qu-cursor--pointer qu-hover--textDecoration--none" href="https://skepticalscience.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.6); border-radius: inherit; box-sizing: border-box; color: #195faa; cursor: pointer; margin-bottom: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="skepticalscience.com">Explaining climate change science & rebutting global warming misinformation Global warming is real and human-caused. It is leading to large-scale climate change. Under the guise of climate "skepticism", the public is bombarded with misinformation that casts doubt on the reality of human-caused global warming. This website gets skeptical about global warming "skepticism". Our mission is simple: debunk climate misinformation by presenting peer-reviewed science and explaining the techniques of science denial. Posted on 10 November 2022 by Doug Bostrom, Marc Kodack Catastrophic reverb Kemp et al. caused prolonged ripples with their paper Climate Endgame: Exploring catastrophic climate change scenario s . One can't help but think most of the heat is emotional, not intellectual; excited critics of the paper offer little more than "this sounds scary, don't harsh our vibe." Vague and even outlandish concerns over terminology aside, true perception of catastrophe is the province of those living the actual experience. Ask a pastoralist in South Africa or Pakistan who has just had their livelihood wiped out, with no means to rebuild: "Are you living an existential climate catastrophe?" Quite arguably the climate catastrophe train has already left the station, and abstract objections to the concept are coming from what a we might call "a place of privilege." Discussion continues via Bhowmick et al. in From Climate Endgame to Climate Long Game , with a reply from Kemp et al., Democratic climate action and studying extreme climate risks are not in tension . Other notables: ICCI has published its latest comprehensive magnum opus on Earth's ice, State of the Cryosphere 2022: Growing Losses, Global Impacts , included here in our government/NGO section. As the title page suggests and the entire work details, "We cannot negotiate with the melting point of ice." Indeed geophysics is aloof to us but we'd be foolish to reciprocate, unfair though this may be. Meanwhile, ICCI faces a Sisyphean task. Having just dusted their hands of this publication, the authors must carry straight on; our cascade of better information never ceases, as exemplified in a new and concerning paper by Khan et al. just published in PNAS: Extensive inland thinning and speed-up of Northeast Greenland Ice Stream . Tropical cyclones combine with climate change to begin sending enivronmental regimes beyond healthy tolerance, a form of compound event. Rajeev & Mishra investigate how this is unfolding as actual events as opposed to projections, in Observational evidence of increasing compound tropical cyclone-moist heat extremes in India . Busy rodent hydrologic engineers can be important allies in counteracting negative effects of warming and associated problems with surface water, and as a bonus have notable positive effects on nitrate loading. Dewey et al. explain, in Beaver dams overshadow climate extremes in controlling riparian hydrology and water quality . "Now we know better." We rushed into</a></div><div class="q-flex qu-mt--small qu-justifyContent--space-between qu-verticalAlign--middle qu-alignItems--center" style="align-items: center; box-sizing: border-box; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; margin-top: 8px; vertical-align: middle;"><span class="q-inlineBlock qu-width--16 qu-height--16" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; flex-shrink: 0; height: 16px; line-height: 16px; margin-right: 2px; width: 16px;" width="16"><span class="CssComponent__CssInlineComponent-sc-1oskqb9-1 Icon___StyledCssInlineComponent-sc-11tmcw7-0 czJJEw" style="-webkit-box-align: center; -webkit-box-pack: center; align-items: center; display: inline-flex; height: 16px; justify-content: center; vertical-align: top; width: 16px;"><svg height="24" viewbox="0 0 24 24" width="24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><a class="q-box Link___StyledBox-t2xg9c-0 dFkjrQ puppeteer_test_link qu-cursor--pointer qu-hover--textDecoration--none" href="https://skepticalscience.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.6); border-radius: inherit; box-sizing: border-box; color: #195faa; cursor: pointer; margin-bottom: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="skepticalscience.com"><path class="icon_svg-fill_as_stroke" d="M16.316 10.241c-.006-.016.017-.042.041-.066l1.103-1.098c1.351-1.363.93-3.652-.816-4.443a2.767 2.767 0 0 0-3.098.545l-3.293 3.282c-.769.784-1 1.733-.662 2.775s1.087 1.658 2.165 1.874c.15.03.304.034.461.051v1.378l-.477-.032A4.07 4.07 0 0 1 9.073 13.1c-.771-.891-1.103-1.932-.994-3.103.093-1.002.513-1.853 1.229-2.563l3.25-3.23c.859-.847 1.906-1.246 3.11-1.199a4.01 4.01 0 0 1 2.678 1.128 4.01 4.01 0 0 1 1.302 3.112 3.996 3.996 0 0 1-1.161 2.77l-1.421 1.418a.256.256 0 0 1-.032.027l-.719-1.217zm-8.784 3.697-.973.969a2.744 2.744 0 0 0-.028 3.881 2.77 2.77 0 0 0 3.909.044l3.31-3.301c.764-.782.987-1.732.651-2.769s-1.083-1.651-2.155-1.871l-.137-.021V9.508c.383.031.511.031.774.111 1.639.502 2.648 1.578 2.973 3.237.274 1.395-.124 2.637-1.123 3.658l-3.311 3.301c-.725.715-1.607 1.101-2.625 1.175-2.082.152-3.982-1.284-4.365-3.323-.264-1.409.106-2.652 1.098-3.695l1.413-1.411c.011-.011.474.813.78 1.204l-.192.174z" fill-rule="evenodd" fill="#666"></path></a></svg></span></span><div class="q-text qu-dynamicFontSize--small qu-truncateLines--1 qu-wordBreak--break-all qu-color--gray_light qu-passColorToLinks" style="-webkit-box-orient: vertical; -webkit-line-clamp: 1; box-sizing: border-box; color: #939598; display: -webkit-box; font-size: calc(13px * var(--dynamic-font-scale,1)) !important; overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis; width: 472px; word-break: break-all;" width="100%"><a class="q-box Link___StyledBox-t2xg9c-0 dFkjrQ puppeteer_test_link qu-cursor--pointer qu-hover--textDecoration--none" href="https://skepticalscience.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.6); border-radius: inherit; box-sizing: border-box; color: #195faa; cursor: pointer; margin-bottom: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="skepticalscience.com">https://skepticalscience.com/</a></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>MACCIFJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608664101135738342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1989513985022851638.post-20633471659270373132022-11-16T18:37:00.029-08:002022-11-16T18:47:26.069-08:00California Proposes Drastic Fossil Fuel Reduction Climate Change Plan - Visionary or Naive Pipe Dream?<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">The California Air Resources Board (CARB) today released its <a href="https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2022-11/2022-sp.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">2022 Scoping Plan for Achieving Carbon Neutrality</a>. The unprecedented plan, if enacted into law, presents the most drastic climate change proposal in the entire world. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://ecp.yusercontent.com/mail?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2Ffancy_images%2FCARB%2F2022%2F11%2F6728758%2F4430121%2Fdirect-source-reductions_crop.png&t=1668648984&ymreqid=2e24c689-253a-6454-1cdd-440035014d00&sig=GNfMVshSD5h4xSdYlGiSQw--~D" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="590" height="320" src="https://ecp.yusercontent.com/mail?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2Ffancy_images%2FCARB%2F2022%2F11%2F6728758%2F4430121%2Fdirect-source-reductions_crop.png&t=1668648984&ymreqid=2e24c689-253a-6454-1cdd-440035014d00&sig=GNfMVshSD5h4xSdYlGiSQw--~D" width="590" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Credit: California Air Resources Board</span></div><div><br /></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">The major thrust of the plan is to nearly eliminate the use of fossil fuels anywhere in the state by 2045. This would assume a massive movement to electrify the transportation sector - cars, buses, trains, and trucks - which together are the largest single source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the state. It would also require the phasing out of how Californians heat their homes, elimination of certain chemicals and refrigerants, the expansion of power sources derived from wind, solar, hydrogen, and biomethane, and increased usage of Carbon Dioxide Capture and Sequestration (CCS). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">If successful, the plan would reduce total fossil fuel usage in the state by 86% and a reduction in petroleum liquids by 94%. In addition to reductions of GHGs, the proposal would also reduce total air pollutants by 71%.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">CARB claims that its economic modeling for the proposal shows a net economic benefit to the state, resulting in an expansion of California's economy (currently the 5th largest economy in the world and <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2022-10-24/california-poised-to-overtake-germany-as-world-s-no-4-economy" target="_blank">soon to be the 4th largest</a>) to $5.1 trillion by 2045 (from $3.2 trillion today) and an increase of at least 4 million new jobs. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">It will also save Californians $200 million in health care costs related to air pollution.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“California is drastically cutting our dependence on fossil fuels and cleaning our air – this plan is a comprehensive roadmap to achieve a pollution-free future,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “It’s the most ambitious set of climate goals of any jurisdiction in the world, and if adopted, it’ll spur an economic transformation akin to the industrial revolution. While big polluters focus on increasing their profits at our expense, California is protecting communities, creating jobs and accelerating our transition to clean energy.”</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Added CARB Chair Liane Randolph, "</span><span style="background-color: white;">This plan delivers a massive reduction of climate-warming pollution, cutting it down to a fraction of what it is today. And by rapidly shifting away from all fossil fuels and then reaching carbon neutrality, the plan delivers public health benefits to everyone in California, most importantly to the communities suffering from persistent air pollution. This plan clearly and unequivocally presents challenging and ambitious goals, but we simply have no other choice but to meet them – and do it in less than a quarter century. We all have experienced firsthand the impacts of climate change, whether wildfires, drought, record-breaking heat waves and more. Failure is not an option. There is too much at stake and we need to move as fast and as far as we can to lessen the worst impacts of climate change and leave future generations a livable and healthy California.”</span></span></p><p><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">CARB's Board will vote on the new proposal at its December 15-16 meeting. The initial draft was reviewed by the Board in June and discussed with the Environmental Justice Advisory Committee (EJAC) in September. Changes requested by the Board, Governor Newsome, and the EJAC are included in the final proposal as well as requirements from new state laws passed by the state Legislature this year.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">What do you think, is this proposal realistic given the proliferation of fossil fuel powered systems throughout the state and the world or is it a pipe dream based on a naive belief that other states and countries will do the same thing, particularly in those parts of the world whose governments are, shall we say, not as progressive as California?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Your comments are welcomed below.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://ecp.yusercontent.com/mail?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2Ffancy_images%2FCARB%2F2022%2F11%2F6728837%2F4430093%2Flpg-new_crop.png&t=1668648984&ymreqid=2e24c689-253a-6454-1cdd-440035014d00&sig=HsVS.8pnQigzDadR97RzmQ--~D" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="590" height="320" src="https://ecp.yusercontent.com/mail?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2Ffancy_images%2FCARB%2F2022%2F11%2F6728837%2F4430093%2Flpg-new_crop.png&t=1668648984&ymreqid=2e24c689-253a-6454-1cdd-440035014d00&sig=HsVS.8pnQigzDadR97RzmQ--~D" width="590" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Credit: California Air Resources Board</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://ecp.yusercontent.com/mail?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2Ffancy_images%2FCARB%2F2022%2F11%2F6728854%2F4430094%2Ffossil-fuel-new_crop.png&t=1668648984&ymreqid=2e24c689-253a-6454-1cdd-440035014d00&sig=RT7xNhstENAeS7RjC2D1hg--~D" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="590" height="320" src="https://ecp.yusercontent.com/mail?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2Ffancy_images%2FCARB%2F2022%2F11%2F6728854%2F4430094%2Ffossil-fuel-new_crop.png&t=1668648984&ymreqid=2e24c689-253a-6454-1cdd-440035014d00&sig=RT7xNhstENAeS7RjC2D1hg--~D" width="590" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Credit: California Air Resources Board</span></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://ecp.yusercontent.com/mail?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2Ffancy_images%2FCARB%2F2022%2F11%2F6728730%2F4430116%2Fnox-emissions_crop.png&t=1668648984&ymreqid=2e24c689-253a-6454-1cdd-440035014d00&sig=Qpd1PHsKlRKWJZSGRrZQcA--~D" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="590" height="320" src="https://ecp.yusercontent.com/mail?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2Ffancy_images%2FCARB%2F2022%2F11%2F6728730%2F4430116%2Fnox-emissions_crop.png&t=1668648984&ymreqid=2e24c689-253a-6454-1cdd-440035014d00&sig=Qpd1PHsKlRKWJZSGRrZQcA--~D" width="590" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Credit: California Air Resources Board</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>MACCIFJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608664101135738342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1989513985022851638.post-17542878960134667222022-10-31T14:35:00.000-07:002022-10-31T14:35:23.754-07:00San Joaquin Valley APCD Wood Smoke Reduction Program Begins November 1<p> </p><p>The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (the District) reminds residents that on November 1, 2022, its <a href="https://ww2.valleyair.org/news-outreach-and-education/news/residential-wood-smoke-reduction-program-begins-november-1/" target="_blank">residential wood smoke reduction program begins</a>. Before lighting your wood burning fireplace, please be sure to check with the District to see if ambient conditions allow for it to occur. Otherwise, you may be surprised by a knock on your door by a friendly District air pollution control enforcement inspector.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://ww2.valleyair.org/media/xiynh35p/burn-sign.png?width=500&height=131.16197183098592" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="149" data-original-width="568" height="149" src="https://ww2.valleyair.org/media/xiynh35p/burn-sign.png?width=500&height=131.16197183098592" width="568" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Credit: San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District</span></p>The annual program is in effect from November 1 until the end of the following February every year. Its purpose is to reduce the amount of harmful PM 2.5 particulate matter into the atmosphere from residential wood smoke. (PM 2.5 is particulate less than 2.5 microns in diameter.) Such particles are so small that they can reach deep into one's lungs and are difficult if not impossible for the lung's mucociliary system to remove.<p></p><p>The program does not apply to natural gas burning, propane, or in areas where natural gas isn't available and wood burning is the only source available for heat.</p><p>For more information, please call 1-800-SMOGINFO (1-800-766-4463) or click this link:</p><p><a href="https://ww2.valleyair.org/air-quality-information/residential-wood-smoke-reduction-program/" target="_blank">Residential Wood Smoke Reduction Program</a></p><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>MACCIFJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608664101135738342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1989513985022851638.post-46040466236435693982022-07-27T17:24:00.004-07:002022-07-27T17:24:52.064-07:00USEPA fines Grimmway $214,103 for release of anhydrous ammonia and other violations<p>The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that <a href="https://www.grimmway.com/">Grimmway Enterprises, Inc.</a>, has agreed to settlement penalties of $214,103 for violations of the Clean Air Act and the emergency notification requirements of two other federal laws at its Arvin, CA, facility in August 2019.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQO9OfDVWu9Iokefo-nBdtyUu9ZwO5BWMV4bO2N7AWNIoMGoarQT5Au_aAC-AekW-lkTB8&usqp=CAU" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="224" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQO9OfDVWu9Iokefo-nBdtyUu9ZwO5BWMV4bO2N7AWNIoMGoarQT5Au_aAC-AekW-lkTB8&usqp=CAU" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo: Grimmway.com, Fair use</span></p><p>A little over a ton (2,335 pounds) of anhydrous ammonia, an Extremely Hazardous Substance according to federal law, was released into the atmosphere. EPA later determined during a facility inspection that Grimmway failed to immediately notify state emergency authorities and the National Response Center of the release as required by law.</p><p>Additionally, EPA found that the facility did not have the required safety equipment and operating procedures, such as pressure relief valves, chlorine sensors or alarms, operating procedures for its ammonia refrigeration equipment, and failed to have procedures in place to notify the proper authorities if and when a chemical release occurred.</p><p>EPA's Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman said, "It is paramount that facilities properly manage hazardous substances to prevent dangerous incidents or face significant Clean Air Act Penalties. When these incidents occur, first responders need to be notified immediately to ensure authorities are able to respond swiftly."</p><p>As part of the settlement, Grimmway returned to compliance and agreed to the civil penalty above.</p><p>The violations involved the Clean Air Act's Risk Management Program and the reporting requirements of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA).</p><p>For more information: <a href="https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/kern-county-company-pay-214k-penalty-violations-clean-air-act-emergency-notification" target="_blank">EPA fines Grimmway Enterprises</a></p>MACCIFJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608664101135738342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1989513985022851638.post-52102678065567272972022-06-03T13:41:00.000-07:002022-06-03T13:41:20.313-07:00Climate change protestor disrupts Men's French Open semi-final tennis match<p>In the middle of a tense and tight Men's French Open tennis semi-final today between Marin Cilic and Caspar Ruud, a climate change protestor ran out onto the court and attached herself to the tennis net and net post.</p><p>Although the tv broadcast crew cut away from the on court display, initial reports were that the woman had glued herself to the net post and also chained herself to the net, then sat down in silence. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://derniererenovation.fr/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Alize%CC%81e-RG-.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="800" height="265" src="https://derniererenovation.fr/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Alize%CC%81e-RG-.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Source: DerniereRenovation.fr</span></p><p>She was wearing a white t-shirt emblazoned with the words "We have 1028 days left." In smaller print at the bottom of the shirt was a website, <a href="http://derniererenovation.fr">derniererenovation.fr</a>. </p><p>Security swiftly moved onto the court to remove the woman while the players eventually returned to the locker room until it was determined safe to resume play.</p><p>Clicking on the link above reveals a French activist organization, Derniere Renovation (The Last Renovation), with a picture of the young woman on the court on the home page, apparently with her neck zip-tied to the net. The group appears to be focused on addressing climate change and fair housing opportunities in France.</p><p>The 22 yr old woman, named Alizee, was quoted as saying "We are in 2022 and it is time to face reality, the world to which politicians are sending us is a world to which Roland Garros will no longer be able to exist. Today, I entered the field because I can no longer take the risk of doing nothing in the face of the climate emergency."</p><p>According to the website, the 1028 days left refers to an ultimatum the group issued to the French government on March 28, marking the initial date that citizens entered into civil resistance against the French government to do something about climate change.</p><p>At this time, no further information is available as to what charges, if any, will be made against the protestor.</p>MACCIFJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608664101135738342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1989513985022851638.post-61355516658762933212022-05-26T16:57:00.004-07:002022-05-26T16:59:12.747-07:00Offshore California Windfarms now closer to reality - BOEM announces two lease sales<p>Alternative energy enthusiasts were heartened by<a href="https://www.boem.gov/renewable-energy/state-activities/california?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank"> the announcement today</a> by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) of a proposed sale of offshore wind energy leases in two separate areas offshore of the Central and Northern California coasts. </p><p>BOEM, part of the federal Department of the Interior, said the two areas will be located on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) in the Humboldt Wind Energy Area (WEA) and Morro Bay WEA. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.boem.gov/sites/default/files/images/PAC_California_WEAs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="618" height="400" src="https://www.boem.gov/sites/default/files/images/PAC_California_WEAs.jpg" width="309" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Credit: BOEM</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">The two WEAs cover approximately 373,268 acres (583 square miles) and can potentially provide enough offshore wind generated electricity for over 1.5 million homes - that's about 4.5 gigawatts of power - in addition to creating new jobs related to the projects.</div><p>BOEM intends to offer multiple lease areas in each WEA via simultaneous auctions using a multiple-factor bidding auction format.</p><p>Awarding of the bids will not constitute approval, however - each project will be subject to environmental, technical, and public reviews before BOEM gives final authorization to approve.</p><p>More information on this proposal may be found here - <a href="https://www.boem.gov/renewable-energy/state-activities/california?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">BOEM California Activities</a></p><p><br /></p>MACCIFJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608664101135738342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1989513985022851638.post-35172117049014488862021-12-27T11:33:00.004-08:002021-12-27T11:37:38.971-08:00Recycle your food garbage or get fined? New California composting/recycling law to take effect in 2022<p>Here's something we bet that most of you haven't heard about, or, if you did, forgot all about it. A new California law that will require everyone to stop throwing their food scraps/waste into the regular garbage takes effect in 2022. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/images/cr/organics-images/slcp/manlookinginbins430w.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="430" height="300" src="https://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/images/cr/organics-images/slcp/manlookinginbins430w.jpg" width="430" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Will Big Brother be snooping around your garbage cans to see if you improperly disposed of those inedible leftovers? </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: CalRecycle</span></p><p>Senate Bill 1383, which was signed into law by then Governor Jerry Brown in 2016, will require California residents to separate their coffee grinds, food scraps, egg shells, potato peelings, and just about every other piece of organic food waste from their other garbage and either make compost out of it, take it to a recycling center, or put it in the same recycle bins for green waste that they have been using for years.</p><p>The purpose of the new law is to reduce the amount of uncontrolled methane emissions generated from landfills by decomposing organic wastes. Methane is a very potent greenhouse gas, with a warming effect several times that of CO2.</p><p>Failure to do so may result in individual daily fines beginning in January 2024 ranging from $50 to $100 for a first offense to $500 for subsequent offenses. Cities that fail to comply may face fines of up to $10,000 a day!</p><p>Additional requirements of the new law effect businesses that generate these wastes, as well as a requirement that supermarkets donate unused but edible food normally destined for the garbage dumps to food banks for the needy. </p><p>The collected waste must be directed to anaerobic digestor facilities for conversion into biofuels and electricity or to composting facilities to make soil amendments. And the resultant compost made by those public facilities (many of which don't even exist yet!) must be used. Just where and who will be using the thousands of tons of such compost generated remains undetermined.</p><p>The new requirements will increase the waste disposal fees paid by homeowners and businesses, with estimates ranging from 1% to 20% or more.</p><p>However, because current infrastructure is not be set up to handle the increased volumes, except in a few cities and counties that have already been implementing a similar program, the law gives the affected governments until 2024 to enact local ordinances that will address the requirements.</p><p>California Environmental News (CEN) reached out to the Kern County Public Works Department for clarification and is still awaiting a response. The Department's recycling hotline was not working, according to a recorded message, and no one answered the general information telephone.<span> </span></p><p><span>At the moment, CEN is unsure whether food scraps must be placed in green waste bins or not. CEN recommends contacting your local government waste department to determine what, if anything, you must do and when.</span></p><p>For more information: <a href="https://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/organics/slcp" target="_blank">SB1383 Summary</a></p>MACCIFJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608664101135738342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1989513985022851638.post-70468615400600483982021-10-17T13:41:00.003-07:002021-10-17T13:41:43.724-07:00The Ocean Cleanup thinks they've finally come up with a way to remove plastic pollution from our oceans<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Plastic pollution in the oceans is a monumental problem. Here's a story about one young man's efforts to clean it up - Boyan Slat, now 27, and the founder of The Ocean Cleanup, a nonprofit organization, has been working on this since he was 19. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/half-mile-installation-just-took-124200162.html">https://www.yahoo.com/news/half-mile-installation-just-took-124200162.html</a><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://assets.theoceancleanup.com/app/uploads/2021/08/210824-Drone-Morning-Inspection-Photos-DvdK-17-scaled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="267" src="https://assets.theoceancleanup.com/app/uploads/2021/08/210824-Drone-Morning-Inspection-Photos-DvdK-17-scaled.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Photo Credit: The Ocean Cleanup</span></p><p><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Segoe UI Historic, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">However,...</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">At current plastic dumping rates of 11 million metric tons per year, it would take a fleet of over 5,500 such devices to collect it. For perspective, the U.S. Navy has less than 500 ships. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is this a realistic goal? Will it ever happen? What do you think?</span></p>MACCIFJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608664101135738342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1989513985022851638.post-4606679130088463232021-10-17T13:26:00.004-07:002021-10-17T13:26:44.789-07:00California drought to continue with the return of La Niña<p>La Ni<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">ñ</span></span>a returns to impact California - will this drought never end?</p><p>See the article below for more information.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pmel.noaa.gov/elnino/sites/default/files/thumbnails/image/LaNina-Jet-Wintertime-Pattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="800" height="313" src="https://www.pmel.noaa.gov/elnino/sites/default/files/thumbnails/image/LaNina-Jet-Wintertime-Pattern.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/la-ni-back-does-mean-120038454.html" target="_blank">The worst drought ever?</a></p>MACCIFJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608664101135738342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1989513985022851638.post-64267059071790831992021-08-16T17:57:00.002-07:002021-08-16T17:57:14.585-07:00Wildfire smoke and Covid19 Delta variant put Valley residents in a No-Win scenario<p>Just like many parts of the country, the Covid19 Delta variant is causing an increase in infections and hospitalizations in the San Joaquin Valley - especially among those of you who refuse to get vaccinated against it for whatever illogical reason you may have. </p><p>As if that wasn't enough, wildfires that are still raging throughout California are causing severe air pollution problems in the Valley as well, so much so that the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (APCD) <a href="https://www.valleyair.org/recent_news/Media_releases/2021/HC-California-wildfires-potential-for-blowing-dust-08-16-21-bilingual.pdf" target="_blank">has just issued a Health Caution and an Air Quality Alert</a> because of the harmful smoke from those fires.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_oIYhX-livblizBilXUkoxsuOmK5DVdW6pm_4TwN5STWcySiYEGNeDwFOIE_0_lNPSbamo8i_sWozVgTdApaBdQvXZPVsaEFFSZJgNY6xURccExKiSNsvrxTrsreAZf4pJgGZtsiJQDo/s523/Wildfires-Infographic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="253" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_oIYhX-livblizBilXUkoxsuOmK5DVdW6pm_4TwN5STWcySiYEGNeDwFOIE_0_lNPSbamo8i_sWozVgTdApaBdQvXZPVsaEFFSZJgNY6xURccExKiSNsvrxTrsreAZf4pJgGZtsiJQDo/s320/Wildfires-Infographic.JPG" width="155" /></a></div><p></p><p>As part of that caution, the APCD is recommending that people stay indoors and avoid activities outdoors. The APCD also says that the common cloth and paper masks being used for Covid19 protection may not offer sufficient protection against the particulate matter (PM) present in wildfire smoke.</p><p>This puts the average citizen in a quandary - should he/she stay inside or go outside? As you probably know, most health authorities have stressed that being outside offers more protection against Covid19 than being indoors. </p><p>However, the APCD is saying that by going outdoors in this smoky environment, you are putting your health at a greater risk than staying inside.</p><p>What do you think? Leave your comments below if you have them. </p><p>P.S. We have some dice if anyone wants to borrow them.</p><p><br /></p>MACCIFJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608664101135738342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1989513985022851638.post-86298105021633919662021-08-08T08:37:00.008-07:002021-08-08T08:42:45.833-07:00Use RAAN to see how bad the air outside really is<p>The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (APCD) issued an air quality alert for Valley residents yesterday due to smoke from California's wildfires. If you step outside and take a deep breath or just look at the hazy skies, you will quickly understand why. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6PGK58Cp9mv8YAqUF_AZWujZ_186gxe-bkG9asCKcizCS-DBlk49NjvnX-EqR2sEu-sqMUd5fu7DYgMNF4FSd3UVtmEsGjn7sCGFSOqZw7nyAntoKZ1DK6obffXZ6B8KfVzqVGS5Podj/s2048/Screenshot_20210808-083444%257E2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1038" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6PGK58Cp9mv8YAqUF_AZWujZ_186gxe-bkG9asCKcizCS-DBlk49NjvnX-EqR2sEu-sqMUd5fu7DYgMNF4FSd3UVtmEsGjn7sCGFSOqZw7nyAntoKZ1DK6obffXZ6B8KfVzqVGS5Podj/s320/Screenshot_20210808-083444%257E2.png" width="162" /></a></div><p>If you want to get a little more information on just how bad it really is as measured by ambient air quality monitors, then check out the APCD's Real-time Air Advisor Network (RAAN). By using either a free app or by typing in your zip code at the <a href="https://www.valleyair.org/myraan/">RAAN website</a>, you can see what the ozone and PM2.5 levels are in your area right now and throughout the day.</p><p>Again, because of the risk to your health, the APCD recommends that you avoid strenuous outdoor activities until the skies clear to safer levels.</p>MACCIFJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608664101135738342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1989513985022851638.post-57671951521681452972021-08-07T16:47:00.002-07:002021-08-07T16:47:34.488-07:00SJVAPCD issues air quality alert for San Joaquin Valley due to fire smoke<p> The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (APCD) has just issued an air quality alert for the San Joaquin Valley. It doesn't end until Monday, August 9, at 5 PM.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKt2rba9jP6CZzMlrKvfY6KZe7ndyHDMaAP59-KlLKXD7weVTOlOCW1CRGRWMl88uE0w0Ft8mHLadK6NFgacorqQBBu5rjyiBlJcMrZYRum5L2wHew44kny3H2u8y4K3IylXsHet8Sq7m/s960/228907695_2926235327599044_7174199678093297935_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKt2rba9jP6CZzMlrKvfY6KZe7ndyHDMaAP59-KlLKXD7weVTOlOCW1CRGRWMl88uE0w0Ft8mHLadK6NFgacorqQBBu5rjyiBlJcMrZYRum5L2wHew44kny3H2u8y4K3IylXsHet8Sq7m/s320/228907695_2926235327599044_7174199678093297935_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>The APCD urges everyone to stay indoors and especially avoid strenuous outdoor activities.</p>MACCIFJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608664101135738342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1989513985022851638.post-11570069142509723212021-07-28T12:25:00.002-07:002021-07-28T12:26:25.005-07:00By ignoring wildfire emissions, is CARB painting too rosy a picture about statewide GHG reductions?<p>The California Air Resources Board (CARB) <a href="https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/news/latest-state-greenhouse-gas-inventory-shows-emissions-continue-drop-below-2020-target" target="_blank">just released its greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory data</a> report for 2019. CARB said the data shows that GHG reductions in the state are being reduced significantly more than the reductions that have been targeted by law.</p><p>However, buried within the press release and the report is information on another source of GHG whose numbers are not included in the inventory of reductions that CARB is praising.</p><p>Wildfire emissions.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdSk9fUQEMHIW0DzwRJ_n79YNvcVlVFxdk3WRUSZoXBwRr83S6eWUtzgjehwqNFF501ihulci_MspgpL9tmlnZFuhl5Zm3PmFJVxfAXaNGg9NTJWc3g48vhqUrYYT6G-5av-op_Lbcq7v/s632/ca+wildfire+co2+emissions.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdSk9fUQEMHIW0DzwRJ_n79YNvcVlVFxdk3WRUSZoXBwRr83S6eWUtzgjehwqNFF501ihulci_MspgpL9tmlnZFuhl5Zm3PmFJVxfAXaNGg9NTJWc3g48vhqUrYYT6G-5av-op_Lbcq7v/s320/ca+wildfire+co2+emissions.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Credit: California Air Resources Board</span></div><p>CARB's latest data shows that GHG emissions statewide, exclusive of wildfires, went from 425 million metric tonnes in 2018 to 418 million metric tonnes in 2019. </p><p>However, what CARB doesn't report is the increase in wildfire GHG emissions. Although wildfire CO2 emissions declined from 2018 to 2019 from 39.1 to 4.8 million metric tonnes CO2, in 2020 they increased to 106.7 million metric tonnes. And that latter number may be approached in 2021 as well considering the number of wildfires that have happened and are happening at this very moment throughout the state - and the normal wildfire season hasn't even officially started yet.</p><p><a href="https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2021-07/Wildfire%20Emission%20Estimates%20for%202020%20_Final.pdf" target="_blank">CA Wildfire Emissions, by Year - CARB</a></p><p>CARB and others have tried to dismiss concerns over wildfire CO2 emissions by referring to them as part of the natural carbon cycle. But the fact remains - CO2 is CO2. The world and the physical climate change processes that result in the increasing temperatures of global warming do not care from where the CO2 comes. </p><p>One can brag all one wants about reducing GHG emissions from transportation and industrial sources, but, the ship is still going to sink if you only bail out part of the water that is filling your boat.</p><p>What do you think? Please leave your comments below.</p><p><br /></p>MACCIFJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608664101135738342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1989513985022851638.post-48768668816917141152021-07-22T10:42:00.006-07:002021-07-22T10:48:08.529-07:00Will the world run out of Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries in 4 years?<p>Electric vehicles are seen as a key to reducing global CO2 emissions to positively impact adverse climate change effects from fossil fuels. Recent studies have shown that over an assumed vehicle lifetime, electric vehicles do have a smaller, cradle-to-grave overall environmental impact than traditional gasoline fueled vehicles. (Some of the assumptions used for vehicle life expectancy may be questionable - there isn't a lot of history of EVs operating for 100,000+ miles, for example - but, that's a discussion for another story!)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f3/Tesla_Motors_Model_S_base.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f3/Tesla_Motors_Model_S_base.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Credit: Oleg Alexandrov, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons; https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tesla_Motors_Model_S_base.JPG</span></p><p><a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/global-ev-battery-industry-will-be-sold-out-by-2025-bof-a-201302540.html?fbclid=IwAR2P88NeyDxxyVlKYDzBdp9iNM3OZ5KNfmsd5LO3AVI9Fw6juOkv0ZHD74U" target="_blank">Bank of America financial analysts have just predicted</a> that based on current and future sales predictions, as well as government mandates to reduce and/or possibly ban the sale of new fossil fueled fired vehicles, a worldwide EV battery shortage will occur as soon as 2025.</p><p>That's 4 years from now. What happens then? If you're driving a 10 year old EV and need to replace your battery (or buy/lease a new EV), how do you do it? Where will you go?</p><p>EVs have notoriously high upfront costs (which studies show are mitigated over an EV's lifetime after factoring in government tax incentives and general maintenance costs), but, there is this little Capitalism principal called the Law of Supply and Demand that is going to come into play here if this happens.</p><p>If people are being steered toward buying EVs because new fossil fueled cars are being frowned upon (if not banned), and, if the most important "part" of an EV (the battery!) is in short supply, guess what will happen?</p><p>The price of EVs will skyrocket.</p><p>Something to think about...your civil comments and thoughts may be made below.</p>MACCIFJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608664101135738342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1989513985022851638.post-54952449201084775572021-07-20T18:04:00.005-07:002021-07-20T20:52:50.928-07:00Some recent items of interest<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We here at California Environmental News have been so busy posting on social media, that we have forgotten all about our original site here at Blogger!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Below are some links to some recent stories that are of interest:</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a37022836/california-ecu-tune-during-smog-checks/?source=nl&utm_source=nl_rdt&utm_medium=email&date=071421&utm_campaign=nl24386482&utm_term=AAA%20--%20High%20Minus%20Dormant%20and%2090%20Day%20Non%20Openers&fbclid=IwAR1mwy76QY7IM4tXHGbaW8nuutfTJq-aUXiY1tLpD5ecW7fgFOjl71p0KFo" target="_blank">California Will Start Testing for ECU Tunes During Smog Checks Starting Next Week</a></span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tuners beware! California has emission control rules for a reason and you aren't exempt just because you make your cars cooler than they were when you bought them.</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hips.hearstapps.com/roa.h-cdn.co/assets/15/12/1426774302-screen-shot-2015-03-18-at-100648-pm.png?crop=1.00xw:0.891xh;0,0.0727xh&resize=980:*" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://hips.hearstapps.com/roa.h-cdn.co/assets/15/12/1426774302-screen-shot-2015-03-18-at-100648-pm.png?crop=1.00xw:0.891xh;0,0.0727xh&resize=980:*" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Photo Credit: From Road and Track article via Ford YouTube</span></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/CARB/bulletins/2e814c8?fbclid=IwAR2RzCBw_ws4Fh_Wyq14fvJgDIhK089nOe1fFpKcfh3dQejaYM1ijdvWTjg" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">CARB settles with Albertsons grocery chain for $5.1 million for violations of the Refrigerant Management Program</span></b></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="govd_hr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><p></p><h2 align="left" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 10px; orphans: 2; padding: 0.5em 0px 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">$2.55 million to fund installation of school filtration system in L.A. area and to support a community-based project in Placer County</span></h2><div><p style="background-color: white; color: #4e4e50; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Remember the old Albertson's TV commercials, where the department managers would sing, "It's Joe Albertson's supermarket but the refrigeration department is mine (CARB's)!"</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #4e4e50; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #4e4e50; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-environment-and-nature-california-climate-change-227a506338794c1afb8f68e3ba3e12dc?fbclid=IwAR07egxEjvohXzJ5e9ek7JDn5m769NvTJ9FDraUef81U8UrshMyuFif7AcI" target="_blank">California oil regulators deny new fracking permits</a></b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #4e4e50; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">California denied 21 oil drilling permits that would utilize fracking for AERA Energy in two of its oil fields. It is the latest development in the state's move toward banning fracking in the state.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #4e4e50; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></b></p><p style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-size-adjust: 100%;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #4e4e50; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ad/ViewintoHell-KernRiver.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="800" height="252" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ad/ViewintoHell-KernRiver.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A California Oilfield</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #4e4e50;">Photo credit: </span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="color: #4e4e50;">Antandrus at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons</span></span></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="color: #4e4e50; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #4e4e50; line-height: 22.4px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #4e4e50; line-height: 22.4px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></p></div><p><br /></p>MACCIFJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608664101135738342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1989513985022851638.post-60054848521265994492021-02-26T09:37:00.004-08:002021-02-26T09:37:48.331-08:00Agricultural burning to nearly end in the San Joaquin Valley by 2025<p style="text-align: justify;">The California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced yesterday that the practice of burning agricultural waste in the San Joaquin Valley will be reduced to near zero levels by 2025. CARB said it had partnered with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (the District), farmers, and local communities in negotiating an end to a practice that has been occurring in the Valley for over 160 years.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://valleyair.org/images/Ag_bur1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="272" data-original-width="382" src="https://valleyair.org/images/Ag_bur1.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Credit: San Joaquin Valley APCD</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The District has been able to reduce the amount of this burning by nearly 80% since 2013 in an effort to meet federal and state emission limits regarding PM2.5. The action announced yesterday builds upon the District's 2015 phase-down plan, which expired on December 31, 2020, but had been extended until yesterday.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Current CARB Board member and former state Senator Dean Florez said, “California has accounted for over one-tenth of the value of the U.S. agricultural output - unfortunately part of that statistic is a practice that has been in existence since 1859, the Ag Burn. This dirty practice, utilized yearly for over 160 years, has caused increased ozone pollution, increased asthma rates, and severe health impairments. I began the process of ending agricultural burning 17 years ago with Senate Bill 703, which gave the California Air Board the ability to terminate this feudal practice through its negotiation power.” </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Today is the day that ag burns will become a thing of the past. Working with health advocates, farmers and regulators, a declining cap starting from a 36 month countdown to a complete phaseout was produced, which is historic and brings finality to a one-cent match solution that has endangered Californian’s lungs for over a century.”</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For further information:</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: opensanssemibold, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.25em;"><a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/CARB/bulletins/2c3f2a1" target="_blank">CARB Partners with local air quality officials, farmers and communities to nearly eliminate agricultural burning in San Joaquin Valley by 2025</a></span></p>MACCIFJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608664101135738342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1989513985022851638.post-81094193280722122232021-01-17T17:07:00.002-08:002021-01-17T17:07:59.146-08:00SJVAPCD issues health caution for high winds and blowing dust<p>The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (the District) today i<a href="https://www.valleyair.org/recent_news/Media_releases/2021/01.17.21-HC-Blowing-Dust-01-17-2021.pdf">ssued a health caution</a> for strong winds and blowing dust. The notice covers Monday through Wednesday of this week.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGX4EWwdtrQnYjdrzdI7ptT13fLe15t6WHjIdyShOgv93qt4v4f7-GbPqwU6nsufWtR8POQpnhLEalTHCi9Qi7lztlYeBe2hHoZU8dEnczUL0rVpfIwJIFt4kgWci4lnvMlfR4qVldFQQa/s798/SJVAPCD+WIND+CAUTION+1_17_21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="331" data-original-width="798" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGX4EWwdtrQnYjdrzdI7ptT13fLe15t6WHjIdyShOgv93qt4v4f7-GbPqwU6nsufWtR8POQpnhLEalTHCi9Qi7lztlYeBe2hHoZU8dEnczUL0rVpfIwJIFt4kgWci4lnvMlfR4qVldFQQa/w400-h166/SJVAPCD+WIND+CAUTION+1_17_21.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>The windy conditions may result in high concentrations of PM 10 (particulate matter 10 microns and smaller) that can result in serious health problems, including the triggering of asthma and bronchitis attacks, an increased risk of respiratory infections, and aggravate heart and lung disease. The District also recommends that older adults and children avoid prolonged exposures to these conditions.</p><p>Impacts are expected Monday and Tuesday in the Northern and Western counties of the District (San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, and Kings). The Valley portion of Kern County will be impacted beginning late Monday and lasting through early Wednesday.</p><p>The dusty conditions result from exceptionally dry soil in many areas as well as smoke from wood burning fireplaces. The District urges residents to refrain from using wood burning devices to help minimize these impacts.</p><p>More information is available at <a href="http://www.valleyair.org" target="_blank">SJVAPCD</a> or District offices in Fresno (559.230.6000), Modesto (209.557.6400), or Bakersfield (661.392.5500).</p><p class="yiv6002636341MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><br /></p>MACCIFJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608664101135738342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1989513985022851638.post-36739355046076056642020-12-10T10:48:00.001-08:002020-12-10T10:58:25.721-08:00California's High Speed Rail project wins prestigious Sustainability award<p>The California High Speed Rail Authority (Authority) <a href="https://hsr.ca.gov/communication/news_room/news_releases/?id=66" target="_blank">announced this week</a> that it has received a national award for its sustainability efforts. The Envision Platinum rating for the Authority was issued by the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, a non-profit group <span style="color: #4a4a4a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">founded by the American Public Works Association, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the American Council of Engineering Companies. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #4a4a4a;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.buildhsr.com/images/press_center/Envision_Award.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://www.buildhsr.com/images/press_center/Envision_Award.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Credit: California High Speed Rail Authority</span></span></div><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Envision Platinum rating is the highest-level award from the Institute and represents the very first time it has been issued to a project as large and complex as this one.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: inherit;">The award was earned following an independent third party review of the Authority's performance related to 64 sustainability criteria, including materials, energy, water, environmental impacts, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions, just to name a few.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">“We are proud to have achieved Envision Platinum for the high-speed rail program. This recognizes the Authority’s progress on delivering a sustainable transportation system for California,” said Meg Cederoth, the Authority’s Director of Planning and Sustainability. “We’ve sought to reflect California’s sustainability ethic while laying the foundation for carbon-free travel. This recognition is a validation of the Authority’s ability to deliver sustainable infrastructure.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">“Sustainable infrastructure is a broad idea made very specific through the Envision verification process. This robust, third-party review of sustainability performance against 64 different issue areas illustrates how the California High-Speed Rail Authority is delivering on its commitment to provide current and future generations a system that protects and restores social, environmental and economic sustainability in its delivery and on into operation,” said Melissa Peneycad, Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure Managing Director.</span></span></p>MACCIFJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608664101135738342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1989513985022851638.post-69692026033753822272020-10-29T14:25:00.005-07:002020-10-29T14:27:53.797-07:00Bulky Waste Collection Event for Kern County residents, November 7, 2020<p>The Kern County Public Works Department is holding a free residential bulky waste event on Saturday, November 7, 2020. The event will be held from 8 a.m. until noon at three separate locations, as shown in the picture.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BdhpbUDYosKa3fZZ7tn-21hjHQ0kOJe0yMmA203d1YhvjXHWdheTx7XUetLlLfIn9u_VP2x9XhyphenhyphenddfizeaNd21a-E1obdwlZ2qapG92ziirr5IEjWxCxEod6pdsef8yfBRCwCSA2TiA2/s733/BULK+WASTE+EVENT+NOV+2020.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="587" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BdhpbUDYosKa3fZZ7tn-21hjHQ0kOJe0yMmA203d1YhvjXHWdheTx7XUetLlLfIn9u_VP2x9XhyphenhyphenddfizeaNd21a-E1obdwlZ2qapG92ziirr5IEjWxCxEod6pdsef8yfBRCwCSA2TiA2/s320/BULK+WASTE+EVENT+NOV+2020.PNG" /></a></div><br /><p>Please note that ONLY non-hazardous, residential wastes will be accepted, such as mattresses, appliances, furniture, TVs, water heaters, and e-waste. All you have to do is drive in and drop off your articles.</p><p>Please note also that face coverings are required!</p><p><br /></p>MACCIFJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608664101135738342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1989513985022851638.post-60178255223892575542020-10-14T17:50:00.000-07:002020-10-14T17:50:03.829-07:00Watch out carmakers - CARB is coming after you (and your pocketbooks)!<p>The California Air Resources Board warned automakers today that it will not tolerate any more emission control bypass shenanigans similar to what Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, and most recently, Mercedes Benz-Daimler have done.</p><p>As you may recall, CARB and the USEPA issued fines and other penalties in the billions of dollars after discovering that many vehicles were purposely designed to bypass state and federally required emission controls unless an emissions compliance test was being performed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cb/Automobile_exhaust_gas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="800" height="281" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cb/Automobile_exhaust_gas.jpg" width="339" /></a></div></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Credit: Ruben de Rijcke / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)</span></p><p>In September of 2015, CARB sent a letter to all automakers asking them to voluntarily disclose any such systems they may not yet have reported. Apparently not satisfied with the response, CARB issued another warning today threatening severe repercussions if it or EPA, utilizing new laboratories and testing equipment, discover violations that have not been reported.</p><p>Here is an excerpt from <a href="This situation will not continue--It is a clear violation of public health to pollute the air with illegal devices, and it undermines the essential trust that has supported the certification program for decades. CARB is therefore now writing to you again to encourage voluntary disclosure of any potential violations with respect to these and other applicable regulatory requirements. Voluntary disclosure will trigger a reduction in penalties; failure to do so may affect the result of future enforcement actions involving your company when CARB’s new techniques – and its new state-ofthe-art testing laboratory opening in 2021 – inevitably detect any violations you may have. " target="_blank">today's letter</a>, in which CARB expressed its dissatisfaction with the small response:</p><p>"On September 25, 2015, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) wrote light-,
medium-, and heavy-duty vehicle and engine manufacturers to remind them to
properly disclose all auxiliary emission control devices (AECDs) at the time of
certification. That letter also informed manufacturers of CARB’s intent to begin using
then newly-developed screening tests in CARB’s In-Use Compliance Program, in
addition to standard certification emission test cycles, to identify unapproved AECDs
and defeat devices, the discovery of which would subject the manufacturer to
penalties and remedial measures. The goal of that letter was clear: for manufacturers
to proactively inform CARB of undisclosed software devices and reintroduce a level of
trust and forthrightness into the certification process."</p><p>"While a handful of manufacturers stepped forward over the last five years, the vast
majority did not. As promised in 2015, CARB moved forward with expanded testing
programs and a suite of newly developed techniques to detect unauthorized AECDs
and defeat devices in diesel engines." </p><p>"This situation will not continue--It is a clear violation of public health to pollute the air
with illegal devices, and it undermines the essential trust that has supported the
certification program for decades. CARB is therefore now writing to you again to
encourage voluntary disclosure of any potential violations with respect to these
and other applicable regulatory requirements. Voluntary disclosure will trigger a
reduction in penalties; failure to do so may affect the result of future enforcement
actions involving your company when CARB’s new techniques – and its new state-of-the-art testing laboratory opening in 2021 – inevitably detect any violations you may
have. "</p>MACCIFJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608664101135738342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1989513985022851638.post-89309558728368994092020-10-06T21:54:00.002-07:002020-10-06T21:54:37.522-07:00Do farming operations generate more sulfur pollution than acid rain?<p>Interesting story here - does agricultural use of sulfur compounds to grow crops have more of a negative impact on the environment than acid rain?</p><p><br /></p><h1 class="entry-title" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #05600e; font-family: "Cantata One", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 32px; line-height: 1.1em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;">Agriculture Contributing More to Sulfur Pollution than Fossil Fuels</h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i2.wp.com/www.environmental-watch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/farming-runoff-sulfur.jpg?resize=1000%2C665&ssl=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="800" height="265" src="https://i2.wp.com/www.environmental-watch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/farming-runoff-sulfur.jpg?resize=1000%2C665&ssl=1" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p><a href="https://www.environmental-watch.com/2020/09/14/agriculture-contributing-more-to-sulfur-pollution-than-fossil-fuels/?fbclid=IwAR05HT8UMCIB3TtQ_L5gdk47lqCmWNza9ee9LsdCI3EAbLKPE9mp1vuVn6k">https://www.environmental-watch.com/2020/09/14/agriculture-contributing-more-to-sulfur-pollution-than-fossil-fuels/?fbclid=IwAR05HT8UMCIB3TtQ_L5gdk47lqCmWNza9ee9LsdCI3EAbLKPE9mp1vuVn6k</a><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>What do you think? Please comment below.</p>MACCIFJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608664101135738342noreply@blogger.com0