California closes in on ban of plastic microbeads in consumer products

California lawmakers, never shy when addressing environmental problems, have their sights set on another ecosystem problem – the use of plastic microbeads in beauty and personal care products. A bill that would ban the use of such materials in California, AB-888 (Bloom), has been making its way through the California Assembly. Today, after its third reading, the bill was passed on a 55-18 vote.

#microbeads,#ab888,#plasticpollution

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http://www.examiner.com/article/california-closes-on-ban-of-plastic-microbeads-consumer-products

Governor Brown signs historic GHG agreement today with other world leaders

California Governor Jerry Brown continued to establish his legacy as a champion for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) today when he signed an historic, first-of-its-kind agreement with leaders from 11 other states and countries across the world.

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http://www.examiner.com/article/governor-brown-signs-historic-ghg-agreement-today-with-other-world-leaders

Doosan Infracore Company fined $647,500 for violating air pollution regs

Another engine manufacturing company has run afoul of California's stringent air pollution regulations and has agreed to pay a significant fine as a result. South Korean based Doosan Infracore Company Ltd. illegally made field modifications to previously certified compressed natural gas (CNG) motor vehicle engines in violation of California's Health & Safety Code. The penalty, $647,500, was announced today by the California Air Resources Board (ARB) although the actual settlement was signed in October of last year.

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http://www.examiner.com/article/doosan-infracore-company-fined-647-500-for-violating-air-pollution-regs

Randy’s Trucking, Inc., given largest ever fine for violating truck regulations

A trucking firm based in Taft, CA has just received the largest air pollution fine ever issued by California for violating the state’s landmark Truck and Bus Regulation. The California Air Resources Board (ARB) announced yesterday that Randy’s Trucking, Inc., has agreed to pay $524,675 for violating requirements designed to reduce harmful diesel emissions into the atmosphere.

The company will pay a portion of the penalty, $392,755, to the state’s Air Pollution Control Fund to support air quality research. The remaining $130,920 will be paid to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) to aid in the cleanup of school bus fleets throughout the state.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/randy-s-trucking-inc-given-largest-ever-fine-for-violating-truck-regulations