ExxonMobil signs agreement with GCE Holdings for renewable diesel from repurposed Bakersfield refinery

ExxonMobil today announced an agreement with Global Clean Energy (GCE) Holdings to purchase renewable diesel fuel for a period of 5 years.

Photo Credit: GCE Holdings website (Fair Use)

The fuel will be produced from GCE's Bakersfield refinery, a traditional fossil fuel refinery which is currently being modified to produce renewable fuels from waste and agricultural products. Production is expected to begin in 2022.

ExxonMobil said it will purchase 2.5 million barrels per year for 5 years as part of its plans to reduce its global greenhouse gas footprint. The diesel will be sold throughout California and possibly other out of state and country markets.

 

APCD urges San Joaquin Valley residents to NOT use Fireworks this July 4th

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, which regulates air pollution throughout an eight county region and includes the cities of Bakersfield, Fresno, Modesto, and more, has issued a request to all Valley residents to NOT use fireworks this July 4th weekend.

Photo Credit: SJVAPCD

The reason is that the use of such fireworks has been demonstrated to raise the amounts of small particulate matter (PM) to unhealthy levels that exceed health standards. These particles include soot, ash, and toxic metals. These substances can enter deep into the lungs and bloodstream, with the possibility of causing heart attacks and strokes.

Historical monitoring of Valley air quality during previous holidays has shown that PM levels may reach as much as 4 or 5 times higher than federal health standards, as the chart above shows.

This is of particular concern for those with existing health issues like asthma, heart disease, children, and the elderly. In addition, the use of such fireworks will exacerbate the COVID-19 pandemic which is raging throughout the Valley.

“We ask that residents are considerate to the health and well-being of the Valley’s most vulnerable individuals, especially during this unprecedented health crisis,” said Samir Sheikh, the Valley Air District’s Executive Director/Air Pollution Control Officer. “Fireworks release large amounts of PM at ground-level, where individuals can breathe in the harmful pollutant,” he added.

How has California's energy usage been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?

As California, the United States, and the rest of the world struggle to cope with this unprecedented pandemic, the California Energy Commission has just released some interesting data that shows how, in California at least, energy usage has changed from normal.

The data reflects the changes since California's Stay-at-Home order took effect on March 19, 2020.

Photo credit: CEC

Key findings include:

Electricity Sector

• Compared to last year, weekday electricity demand declined by more than 4% in late March and 9% in April.
• Although residential energy use in 3 investor-owned utilities increased by 8.9 to 12.4 percent year-to-date compared to the same period last year, but, it was offset by reductions in the commercial and industrial sectors.
• Most of the demand reduction occurred between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Natural Gas Sector

• April natural gas demand was up about 6% to 12% compared to 2019.

Transportation Sector

• Gasoline production declined 47.5% during the week ending May 1 compared to the week ending March 20.
• Jet fuel production declined 68.3% and diesel production declined 33.2% during that same period.

EPA and US Customs stops shipment of illegal anti-virus disinfectants from Asia

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) just announced that they have stopped more than 7,800 illegal health products from entering the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). 

Photo Credit: EPA

The products, such as the item Virus Shut Out, are not registered with the EPA and are being halted because the products are illegal under federal law.

Their safety and efficacy have not been evaluated and their instructions for use are not in English, another legal requirement. Additionally, on-line advertising for the products contain misleading claims about their safety and how well they work. As a result, they could threaten public health, a critical consideration during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“EPA takes our responsibility to protect Americans from fraudulent products seriously,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “EPA is increasing the number of approved disinfectants on the market while taking action to prevent dishonest actors from selling fraudulent and illegal items that do nothing to protect Americans from the coronavirus.”

"It is critical that people only use EPA-registered disinfectants and follow label directions for proper use," said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator John Busterud. "EPA will not tolerate companies selling illegal disinfectants and making false or misleading public health claims during this pandemic crisis."

“In the midst of this worldwide emergency, there are still those that would seek to take advantage by making false claims, scamming, and selling inferior products,” said CBP’s San Francisco Director of Field Operations Brian J. Humphrey.  “CBP’s primary goal is to protect the American public, and we will not allow unauthorized products such as these to enter the country.”