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newsclips -- ARB Newsclips for April 25, 2016.
Posted: 25 Apr 2016 15:12:56
ARB Newsclips for April 25, 2016. This is a service of the California Air Resources Board’s Office of Communications. You may need to sign in or register with individual websites to view some of the following news articles. CAP AND TRADE Plan to extend cap and trade prompts legal disputes. As California pursues ever-deeper greenhouse gas reductions, policymakers are still facing legal questions about their authority. An opinion by the state's legislative attorney has found the executive order Gov. Jerry Brown (D) set last year to reduce emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 may not be legal. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2016/04/25/stories/1060036173 http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article73227072.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter#storylink=cpy AIR POLLUTION EPA smog rule ‘unachievable,’ opponents say. The Obama administration’s new ozone rule fails to consider sources of ozone pollution that are beyond states’ control, opponents of the rule said in court. In opening briefs filed late Friday for their legal case, conservative states and industry representatives focused their arguments on the fact that naturally occurring pollution and emissions… http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/277487-epa-smog-rule-unachievable-opponents-say San Ysidro Residents Brace for a Busier Border. The border expansion has heightened health concerns among San Ysidro residents, and calls for an air pollution study of the community have gone unheeded, activists say. So residents, led by Casa Familiar, have obtained funding from CalEPA to do their own air-pollution study. http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/science-environment/san-ysidro-residents-brace-busier-border/ Air pollution hurting U.S. plant diversity, CU scientists find. CU-led scientists looking at plants and air pollution at 15,000 sites found nitrogen oxide and ammonia pollution is reducing species diversity. Air pollution is hurting plant life across North America, diminishing species diversity and may have reached a tipping point. New research led by University of Colorado scientists… http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_29808345/air-pollution-hurting-u-s-plant-diversity-cu.html Lancaster County still dogged by some of the worst soot and smog pollution in U.S. Close to half of all Lancaster County residents are at greater health risk because of some of the poorest air quality in the nation, says the American Lung Association. Though there were some strides in cleaner air here, Lancaster County’s soot problem was the worst of any county east of Utah… http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/lancaster-county-still-dogged-by-some-of-the-worst-soot/article_fbe227b4-0ae4-11e6-8a60-8b48988b7daf.html EPA air chief McCabe to address meeting of state regulators. Air regulators from 18 states will gather in Columbia, S.C., later this week, and U.S. EPA's Clean Power Plan will be a central topic. Janet McCabe, acting assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation, will be the featured speaker… http://www.eenews.net/interactive/clean_power_plan/column_posts/1060036164 CLIMATE CHANGE Global warming may have improved U.S. weather, but for how long? Global warming has mostly made the weather more pleasant for Americans over the past 40 years, which may explain why much of the public doesn’t consider climate change as big a threat as do scientists and the rest of the world, a new study suggests. https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/global-warming-may-have-improved-us-weather-but-for-how-long/2016/04/25/cd5dc90a-0730-11e6-b283-e79d81c63c1b_story.html Long-Term Costs of Cutting Emissions Grow Hazy. Economic costs of hitting near-term targets appear modest, but modeling grows less reliable further out. The world’s top officials just signed an agreement to slow the buildup of planet-warming greenhouse-gas emissions. They have yet to grapple with the cost of implementing it. Economists developing sophisticated models have good and bad news. http://www.wsj.com/articles/long-term-costs-of-cutting-emissions-grow-hazy-1461515943 Carbon Pricing Becomes a Cause for the World Bank and I.M.F. The World Bank and International Monetary Fund are pressing governments to impose a price tag on planet-warming carbon dioxide emissions, using economic leverage and technical assistance that institutions like the United Nations cannot muster. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/24/us/politics/carbon-pricingbecomes-a-cause-for-the-world-bank-and-imf.html?ref=energy-environment&utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=cdc81860ef-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-cdc81860ef-326457957&_r=2 Why global warming is forcing polar bears into long-distance swims. As sea ice disappears, particularly in the Beaufort Sea on Alaska's northern coast, a new study finds polar bears are swimming increasingly long distances, often perilous ones, to find habitable ice. Scientists have long warned about the dangers global warming could pose to polar bears… http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2016/0425/Why-global-warming-is-forcing-polar-bears-into-long-distance-swims 175 nations sign Paris climate change agreement. World leaders from 175 countries on Friday signed the Paris Agreement on climate change at a ceremony in New York, making history as the largest number of nations to sign an international accord in a single day. "Last December in Paris, the international community adopted the world's first universal climate agreement… http://www.platts.com/latest-news/electric-power/london/175-nations-sign-paris-climate-change-agreement-26426471 UK envoy: carbon pricing ‘too sluggish’ to meet climate goals. Climate Home: Sir David King favours technology development over emissions trading as a way to shift emerging economies off coal. Carbon pricing is “too sluggish a weapon” against climate change, top UK envoy Sir David King said on Monday. Speaking at a sustainability event in London, Sir David argued innovation to bring down the cost of clean technology… http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/apr/25/uk-envoy-carbon-pricing-sluggish-climate-goals-sir-david-king Rising carbon dioxide is making the Earth GREENER: Extra plant growth caused by greenhouse gases could cover the USA twice. The pumping of excessive carbon dioxide into the atmosphere has widely been presented as setting our planet on a path towards disaster. But a new study has revealed rising levels of the greenhouse gas due to humanity's actions is actually having a surprising side-effect – it is making the Earth greener. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3557905/Rising-carbon-dioxide-making-Earth-GREENER-Extra-plant-growth-greenhouse-gas-cover-USA-twice.html#ixzz46raS0Mtw Air quality may suffer under climate change. As the planet warms, homes and offices may still leave people vulnerable to bad air, researchers warn. With air conditioning and heating, people around the world are spending more of their time in the great indoors. Americans can spend upward of 90 percent of their time inside. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2016/04/25/stories/1060036174 SEC considers overhaul to climate rule. The Securities and Exchange Commission is weighing whether to change a key regulation in a way that could have potentially dramatic implications for climate change and environmental disclosure. In a sprawling document issued earlier this month, the SEC announced that it is considering modernizing disclosure requirements in a regulation… http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2016/04/25/stories/1060036172 DROUGHT California drought: Stormy El Nino winter has some calling for end to strict water usage restrictions. Following a wet season that featured a super El Niño, which helped alleviate drought conditions across California, some water agencies are looking to lift water restrictions. In a comment letter dated April 14, the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) recommended that the State Water Resources Control Board rescind the statewide… http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/california-water-managers-ask/56898437 DIESEL ACTIVITIES On This Waterfront, Robot Longshoremen Are the New Contenders. On one end of a dock at America’s busiest port, tractor-trailers haul containers through dense, stop-and-go traffic. Sometimes they collide. Sometimes the drivers must wait, diesel engines idling, as piles are unstacked to find the specific container they need. A few hundred yards away, advanced algorithms select the most efficient pathway for autonomous… http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-04-25/on-this-waterfront-robot-longshoremen-are-the-new-contenders VEHICLES City council considers charging stations on public property. The New Orleans City Council is considering whether to let residents install electric vehicle charging stations next to curbs. It's a move that would be a boon for drivers of such vehicles who live in homes without off-street parking. http://www.fresnobee.com/news/business/technology/article73719352.html#storylink=cpy Electric cars charging ahead. The electric car movement is finally moving into the fast lane. With a new fleet of cheaper and longer-range electric vehicles (EV) on the horizon, experts say automakers may soon deliver on their long-delayed promise to bring electric cars to the masses. “This is basically the second coming of the EV market, particularly in the U.S.,” said Roland Hwang, director of the energy and transportation program at… http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/277250-electric-cars-charging-ahead Ford CEO Says Regulators Cracking Down on Emissions Reporting Around the World. In the wake of the Volkswagen and Mitsubishi emissions reporting scandals, regulators around the world are getting tougher on automakers with China leading the way, says Ford CEO Mark Fields. China will be the most stringent about transparent compliance with fuel economy and greenhouse gas reporting by automakers… http://www.hybridcars.com/ford-ceo-says-regulators-cracking-down-on-emissions-reporting-around-the-world/ Fiat Accused of Cheating Emissions Tests by German Newspaper. Fiat’s diesel engines are suspected of cheating in the German emissions tests. According to German newspaper Bild am Sonntag, Fiat is being investigated by the country’s authorities after test results uncovered an anomaly with the diesel engine of the 500X. http://www.autoevolution.com/news/fiat-accused-of-cheating-emissions-tests-by-german-newspaper-106872.html#ixzz46rW4X0vRhttp://www.autoevolution.com/news/fiat-accused-of-cheating-emissions-tests-by-german-newspaper-106872.html#ixzz46rVxOfk7 VW RECALL Automakers brace for tough scrutiny after VW emissions scandal. Automakers have to be clearer about the way they certify their fuel economy and emission ratings as regulators ramp up scrutiny into the gulf between laboratory results and on-road conditions, Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said. http://europe.autonews.com/article/20160425/ANE/160429915/automakers-brace-for-tough-scrutiny-after-vw-emissions-scandal VW won't release diesel scandal investigation report. Volkswagen lawyers say it's too risky. We want to know what it says. Volkswagen will no longer publicly release an interim report about the diesel investigation from law firm Jones Day. In a statement, the German automaker cited "unacceptable risks" as a reason for not publishing the information, despite previously saying it would issue the documents by the end of April. http://www.autoblog.com/2016/04/25/vw-diesel-scandal-investigation-report/ GREEN ENERGY Bigger Fund for Innovative Clean Energy Sought by EU Lawmaker. The European Union should boost an innovation fund under its emissions cap-and-trade program in the next decade to help companies embrace clean energy technologies, according to a proposal by European Parliament member Fredrick Federley. Federley, who is a lead lawmaker on the carbon market reform in the Parliament’s industry committee… http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-04-22/bigger-fund-for-innovative-clean-energy-sought-by-eu-lawmaker MISCELLANEOUS Solar-plane pilots say trip was also test of human endurance. The two Swiss pilots taking turns to fly a solar-powered airplane around the world said Sunday the endeavor is not only a demonstration of the importance of renewable energy but also of the many challenges the human body can endure. Pilot Bertrand Piccard completed a risky, three-day flight across… http://www.ocregister.com/articles/plane-713437-piccard-solar.html OPINIONS VW's Diesel Crisis Is Now a Global Threat: Edward Niedermeyer. If Volkswagen was hoping that its $10 billion buyback settlement with U.S. officials would bring some closure to months of hand-wringing over diesel emissions, its timing couldn't have been worse. A flood of news over the past week showed that what was once a single company's scandal has grown into a global regulatory crisis. http://washpost.bloomberg.com/Story?docId=1376-O620AV6K50Y701-59C270HUJ9GB4AB2GIDNU3BP07 Climate DOESN’T change all the time, but deniers’ excuses do. Climate change deniers are at the last ditch stage now, the drainage ditch that they have dug in hopes it will carry away the rising tide of reality that is currently inundating them. “Climate changes all the time.” They grasp onto this new formulation like the last desperate straw that it is. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/opinions/wp/2016/04/25/climate-doesnt-change-all-the-time-but-deniers-excuses-do/ California desperately needs new surface storage. Californians deserve rational and complete answers to their questions: Why has our state failed to initiate a meaningful response to not just one or two, but three catastrophic droughts we’ve experienced over the last 45 years? California simply needs more water. Its people, fish, wildlife, food producers and others – all have been harmed by delays http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/california-forum/article73267777.html#storylink=cpy Particulate pollution more a concern than ozone. I found the report on Shasta County's air quality to be highly misleading. First, with little industry, pollutants that combine to form ozone are largely emitted by motor vehicles. In California, motor vehicles are regulated exclusively by the State Air Resources Board. Secondly, the 13 times the levels of ozone exceeded standards are far below the state average and by… http://www.redding.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/particulate-pollution-more-a-concern-than-ozone-30ed6d61-fe5f-6384-e053-0100007f32b9-376768141.html Put price on carbon to lower pollution levels. Kudos to Sam Richards for his informative article "Pollution still significant" (Page 1B, April 21). I found it particularly alarming that the area where I live, Santa Clara County, received F ratings for both ozone and particulate matter. No wonder so many of us have suffered from allergies and asthma these past few years. Clearly more needs to be done to improve this situation. http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_29801429/april-25-readers-letters What Does the Energy Bill Mean for Builders? Lawmakers from both the House and Senate will next iron out differences over the bill. The energy package is the first major piece of energy legislation passed in nearly a decade. "A lot of hard work over the last five years went into passage of this bipartisan bill and I want to thank Senator Shaheen for being a true partner throughout this process". http://thevillagessuntimes.com/2016/04/25/what-does-the-energy-bill-mean-for-builders/http://thevillagessuntimes.com/2016/04/25/what-does-the-energy-bill-mean-for-builders/ Letter: Ban fracking to protect Butte County’s water. Despite the major rains in Northern California, the drought is not over statewide, as reported in this newspaper. Of special concern to us is that while water is a basic human necessity, it is also the most valuable resource in Butte County. Agriculture is our county’s No. 1 industry and is valued at over $869 million. This makes water the lifeblood of our county’s economy. Please help us protect our water, our aquifer and our economy from fracking… http://www.chicoer.com/opinion/20160423/letter-ban-fracking-to-protect-butte-countys-water Was water conservation just a fad? One question that’s been in a lot of people’s minds as the drought ran on is whether attitudes were changing for good about water conservation, or if it was just a fad, a passing fancy. The evidence is building up that it’s the latter. In the past few days, we’ve seen the homeowners association for a gated Bay Area enclave order residents to water their lawns or face fines. http://www.chicoer.com/opinion/20160423/was-water-conservation-just-a-fad BLOGS How Emerging Nations Can Use Data to Curb Pollution. In India’s Gujarat region, regulators recently faced a conundrum: They had strong air-quality standards on the books, and the tens of thousands of industrial facilities in the region were reported by their auditors as being in compliance. And yet, air quality in cities in Gujarat was among the worst in India. http://blogs.wsj.com/experts/2016/04/25/how-emerging-nations-can-use-data-to-curb-pollution/ Dan Walters: California’s tax breaks finally get some scrutiny. California’s state and local governments collect a quarter-trillion dollars in taxes each year, equivalent to about 12 percent of the state’s personal income. However, were California to eliminate all of its “tax expenditures” – special tax treatment for certain kinds of income or transactions… http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/dan-walters/article73629987.html#storylink=cpy Jerry Brown’s lofty aspirations come face to face with the law. Lobbyist Don Gilbert, representing Bay Area sewage districts, requested $20 million from an Assembly budget subcommittee to fund “poop to power” projects, with a straight face, mostly. The investment, he told the panel, would cut the cost of technology to generate electricity from human waste, thereby solving “an issue we all contribute to, most days.” http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/dan-morain/article73409747.html#storylink=cpy A Low Carbon Future: The Complexities From Delhi. Even the normally cautious Guardian enthused about the signal of global seriousness about climate change evidenced by a record 170 nations signing the Paris Accord on a single day, and emerging hopes that enough nations might ratify by the end of this year to bring the accord into legal effect four years earlier than originally anticipated. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/carl-pope/a-low-carbon-future-the-c_b_9772330.html How An Ancient Technology Could Revolutionize Wind Energy. The Carthaginians had it figured out. A bladeless wind energy convertor inspired by the sailing boats of Ancient Carthage is set to breeze past traditional turbines in terms of efficiency, according to its Tunisian developers. A Tunisian start-up has taken inspiration from the… http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/ancient-technology-revolutionize-wind-energy_us_571e16d4e4b0d4d3f723c89b California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips.