Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2009 11:17:06 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for January 2, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for January 2, 2009. People To Watch In 2009. Mary Nichols. As chairwoman of the California Air Resources Board, Mary Nichols stands at the center of the nation's most ambitious plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/01/BAGI151GRP.DTL&type=printable The Other Side. In a "My Turn" piece in the Times-Herald ("Going green: Good for the environment and the economy," Dec. 26), state Sen. Patricia Wiggins praised "our ground-breaking global warming law, AB 32," and criticized Republican legislators for opposing it. Coincidentally, just the day before I ran across another op-ed piece that ran in the San Diego Union Tribune on Dec. 11: AB 32/Combating warming," by Robert N. Stavin. Posted. http://www.timesheraldonline.com/opinion/ci_11354093 Bush May Be Giving Obama Breathing Room To Fight Global Warming. Recent moves by lame-duck officials, though frustrating to environmentalists, offer the president-elect time and political cover to deliberately craft rules on emissions, energy lobbyists say. Reporting from Washington — President Bush could be forcing President-elect Barack Obama to act almost immediately to curb global warming, after years of the Bush administration fighting attempts to crack down on greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-na-co2-1-2009jan01,0,5310898,print.story Stroke Of Midnight Begat Bounty Of Laws. Sacramento — New Year's resolutions may be made to be broken, but not the new laws that traditionally accompany Jan. 1. From the urgent to the trivial, nearly 775 measures went into effect at the stroke of midnight. The litany of laws addresses an eclectic mix: text-messaging, charity bingo, trans fats and bandit cabs. One makes it easier for a husband to take his wife's name. Another places plastic knuckles alongside brass knuckles on the list of banned weapons. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jan/01/1n1newlaws002023-stroke-midnight-begat-bounty-laws/?zIndex=30602 Report: Toyota Developing Solar Powered Green Car. Tokyo (AP) — Toyota Motor is secretly developing a vehicle that will be powered solely by solar energy in an effort to turn around its struggling business with a futuristic ecological car, a top business daily reported Thursday. The Nikkei newspaper, however, said it will be years before the planned vehicle will be available on the market. Toyota's offices were closed Thursday and officials were not immediately available for comment. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/greenenergy/ci_11351235 Keep 'Em Coming: Vote For The Top Trucking Stories Of 2008. The Trucker staff is asking its readers to help in choosing the top three transportation industry stories for 2008. To vote for your top three choices, click here or click on the Top Stories link in the left column of any page on www.thetrucker.com. http://www.thetrucker.com/News/Stories/2009/1/2/KeepemcomingVoteforthetoptruckingstoriesof2008.aspx Refiners Crank Up Gasoline And Diesel Production. California’s refiners cranked up their production of both gasoline and diesel fuel meeting the clean-burning standards of the California Air Resources Board during the week ended Dec. 26, 2008, the California Energy Commission says. There were 6,744,000 barrels of CARB-quality gasoline refined, up 10 percent from the week before but 11.5 percent less than the output of a year earlier. Posted. http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=10758 New Safety Rules For Children's Clothes Have Stores In A Fit. Some owners say the cost of testing for toxic lead and phthalates will shut their businesses. The law goes into effect Feb. 10. Barring a reprieve, regulations set to take effect next month could force thousands of clothing retailers and thrift stores to throw away trunk loads of children's clothing. The law, aimed at keeping lead-filled merchandise away from children, mandates that all products sold for those age 12 and younger -- including clothing -- be tested for lead and phthalates, which are chemicals used to make plastics more pliable. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-thrift2-2009jan02,0,6936608,print.story ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 10:47:00 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for January 5, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for January 5, 2009. AQMD Smoke Screen. Re: "Diesel the real threat," Dec. 24. The letter writer is right in the first sense; however, he may need to look a little closer to home. Posted. http://www.sbsun.com/search/ci_11368289?IADID=Search-www.sbsun.com-www.sbsun.com Bay Area Spare the Air alert issued. Bay Area residents planning to build a cozy fire will have to wait until Monday afternoon. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_11367909?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_11367909?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com Global Warming Is Just the Tip of the Iceberg. The Cold War shaped world politics for half a century. But global warming may shape the patterns of global conflict for much longer than that -- and help spark clashes that will be, in every sense of the word, hot wars. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/02/AR2009010202280.html Sempra Solar Energy Project Makes Advances In Costs. An analyst says a Sempra Generation project powering California homes beats conventional sources on cost-effectiveness. Generating clean electricity that's as cheap as power from fossil fuels is the Holy Grail of green-energy companies. A new solar project powering California homes appears to be closing in on that prize. Sempra Generation, a subsidiary of Sempra Energy in San Diego, just took the wraps off a 10-megawatt solar farm in Nevada. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-thinsolar5-2009jan05,0,2925212,print.story Tips For Green Investing In 2009. In These Dismal Times, Is It Financially Smart To Do The Environmentally Right Thing? Here's Advice On Navigating A Sector Fraught With Risks. These days, everybody's an environmentalist. But as the New Year begins, we ask whether in this dismal market it's possible to safely invest in green companies and funds. The call to "go green" seemed to be reaching a fever pitch just a few months ago. Then-presidential candidate Barack Obama was pledging to promote industries that were environmentally minded and invest federal money in creating green technology. Americans, tired of shelling out more than $100 at the gas pump to fill their oversize vehicles, were turning to hybrids in droves. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-fi-cover4-2009jan04,0,6767746,print.story California Leads Nation In Recycling. Sacramento - This week, California Integrated Waste Management Board announced the state has reached an unprecedented 58 percent waste diversion rate - diverting 54 million tons of trash for reuse and recycling. California produces about 93 million tons of solid waste per year, which fills up our limited landfill space and emits methane gas, an extremely potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Fifty-four million tons of diverted waste is equivalent to filling more than 100 football fields to a height equal to the Empire State Building. Posted. http://www.blythecanews.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&subsectionID=1&articleID=10807 Vegawatt Plugs In Grease-Fired Restaurant Generator. In a sign that waste may be the favored "feedstock" of the New Year, a small company on Monday said it has successfully plugged a vegetable oil generator into the electricity grid at a Boston-area restaurant. The Vegawatt system, developed by Owl Power Systems, burns used-up vegetable oil from restaurant fryers to make electricity. Posted. http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10131011-54.html Tehama County Air Up To Snuff. Take a deep breath. Despite stricter federal standards this cycle for particulate matter, Tehama County has again met with approval from the Environmental Protection Agency, unlike many of the counties to the south. Fine particulate pollution is a mix of microscopic solids that each measure 2.5 micrometers across and smaller, or 1/30th the size of human hair. If unchecked, particulate pollution can lead to increased rates of heart attacks, asthma, bronchitis and cardiac arrhythmias. Posted. http://www.redbluffdailynews.com/ci_11371500 Biodiesel Company Refuels The I.E. While Keeping Things Green. For Todd Smith, vegetable oil never looked so lucrative. The founder of Extreme Biodiesel in Corona gets a kick out of turning restaurant oil waste into 6,500 gallons of biodiesel fuel every day and selling it to diesel-vehicle owners. But California's most recent environmental laws are putting dollar signs in Smith's eyes. In December, the California Air Resources Board approved sweeping rules that force diesel-truck owners to retrofit their engines with particulate matter filters. Posted. http://www2.sbsun.com/business/ci_11363526 Despite FALLING GAS PRICES, PRIUS BUYERS WOULD DO IT ALL AGAIN. Prius drivers are not suffering any buyer's remorse, despite a plunge in gasoline prices that has for the moment made the cars less economical, said some owners of the popular hybrid. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090104/BUSINESS/901040354 Language Watchdog Is Fed Up With ‘Green’. Do blogs like Green Inc. (and its predecessor, The Business of Green) have something to answer for? Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/05/language-watchdog-is-fed-up-with-green/?scp=2&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse In Obama’s Team, Two Camps on Climate. In the fall of 1997, when the Clinton administration was forming its position for the Kyoto climate treaty talks, Lawrence H. Summers argued that the United States would risk damaging the domestic economy if it set overly ambitious goals for reducing carbon emissions. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/03/washington/03enviro.html?_r=1&scp=5&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse ‘Generation E’ — Innovating, Motivating. I’ve gotten to know a heap of young people of late — people I call “Generation E” — who are working on every facet of the climate-energy challenge. Posted. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/03/generation-e-innovating-motivating/?scp=5&sq=climate%20change&st=cse Eye on the Environment: Biography of air available for all to see. Our new film, “Air — The Search for One Clean Breath,” asks a vital question: How has air evolved and what does it mean for our human experience? Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jan/04/biography-of-air-available-for-all-to-see/ Company Wants To Use Ocean Waves To Produce Electricity. A Washington state company has asked federal regulators for a permit to study the potential of producing electricity from ocean waves five to 10 miles off the Ventura coast. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jan/04/company-wants-to-use-ocean-waves-to-produce/ EPA Lists Most-Wanted Environmental Fugitives. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently launched a fugitives Web site for most-wanted environmental criminals. The agency says it hopes the site will encourage the public to help track down fugitives for crimes ranging from smuggling of ozone-depleting chemicals to illegal disposal of hazardous waste — but warns people not to try to capture the suspects themselves. Posted. http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/2009/01/02/epa-lists-most-wanted-environmental-fugitives/2828/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2009 10:55:48 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for January 6, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for January 6, 2009. Clean-Burning Technology Demonstrated At Area Landfill. Industry - With the snow-capped San Gabriel Mountains in the background, two huge cranes fired up their motors Monday and dipped their giant arms into piles of old Christmas trees high atop the Puente Hills Landfill. The function of both of the yellow giants was the same: Grip a pile of trees and drop them into another monster-sized machine called a grinder, which would eat them up and spit out the remnants. The difference was a diesel engine, and according to state officials, healthier lungs for Californians. Posted. http://www.sgvtribune.com/business/ci_11382431 http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_11382431 http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/2af6dc68d856abce852575350076277f?OpenDocument http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/01-05-2009/0004949145&EDATE= The Nation's First Cap-And-Trade System Could Expand To Cars. Eleven Eastern states support the reduction of carbon emissions from cars and trucks, indicating that the nation's first regional cap on power plant pollution could be vastly expanded to target a primary source of greenhouse gases. Every state in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative committed to a low carbon fuel standard by signing a letter of intent released yesterday. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/01/06/2 http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/01/east-coast-push.htmlhttp://www.modbee.com/breakingnews/story/553530.html http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_11373218?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_11373218?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/05/AR2009010501929.html http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/05/northeastern-states-push-toward-low-carbon-fuel-standard/?scp=1&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse CA Op-Ed: Dan Bacher | Schwarzenegger Gushes about Low Carbon Fuel Standards as He Pushes Canal. In yet another egregious display of green washing, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger commended 11 Eastern states for agreeing to a low carbon fuel standards as he plans the construction of a peripheral canal that will destroy the ecosystem of the California Delta, the largest estuary on the coast of the Americas. "I applaud these 11 Eastern states for recognizing the power of California's groundbreaking low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and oil dependency while rewarding innovation and expanding consumer choice," Schwarzenegger said on Monday, January 5. Posted. http://yubanet.com/california/Schwarzenegger-Gushes-about-Low-Carbon-Fuel-Standards-as-He-Pushes-Canal_printer.php Valley Air Cleaner Due To No-Burn Days. When they imposed stricter regulations last fall, officials of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District warned there would be more days that residents would be prohibited from using their fireplaces. That's proven to be the case, big time. Since Nov. 1, the air district has called 18 no-burn days in Stanislaus County, compared with only one in 2007-08. Merced County has had 17 and San Joaquin County 13. The season runs through February. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/story/554033.html Editorial: In California, It's The Budget And The Economy. Lawmakers have to take care of these two things before anything else. California has a long to-do list, featuring healthcare reform, repairing the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, continuing to lead the fight for a clean environment, updating transportation infrastructure and fixing the broken system of governance. But those challenges and many others have been moved to the back burner behind two matters that deserve, for now, to come first. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-budget6-2009jan06,0,6127197.story Federal, California Regulators Urged to Deny Industry Petition to Delay or Reverse California Off-Road Diesel Rule. State Officials to Review Rule Updates Later this Month. Federal and state regulators should deny an industry petition to delay or reverse a California rule to clean up off-road diesel vehicles, including construction vehicles, said a senior attorney for Environmental Defense Fund today. http://yubanet.com/california/Federal-California-Regulators-Urged-to-Deny-Industry-Petition-to-Delay-or-Reverse-California-Off-Road-Diesel-Rule.php Everything Comes Up Green. Environmental protection, especially of the climate, was high on the agenda of local governments and business groups. The state’s Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, better known as Assembly Bill 32, moved further toward aggressive goals in reduction of carbon dioxide and other “greenhouse gasses” with the passage of Assembly Bill 811 and Senate Bill 375. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090105/BUSINESSJOURNAL/901050278&Title=Some_good_news_you_may_have_forgotten&template=printart Obama’s Radical Environmental Strategy. Most successful elected leaders must disappoint their most ardent supporters at some point, as the bright hopes of an election campaign give way to the complex realities and constraints of governing, and need to occupy and retain the political center-ground to win re-election. Posted. http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2009/01/06/obamas-radical-environmental-strategy/ Litigation Looms Over CO2 Emissions Memo. Environmental activists are poised to lob a lawsuit at outgoing Bush administration officials over a memo excluding carbon dioxide from the list of pollutants to be regulated when approving new power plants. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/01/05/2 Rules With Big Impact For Climate Linger In Review. Drafts for two Environmental Protection Agency greenhouse gas rulings are past due and remain in the White House's Office of Management and Budget during the waning days of the Bush administration. The pending rules -- one creating a mandatory federal greenhouse gas registry and the other to develop a standard for determining what qualifies as a "renewable" fuel -- will be the agency's first passes at addressing several technical but thorny issues of carbon accounting. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/01/05/3 Global Warming Debate Should At Least Be Honest. When it comes to the issue of global warming, I am, admittedly a skeptic. As I've written in the past, I struggle with the notion that global warming is entirely man-made, or even if it is, that there's going to be anything we can do to change its effects. But these days, it seems that any skeptic is viewed as simply irrelevant. Posted. http://www.rocklintoday.com/news/rosevilletoday.asp?a=6942&print=yes Shade Trees Save $25 In Summertime Energy. Shade trees planted on the west and south sides of a home can save local homeowners $25 a year on summertime energy bills, according to a recent study. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2307/story/553752.html Regulators Push Energy Efficiency for TVs. Televisions consume about 4 percent of household electricity nationally, and the modern flat-panels are especially energy-intensive. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/06/regulators-push-energy-efficiency-for-tvs/?scp=2&sq=climate%20change&st=cse E-waste Recycling Event Coming Up. All Kern County residents can recycle their electronic waste from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 17 at the former Southwest Little League parking lot at Cal State Bakersfield. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/hourly_news/story/654718.html University of Redlands Gets Big Rebate For Energy Plant. A natural gas-powered co-generation plant that produces most of the University of Redlands' energy, as well as heating and cooling a third of campus buildings, earned a $739,000 rebate check that was delivered on Monday. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/sbcounty/stories/PE_News_Local_N_nredlands06.47a552a.html Clean Construction Vehicles Pass Soot Test. The demonstration was simple, if stark: on one handkerchief, black soot from the exhaust pipe of a diesel excavator; on the other … well, nothing. Posted. http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/2009/01/05/clean-construction-vehicles-pass-soot-test/2856/ Mt. Diablo School District Cuts Down On Energy Costs Through Resource Conservation. While students enjoyed their winter holiday break, the Mt. Diablo school district began installing solar power at Northgate High School in Walnut Creek to help it zap utility bills that total more than $7 million a year. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_11382682?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com Isuzu To Go With SCR For 2010. Irvine, Calif -- Add one more to the SCR bandwagon. Isuzu Commercial Truck of America announced that it intends to use selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to achieve the 2010 standards for emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) by diesel engines. Posted. http://www.todaystrucking.com/printarticle.cfm?intDocID=20964 Third-Hand Smoke is a First-Class Problem. The unpleasant residual odor of a smoked cigarette is nothing new. Ask anyone who's returned from a party with the scent of stale cigarettes in their hair and clothing. Now, a study has confirmed what many have suspected. Third-hand smoke—the contamination from particles in smoke that linger long after a cigarette has been snuffed out—is more than unpleasant. It's a health threat. Posted. http://health.msn.com/print.aspx?cp-documentid=100230394&page=0 Seattle's Foss Maritime Develops "Hybrid" Tugboats. For all of its 21st-century advancements, the shipping industry drags a lot of old technology around. Giant vessels are so sophisticated that they require only a handful of crew members. But the ships still burn a thick, dirty sludge called bunker fuel while at sea and slurp diesel to keep the lights and air conditioning running while in port. Posted. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/PrintStory.pl?document_id=2008587359&zsection_id=2003907475&slug=hybridtug04&date=20090104 China’s Power Surge Ends (for Now).The extraordinary growth in power generation in China in recent years, which quickly vaulted the emerging industrial powerhouse to the top of the global list of carbon dioxide emitters, has collapsed under the weight of the global economic implosion — at least for now. Emissions of the main human-generated greenhouse gas are surely tracking the reversal in electricity output, given that the vast majority of the country’s electricity comes from burning coal. But those data lag the power statistics. Posted. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/06/chinas-power-surge-ends-for-now/?pagemode=print ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2009 11:26:53 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for January 7, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for January 7, 2009. Recession Creates A Load Of Problems For Truckers. Cuts at firms are pushing more haulers into the ranks of independent owner-operators, spurring bidding wars for fewer jobs. In early December, trucker Joe Rini learned that his own personal recession had just gotten worse. One of his best clients called about a load of building materials that needed to travel to the Pacific Northwest, Northern California and Colorado -- normally a $4,400 job. Rini offered to do it for $3,400. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-nutruckers7-2009jan07,0,1800797,print.story Governor Schwarzenegger Announces Appointments. Ken Yeager, 56, of San Jose, has been appointed to the California Air Resources Board. He has served on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors since December 2006 and previously served on the San Jose City Council from 2001 to 2006. Since 1991, Yeager has been a faculty member of the Department of Political Science at San Jose State University, and from 1987 to 1991, he was a graduate assistant at Stanford University. Posted. http://gov.ca.gov/press-release/11360/ http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/capitolalertlatest/018352.html http://kliv.com/COUNTY-SUPERVISOR-SELECTED-FOR-STATE-BOARD/3615006 E.P.A. and Clean Air. Here’s why your Dec. 25 editorial “E.P.A.’s Doctor No” misses the mark. In 2002, President Bush asked Congress to give the Environmental Protection Agency the authority to develop a market-based strategy for controlling interstate pollution. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/07/opinion/l07epa.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse NY Adopts Clean Air Rules, Stricter Than EPA's. New York environmental regulators adopted stricter air pollution rules on Tuesday to prevent power plants and factories from belching out more smog and soot. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/breakingnews/story/554907.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_11389348?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com Utilities: Gas Emission Caps Government Issue. Utilities and energy producers in New Mexico oppose a petition that asks the state Environmental Improvement Board to set a statewide cap on greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired power plants, oil and gas production and other sources. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_11386064?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_11386064?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com Anti-Sprawl Bill Could Mean Much For Amador. Rural, urban, large or small, a bill signed into law this past September is set to have far-reaching impacts on the state of California and is being met with caution by some Amador officials. The bill in question is Senate Bill 375, legislation aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions through regional land use planning reform. Posted. http://www.ledger-dispatch.com/printer/article.asp?c=252227 The Costly Compromises of Oil From Sand. The oil that is extracted from Canadian dirt is being portrayed as saving America from energy dependence on the unstable Middle East, or an environmental catastrophe in the making — depending on the perspective. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/07/business/07oilsands.html?scp=2&sq=climate%20change&st=cse Bay Area Company Sells 150 Electric Cars In '08. Tesla Motors, the San Carlos-based electric car manufacturer, said it delivered 150 vehicles to customers in 2008.The company said the 100th customer was a buyer of some note – Sam Perry, the Silicon Valley business consultant whose face became familiar to millions nationwide when President-elect Barack Obama addressed a crowd in Chicago's Grant Park on Nov. 4 after his election. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/business/v-print/story/1521823.html New House In Folsom Rated One Of Greenest In U.S. It began as a one-of-a-kind house, a partnership between the Sacramento Municipal Utility District and a Folsom home builder, to test the newest green-building techniques. It turned into one of the greenest, most energy-efficient homes built in the United States. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/ourregion/v-print/story/1521947.html Flow Of Venture Capital For Green Tech Slows. After years of rapid growth, venture capital investments in green technology started shrinking in the fourth quarter of 2008 as the financial crisis took its toll, two new reports show. Green tech companies worldwide received a record $8.4 billion in venture capital during the year, according to figures released Tuesday by the Cleantech Group consulting firm. That's a solid 38 percent increase from $6.1 billion in 2007. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/07/BUFK154P85.DTL&type=printable ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2009 10:39:49 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for January 8th, 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for January 8th, 2009. Port of Oakland, regulators fight over clean air funds. An agreement between two public agencies to cut diesel truck pollution from the Port of Oakland has turned into a tug of war over $5 million the port wants to keep in reserve and the Bay Area's air pollution board wants to use to clean the air. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_11402138http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_11402138 http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_11402138 Governor, Democrats collide over environmental exemption for Hwy. 50 project. With the clock ticking toward insolvency, talks on fixing California's budget this week hit a bottleneck on Highway 50 in Rancho Cordova – where officials are at odds over the state's iconic and controversial environmental protection law. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/1524931.html My View: Environmental law no obstacle to prosperity. Until very recently, the conventional wisdom in the financial world was that reducing regulatory oversight was the high road to ever-accelerating economic prosperity. But this road has led us straight into a high-speed, head-on economic crash of global pr oportions. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/story/1524569.html Capitol politics through the looking glass. Democrats are holding out for environmental safeguards on transportation projects, even though their leaders sponsored a bill that eliminated similar regulations for housing projects just months ago. Posted. http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?_adctlid=v|jq2q43wvsl855o|xohjlb2nathno7&issueId=xogntdtivppltg&xid=xohfisjbf29eah Tehama County to get buses. Tehama County will take on five cleaner, more comfortable buses in May, thanks to funding from Prop. 1B. The county is piggybacking on a bid put out by the Fresno County Rural Transit Agency, Deputy Director of Public Works Barbara O Keefe said. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11405771 ECONOMY: Obama calls for doubling alt. energy production in 3 years. President-elect Barack Obama today continued touting his economic stimulus plan, saying that the U.S. recession could last for years unless Congress acts to pump unprecedented amounts of money into the U.S. economy. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/2009/01/08/15/ New power plant at Half Moon Bay landfill turns methane into energy. The Ox Mountain landfill is full of oddities. Goats graze along a fresh green hillside in the hulking shadow of a flare stack, which burns off the garbage-fed gasses that lie under the grass they're snacking on. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_11401243 Clean-burning technology demonstrated at area landfill. The demonstration on Monday brought state Air Resources Board officials and an array of city, state, local and business leaders to the landfill to watch. They touted clean-burning tractors and similar off-road vehicles and reminded their owners of new environmental regulations, which take affect as early as next year. Posted. http://www.sbsun.com/search/ci_11399163?IADID=Search-www.sbsun.com-www.sbsun.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11399163 Obama's pick for energy secretary is big on biofuels. The Joint BioEnergy Institute, which occupies the fourth floor of a high-technology office building here in a neighborhood of biotechnology companies, radiates a sleek ecological modernity: floorboards manufactured of recycled materials and laminated to look like bamboo, trendy office furniture and laboratories stocked with new equipment. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jan/08/1c08lab191953-no-headline/?uniontrib Continental flight powered with biofuel takes off. Continental Airlines on Wednesday became the first U.S. commercial carrier to conduct a demonstration flight powered in part by alternative fuels, though large-scale use of such fuel is forecast to be several years away. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2020/story/555858.html http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/01/07/financial/f125304S00.DTL&hw=carbon+emissions&sn=001&sc=1000 http://www.contracostatimes.com/travel/ci_11398988 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/07/AR2009010702664.html Venture capitalist says U.S. losing green race. Silicon Valley venture capitalist John Doerr, whose early investments helped launch Google and Amazon, delivered a stark warning to Congress on Wednesday that the United States is on the verge of being left behind in the green tech revolution. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/08/MN041558UP.DTL&hw=climate+change&sn=002&sc=869 Administration won't finalize fuel economy rules. WASHINGTON—The Bush administration said Wednesday it won't finish implementing new vehicle fuel-economy rules, leaving the issue to the incoming Obama administration. The Transportation Department said in a statement that automakers' recent financial problems will require the next administration "to conduct a thorough review of matters affecting the industry." Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_11393871 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/07/AR2009010703787.html Obama wants to cut energy use in federal buildings. WASHINGTON—President-elect Barack Obama wants to use his economic aid plan to cut energy use in federal buildings, a long-sought goal that has achieved mixed success. "If we do that effectively, then over the long term we are going to save billions of dollars in energy costs for the federal government and for taxpayers," Obama said at a news conference. A new White House official, with the title "performance officer" will help keep track of the effort. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_11398804 ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 9 Jan 2009 14:34:38 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for January 9, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for January 9, 2009. Elias: Dumping Williamson Act is pure hypocrisy. It’s fast becoming clear that all the talk about fighting global warming from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and leading Democrats in the state Legislature might be just so much hooey, happy talk to make them look good. That’s the implication of the final item in the Democrats’ lengthy list of proposed cuts aimed to help bring this year’s state budget into balance and make a start on solving next year’s likely problems, an item also among the cuts in Schwarzenegger’s newest budget blueprint. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jan/09/dumping-williamson-act-is-pure-hypocrisy/ What Will Fuel Our Next Cars? The future of the American automobile industry is uncertain, but the future for American drivers is clear: We’re going to need more fuel-efficient vehicles. “In the short term, hybrids are likely to be most popular,” says John O’Dell, editor of Green Car Advisor for Edmunds.com, a clearinghouse for information about the auto industry. “By 2015, full-fledged electric vehicles will start sharing the limelight.” Here are the most promising gas alternatives today. Posted. http://www.parade.com/news/intelligence-report/archive/what-will-fuel-our-next-cars.html AUTOS: Calif. Labeling Rule Has Slow Takeoff. San Francisco -- California's global warming labeling law that went into effect for all new cars this month is intended to give consumers more information about their purchases, but it's not clear whether they want it -- or whether they'll be getting it. In what is probably the hybrid-electric capital of the country, dealerships are professing ignorance of the labels -- even when they're complying with the law. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/01/09/5/ Cemex Shutdown Could Impact Company's Community Support. When a toilet stops up at Pacific Elementary School, administrator Noel Bock simply calls the maintenance worker. When principal Gail Levine is working alone at the nearby Bonny Doon School, a security guard drops by just to make sure she's OK. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11410458 Toxic Coal Ash Piling Up In Ponds In 32 States. Washington—Millions of tons of toxic coal ash is piling up in power plant ponds in 32 states, a practice the federal government has long recognized as a risk to human health and the environment but has left unregulated. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_11413554 Energy Panel Shake Up Signals Action On Climate. Washington—A liberal Massachusetts Democrat will take over a House subcommittee that will play a major role in drafting legislation on global warming and other environmental issues. Rep. Edward Markey, known for his tough stances on environmental issues, will replace Rep. Rick Boucher, a Virginia Democrat who has been friendly to the coal industry. Boucher had chaired the panel eight years. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_11409011 http://www.fresnobee.com/news/national-politics/story/1117519.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2009 10:34:59 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for January 12, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for January 12, 2009. Environmentalists Hope Stimulus Package Will Push ‘Green' Goals. Washington -- As Congress gets to work this week on an economic stimulus plan, environmentalists are arguing that installing more wind and solar energy, making homes and government buildings less dependent on fossil fuels and expanding mass transit would be the best way to add jobs quickly and jolt the economy. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/1533843.html http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/560536.html Air Quality Activists Sue EPA Over Ruling On California Valley's Dust, Soot Levels. Fresno, Calif. -- Air quality activists are again suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over a ruling that the San Joaquin Valley in California has met the health standard for dust and soot. A lawsuit filed Friday in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit in San Francisco seeks to overturn an October 2006 EPA finding that the Valley no longer recorded dangerous levels of the pollution, called PM-10. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/1530813.html http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090110/A_NEWS/901100328/-1/rss01 http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1119936.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11419157 Bush Admin Urges Court To Reject Calif. Emissions Waiver. In one of its final legal briefs, the Bush administration urged a federal appeals court Friday to reject California's bid to curb greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles. Justice Department attorneys defended U.S. EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson's decision last March denying California's request for a federal waiver that would allow it to enforce a landmark state global warming law. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/2009/01/12/3/ Governor Risks Green Status To Fight 'Red Tape'. Efforts to bridge California's budget abyss collapsed last week as talks hit a formidable roadblock -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's demand that long-standing environmental protections be stripped from 10 big highway projects. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090112/NEWS02/901120374 Housing Industry A Good Environment For Eco-Friendly Claims 'Greenwashing' Is Common In Real Estate. Products may have ecological virtues, but you may not be getting the full story. Reporting from Washington — If you are interested in buying an environmentally sound house or residing in a sustainable community, you need to become familiar with the term "greenwashing," which basically means proclaiming something is environmentally sound when it really isn't. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-fi-lew11-2009jan11,0,2442312,print.story Inaugural Parties' Theme Color: Green. Lots of organizations are throwing celebrations Jan. 20 to highlight their pet causes. But the environment will be cleaning up. (No Styrofoam in the House of Representatives.) Reporting from Washington — For the inauguration of a president who promised to be a friend of the environment, what would you expect but carbon-neutral inaugural balls, hybrid Lexuses, organic menus and valet bicycle parking? Political correctness will rule the day. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-na-obama-green11-2009jan11,0,7347050,print.story Editorial: California's Transit Troubles. Lawmakers are playing a tax shell game with the state budget that eliminates money for buses and rail. When democratic lawmakers presented their proposal for balancing the state budget, there was one little thing they didn't mention: It would have all but eliminated funding for public transportation -- not just next year but in perpetuity. The proposal was vetoed last week by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, but that doesn't mean it's going away. Posted http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-ed-transit12-2009jan12,0,5104949.story Obama Climate Czar Has Socialist Ties. Until last week, Carol M. Browner, President-elect Barack Obama's pick as global warming czar, was listed as one of 14 leaders of a socialist group's Commission for a Sustainable World Society, which calls for "global governance" and says rich countries must shrink their economies to address climate change. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jan/12/obama-climate-czar-has-socialist-ties/ Green Scene: Happy Green Year. MY FRIEND JOHN finds all the eco-information just too much. He understands the need and the importance, he says, but it's just everywhere, every day. Despite being a real eco-nerd, I know what John means. It can be overwhelming. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_11408013 Oil Execs See Growth In Renewable Energy. Washington—Many oil and gas company executives are predicting a significant ramp-up of renewable energy use over the next five years to run cars and trucks and generate electricity, according to a new survey. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_11432488 http://www.modbee.com/2020/story/560764.html Pacific Ethanol Suspends Production At Its Madera Plant. Back when it opened in late 2006, Pacific Ethanol Inc.'s production plant in Madera was a promising symbol of California's ethanol boom. On Friday, it was temporarily mothballed, demonstrating what's gone wrong with the ethanol business. Sacramento-based Pacific Ethanol announced it was temporarily halting production at the Madera plant, the first facility it built. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/business/v-print/story/1530881.html Clorox Takes Top Share Of Natural Cleaners Market. One year after bleach maker Clorox started selling a line of natural cleaning products, it has reached the top of the market for eco-friendly cleaners. The company plans to announce Monday that its Greenworks cleaners, made mostly with coconut oil, corn and lemon — and without bleach — have become the top-sellers among natural cleaners. Clorox now has 42 percent of the total market, estimated to generate more than $200 million in revenue per year. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/01/11/financial/f151308S12.DTL&type=printable Technology Levels Playing Field in Race to Market Electric Car. Shenzhen, China -- It would seem like a lousy time to get into the car business, especially if you're a little-known company in the developing world. No start-up has grown into a major auto maker in at least half a century. Wang Chuanfu, the founder and chairman of BYD Co., a Chinese battery and car maker, thinks he's got a shot. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123172034731572313.html Toyota Unveiling Electric Concept Car In Detroit. Detroit—Toyota Motor Corp. said Saturday it is confirming plans to have an all-electric vehicle on U.S. roads by 2012 by introducing an ultra-compact battery-powered concept car at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_11423999 48 Mpg Is Nice, But Hybrids Don't Add Up Right Now. New York—Last summer was a good time to be in the hybrid business. Gas prices climbed to new records, and Toyota couldn't make its Prius fast enough as drivers turned their heads with envy at the sight of the gas-sipper's eye-catching sloping roofline. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/financialmarkets/ci_11430220 Ford Notes Nation’s ‘Growing Interest’ in Electric Vehicles. The bags under Bill Ford’s eyes disappeared during the press scrum after he announced Ford’s plans to build electric and hybrid vehicles. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/12/ford-notes-nations-growing-interest-in-electric-vehicles/?scp=6&sq=energy&st=cse Budapest Issues 1st Smog Alert, Limits Car Traffic. Budapest, Hungary—The Budapest Mayor's Office says it has issued its first-ever smog alert and is imposing restrictions on car traffic and a ban on burning leaves. The decision Sunday came because suspended dust in the air in Hungary's capital has exceeded the limit of 100 micrograms per cubic meter for two days in a row. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_11428763 http://www.modbee.com/2020/story/560094.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2009 11:03:22 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for January 13, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for January 13, 2009. Yeager Appointed to California Air Resources Board. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has appointed Santa Clara County Supervisor Ken Yeager to the California Air Resources Board. Yeager, 56, of San Jose, has served as a county supervisor since December 2006. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11436771 Groups Sue EPA, Want Tougher Ship Discharge Rules. Traverse City, Mich.—Environmentalists sued the federal government Monday over new rules that critics say do too little to prevent cargo ships from dumping invasive species into the nation's waterways. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_11437755 Expanding Facilities Get Relief From EPA. The Environmental Protection Agency issued a new rule yesterday that will make it easier for industrial plants, refineries and paper mills to expand operations without applying for new pollution permits under the Clean Air Act. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/12/AR2009011203008.html?hpid=moreheadlines 100 Million Greenbacks For Stanford Energy Site. Stanford University will create a $100 million energy research institute that will develop cheaper solar cells, technologies that use electricity more efficiently and ways to prevent the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The new Precourt Institute for Energy will bring together Stanford researchers from various departments who already are developing better solar cells or new ways to make fuel. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/13/MNK91590D7.DTL&type=printable http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_11438459 California Rejects Superfund Listing For Rocketdyne Site. The state holds out for its own stricter cleanup standards for the former rocket engine and nuclear testing facility near Chatsworth and Simi Valley. Activists are pleased. California's top environmental cop Monday rejected an offer to list the contaminated Rocketdyne Santa Susana Field Lab near Simi Valley as a federal Superfund cleanup site, saying the state can do the job quicker and more thoroughly. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-santasusana13-2009jan13,0,983314,print.story On The Waterfront: Congress Members Lash FMC. Back in Washington with expanded majorities and powerful allies moving into the White House, California's Democratic Congress members have set their sights on the Federal Maritime Commission and its repeated interference in a clean-truck program in local ports. Posted. http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_11439907?source=rss New Prius Gets 50 Mpg -- And The Solar Roof Rumors Are True. Hyundai Genesis is North American car of the year; Fisker is on track with a high-performance hybrid. Reporting from Detroit — News and notes from the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Monday: Toyota Motor Corp. finally lifted the veil on its completely redesigned Prius. The big news: 50 miles per gallon. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-autoshow13-2009jan13,0,3935814,print.story http://www.insidebayarea.com/business/ci_11435882 Army Goes Electric With New Chrysler Vehicles. Washington—The Army on Monday received the first of 4,000 electric vehicles that it plans to lease for use on bases, a deal the military says is the largest acquisition of such vehicles in the U.S. and comes as automakers are touting electric technology. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/financialmarkets/ci_11436664 GM Unveils Battery Plan, May Need More Loans. Detroit — General Motors, a wounded company living on cash borrowed from the government, didn't behave like one Monday as it unveiled ambitious plans to research and assemble lithium-ion batteries in Michigan and picked a South Korean company to supply the cells to power the Chevrolet Volt electric car. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/technology/ci_11439004 Future Cloudy For California Solar Farm. OptiSolar Inc. lays off nearly half its staff. The company's financing woes raise concerns about its ability to build a solar farm to provide energy to Pacific Gas & Electric customers. Frozen capital markets are putting the chill on a fast-growing California solar company, a sign that the economic downturn is being felt even in the state's thriving renewable-energy sector. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-fi-optisolar13-2009jan13,0,3941555,print.story Chicoans Asked To Forgo Wood Fires. Chico — Chico residents are being asked to voluntary refrain from lighting woodstoves and fireplaces today, due to a forecast of unhealthy air for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups are the young and old, and those with respiratory or chronic health problems. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11435964 Greenpeace Buys Land To Foil London Runway Plans. London—An environmental coalition led by Greenpeace has thrown a monkey wrench into expansion plans for London's chronically congested Heathrow Airport. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/financialmarkets/ci_11441565 ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:16:18 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for January 15, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for January 15, 2009. Schwarzenegger Plans Upset Environmental Groups. Like any head of state managing a severe budget crisis, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has withstood criticism from all the usual suspects - lawmakers from both parties, anti-tax groups, advocates for the poor. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/breakingnews/story/564747.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_11459352 Coalition Agrees on Emissions Cuts. An influential group of large U.S. corporations and environmental organizations have forged a detailed blueprint for limiting greenhouse gases in the hope of shaping and pushing forward climate change legislation this year. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/14/AR2009011403850.html?hpid=moreheadlines Nominee Signals Big Changes For EPA. At the outset of Lisa P. Jackson's confirmation hearing yesterday to be Environmental Protection Agency administrator, Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) said many of his constituents fear that the incoming Obama administration will use existing laws to enact broad environmental rules. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/14/AR2009011400323.html?hpid=sec-politics http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11454159 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/15/MN7015AABA.DTL Waxman Promises Quick Action On Climate. The chairman of a key House committee says he wants to pass a climate change bill before Memorial Day. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/565055.html Overall Port Emissions Fell In 2007. Long Beach - Despite an increase in greenhouse gases, overall emissions generated by port industry declined in the year after Long Beach adopted its Green Port policy in late 2006, a new report shows. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11457430 Energy Consultant Tapped To Aid Lodi. The Lodi Unified School District on Tuesday night asked a consultant to begin installing energy conservation tools and create a master plan that could eventually save the district millions of dollars on its gas and electricity bills. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090115/A_NEWS/901150334 Report: Aborigines To Suffer From Climate Change. Aborigines in the harsh Outback will be among the Australians hardest hit by climate change, with higher rates of disease and even spiritual suffering when forced to see their ancestral lands ravaged, according to a medical journal report. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/world/story/564176.html Proposal Easing Pesticide Rules Draws Complaints. Clean-air advocates from California’s rural communities on Wednesday assailed proposed new rules by the Department of Pesticide Regulation that they said signal a retreat in the state’s efforts to reduce air pollution caused by the application of agricultural pesticides. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jan/15/proposal-easing-pesticide-rules-draws-complaints/ Spills Put Coal Ash On Obama Environmental Agenda. Washington—Coal ash spilled onto Barack Obama's agenda Wednesday when his pick to run the Environmental Protection Agency spoke of possibly regulating the waste from coal-fired power plants. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_11449716 Congress Intros Voucher Plan For Gas Guzzlers. Washington—Congress is mulling a proposal to pay people to get rid of those old gas guzzlers sitting in their driveways. Under legislation introduced Wednesday in both the House and Senate and called the "Cash for Clunkers" program, drivers could get vouchers of up to $4,500 when they turn in their old fuel-inefficient vehicles for scrapping and buy vehicles that get good gas mileage. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_11453201 ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:36:44 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for January 16, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for January 16, 2009. 'Green' Energy Plan In Obama Stimulus May Be Losing Steam. According To One Observer, 'The Planning Just Has Not Been Done.' Reporting from Washington — Barack Obama portrays his stimulus plan as a quick jolt for the ailing economy and a "down payment" on his priorities as president. But those goals appear to be colliding in at least one key area: energy independence. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-na-obama-energy-stimulus16-2009jan16,0,87322,print.story House Democrats’’ Green Stimulus Package. House Democrats today released their proposed economic recovery spending package. The $825-billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 would channel $54 billion to energy efficiency, renewables and other green projects. Those include: Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/01/green-stimulus.html Environmental Projects Taking A Hit In State Budget Crisis. Across the state, environmental projects are in limbo, scientists have been laid off and land deals are falling apart since the state froze bond funding to preserve its dwindling cash during the budget standoff. In all, state finance officials have blocked the release of $637 million since December in voter-approved bond funding for environmental and water projects, affecting more than 4,000 projects. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/valley/ci_11465278?source=rss http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/16/MNU415B8TA.DTL http://www.contracostatimes.com/green/ci_11467411 Industry, Environmentalists Gang Up On Climate. An alliance of environmental groups and big corporations concerned about global warming released a detailed plan on Thursday to slash America's greenhouse gas emissions, hoping to shape legislation that President-elect Barack Obama and Congress have promised to pursue. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/16/BUPV15BBN9.DTL&type=printable Groups Sue Over EPA Change In Farm Emissions Rule. Six environmental groups have sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Thursday over a new rule exempting dairies and other large-scale livestock operations from having to alert officials when toxic emissions are released. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/state_wire/story/565720.html Mixed Report Card On Port Of Long Beach Air Pollution. Emissions of greenhouse gases continued to rise at the Port of Long Beach in 2007 -- 7%. But some other types of pollution did drop, according to a study released by the port. Details from the Long Beach Press-Telegram: Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/01/mixed-report-ca.html Atoms In The Air. Take two snowballs, one in each hand. Let each snowball represent an atom of nitrogen. Gently press the snowballs together so they stick. The two atoms, stuck together, comprise a molecule of nitrogen. The air we breathe is made up mostly of nitrogen molecules. Nitrogen atoms really like to stick to each other, which is why it’s hard to get nitrogen to react with anything else. That’s not to say that the nitrogen and oxygen in the air never react; but to get them to do so, the nitrogen molecule must first be pried apart, to separate its atoms. Posted. http://www.theunion.com/article/20090115/FEATURES/901159921/1053/NONE&parentprofile=1053&title=Atoms%20in%20the%20air Report Calls For Ban On Coal-Waste Storage In Mines. Washington -- A day after the nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency promised to look into the problem of coal ash storage in ponds such as the one that burst in Tennessee last month, a new report says another disposal strategy is just as dangerous: using the coal waste to fill in active or abandoned mines. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/1546387.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/15/AR2009011503987.html EPA: Cemex To Pay $2M, Reduce Pollutants. Cemex Inc. has agreed to pay a $2 million penalty and reduce emissions at its Victorville cement plant by 40 percent to comply with the Clean Air Act. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/state_wire/story/565877.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2009 10:27:24 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for January 20th, 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for January 20th, 2009. In the news: California emission law likely to get waiver.OBAMA SET TO ALLOW CALIFORNIA EMISSION WAIVER: Not long after assuming the presidency, President-Elect Barack Obama is expected to grant a waiver allowing California and more than a dozen other states to enforce their own greenhouse-gas emission standards on autos. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-fi-fueleconomy19-2009jan19,0,4277302.story EPA keeps reasons for greenhouse gas decision to itself. Invoking executive privilege, the Environmental Protection Agency yesterday refused to provide lawmakers with a full explanation of why it rejected California's greenhouse gas regulations. Posted. http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20080119/news_1n19green.html Energy Inefficient. From plug-in cars to carbon capture to wind farms linked to “intelligent” power grids, many of the solutions pitched to restructure the country’s energy system and confront global warming rely on a faith in high tech: we expect, or at least hope, that an Apollo project, the energy equivalent of the dot.com revolution or some other burst of creative genius will engineer the problem away. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/19/opinion/19mon1.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=greenhouse%20gases&st=cse California budget stalemate ignites environmental debate. Along with the familiar fights over taxes and spending cuts, whether to suspend one of California's landmark environmental laws has become a stubborn sticking point in the state's historic budget standoff. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/localnewsheadlines/ci_11487703?source=rss Bulldozer Owners Say Rule Could Be Stimulus Roadblock. The Associated General Contractors of America wants Obama to put up a federal barrier to a California clean-air rule that regulates off-road diesel engines already in use. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/19/AR2009011902819.html State ag gets $11M for clean air efforts. A nearly $11 million influx of federal money will help California farmers and ranchers reduce air pollution. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/ag/story/567552.html Air permit sought for Hayward's Russell City generator. Residents are invited to weigh in this week on the possible air quality effects of the Russell City Energy Center, a 600-watt gas-fired facility proposed for the Hayward shoreline on Depot Road. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_11493273?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_11493273 Berkeley nudging residents to cut the carbon. Some cities urge residents to go on citywide exercise kicks. Others promote municipal book clubs. Berkeley wants its citizens to go on a collective low-carbon diet. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/20/BA3J15C3EC.DTL http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_11497232 http://www.modbee.com/state_wire/story/570621.html http://www.sacbee.com/state_wire/story/1558448.html http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_11497232?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.fresnobee.com/384/story/1140524.html EPA to regulate mercury from cement plants. Federal regulators have settled a lawsuit with environmental activists and nine states over standards for mercury emissions from cement plants, the plaintiffs announced Friday. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2033/story/566868.html Obama will look south to solve energy issues. Here's my bet: The Obama administration's top priority in Latin America will be signing a hemispheric energy cooperation deal that would reduce U.S. dependency on foreign oil, bolster U.S. ties with Brazil, and undermine Venezuela's petrodollar-fueled radicalism. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/national/story/570376.html Cleaner-than-thou squabbling hurts energy policy. President-elect Barack Obama's energy policy needs to address two tricky and often conflicting challenges: energy independence and greenhouse warming. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/20/ED2N15D4SK.DTL ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 21 Jan 2009 12:33:37 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for January 21, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for January 21, 2009. Funding Freeze Halts Environmental Projects. Commissions and nonprofits charged with conserving parks, wildlife, water and mountain areas of the state are at risk of laying off staff or closing since the state stopped funding last month. Reporting from Sacramento — If swimmers in Santa Monica Bay bump into trash or bacteria this summer, one culprit will be California's budget impasse. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-projects21-2009jan21,0,7802421.story Solar Industry Growth Dimming With Economy. The solar industry remains a bright spot in a down economy. But while the field continues to grow, the rate of progress may be slowing as the credit crunch and technological difficulties blunt the effect of government subsidies, industry sources say. A layoff announced last week by Hayward's OptiSolar Inc. highlighted some of the issues facing the sector. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/21/BUKD159AI7.DTL&type=printable Greener, Cheaper: ‘Make Your Own’ Movement Rising In OC. Maybe it’s the economy. Or the fact that fewer can afford a brand-new Prius. The trend, in any case, is upon us: do-it-yourself green living. Soap, candles, purses, T-shirts: each week, the green-minded gather at the Road Less Traveled store in Santa Ana for classes on fashioning a variety of common household products from environmentally friendly materials — items that might otherwise require a hunting expedition through the aisles of Wal-Mart. Posted. http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/2009/01/20/greener-cheaper-make-your-own-movement-rising-in-oc/3394/ For California, New Clout In Obama's Tech-Friendly Administration. Barbara Boxer remembers the "dark days" when California and its issues were dismissed by official Washington with disdain and hostility. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/localnews/ci_11508422 http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11508626 Meanwhile, Sarah Palin Embraces Renewable Energy. In his inaugural speech, delivered in Washington on Tuesday afternoon, Barack Obama revisited energy and environmental themes, suggesting that “each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.” Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/20/meanwhile-sarah-palin-embraces-renewable-energy/ BLM Approves Sunrise Powerlink To Run Through Federal Land. San Diego – The federal Bureau of Land Management on Tuesday approved San Diego Gas & Electric's controversial Sunrise Powerlink to run through 85 miles of land it controls. “If everything goes according to schedule, we're looking at completion sometime in 2012,” said Jennifer Briscoe, an SDG&E spokeswoman. The California Public Utilities Commission approved construction of the line last month. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jan/20/n112717184517-bn20sunrise/?metro Mothers for Peace Take On Nuclear Waste Storage. At the western edge of a largely dormant anti-nuke movement, three generations of mothers are tilting at nuclear reactors. But their mission is less quixotic than it might appear. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/state_wire/story/572122.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/21/AR2009012100484.html?sub=AR Carbon Prices Tumble as Global Downturn Bites. Fears that the global economic slowdown will hobble efforts to fund a green transformation of energy systems seem to be well founded. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/21/carbon-prices-tumble-as-global-downturn-bites/?scp=3&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse Cleantech Crowd Cheers Obama’s Speech. After being ignored in the last two inaugural speeches, the issue of climate change got plenty of attention at U.S. President Barack Obama’s inauguration Tuesday. Posted. http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/21/cleantech-crowd-cheers-obamas-inaugural-speech/?scp=3&sq=climate%20change&st=cse Meeting To Discuss Pollution At Rail Yard. California air pollution officials will host a public meeting tonight to discuss ways to reduce air pollution from Union Pacific's Colton rail yard. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/rivcounty/stories/PE_News_Local_W_railmeeting21.4cd9503.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2009 11:52:53 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for January 22, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for January 22, 2009. Permission to Regulate Gases Is Sought. Mary D. Nichols, California’s chief air pollution regulator, formally requested that Lisa P. Jackson, President Obama’s choice to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, allow California and 13 other states to start regulating emissions of heat-trapping gases from passenger vehicles by granting the necessary federal waiver. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/22/us/22brfs-PERMISSIONTO_BRF.html http://www.modbee.com/breakingnews/story/573508.html http://earth2tech.com/2009/01/21/cali-air-regulators-seek-emissions-waiver-again/ http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/2009/01/22/14/ http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/01/22/6/ EPA Approves California Standards For Refrigerated Trucks. State air pollution officials got the go-ahead from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to enforce 2004 rules that limit pollution from truck refrigeration units used to keep perishable foods cool. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/sbcounty/stories/PE_News_Local_S_diesel22.3bf6f3d.html http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=10927 http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE50K7IY20090122 http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/22/california-pushing-new-administration-for-its-own-stricter-emiss/ http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_11522229 http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_11522961 Cleaner Air, Longer Life: Study Provides Evidence. In a boon for supporters of air-quality management, new findings show that the more particulate air pollution is reduced, the more life expectancy increases. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-sci-air22-2009jan22,0,3402233.story http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/1564229.html http://www.modbee.com/state_wire/story/572842.html http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/CA_MED_Air_Pollution_Health_380877C.shtml http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jan/22/clean-air-credited-for-greater-longevity/ http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jan/22/cleaner-air-adds-5-months-to-life-span/ http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_11522227 http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_11522483 Obama Urgent on Warming, Public Cool. The latest in an annual series of polls from the Pew Research Center on people’s top priorities for their elected leaders shows that America and President Obama are completely out of sync on human-caused global warming. Posted. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/22/obamas-urgency-on-warming-meets-cool-public/?scp=4&sq=global%20warming&st=cse Seasons Change -- Earlier Than Before, Study Says. The hottest and coldest days of the year come roughly two days sooner than they did 50 years ago, according to a study published in Nature. The change coincides with the rise in global temperatures. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-na-climate22-2009jan22,0,614221,print.story http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/22/MNKM15EK25.DTL Obama Blocks Some Of Bush's Last-Minute Environmental Decisions. The new president stops plans to loosen a pair of controversial air quality regulations and to remove the gray wolf from the endangered species list. Reporting from Washington — With a short memo on Inauguration Day, President Obama blocked plans to loosen some air quality standards and to remove the gray wolf from the endangered species list. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-na-enviro-rules22-2009jan22,0,6702078,print.story UN Welcomes Green Initiative In Stimulus Packages. The United Nations says the global financial crisis may have a silver lining: prompting more governments to boost their spending on environment-friendly initiatives such as renewable energy and energy efficiency. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/world/story/573752.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_11526910 Pelosi Sees Cap-And-Trade Floor Debate This Year. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said yesterday that she wants to move major global warming legislation before December, a shift in tone from earlier comments in which the California Democrat said she was uncertain about action on a cap-and-trade bill during President Barack Obama's first year in office. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/01/22/2 Opinion: Protecting Our Most Valuable Joint Asset — Earth. Barack Obama became the 44th U.S. president in a world that is a tinderbox of ever more complex looming threats linked to unprecedented ecological challenges. This makes one of his toughest challenges also his greatest opportunity. The Earth is being altered so dramatically that it cannot sustain much of the life that has thrived for millennia. Species extinctions today are estimated to be 1,000 times the norm. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/1564745.htm Study: Antarctica Joins Rest Of Globe In Warming. Antarctica, the only place that had oddly seemed immune from climate change, is warming after all, according to a new study. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2032/story/572454.html http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/22/MN8015E0U9.DTL http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_11522228 Carbon Emissions: To Trade or Tax? As the price for carbon emission permits plummets on the European market, Green Inc. readers are debating a bedrock question of CO2 reduction policies: trade or tax? Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/22/carbon-emissions-to-trade-or-tax/?scp=3&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse Supreme Court Asked To Bypass Review Of Mercury Rule. States and environmental groups asked the U.S. Supreme Court yesterday to deny petitions seeking a review of U.S. EPA's controversial mercury rule for power plants. At issue are requests from the Bush administration's EPA and the Utility Air Regulatory Group to restore the Clean Air Mercury Rule, or CAMR, former President George W. Bush's signature mercury program for power plants. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/01/22/15 Colleges Convert Cooking Oil Into Biodiesel Fuel. Dayton, Ohio—Forgive the students at Sinclair Community College if they get the munchies when they pass the tractors that cut grass, blow leaves or sweep snow on campus: Oil that once cooked french fries and onion rings is being used to power the vehicles. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_11525681 How Green Is My Orange? How much does your morning glass of orange juice contribute to global warming? Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/22/business/22pepsi.html?scp=3&sq=climate%20change&st=cse Ports To Begin Clean-Trucks Fee On Cargo After Delays. The ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles will begin collecting a $35 per cargo container fee on Feb. 18 to help subsidize the replacement of thousands of polluting trucks, it was announced Wednesday. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11523943 All-Electric, Two-Seat ZAP Car Being Debuted. ZAP, the Santa Rosa-based maker of electric vehicles, will introduce its new roadster, the Alias, at the National Automobile Dealers Association convention, which kicks off its four-day run Saturday in New Orleans. The all-electric, two-seat, pre-production Alias is powered by a 216-volt motor capable of propelling the vehicle at freeway speeds. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/business/story/1563874.html?mi_rss=Business ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2009 10:35:16 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for January 23, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for January 23, 2009. EPA Likely To Grant Waiver To Let California Regulate Auto Emissions. Washington – With a new occupant in the White House, California could soon start enforcing its landmark 2002 law requiring a sharp reduction in vehicle emissions. State leaders and environmentalists are pressing for quick approval of a waiver that would let California and at least 13 other states impose tougher air-quality standards than allowed under federal law. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/politics/v-print/story/1566965.html http://www.modbee.com/2307/story/574691.html http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/23/EDPT15FAGA.DTL&type=printable Studies Confirm Ban On Burning On Bad-Air Days. Fifty years ago, Bay Area residents were furious when air-quality cops banned backyard burning of household trash and property owners had to haul it to a dump. Three months ago, the regional regulators had to take the same kind of heat when they banned wood-burning in stoves and fireplaces during winter bad-air days in the region's nine counties. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/23/BAOI15FEIV.DTL&type=printable Dealers Revive 'Patchwork' Argument Against Calif. Auto Waiver. In the face of a revitalized effort by California to regulate vehicle greenhouse gas emissions, auto dealers today renewed the industry's argument that state standards would create a "regulatory patchwork" that would devastate the already ailing sector. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/01/23/11 Environmental Issues Slide in Poll of Public’s Concerns. A new poll suggests that Americans, preoccupied with the economy, are less worried about rising global temperatures than they were a year ago but remain concerned with solving the nation’s energy problems. The findings are somewhat at odds with President Obama, who has put a high priority on staving off global warming and vowed Tuesday in his Inaugural Address to “roll back the specter of a warming planet.” Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/23/science/earth/23warm.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print Environment Blamed in Western Tree Deaths. Rising temperatures and the resulting drought are causing trees in the West to die at more than twice the pace they did a few decades ago, a new study has found. The combination of temperature and drought has also reduced the ability of the forests to absorb carbon dioxide, which traps heat and thus contributes to global warming, the authors of the study said, and has made forests sparser and more susceptible to fires and pests. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/23/us/23trees.html?ref=earth&pagewanted=print http://www.latimes.com/news/la-na-trees23-2009jan23,0,4761091,print.story http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/23/MNO215D7DF.DTL http://www.modbee.com/2032/story/575008.html http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090122/NEWS/901220244 http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/01/23/ap/us/d95stqcg1.txt http://www.insidebayarea.com/green/ci_11532237 http://www.contracostatimes.com/green/ci_11532237?nclick_check=1 http://www.fresnobee.com/640/story/1149509.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/23/AR2009012301428.html Japan Launches Rocket With Greenhouse-Gas Probe. The first satellite dedicated to monitoring carbon dioxide emissions was launched into space Friday from a center in Japan, where officials hope to gather information on climate change - and help the country compete in the lucrative satellite-launching business. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2020/story/574550.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/23/AR2009012300526.html Green Groups Sue State Over Air Pollution. A coalition of environmental groups filed one lawsuit against the state of Maryland yesterday, and threatened another, saying the state had not done enough to limit air pollution from two power plants. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/22/AR2009012203695.html Transportation Project May Heighten Cancer Risk In Select Areas. Residents of 8 homes in Wilmington and 1 in Carson may face 1% higher cancer risk due to a public bridge-replacement and expressway project aimed at easing traffic from ports of L.A. and Long Beach. For residents of eight modest houses on a lone block in Wilmington, a replacement bridge and truck expressway planned for construction nearby means a slightly elevated cancer risk. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-me-cancer17-2009jan17,0,2009907.story Bond Money Crunch Freezes Out Environmental Nonprofits. California's ocean of red ink is threatening its pursuit of a green future. When the state froze bond money spending last month, most of the public attention focused on roads, levees and other public works projects that were put on hold. But the freeze also devastated conservation groups in the region that were counting on bond money to build trails, plant trees, clean waterways and close land deals. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/capitolandcalifornia/story/1567093.html Solar Industry Faces Head Winds But Remains Hopeful. San Jose, Calif. -- Solar-industry executives paint a bright future for their industry, one where photovoltaic panels adorn roofs of homes and businesses and huge power plants capture the sun's rays to generate electricity. But the industry currently finds itself under cloudy skies and buffeted by threatening winds. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/1564715.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:52:21 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for January 24-26, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for January 24-26, 2009. Obama To Order Review Of State's Emissions Bid. Washington -- President Obama, in his first major environmental act since taking office, will order the Environmental Protection Agency today to move swiftly on a request by California and other states to set the nation's toughest vehicle emissions standards. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/26/MNMF15GTPU.DTL&type=printable http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-na-emissions26-2009jan26,0,615160.story?track=rss http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/25/AR2009012501687.html?wprss=rss_nation http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE50P4C020090126 http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/executive/president/2009-01-26-obama-emissions_N.htm http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gITgan4dX96UUzlSldFuJNEqBCfAD95UU8600 http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_11553616 http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/ci_11555716 http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_11555716?nclick_check=1 http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aWklAzd1WId4&refer=us http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123293646635914469.html?mod=googlenews_wsj http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2009/01/obama_signs_ord.html http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=10966 http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/01/26/obama-issue-memoranda-expected-far-reaching-effect-auto-industry/ Editorial: Obama Should Reverse Bush On California Climate Plan — Fast. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger barely waited until the presidential oath had been given (a second time) before petitioning President Barack Obama to reverse federal opposition to California's monumental effort to combat climate change. Obama, a kindred spirit on the environment, should act quickly on the state's behalf. Indications are he will. Global warming deniers in the Bush administration handed California a huge setback last year in rejecting the state's request to restrict carbon dioxide emissions by cars and trucks. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_11548827 States Try Again to Regulate GHG Emissions from Cars. California is once again seeking federal approval for its plans to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. If the Environmental Protection Agency gives California the green light, 17 other states representing almost half of the U.S. auto market are expected to follow suit. Posted. http://www.ombwatch.org/article/blogs/entry/5656/18 Obama Is Urged To Let Tougher Air Rules Stand. If President Barack Obama wants to move quickly on his pre-election pledge to combat global warming, California officials want him to know there is an off-the-shelf plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that his administration could put into action within months. Posted. http://venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jan/25/obama-is-urged-to-let-tougher-air-rules-stand/ US Officials: Clinton To Name Climate Change Envoy. Washington (AP) — U.S. officials say Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton plans to name a special envoy for climate change. Clinton has picked Todd Stern, a former White House assistant who was the chief U.S. negotiator at the Kyoto Protocol talks in her husband's administration, the officials said Monday. They spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of a planned midday State Department ceremony where Clinton will announce the appointment. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hk8-OWV0vUfPQEx0U7OvwAzDjaSgD95UT7P86 Logue Wants To Repeal Greenhouse Gas Law. Sacramento -- Assemblyman Dan Logue, R-Linda, is kicking off his time in the Legislature with a bill that is sure to incite controversy. Logue's proposal, Assembly Bill 118, would repeal AB32, signed into law in 2006, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. Posted. http://www.chicoer.com/news/ci_11553288 Other Voices: AB32 Cripples State’s Ability To Compete In Global Economy. As a new member of the California State Assembly, I have introduced my first bill to suspend AB32 — the so-called California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. In 2006, on a party-line vote, legislative Democrats passed AB32 over the objections of Republicans. Authored by then-Assembly Speaker Fabien Núñez, ostensibly to combat the effects of global warming, AB32 forces businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020. Posted. http://www.theunion.com/article/20090124/OPINION/901239932/1024&title=Other%20Voices:%20AB32%20cripples%20state%92s%20ability%20to%20compete%20in%20global%20economy%20%20%20 Obama: Oil Dependence, Climate Change Endanger Security. Washington (Reuters) - President Barack Obama said on Monday that U.S. foreign oil dependence and climate change posed urgent threats to America's national security. Obama said at the White House it would be his administration's objective to reverse U.S. dependence on foreign sources of oil. "I cannot promise a quick fix," he said during a ceremony at the White House to announce new energy and climate change initiatives. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/reutersComService_2_MOLT/idUSTRE50P4AN20090126 State Air Board Adopts New Rules For Automobile Refrigerant. The state Air Resources Board approved a new regulation Thursday to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cans of refrigerant used by car owners to recharge their air conditioning systems. The new rule requires the industry to start a deposit and recycling program for the containers. It also requires new labeling, a self-sealing valve on the cans and a manufacturer-developed consumer education program. Posted. http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/stories/2009/01/19/daily68.html?t=printable How the Clean Development Mechanism Works. The Clean Development Mechanism is designed to allow voluntary reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries to offset required reductions in industrial nations. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/world/story/576833.html http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_11550665?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com Report: Cost of Rapid CO2 Cuts "Manageable”. Rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade to curb global warming could cost less than 1 percent of world gross domestic product by 2030, a report from management consultants McKinsey & Co said Monday. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_11555442?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.modbee.com/2020/story/577728.html http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/26/co2-reduction-and-personal-produce/?scp=1&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Early Word. President Obama is about to take his first step on what to do about global warming, telling the Environmental Protection Agency to address quickly the request by California and other states that would like to impose their own limits on greenhouse gas emissions from cars. Posted. http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/26/early-word/ Analysts Warn Emissions Are Growing. Planet-warming emissions from industry are on track to grow faster than previous estimates, and delaying reduction measures beyond 2010 would risk triggering dangerous levels of climate change, according to McKinsey & Company, a leading consultancy. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/26/analysts-warn-emissions-are-growing/?hp U-T Editorial: Affordable Power. Cities, county move to forefront of solar movement. It is free. It is clean. It will be available for an estimated 5 billion years. And neither the Saudi royal family, nor the ayatollahs of Iran nor the tyrant of Venezuela own it. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jan/25/lz1ed25top201632-affordable-power/?uniontrib Southern California Utilities Eye Inland Desert As Energy Goldmine. Inland Southern California's desert backyard is ground zero in the state's efforts to cut back on polluting fossil-fuel-burning power plants and lead the nation's conversion to renewable energy. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_renewables26.3d2d943.html Old Turbines Get a Second Wind Through Remanufacturing. Wind energy technology has advanced so much in recent decades that a handful of larger, more efficient turbines can now do the same job as hundreds of smaller turbines, allowing utilities to squeeze more electricity out of the same area of land. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/26/old-turbines-get-a-second-wind-through-remanufacturing/ Toward a More Energy-Efficient Future. Re “Energy Inefficient” (editorial, Jan. 19): Yes, we must immediately improve efficiency in existing energy technologies even as we engineer new ones. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/26/opinion/l26energy.html?scp=2&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse The Car of the Future Promised for October. The car of the future is almost here. Aptera Motors has rolled out the first pre-production model of the 2e, an all-electric three-wheeled two-seater that gets the equivalent of 200 mpg and goes 100 miles on a charge. It's a significant milestone for the Southern California startup, which plans to put the first cars in driveways by Halloween and looks like a contender to win the $10 million Progressive Automotive X Prize. Posted. http://blog.wired.com/cars/2009/01/1st-pre-product.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:59:31 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for January 27, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for January 27, 2009. Obama Embraces California Vehicle Emissions Efforts. Washington — President Barack Obama declared Monday that California's pioneering vehicle emissions controls, blocked for years by the Bush administration, will help launch a national effort to tackle global warming. "We will make it clear to the world that America is ready to lead," Obama said at an elaborate East Room ceremony attended by industry leaders and advocacy groups. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_11559208 http://www.npr.org/templates/player/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=99885642&m=99885629 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99885642#email http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123298391222615751.html#printMode http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/27/MNLP15HBN8.DTL&type=printable http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/opinion/la-ed-gastax27-2009jan27,0,4870528.story http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/26/ED7815HD2I.DTL http://www.sbsun.com/search/ci_11558707?IADID=Search-www.sbsun.com-www.sbsun.com http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/27/discussing-obamas-emissions-moves/?scp=3&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/27/business/27fuel.html?scp=5&sq=climate%20change&st=cse http://www.sacbee.com/capitolandcalifornia/v-print/story/1575449.html http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/578112.html http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_11558729?source=rss http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/27/opinion/27tue1.html?scp=4&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11559208 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/27/science/earth/27carbon.html?ref=us http://www.sbsun.com/search/ci_11560028?IADID=Search-www.sbsun.com-www.sbsun.com http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/Obama_Greenhouse_Gases_Glance_381877C.shtml http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/01/27/ap-state-ca/d95v4gk80.txt http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jan/27/Na1fcepawaiver27/ http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/26/AR2009012602028.html?hpid=topnews http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_11560944 http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/v-print/story/1575706.html http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28874534/ http://www.examiner.com/x-1660-Baltimore-Renewable-Energy-Examiner~y2009m1d27-Obamas-Energy-Plan-Data-Dismisses-Doubters http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2009/0127/1232923367086.html http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j2OmbdKN71rRkfb6eecg6vqchLMQD95V5ES06 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/26/AR2009012601770.html http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/1/27/apworld/20090127134010&sec=apworld http://www.mysinchew.com/node/20546 http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=14844908 http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/01/27/obama_on_tailpipe_emission/ http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2009/0127/1232923367411.html http://newsblaze.com/story/20090127084309zzzz.nb/topstory.html http://www.pressdemocrat.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090127/BUSINESS/901270337/1036/NEWS07&Title=Going_green_also_good_for_the_economy_&template=printart Study Says Some Global Warming Now Irreversible. Even if by some miracle of environmental activism global carbon dioxide levels reverted to pre-industrial levels, it still would take 1,000 years or longer for the climate changes already triggered to be reversed, scientists said Monday. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/27/MNQP15H779.DTL&type=printable http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/01/27/1/ http://www.modbee.com/2032/story/578135.html http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_11561003 http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-sci-warming27-2009jan27,0,1653626,print.story http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/26/AR2009012602037.html?wprss=rss_nation http://reason.com/blog/printer/131286.html http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/01/27/2 Todd Stern Named Special U.S. Climate Envoy. Washington -- Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton appointed a special envoy for climate change Monday, vowing that the Obama administration will restore America's credentials and leadership in shaping environmental policy. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/27/MNSF15H6H7.DTL&type=printable L.A. Port's Clean-Truck Program Running On Empty. Funding for a $20,000 incentive for buyers of clean-fuel trucks has dried up. Some trucking firms have spent millions of dollars on greener fleets, expecting the cash. It sounded like a good deal: The Port of Los Angeles offered to pay $20,000 incentives as part of its Clean Trucks Program, launched Oct. 1 in conjunction with the neighboring Long Beach port to reduce pollution from trucking fleets serving the harbor. That sent Vic La Rosa into overdrive. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-cleantrucks27-2009jan27,0,1553590,print.story California Decision to Phase Out Dangerous Dry Cleaning Chemical Challenged. The Korean-American Cleaners Association of California (KCAC) has asked the California Air Resources Board to reconsider its decision in 2007 to phase out use of perchloroethylene (PERC; also known as PCE, perchloroethene, tetrachloroethylene, and tetrachloroethene) for dry cleaning use. Exposure to PERC generally comes from inhalation of vapors from clothes that have been dry cleaned or from working or living near a dry cleaner using PERC. Posted. http://www.livingthescience.com/content/index.php/2009012778/General-News/California-Decision-to-Phase-Out-Dangerous-Dry-Cleaning-Chemical-Challenged.html Smoking Ban Hits Home. Truly. Belmont, Calif. — During her 50 years of smoking, Edith Frederickson says, she has lit up in restaurants and bars, airplanes and trains, and indoors and out, all as part of a two-pack-a-day habit that she regrets not a bit. But as of two weeks ago, Ms. Frederickson can no longer smoke in the one place she loves the most: her home. Ms. Frederickson lives in an apartment in Belmont, Calif., a quiet Silicon Valley city that is now home to perhaps the nation’s strictest antismoking law, effectively outlawing lighting up in all apartment buildings. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/27/us/27belmont.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print After Katrina, New Orleans Is Going Green. The city known more for French Quarter trash than recycling or renewable energy is going green. Posted. http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/01/27/ap/us/d95vfhg80.txt http://www.modbee.com/breakingnews/story/578651.html Don't Tax Carbon Dioxide. How can a gas, carbon dioxide, which amounts to .039 percent (that's about one third of 1 drop in a whole gallon) be responsible for global warming, which now turns out to be global cooling? Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/letters/story/578492.html Study Pinpoints the Main Source of Asia’s Brown Cloud. South Asia has a cloud over its head — an unpleasant, unhealthy and climate-affecting soup of sooty haze that envelops the region, particularly in winter. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/27/science/earth/27obbrown.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse Long Droughts, Rising Seas Predicted Despite Future CO2 Curbs. Greenhouse gas levels currently expected by mid-century will produce devastating long-term droughts and a sea-level rise that will persist for 1,000 years regardless of how well the world curbs future emissions of carbon dioxide, an international team of scientists reported yesterday. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/26/AR2009012602037.html?hpid=topnews Melting Sea Ice May Doom Emperor Penguins, Study Finds. WASHINGTON - The world's largest penguins could be pushed to the brink of extinction by the end of this century due to the melting of Antarctic sea ice caused by global climate change, scientists said Monday. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/26/AR2009012601875.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:53:35 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for January 28, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for January 28, 2009. Newsclips for January 28, 2009 States May Get To Set Auto Emissions Standards. The Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway might be a little cleaner if the Environmental Protection Agency allows states to set standards for how much cars and trucks contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. President Barack Obama has urged the EPA to reconsider the 2007 denial of a law that would allow states to set standards for tailpipe emissions to reduce carbon dioxide, a compound believed to cause global warming. Posted. http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/184/story/385874.html Oropeza Proposes Regulating A Greenhouse Gas. Long Beach - Following President Barack Obama's directive to allow states to regulate harmful emissions, state Sen. Jenny Oropeza said Tuesday that she has introduced legislation that would reduce the use of a greenhouse gas commonly used in manufacturing. Senate Bill 104 would allow the California Air Resources Board to regulate nitrogen trifluoride, or NF3. The bill is in the state Senate's Rules Committee awaiting policy committee assignment. Posted. http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_11566506?source=rss http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_11566506 States Working To Link Regional Cap-And-Trade Programs. States on both coasts of the United States are discussing the possibility of merging two regional climate initiatives to create a sprawling program restricting greenhouse gas emissions that will affect several economic sectors, one-third of the country and most of Canada. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/01/28/ Agent Of (Climate) Change. PRESIDENT OBAMA this week made an initial break from the frustrating inaction of President Bush on curbing greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/27/AR2009012703013.html U-T Editorial: The truth on AB 32. GOP right to cite flaws that governor ignored. We strongly oppose some Republican lawmakers' apparent intention to go along with tax hikes in return for a weakening of rules adopted by the state Air Resources Board to force every last resident, business, church, charitable organization and nonprofit group to pay far higher energy bills in the name of fighting climate change. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jan/28/lz1ed28middle20037-truth-ab-32/?zIndex=43977 PD Editorial: Fresh Air. California long ago demonstrated that setting limits for auto exhaust pays dividends in cleaner air. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090128/OPINION/901270254 Editorial: Clear Road For Tailpipe Rules. President Barack Obama is not shy about breaking with the policies of his predecessor. Monday, he ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider whether California and 13 other states can mandate tough, new auto-emissions standards, tougher than the federal standards. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jan/27/clear-road-for-tailpipe-rules/ Editorial: Narrow Interests Top GOP's Agenda. If California Republicans hope to shed their reputation as the Scorched Earth Party, they won't do it by gutting environmental rules as a condition for a state budget deal. With California just days away from running out of money, Republicans are quietly insisting that Democrats and the governor weaken state rules to allow greater diesel pollution from construction equipment, more use of pesticides by farmers and more greenhouse gas emissions from development projects. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/story/1578309.html Mandate Could Force Gas Stations Out Of Business. Dozens, and potentially hundreds, of gas stations around California are choosing to shut down rather than comply with a state mandate that would require owners to purchase new equipment to reduce vapor emissions at the pump. Posted. http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_11563313 Greener Administration? EPA should rescind Bush-era rule blocking California emissions standards. California may get to regulate greenhouse gases coming from automobiles after all. President Barack Obama on Monday ordered the Environmental Protection Agency to review a Bush administration decision to block emission standards in California that are more stringent than federal standards. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090128/A_OPINION01/901280306/-1/A_OPINION06 Irreversible Global Warming? So We Should Pay Up? In fact, we found in our own pages right here coverage of the recommended item on the alleged harm allegedly inflicted by alleged global warming, which now is said allegedly to be irreversible. Posted. http://orangepunch.freedomblogging.com/2009/01/27/irreversible-global-warming-so-we-should-pay-up/6484/ Gore: Economy Should Spur Action On Global Warming. Former Vice President Al Gore is urging Congress not to be sidetracked by the current financial crisis and to take "decisive action" this year to reduce the heat-trapping gases responsible for global warming. Posted http://www.modbee.com/2028/story/579671.html http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/01/28/ap/washington/d96018po0.txt http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jo9kwJ-2ggy8RkQve8erbjZSPNaQD96018PO0 Gore: Earth In 'Grave Danger'. Former Vice President Al Gore told lawmakers Wednesday morning that the earth is in "grave danger" and that the nation must break its dependence on oil. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jan/28/gore-earth-grave-danger/ The Greenhouse Effect and the Bathtub Effect. A new paper in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, concluding that the buildup of human-generated greenhouse gases could leave a profound millenniums-long imprint on climate and sea levels, focuses on a characteristic of global warming that the public, and many policymakers, have not absorbed — at least according to John Sterman at M.I.T. Posted. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/28/the-greenhouse-effect-and-the-bathtub-effect/ Duraflame Sues Over Fireplace Restrictions. The maker of popular manufactured logs filed a lawsuit in Contra Costa Superior Court over new fireplace restrictions. Duraflame Inc., based in Stockton, said its logs burn cleaner than wood and should not have been subject to new regulations passed to reduce soot in the Bay Area. In a news release, a Duraflame spokesman said the Bay Area Air Quality Management District ignored information showing its logs burn cleaner than wood, "leaving us little choice than to correct the deficiencies in this rule through the courts." Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_11566941?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com http://www.insidebayarea.com/green/ci_11566941 Silicon Valley Clean-Tech Companies Expect To Benefit From Stimulus Bill. As President Barack Obama and Congress hammer out an economic stimulus package expected to be in the $825 billion range, Silicon Valley clean-tech leaders are heartened by an energy agenda that starts with an emphasis on "smart grid" technologies that encourage energy conservation. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/technology/ci_11568850?nclick_check=1 Offshore Drilling on the Table. Washington -- Interior Secretary Ken Salazar indicated Tuesday that the Obama administration could be open to expanded offshore drilling and is considering doing away with a controversial program that allows oil companies to pay in kind for oil and natural gas taken from public lands. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123310787211022585.html#printMode Wilmington Crowd Protests Proposed Truck Expressway. Freeway foes who fear cancer risk from the project question data used to support the plan as a regional benefit. More than 100 people gathered at Banning's Landing Community Center in Wilmington on Tuesday night to express their concerns about a proposed truck expressway that will increase cancer risks in a neighborhood that for years has felt overwhelmed by massive port expansion projects. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-me-wilmington-cancer28-2009jan28,0,3467761,print.story ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:13:55 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for January 29, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for January 29, 2009. Opinion: California's EPA Waiver. With a push from Obama, the state's effort to regulate greenhouse gases may finally bear fruit. Fran Pavley was one week into her term in the California Assembly in 2001 when she took up the cause of two environmental organizations -- the Bluewater Network and the Sierra Club -- and pioneered a landmark law to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from the tailpipes of cars and trucks. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/opinion/la-oe-lewis29-2009jan29,0,2582519.story North Coast On Track To Meet AB32 Levels Long Before 2020. California’s north coast, long cherished for its majestic redwoods, rivers and sweeping coastline, is becoming known for something else: It is expected to cut its greenhouse gases to 1990 levels long before the deadline – still 11 years away - imposed by California’s law to reduce carbon emissions, AB 32. In fact, it may already have done so. Posted. http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?xid=xq9pcwy4ovlw0l What About the Environment? Cap and Trade and Selling Out. Shortly after the Inauguration, President Obama and his new EPA head Carol Browner received a thank-you letter from over 325 conservation-oriented organizations, and within it were flowing words of praise for candidate Obama’s pledge of support for a doomed-to-fail cap and trade carbon economy and associated spending to “safeguard wildlife and natural resources from the impacts of global warming”. Posted. http://www.counterpunch.org/vickrey01292009.html Pushing Detroit Onto A Greener Road. U.S. automakers reliably resist regulation, to their detriment. I was listening the other day to a couple of American automobile executives complain to the president of the United States about emission regulations and all their other burdens -- high wages, government safety mandates, unfair foreign competition. You know the list. They said this stuff was killing the industry. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-hiltzik29-2009jan29,0,7499793.column Maureen Gorsen: Capitol Weekly Interview. As head of the Department of Toxic Substances Control, Maureen Gorsen has a key role in implementing Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Green Chemistry Initiative. This effort, begun in 2007 and written into law with two pieces of legislation in September, will seek to categorize thousands of chemicals used in products, weeding out the harmful ones for safer alternatives. http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?_adctlid=v%7Cjq2q43wvsl855o%7Cxq9va3zavpd739&issueId=xq9ncu7stlxrke&xid=xq9ozmqtlalv51 Gore Testifies That U.S. Must Act Quickly To Reduce Carbon Emissions. Washington -- New scientific studies - including one released this week - add urgency to the need to reduce carbon emissions, but the United States can do it in a way that strengthens American economic prosperity and national security, former Vice President Al Gore told a Senate committee Wednesday. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/1581279.html Obama's Green Plan Must Include Native Americans. To accomplish the green energy goals he talked about in his inaugural address, President Obama must work with Native Americans. "Each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet," the president said, vowing that "we will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories." Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/1579356.html Adaptation: 'Very Little' Adaptation Occurring In The U.S. – Report. The United States is failing to prepare for the impending effects of climate change, leaving the nation vulnerable to disease, storms and other rising risks, according to a report by Yale University. Key government agencies, corporations and cities are moving too slowly, or not all, to adapt their policies to address new threats that could endanger people and degrade infrastructure, even after being warned for years of rising temperatures, the report says. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/01/29/3/ A Capitol Affair. State leaders are holed up in Sacramento, frantically trying to finalize a budget. But what are they really up to? Green groups are reporting from Sacramento that Republican legislators are taking advantage of the budget crisis to repeal environmental laws, including some that cost the state nothing. Posted.http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/green/detail?&entry_id=35152 Study Says Truckers Exposed To Higher Pollution Risk. Odds of dying from heart disease are nearly 50 percent higher among truck drivers than the general U.S. population, according to a new Harvard University study that suggests diesel exhaust is mostly likely to blame. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2307/story/581039.html Financial Incentives Mean Home Solar Is Hot. While many in this troubled economy worry about making investments, Doris Dobkins didn't think twice about sticking her money on her roof. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2307/story/581084.html Solar Panel Installations In California Through The Roof In '08. Homeowners and businesses had a record 158 megawatts of photovoltaic panels put on despite the recession. Despite a credit freeze that's stunting renewable-energy projects throughout the country, 2008 was a hot year for solar power in California. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-solar29-2009jan29,0,4937153,print.story Santa Rosa Startup To Roll Out Environment-Friendly Concrete. A Santa Rosa startup has developed a new recipe that could reshape the way builders use one of the world's most common construction materials -- concrete. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090129/NEWS/901290373 Energy: 'Green Bubble' Bursts, Yet Local Solar Firms Buck Recession. Tight credit and reduced incentives in some countries may be hampering companies that sell solar panels in the worldwide market, but an expanded tax credit for power systems is helping several North County solar businesses weather the storm, their managers and owners say. Posted. http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/01/28/business/z4862e0130ec598d588257544006cea54.txt Clean Air Act: Feds Finally Get Out Of State's Way. California led the way for years on vehicle emissions and mileage standards, setting goals that both Detroit and international automakers sometimes moaned about - but were always somehow able to reach. Those regulations aimed at significantly clearing our air not only did just that, they saved thousands of lives, and continue to do so. Posted. http://www.dailynews.com/opinions/ci_11575673 Selected Recent California Newspaper Editorials. President Barack Obama is not shy about breaking with the policies of his predecessor. Monday, he ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider whether California and 13 other states can mandate tough, new auto-emissions standards, tougher than the federal standards. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11574699 Senators Receptive As Gore Pushes For Climate Change Legislation This Year. Washington — For Al Gore and Congress, two years and a presidential election make a big difference when it comes to tackling global warming. The bottom line: less theatrics, more substance and, well, a warmer reception. Even Republican senators seemed prepared to accept the aggressive course of action Gore proposed. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11575954 ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:22:11 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for January 30, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for January 30, 2009. Editorial: Narrow Interests Top GOP's Agenda. If California Republicans hope to shed their reputation as the Scorched Earth Party, they won't do it by gutting environmental rules as a condition for a state budget deal. With California just days away from running out of money, Republicans are quietly insisting that Democrats and the governor weaken state rules to allow greater diesel pollution from construction equipment, more use of pesticides by farmers and more greenhouse gas emissions from development projects. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/v-print/story/1578309.html Clearing The Air On California Emissions. New York -- There was controversy earlier this week when President Obama decided to review California's request to tighten emissions standards - a move that may force a crippled auto industry to build cars that get better gas mileage. Posted. http://money.cnn.com/2009/01/29/news/economy/obama_fuel_efficiency/?postversion=2009012917 Obama Puts Greenhouse Gases On The Front Burner. During his first week in office, President Barack Obama announced two moves aimed at improving fuel economy and lowering tailpipe emissions. This could be a big break for consumers, especially if gasoline prices bounce back up in the next couple of years. Posted. http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2009/01/president-barack-obama-orders-review-of-fuel-economy-and-car-emissions.html Obama's Pledge Empowers Green Comms. San Francisco: Clean tech companies are mobilizing their communications to take advantage of President Barack Obama's pledged investment in solar, wind, and biofuels. According to an analysis by the Center for American Progress, the more than $800 billion recovery package passed by the House of Representatives January 28 included $71 billion for clean energy programs, an additional $20 billion for clean energy tax incentives, and could create 459,000 jobs by late 2010. Posted. http://www.prweekus.com/Obamas-pledge-empowers-green-comms/article/126608/ Our View: Don't Use Crisis To Gut Smog Rules. If California Republicans hope to shed their reputation as the Scorched Earth Party, they won't do it by gutting environmental rules as a condition for a state budget deal. With California just days away from running out of money, Republicans are quietly insisting that Democrats and the governor weaken state rules to allow greater diesel pollution from construction equipment, more use of pesticides by farmers and more greenhouse gas emissions from development projects. Posted. http://www.mercedsunstar.com/181/story/664753.html Automakers, Calif. Regulators Meet On Emissions. Four automakers have met with environmentalists and the California Air Resources Board to see whether the parties can agree on nationwide standards for carbon dioxide emissions. Posted. http://www.autonews.com/article/20090129/ANA02/901299960/1186&refsect= http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/2009/01/30/11/ Space Detectives Delve Into Mystery Of Missing Carbon. Washington -- For years, scientists have been trying to solve what they call the "Mystery of the Missing Sinks." No, they're not talking about misplaced kitchenware. These "sinks" are the world's forests, pastures, crops and soil, which soak up the excess carbon - in the form of carbon dioxide - that's a major driver of global warming. Even golf courses and suburban lawns serve as carbon sinks. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/1584273.html California's Air Chief Is Now The Accidental Car Czar. One of the wrinkles in the automakers' federal bailout was that many in Congress and the American public didn't seem to trust the automakers to handle taxpayers' money all that well. In the wake of a very confusing $700 billion bailout of the financial industry, people clamored for someone to watch over the dispersal of federal funds -- a "car czar." Posted. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/29/californias-air-chief-is_n_162285.html Al Gore and Venus Envy. Testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday with yet another one of his infamous slide shows, Gore observed that the carbon dioxide (CO2) in Venus’ atmosphere supercharges the second-planet-from-the-sun’s greenhouse effect, resulting in surface temperatures of about 870 degrees Fahrenheit. Posted. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,485064,00.html Poverty, Climate Change … and Recession. Policies aimed at curbing climate change and those designed to alleviate the suffering of the world’s poorest are becoming increasingly linked. Poverty campaigners are concerned by climate issues because global warming and rising seas are likely to disrupt agriculture and displace people in areas where poverty already is widespread. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/29/poverty-climate-change-and-recession/ Rising Acidity Threatens Oceans. The oceans have long buffered the effects of climate change by absorbing a substantial portion of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. But this benefit has a catch: as the gas dissolves, it makes seawater more acidic. Now an international panel of marine scientists says this acidity is accelerating so fast it threatens the survival of coral reefs, shellfish and the marine food web generally. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/31/science/earth/31ocean.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print Disneyland Resort Implements Programs to Reduce Emissions. Anaheim, Calif., As part of its ongoing commitment to the environment, Disneyland Resort announced two innovative environmental initiatives to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The Resort has begun using compressed natural gas to fuel its guest trams and recycled cooking oil to power its Disneyland Railroad steam trains and Mark Twain riverboat. Posted. http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/01-30-2009/0004963472&EDATE= Cooling The Planet, And Saving Money Too. In their new online book, Berkeley environmental scientist John Harte and his wife, Mel, assert that solving global warming is critical, but it doesn't have to be painful. John Harte has seen the future, a hothouse world marked by destructive summer heat waves, melting glaciers, reduced water for farms and cities, and vanishing species. Posted. http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1631290/cooling_the_planet_and_saving_money_too/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 2 Feb 2009 12:02:45 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for February 2, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for February 2, 2009. Many Of Nation's Green Leaders From Bay Area. A Bay Area jeansmaker clothed miners in the dusty Sierra Nevada gold fields, creating what would become a fashion staple around the globe. Nearly a century later, two Stanford graduates birthed the high-tech age in a Palo Alto garage. Today, Bay Area entrepreneurs, scientists and policymakers hope to join the vanguard of another revolution - one that aims to reinvent the way people use water, power their cars, build their houses and live their lives. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/01/MNPB15EL62.DTL&type=printable Carmakers Fear Emission Plan Could Ruin Recovery. Sacramento – When President Barack Obama moved to increase gas mileage and curb tailpipe emissions last week, the leaders of the battle against global warming rejoiced. But his directives could steer automakers and the buying public down a bumpy road. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/feb/02/1n2waiver001822-automakers-wheels-rolling-emission/?uniontrib Good Call On EPA Rules: It's Up To Automakers Now. President Barack Obama, in a quick reversal of Bush administration policy, sent a much-needed signal last week that the polluting ways of the U.S. automobile industry cannot continue and that the nation can look to California for leadership. Posted. http://www.thereporter.com/opinion/ci_11608773 Rich Lowry: Auto Bailout vs. New Emissions Rules: A Self-Defeating Strategy. Washington can't decide whether to save or to smother the American auto industry. A few months ago, GM and Chrysler got a federal lifeline in the form of $17.4 billion in loans, on the grounds that their health is essential to the economy. Now comes news that the Obama administration is acting quickly to approve a waiver for California to impose costly new restrictions on carbon dioxide emissions from cars. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/v-print/story/1588164.html Spotlight Shines On Warming Laws' Author. The dirty little secret behind California's landmark legislation to fight global warming is that a little-known state lawmaker was the brains behind much of it. Sen. Fran Pavley, D-Agoura Hills (Los Angeles County), wrote two of the most significant California laws limiting greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/01/BAHR15KGBL.DTL&type=printable Clean the Air With Higher Gas Prices. Dear President Obama: You promised you would back California's rebellion against the Environmental Protection Agency, allowing federal consideration of that state's waiver application and that of its 13 confederates to make and enforce their own regulations controlling vehicle tailpipe emissions. You've kept your word. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/29/AR2009012903487_pf.html ‘No Holds Barred’ in California Climate Negotiations? Lisa Jackson, the new administrator of the federal Environmental Protection Agency, told a New York audience Friday that a recession was no excuse for cutting back on environmental protections. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/30/no-holds-barred-in-california-climate-negotiations/?scp=3&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse State Regulators Want To Ban Tvs That Guzzle Energy. Visit any electronics store and it's clear that flat-screen TVs are among their best sellers. Many large TVs are energy hogs, however, and California regulators want to get the biggest offenders off store shelves. The California Energy Commission is expected to adopt rules this summer requiring retailers by 2011 to sell only TVs that meet guidelines of the federal Energy Star program, which is generally voluntary. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/california/ci_11592568?source=rss Arguments Begin Today In Suit Over AQMD Pollution Credits. The case against South Coast Air Quality Management District alleges that the air-pollution control agency issued invalid emission credits to businesses and public facilities. A federal district judge will hear arguments today over whether an air-pollution control agency issued invalid emission credits to businesses and public facilities in one of California's most polluted regions. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-me-airpollution2-2009feb02,0,2289390,print.story Obama Aides Set To Tour Washington Auto Show. Carmaker group touts opportunity to show new technologies as industry regulations considered. Washington -- Several top officials in the Obama administration will tour the Washington Auto Show this week, getting a firsthand look at the auto industry's newest offerings at a time when they are considering significant auto regulations. Posted. http://www.hedgeco.net/news/news_land.php?i=http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090202/POLITICS/902020326/1408/LOCAL Viewpoint: Pushing Detroit Onto A Greener Road. I was listening the other day to a couple of American automobile executives complain to the president of the United States about emission regulations and all their other burdens - high wages, government safety mandates, unfair foreign competition. You know the list. Posted. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.viewpoint02feb02,0,520099,print.story Climate Change May Be Stoking Stronger Winds, Altered Oceans. Walnut Creek, Calif. -- The specter of an ocean floor littered with dead shellfish, rock fish, sea stars and other marine life off the Oregon coast spurred Mark Snyder, a climate change expert, to investigate whether California's coast faced a similar calamity. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/1591708.html Obama Urged Not To Backburner Climate Change. Don't put off action on global warming just because times are lean - that's the message Al Gore, world environmental leaders and U.S. executives sent Friday to President Barack Obama. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/world/story/582587.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013000818.html The Next Step on Warming. It seemed that every chance he got, President Bush ignored or flat out refused to address the problem of climate change. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/31/opinion/31sat2.html Green Business: Businesses join PG&E’s ‘Climate-Neutral’ Program. M.A. Silva Corks USA joined a number of North Bay businesses that are opting to pay extra on their utility bills to “zero out” the greenhouse-gas emissions attributed to their operations. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090202/BUSINESSJOURNAL/902010259 China Blames Pollution For Surge In Birth Defects. The government's acknowledgment of the problem is a victory for environmentalists, who say the rate of defects is highest in coal-producing regions. Reporting from Beijing — Chinese officials told the state media that birth defects are increasing at an alarming rate and that a major reason was degradation of the environment. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-fg-china-birth-defects2-2009feb02,0,1579819,print.story Another Group Sues To Stop Development Of University. Placer County's plan to lure a major private university to 1,157 acres west of Roseville has been challenged by another lawsuit that claims the proposal violates California environmental law. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2307/story/561890.html Stimulus Bill Would Boost NW Grid, Wind Energy. The economic stimulus bill working its way through Congress includes $3.25 billion in additional borrowing authority for the Bonneville Power Administration, which says it will use the money to expand the Northwest's power grid. Posted. http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/Stimulus_BPA_383001C.shtml http://www.insidebayarea.com/green/ci_11606438 http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_11606438?nclick_check=1 Speed It Up: MTA Aid For Cyclists In Slow Lane. In a city clogged with traffic and plagued with air pollution, we should celebrate people who choose to commute by bicycle. And, if at all possible, we should make their trip a little easier. After all, that's one less car to clog up the 405. So Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials ought to be commended for adding new bike lockers at subway stations and taking out some seats on trains to make space for bicyclists during rush hours. Posted. http://www.dailynews.com/ci_11605750 DWP Solar Plan Was Rushed To Ballot Despite Months-Earlier Talks. The utility's chief discussed a $3-billion energy proposal in February 2008, documents show, but later told council members that he couldn't provide a financial analysis before it was OKd for the ball. Three months ago, Los Angeles' plan for a $3-billion solar energy installation seemed like it had come out of nowhere, with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and seven City Council members saying they needed to act quickly to get it on the March 3 ballot. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-me-solar2-2009feb02,0,7160951,print.story THE GREEN REPORT: Vacaville Company Offers On-Site Asphalt Recycling For Patching. Vacaville – A new company has brought the potential cost and resource savings of pavement recycling to the small-scale realm of asphalt patching. Instead of paying for asphalt ripped up during underground utility work to be hauled to a landfill or recycler and paying for new material to be hauled from sometimes distant hot-mix plants, Go Green Asphalt of Vacaville offers to tote its mobile recycler to the job site. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090202/BUSINESSJOURNAL/902010257&Title=Vacaville_company_offers_on_site_asphalt_recycling_for_patching&template=printart Unilever Blocking Deforestation For Palm Oil. London - The word came last spring at a climate change conference here. Unilever, the world's largest buyer of palm oil, would publicly call for a moratorium on deforestation by Indonesian growers of the coveted oil used in food, soaps, detergents, cosmetics and biofuel. The expansion of oil palm plantations is slowly destroying Kalimantan, the Indonesian side of Borneo and the habitat of the endangered Bornean orangutan, environmental activists say. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/01/MN1314RC34.DTL&type=printable ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 3 Feb 2009 11:28:25 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for February 3, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for February 3, 2009. Diesel Deadline Comes At A Bad Time. As a federal economic stimulus plan takes shape in Congress, California stands to be the biggest winner. Depending on who is counting and setting aside Republican grumblings, some are estimating California could reap as much as $63 billion from the plan. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/opinion/editorials/story/679142.html STATES: Calif. Gives Plug-In Tinkerers A Break On Emissions Regs. The California Air Resources Board backed away from air pollution requirements for plug-in hybrids last week that would have hurt makers of conversion kits intended to improve the mileage of conventional hybrids. CARB wanted to come up with a way to enforce existing emissions standards for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) as well as after-market converter kits, but decided to wait when it heard from small start-ups that the cost of testing could put them out of business. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/02/03/3 US Lawmaker Vows Climate Change Draft In 2009. Washington (AFP) — The US Senate may take up legislation crafting a "cap-and-trade" system for fighting climate change in as little as three weeks but surely by the end of the year, a key lawmaker promised Tuesday. Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer, who chairs the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, said she would take the time necessary to build maximum support among her colleagues for swift and comprehensive action. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gdz_ZMoabf-0k2QdAjdBjfGJNoTA County Hopes For 1,000 Electric Cars. An ambitious plan to bring 1,000 electric-powered vehicles to the county starting next year could get rolling as early as this summer if the many moving components mesh. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090202/BUSINESSJOURNAL/902010253. Carmakers To Show Off Electric Strategies. But some question goal for 1 million plug-ins by 2015. Washington -- Automakers will showcase at the Washington Auto Show this week their commitment to quickly bringing electric hybrid and all-electric vehicles to market as early as next year, and they're working with communities and energy companies to help foster that adoption. Ford Motor Co. will announce today it has named Johnson Controls-Saft as its battery supplier for its 2012 plug-in electric hybrid vehicle. Posted. http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090203/AUTO04/902030329/1148 http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hUoOYtm3QApWWB4TAQyGVYEDZyCAD963T1EG2 Study Finds Firms Moving Slowly On Greening. Companies are not moving fast enough to reduce their environmental impacts and create green products, even though many are trying harder than they were two or three years ago, according to a report released Monday. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/03/BUGN15KG1R.DTL&type=printable Gavin Newsom Continues To Push Renewable Energy. Solar power - the lean years: People aren't really investing in solar energy right now. Something to do with the economy tanking, perhaps? Not that Mayor Gavin Newsom is going to let something like a global financial crisis get in the way of one of his pet projects. On Monday, the mayor's office announced a new program to offer residential and commercial loans for solar and other renewable energy projects. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/03/BA7215M1E7.DTL&type=printable Bay Area Brims With Fun Places To Learn Science. This is the "Year of Science 2009," and from the moment in his inaugural address when he promised to restore science to its rightful ranking in the nation's priorities, President Obama showed his deep understanding of the crucial role that science and technology play in our lives. It augurs well for the Bay Area, where scientists and engineers have long led the world in research, discovery and solid achievement. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/03/BAI415C1H9.DTL&type=printable 'Free Cooling' With Fresh Air Makes Mcclellan Park Data Center Greener. A data center under construction at McClellan Park has won the nation's highest green-building rating for its groundbreaking, energy-saving, low-carbon-emitting "air-side economizers." Engineers call it "free cooling" technology. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/v-print/story/1593883.html American Business Not Green Enough, Report Says. American businesses are talking the green talk, but they aren't walking the green walk enough, the author of a report said Monday. In the "State of Green Business 2009," the executive editor of GreenBiz.com, part of Oakland-based Greener World Media, said he was "a little disappointed" that more progress wasn't being made. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11611886 Three Agencies Make Call On Allowing Burn Days. To burn or not to burn - who makes the call? Steve Cannon, an upcountry forester and president of the Amador Resource Conservation District, recently penned a guest commentary in the Ledger Dispatch on what he sees as a shrinking number of days when burning of yard, orchard or brush clearing debris is allowed. Research into the matter has determined that three entities are involved in the decision to declare burn days: the California Air Resources Board, the Amador Air District and CAL FIRE. Posted. http://www.ledger-dispatch.com/printer/article.asp?c=253295 New Tug Cuts Pollution. Late last month, Foss Maritime unveiled the world’s first hybrid tug at the Port of Long Beach. The Carolyn Dorothy is the first of a planned series of Green Dolphins — a Ford Prius-like reincarnation of the company’s Dolphin-class tugboats. The assist vessel is designed to operate most of the time from an onboard array of batteries, with the two larger diesel engines kicking on only when the vessel needs full power. Company officials say that most of the time, the carbon-fuel engines won’t be in use. Posted. http://www.pacificshipper.com/news/printable.asp?sid=33293 The CO2 Solution: Forests. To the Editor: Re “Emissions Cut Won’t Bring Quick Relief, Scientists Say” (news article, Jan. 27). Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/03/opinion/lweb03forests.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse A Carbon Keeper: Crop Waste Sunk to the Ocean Deep. A leading idea to fight global climate change is to permanently remove some of the carbon dioxide building up in the atmosphere. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/03/science/earth/03obcrops.html?scp=3&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Who Are These People Regulating Our Air? They approved the limits on fireplace burning. They vote on regulations for smokestacks, flares and farms. And they’ll soon consider a rule aimed at reducing the driving done by employees of large companies. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/hourly_news/story/667866.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2009 11:41:21 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for February 4, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for February 4, 2009. Democrats Pen Principles for Climate-Change Bills. Senate Panel Sets Goal of Creating Cap-and-Trade System. Democrats on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee yesterday unveiled a set of principles that will guide their efforts to craft legislation aimed at slowing global warming, firing an opening salvo in what is likely to be one of the year's central legislative debates. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/03/AR2009020303458_pf.html White House Looks For Car-Czar Ideas. Officials seek info as decision draws closer. Washington -- The Obama administration has spoken with members of Congress about ideas for a car czar to oversee the restructuring of the U.S. auto industry, which pressed the administration Tuesday for one set of regulations on emissions and fuel economy. Posted. http://www.freep.com/article/20090204/BUSINESS03/902040350 EPA May Seek New Comment On California Waiver This Week. Washington (Reuters) - The head of the Environmental Protection Agency said on Tuesday she hopes to reopen the public comment period this week on California's request for authority to cut tailpipe emissions. "I think very soon. ... I'm hoping that it will be in the next few days," EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson told Reuters when asked if notice would be published this week in the Federal Register of regulations. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE51266F20090204 Climate: Calif. Prepared To Enforce Tailpipe Rule This Year, Top Regulator Says. California would begin regulating automobiles' greenhouse gas emissions in the current model year if U.S. EPA grants a waiver allowing it to enforce the rule, the state's top environmental regulator said yesterday. Mary Nichols, the chairwoman of the California Air Resources Board, said carmakers would be forced to meet 2009 model year averages of 323 grams of carbon dioxide emissions per mile for passenger cars and 439 grams per mile for large trucks and sport utility vehicles. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/02/04/3 How Green Can California's Cars Go? US President Barack Obama gave California's environmentalists cause to celebrate when he took a step closer to backing the state's plans for strict vehicle emissions standards. The BBC's Rajesh Mirchandani looks at whether the technology required is feasible and if drivers would pay for it. Driving is a way of life in California: the state has more cars than any other. Posted. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7868016.stm Boxer Pushes Clean Energy Bill As Another Kind Of Stimulus. Washington -- Sen. Barbara Boxer on Tuesday announced that the Environment and Public Works Committee would draft a new climate bill that would help consumers avoid higher prices and create new jobs in clean energy, but also suggested it's unlikely Congress will pass climate legislation this year. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/1596527.html http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/1596697.html http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2009/Feb09/020209/020309-02.htm http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/587291.html http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/03/barbara-boxer-promises-cap-and-trade-system/ California Farms, Vineyards In Peril From Warming, U.S. Energy Secretary Warns. 'We're looking at a scenario where there's no more agriculture in California,' Steven Chu says. He sees education as a means to combat threat. Reporting from Washington — California's farms and vineyards could vanish by the end of the century, and its major cities could be in jeopardy, if Americans do not act to slow the advance of global warming, Secretary of Energy Steven Chu said Tuesday. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-warming4-2009feb04,0,985521,print.story http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/2009/02/04/21/ Denver Drivers Let Up On Gas And Cut Emissions. Denver — Brittany Lyons and her mother, Sherie Lyons, do their bit to cut pollution by carpooling – and this past year they went even further. The two participated in a first-of-its-kind experiment to gauge whether motorists can reduce emissions simply by adjusting their driving styles. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/feb/04/driving-style-pollution-020409/?zIndex=47696 http://www.modbee.com/breakingnews/story/587776.html Dark Days for Green Energy. Wind and solar power have been growing at a blistering pace in recent years, and that growth seemed likely to accelerate under the green-minded Obama administration. But because of the credit crisis and the broader economic downturn, the opposite is happening: installation of wind and solar power is plummeting. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/04/business/04windsolar.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print He's Back: Schwarzenegger to visit Germany. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's environmental efforts have caught the eye of the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/world/story/587829.html http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_11624930?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.fresnobee.com/worldnews/story/1175505.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/04/AR2009020401074.html Dutra Asphalt Plant Approved. Despite overwhelming opposition from Petaluma residents, Sonoma County supervisors Tuesday tentatively approved plans by Dutra Materials to construct an asphalt production plant across the Petaluma River from Shollenberger Park. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090204/NEWS/902040406?Title=Asphalt_plant_OK_d http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090204/COMMUNITY/902049997?Title=Asphalt_vote_disappointing A Tough Week for Coal. The coal industry — which suffers from an image problem to begin with — has had a particularly rough few day. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/04/a-tough-week-for-coal/ For Clean Energy: Layoffs and Plummeting Demand. Wind and solar power have been growing at a blistering pace in recent years, and that growth seemed likely to accelerate under the green-minded Obama administration. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/04/for-clean-energy-layoffs-and-plummeting-demand/ Commentary: 'Cow Tax' Or Hot Air: It's Time To Focus On A Solution. You may have seen recent news headlines reading things like "Cow tax uproar underscores greenhouse-gas divide," or "Plan for tax on cows stinks, US farmers say. Posted. http://www.cfbf.com/agalert/AgAlertStory.cfm?ID=1230&ck=4122CB13C7A474C1976C9706AE36521D Even Left-Wingers Now Laughing At Global-Warming Talk. So-called “global warming” has shrunk from problem to punch line. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/feb/03/even-left-wingers-now-laughing-at-global-warming/ Officials Will Be Pulling Over Trucks Today On 57 Freeway. Officers from several local, county and federal agencies will be setting up shop on the 57 freeway this morning, on the lookout for a variety of violations caused by drivers of commercial vehicles. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/officers-commercial-brea-2298770-vehicles-smyser ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 5 Feb 2009 11:35:52 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for February 5, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for February 5, 2009. Cap-and-Trade Helps California. Stephen Moore's ideological opposition to cap-and-trade was on full display in "California's 'Green Jobs' Experiment Isn't Going Well" (Jan. 31). Cap-and-trade will be used for a minority portion of our plan to arrest greenhouse gas emissions, and where it is employed it will generate emissions reductions at the lowest possible cost. Other tools producing far greater emissions reductions in the aggregate include performance standards, smart land use, and desperately needed competition in our transportation fuel sector. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123381050690451313.html#printMode Report Finds Shortage Of Qualified Work Force In Climate Change Industry. Everywhere you look in the United States, industries are downsizing, sending the national rate of unemployment soaring to 7.2 percent. The climate change sector, however, is growing. In a new report released yesterday, almost 84 percent of climate change professionals polled in a survey that looked at climate change work force needs said there is a shortage of qualified workers to do necessary jobs, such as measuring greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/02/05/6/ Oakland Port Truck Pollution Burdens Public Health, Study Says. Air pollution from diesel trucks visiting the Port of Oakland places an economic burden on the Bay Area by increasing the risk of people getting sick; missing work, school and other activities; and even dying prematurely, according to a report commissioned by a coalition of labor and environmental groups. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_11629867?source=rss Environmental Protections Held Hostage in Budget Negotiations. A small group of anti-environmental lawmakers in Sacramento are demanding the repeal of California's most important health and environmental protections in exchange for their votes on a state budget. These rollbacks may cause hundreds of air pollution-related premature deaths and set California back years from reaching our goal to reduce the pollution that causes global warming. But they would do nothing to solve California’s budget problems. Posted. http://www.californiaprogressreport.com/2009/02/environmental_p.html Obama Administration Sounds Climate Alarm. In his first days in office, President Obama’s energy secretary, Californian Steven Chu, had dire warnings for the impacts of global warming on California agriculture. The comments made by Chu during his interview with the Los Angeles Times are an early indication of how the Obama administration will wrestle with the issue of global climate change, and the stark differences between the current president and his predecessor, George W. Bush. Posted. http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?xid=xqv6f7ty6vxga7 Obama Ordering Energy-Efficient Standards. Eager to show action on the energy front, President Barack Obama is ordering his government to put in place higher efficiency standards for everyday products such as dishwashers, lamps and microwave ovens. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/894/story/682939.html http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/589071.html http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/02/05/ap/washington/d965c2fg0.txt "Green Growth" Puts Climate Spend In Focus. London (Reuters) - The United States, Europe and other nations will spend about $100 billion on projects to fight climate change under economic stimulus plans, raising questions about how much support the industry needs. Spending money through a recession to boost jobs is well established, but the long term value-for-money of current support for clean energy is questioned. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE5144Z120090205 First Trip for Clinton Aims at China, Climate. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s first day at the State Department. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has settled on China as an important stop on her first trip abroad in her new job and aides told me that climate and energy will be high on the agenda. (Japan will be the first stop on the Asian trip, which is planned for later this month.) The visit to China meshes with early signals sent recently by President Obama’s nascent energy and climate team about the importance of working with the industrializing giant on these entwined issues. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/04/first-trip-for-clinton-aims-at-china-climate/ 1st Deep Sea Observatory Looks At Climate Change. Aboard Research Vessel Point Lobos, Off the California Coast (AP)—A crane on a ship deck hoisted a 502-pound video camera and plopped it into the ocean for a 3,000-foot descent to the world of neon-glowing jellyfish, bug-eyed red rock cod and other still unknown slithery critters. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_11627171 http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/Deep_Sea_Observatory_383514C.shtml http://www.modbee.com/state_wire/story/588336.html Salazar Cancels Bush-Era Energy Leases In Utah. The Interior secretary voids the December sale of 77 environmentally sensitive parcels to oil and gas companies. Reporting from Washington and Denver — The Obama administration Wednesday canceled 77 leases its predecessor sold to oil and gas companies that wanted to explore beneath the red rock country of Utah, the first of several expected steps to reverse the Bush administration's Western legacy. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-na-oil-leases5-2009feb05,0,181835,print.story http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/05/MN0K15NDTG.DTL http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/1599656.html UC Irvine Students Win $25,000 “Crazy Green Idea” Contest. Two UC Irvine students who proposed construction of the “ultra capacitor” — a battery-like device for storing energy — were declared the winners Thursday of the $25,000 “Crazy Green Idea” contest sponsored by the X Prize Foundation. Kyle Good and Bryan Le, both 19 and both second-year students at UC Irvine, submitted one of 133 Youtube videos explaining an idea, and learned last week that their concept was one of three finalists. Posted. http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/2009/02/05/uc-irvine-students-win-25000-crazy-green-idea-contest/4142/ How Toxic Is Your Commute? New Pollution Study Seeks Answers. The air pollution you breathe inside your car can be 10 times higher than what’s outside, one reason a team of researchers plans to map pollution exposure over thousands of miles of commuter routes in Southern California. UC Irvine epidemiologists Ralph Delfino and Jun Wu have received $500,000 in funding from the state Air Resources Board for the study, which will set up pollution measuring equipment inside a variety of vehicles. Posted. http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/2009/02/04/how-toxic-is-your-commute-new-pollution-study-seeks-answers/4116/ San Francisco, D.C. Will Be First Markets For Volt. The Chevrolet Volt, General Motors' new plug-in electric car, will hit the market first in Washington, D.C., and San Francisco, the company announced. The cars should begin arriving in both areas late in 2010, GM North America Vice President Ed Peper said Tuesday at the Washington Auto Show. The company is looking for policies and infrastructure to support the vehicles, including carpool lane access for Volt drivers and electric charging stations at workplaces. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/2009/02/05/16/ Asthma Bill Targets Idling Buses. Idling school bus engines and their diesel exhaust are the targets of a new bill introduced Wednesday in the state Senate. The legislation comes on the heels of a report released the same day by the Senate's Select Committee on Public Health and the Environment that examines increasing asthma cases in California, along with policy options to reduce the triggers of asthma in outdoor air, homes and schools. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11632115 Gasoline Production Drops Sharply In California. California’s refineries that produce gasoline meeting the standards of the California Air Resources Board produced 5,636,000 barrels of the fuel during the week ended Jan. 30, the California Energy Commission says. That’s 10 percent less than the week before and 6.3 percent less than a year earlier. Distillation of diesel fuel increased from the week before by 0.4 percent to 1,650,000 barrels. That was 17 percent less than in the same week in 2008, the commission says. Posted. http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=11067 6 Surprising Sources of Air Pollution In Your Home. Indoor air pollution often makes the air inside homes more unhealthy to breathe than air outdoors. Also see 25 Indoor Air Quality Tips from the American Lung Association.The most widely quoted statistic about air quality is this: the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that indoor air can be two- to five-times more polluted than the air outdoors. Posted. http://www.thedailygreen.com/print-this/environmental-news/latest/indoor-air-pollution-47020404# Natural Resources Canada: California Air Resources Board and Government of Canada Join EcoCAR as Sponsors. New Diamond Sponsors to Drive Mission to Train a Next Generation of Engineers in Clean Vehicle Technology Solutions. Washington, District Of Columbia - EcoCAR: The NeXt Challenge announced that the California Air Resources Board (ARB) and the Government of Canada have signed-on as Diamond Sponsors for the EcoCAR Challenge. The new sponsors enable EcoCAR to strengthen its public and private partnerships in support of the next generation of engineers competing to improve fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29017881/ Startup Gives Boost To Electric Cars: 'Vending Machines For Electricity' Richard Lowenthal used to worry about the electric-auto industry's chicken-and-egg question: Which will come first, the chargers or the cars? But now that Coulomb Technologies has installed four of its ChargePoint Network electric-car charging stations in downtown San Jose and just landed $3.75 million in first-round venture funding, Lowenthal doesn't have time to worry. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_11629599?source=rss S.F. To Convert Gookiest Cooking Grease To Fuel. San Francisco will become the first city in the country to convert large batches of "brown grease" - the smelly, mucky mess left over from foods cooked in oil - into biodiesel and other fuels under a program set to start by the end of the year. The $1.2 million pilot program, which is being funded by state and federal grants, will go toward building a grease recycling plant near the city's Oceanside treatment plant. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/05/BA5D15NJD0.DTL&type=printable Sweden Changes Course On Nuclear Power. The Swedish government agreed Thursday to scrap a three-decade ban on building new nuclear reactors, saying it needs to avoid producing more greenhouse gases. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/world/story/589099.html http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/06/world/europe/06sweden.html?ref=world Campaign to Stop Coal Plant Pollution. The Justice Department said it was starting a campaign to “stop illegal pollution” from coal-fired power plant. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/05/science/earth/05brfs-001.html Duraflame Sues Over Air District Regulations. Leading fire log manufacturer Duraflame Inc. is suing the Bay Area Air Quality Management District over regulations that restrict winter burning of the Stockton company's products and require new package labeling. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090204/A_BIZ/902050303/-1/A_NEWS05 The Debate Over ‘Clean Coal’. There has been a media campaign in the past year espousing the misnomer that there is such a thing as “clean coal.” Posted. http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2009-02-05/article/32154?headline=The-Debate-Over-Clean-Coal- Producers Want More Ethanol In Gas. Despite being pinched by the economic downturn, ethanol producers are expanding so rapidly that they are pressing the government to overturn its 25-year-old rule that limits to 10 percent the amount of the corn-based additive that can be put into a tank of gasoline. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/04/ethanol-industry-wants-10-per-gallon-of-gas-limit-/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 9 Feb 2009 13:55:10 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for February 9, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for February 9, 2009. EPA Sets Fuel Efficiency Hearing. If OK'd, California's Standards Would Go Into Effect Immediately. Washington -- The Environmental Protection Agency plans to move quickly to consider a request by California and 13 states to impose a 30 percent reduction in tailpipe emissions by 2016 -- a measure that would require automakers to dramatically boost the efficiency of light trucks and passenger cars. The EPA has set a public hearing on the issue on March 5 and will take public comments through April 6. Posted. http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090209/AUTO01/902090325 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/02/06/state/n083251S30.DTL http://www.modbee.com/state_wire/story/590700.html http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/CA_Greenhouse_Gases_California_384030C.shtml http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_11644461?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com Environmental Views, Past and Present. In his first weeks in office, President Obama has dismantled many environmental policies set by the Bush administration. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/07/science/earth/07enviro.html?scp=4&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse New 'Green' Ratings Slip Car Buyers’ Notice. Cleanest Cars. North County — Environmentally conscious car buyers can now factor in the amount of greenhouse gases that a vehicle emits before signing on the dotted line. The California Air Resources board requires all vehicles built after Jan. 1 to carry a sticker listing the vehicle's “global warming score” and “smog score” on a scale of 1 to 10. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/feb/08/1mc8greenlaw205738-new-green-ratings-slip-car-buye/?zIndex=49781 Editorial: Clearing The Air With China. A summit and partnership on global warming could allow the U.S. and Beijing to get past the blame game. As President Obama pursues green infrastructure projects and other programs aimed at fighting climate change, he is eventually going to have to confront an unpleasant truth: None of it will matter unless the developing world, particularly China, does the same. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/opinion/la-ed-china9-2009feb09,0,4568130.story Editorial: The Bay Area As An Ecosystem. When it comes to development and preservation, Bay Area communities tend to be myopic and provincial. Some crave growth, others abhor it - and, as often as not, their local desires do not necessarily reflect the best interest of the region, which is to guide growth into areas where it has the least detrimental effect on natural resources and makes the best use of existing job centers and transportation systems. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/08/EDRC15MML7.DTL Johnson Memo Looms As Obama Tackles Overhaul Of Air Policies. The Obama administration appears ready to reverse a Bush-era EPA memorandum the provides reasons for not regulating greenhouse gas emissions from new power plants, according to environmentalists who challenged the policy. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/2009/02/09/2/ Pew Calls For U.S.-China Cooperation On Climate. International experts will call today on President Obama and Chinese leaders to launch a high-level bilateral council on climate change. The proposed U.S.-China Partnership on Energy and Climate Change would convene senior government officials to discuss ways to control greenhouse gas emissions and a range of other related issues, from technology to finance. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/02/09/2/ 2 Federal Agencies Settle Global Warming Lawsuit. The federal government on Friday settled a lawsuit that accused two U.S. agencies of financing energy projects overseas without considering their impacts on global warming. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2020/story/590744.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/06/AR2009020601915.html U.S. Financing Groups Pledge Change On Climate Policies. The government's major financing agencies for overseas development projects reversed direction Friday, committing to scrutinize fossil-fuel facilities for their effect on global warming and pledging to help build renewable energy plants abroad. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-na-climate7-2009feb07,0,3161999.story The Promise And Peril Of The 'Clean-Energy Economy'. Reporting from Washington -- President Obama's plans to lead America out of recession rest in part on a task bigger than a moon shot and the Manhattan Project put together. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-na-clean-energy9-2009feb09,0,6542292.story Report: US, China Must Cooperate On Climate Change. Cooperation between China and the United States is crucial to successfully addressing the climate change problem, said a report released Friday that was co-produced by the U.S. energy secretary prior to his nomination. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_11643380?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/06/AR2009020600133.html Belfast Environment Chief Bans Climate Change Ads. Northern Ireland's environment minister announced Monday he has banned the local broadcast of British government ads on climate change and denounced their energy-saving message as "insidious propaganda." Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/09/AR2009020900864.html Black Carbon an Easy Target for Climate Change. Could the silver bullet for climate change be black? The particulate matter called black carbon—a type of soot from burning fossil fuels, biofuels, and biomass—is now estimated to be the second most potent greenhouse warming agent after carbon dioxide. As a result, reduction of black carbon has gained momentum as one of the fastest means to significantly impact global warming. Posted. http://www.policyinnovations.org/ideas/innovations/data/000084/:pf_printable? Obama Seeks Tougher Controls On Mercury Emissions. The Obama administration signaled Friday that it will seek more stringent controls on mercury pollution from the nation's power plants, abandoning a Bush administration approach that the industry supported. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2028/story/590782.html http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/07/us/politics/07mercury.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/06/AR2009020602077.html Obama Pushes For Energy Standards. Eager to show action on the energy front, President Barack Obama ordered his government on Thursday to establish higher efficiency standards for everyday household appliances such as dishwashers, lamps and microwave ovens. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090206/NEWS/902060411 Calif. Gets Refrigeration Check OK. The Environmental Protection Agency has granted California a waiver to allow it to begin enforcement of in-use performance standards for transport refrigeration units July 17. On Jan. 9, the EPA granted the California Air Resources Board a waiver from preemption that affects an estimated 40,000 TEU engines operating in the state. Posted. http://www.etrucker.com/apps/news/article.asp?id=75972 CARB Fines Limo-Maker For Not Meeting Emissions Standards. Trucks aren’t the only vehicles being aggressively pursued by the California Air Resources Board. CARB fined LA Custom Coach $10,000 for modifying California-certified vehicles by transforming them into stretch limos. According to CARB, the modifications voided the original manufacturers’ emissions certifications and rendered the vehicles illegal for sale or use in California. Posted. http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2009/Feb09/020209/020609-06.htm CSUS To Tap Sun For Energy Needs. The rays streaming into the California State University, Stanislaus, quad will be used for more than just sunbathing this fall. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/local/story/593309.html Woodstove Change-Out Program Opens. Low-income residents in valley portions of Kern County can receive between $750 and $1,500 toward the purchase of a new, efficient gas, pellet or woodstove by surrendering their old equipment. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/hourly_news/story/684885.html Valley Air District Fires Up Wood Stove Program. San Joaquin Valley air pollution cops hope to stoke renewed interest in an annual program that gives wood burners a discount to replace their dirty wood stoves or upgrade their fireplaces. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090206/A_NEWS/902060317/-1/A_NEWS14 Letter: Wood Burning A Heated Issue. First, I would like to say that I have lived in Chico for 38 years. Agricultural burning in 1971 was the standard. All of the particulate pollution, as well as pesticides sprayed on the crops went into the air. Posted. http://www.chicoer.com/opinion/ci_11661051 Smoke-Free Effort Is Homing In On Apartments, Condominiums. Airplanes were among the first places to go cigarette-free in the 1980s, when public health advocates convinced regulators that passengers should not be forced to breathe someone else's smoke. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/feb/09/1n9smoke221857-smoke-free-effort-homing-apartments/?uniontrib Both Sides Sound Off On Proposed Coal Plant In Ely. Environmentalists say a water-sucking, carbon-emitting, coal-fired power plant shouldn't be built anywhere in the world, let alone Nevada's high desert, but union workers say they desperately need the 2,500 construction jobs the $5 billion project would create. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/state_wire/story/591116.html Shade Trees Are Good, But There’s More To It Than That. A recent study shows that shade trees on the west and south sides of a house in California can reduce a homeowner's summertime electric bill by about $25 a year. Posted. http://www.sbsun.com/search/ci_11645936?IADID=Search-www.sbsun.com-www.sbsun.com http://www.dailynews.com/search/ci_11645936?IADID=Search-www.dailynews.com-www.dailynews.com Earth Talk: The Scoop On 'Green' Cars And Toilet Paper. Dear Earth Talk: I've heard that most of the big car rental companies have gone "green" lately. What's the story? Posted. http://www.sbsun.com/search/ci_11645978?IADID=Search-www.sbsun.com-www.sbsun.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/green/ci_11636871?nclick_check=1 http://www.dailynews.com/search/ci_11645978?IADID=Search-www.dailynews.com-www.dailynews.com Farmers Relax (a Little) After Cow Tax Scare. Last year, rumors that the Environmental Protection Agency was considering a tax on methane in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused angst in the farming community. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/06/farmers-relax-a-little-after-cow-tax-scare/?scp=5&sq=greenhouse%20gases&st=cse Florez To Advocate For Desert Solar Plant. State Sen. Dean Florez is turning his anti-sludge fight into one to get a solar power plant built in the desert. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/hourly_news/story/684815.html Light Pollution Threatens To Dim The Starlight. Where other places greet the night by lighting up their streets and tourist attractions, this one goes the other way - low-energy sodium lamps that are shielded from above, and household lights that must face down, not up. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/08/MNC715LM9A.DTL Expansion In Works For Mine With Troubled Environmental Past. A San Bernardino County open-pit mine with a troubled environmental history is poised to expand under new owners hoping to capitalize on the nation's push for green energy. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_molycorp09.44b8a72.html# ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 10 Feb 2009 11:17:09 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for February 10, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for February 10, 2009. Opinion: Environmental Rules Are Good, Moral To Protect God's Creation. The negotiations to resolve California's $41 billion budget deficit are giving opponents of environmental regulations the chance to attack. Republican legislative leaders are seizing on economic uncertainty to demand a rollback of key environmental protections in exchange for budget votes. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_11666703 Transportation Visionary Dan Sperling Guest on 'Daily Show' Wednesday. Jon Stewart of Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" is scheduled to interview UC Davis transportation expert Dan Sperling on Wednesday, Feb. 11, about Sperling's new book, "Two Billion Cars." Posted. http://www.news.ucdavis.edu/search/printable_news.lasso?id=9007&table=news EPA Stalls Bush NSR 'Aggregation' Rule. U.S. EPA has stalled a last-minute Bush administration air pollution rule aimed at changing when power plants and other facilities are required to install new pollution controls under the Clean Air Act's New Source Review (NSR) program. The agency announced today that it is reconsidering the Bush administration's revision to the NSR program's "aggregation" policy. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/02/10/4 Pressure Rises For Restoring Scientists' Role In EPA Reviews. The Obama administration is facing pressure to revoke a Bush-era maneuver that elevated political appointees over scientific advisers in reviewing and revising air pollution standards. At issue is the review for National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) that the Clean Air Act requires every five years to determine whether pollution limits provide sufficient protection for public health and welfare. The review covers ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxides, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter and lead. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/02/10/5 Renewable Standard Could Frustrate Climate Efforts, Critics Say. Setting a national standard for renewable electricity use could be at odds with carbon reduction legislation, critics told the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today. At issue is a draft measure circulated by the committee's chairman, Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), to set a "renewable electricity standard" that would steadily increase the amount of power generated from renewable sources. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/02/10/12 U.N. Chief Wants Obama at Climate-Change Summit. United Nations, -- U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has appealed to President Obama to attend a hastily planned summit here in late March to promote international efforts to stem the pace of climate change, according to senior U.N. officials and delegates. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/09/AR2009020902475.html Republicans Seek GAO Inquiry On Developing Countries' Emissions. Two senior House Republicans asked the Government Accountability Office today to study the quality of data that governments submit to the United Nations estimating their annual releases of greenhouse gas emissions. Reps. Joe Barton of Texas and Greg Walden of Oregon are both critics of a Democrat-led effort to pass legislation this year limiting U.S. heat-trapping emissions, as well as U.N.-led negotiations on a treaty to succeed the Kyoto Protocol. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/02/10/17 European Cities Sign Climate Change Agreement. Brussels—Mayors from more than 350 cities across Europe signed an EU climate change agreement Tuesday pledging to cut carbon dioxide emissions by more than 20 percent by 2020. The pact covers urban areas across 23 EU countries and includes cities like London, Paris and Madrid. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_11671010 Study: Warming Climate To Hurt Calif Bird Species. San Francisco -- Since 1967, birder and teacher Gene Cardiff has trekked with students to California's mountains and deserts to catch a glimpse of the white-headed woodpecker, or other rare sights. But Cardiff, an ornithologist who lives near San Bernardino, said the state's drought conditions over the past few years have devastated bird food sources in his area's forests and deserts, leading to fewer birds to watch. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/state_wire/v-print/story/1612407.html http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/10/MNV115Q96P.DTL http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/02/10/ap/politics/d968nkrg0.txt http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/10/bird-behavior-tied-to-warming/ http://www.modbee.com/state_wire/story/594377.html http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/CA_Birds_Global_Warming_Calif_384657C.shtml http://www.ocregister.com/articles/range-species-california-2304045-bird-scientists http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11667912 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/10/AR2009021000281.html Climate Change Could Be Linked To Stronger Winds, Altered Oceans. The specter of an ocean floor littered with dead shellfish, rock fish, sea stars and other marine life off the Oregon coast spurred Mark Snyder, a climate change expert, to investigate whether California's coast faced a similar calamity. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090209/NEWS/902090370 Green Industry A Field With A Future. Green jobs, we're told, will save America.President Obama wants to create millions of jobs for people installing solar panels, brewing up biofuels or making homes more energy efficient. Those jobs, he hopes, will help lift the country out of recession and fight global warming at the same time. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/10/BU2G15ISFQ.DTL&type=printable Edison Ready To Pay Almost Double Amount Riverside Paid For Power From Landfill. Southern California Edison, under pressure to meet state renewable-energy mandates, is preparing to pay nearly double the price Riverside's electric utility had been paying for power from a Riverside County landfill. A methane gas burner at the Badlands Landfill just east of Moreno Valley puts out about one megawatt of electricity -- enough for about 650 homes, according to an Edison estimate. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_powerbid10.3956ade.html# L.A. Unified Launches Solar Energy Program. The school district announces a $350-million goal of putting enough solar panels on schools and other district buildings to generate 50 megawatts of electricity by 2012 and lower its electricity bill. When the writer's strike left him idle last year, Jeremy Kromberg decided to give up on the film industry, where he had worked in postproduction, and slide in on the ground floor of the next big thing. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-me-green10-2009feb10,0,5080998,print.story Obama Champions Efficiency in Stimulus. At his first news conference since assuming the presidency, Barack Obama aggressively defended the stimulus bill now moving through Congress. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/10/obama-champions-efficiency-in-stimulus/?scp=2&sq=climate%20change&st=cse Could Energy Success Backfire in the End? One aim of this blog is to explore efforts to expand the menu of cheap, non-polluting, renewable energy options. Posted. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/10/could-energy-success-backfire/?scp=2&sq=greenhouse%20gases&st=cse Electric Car Returns Energy To The Grid. Willett Kempton drives an uncommon car. The body is a Toyota Scion. The innards have been stripped of their "greasy parts," and replaced by massive batteries and other electrical components. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/feb/10/bc-auto-electricph-8212-business-1200-words-car/ Biofuels Study Sees 90 Billion Gallons By 2030. Sioux Falls, S.D.—The U.S. could produce enough ethanol to displace nearly a third of all gasoline use by 2030, but gas would have to cost more than it does today for the plan to work, according to a study released Tuesday by Sandia National Laboratories and General Motors Corp. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/financialmarkets/ci_11670946 Google Unveils Software To Cut Household Energy Waste. Hoping to reduce household energy waste, Google today will unveil free software to provide consumers with real-time data on electricity use. Currently, consumers get a utility bill once a month that says how much power they've used and how much it costs. Michael Terrell, an energy program manager with Google.org, hopes real-time information about household energy consumption will lead to the so-called Prius Effect. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/technology/ci_11666399 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/10/technology/companies/10grid.html?ref=business ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2009 11:12:06 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for February 11, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for February 11, 2009. Citizens, Government Should Go Green For A Stronger Economy. President Obama's stimulus package is a solid down payment toward creating a cleaner, stronger economy. The government has a major role to play, but we can't succeed in building a new economic future unless America's citizens also step up in a major way. The Obama administration seeks to quadruple investment in energy efficiency and aims to double our capacity to generate electricity from renewable sources. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/1616119.html EPA Reconsiders Bush Rule On Air Pollution Permits. The Obama administration is delaying a rule issued in the final days of President George W. Bush's presidency that would have let some industrial facilities avoid having to install pollution controls when they expand. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/595028.html http://www.bakersfield.com/894/story/687568.html http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_11671878?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.fresnobee.com/news/national-politics/story/1190219.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/10/AR2009021002071.html Opinion: Response To Drought Is Dry Run For A Response To Climate Change. California's unfolding drought - now three years running - may prove to be the worst in recorded history. Farms have begun to fail, communities to crumble, food prices to rise and more people are going hungry. How we respond to the drought will offer us a template of how to respond to global climate change. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/10/EDKB15RJ1M.DTL Your Letters: Climate Change. Stop laughing Re: Deroy Murdock’s Feb. 3 commentary, “Even left-wingers now laughing at global-warming talk”: Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/feb/11/ob9climate11/ Everything Causes Global Warming And Vice Versa. Not only does everything cause global warming (including your breathing and global cooling) and not only is everything evidence of global warming (including no temperature increase and global cooling) but now we learn that global warming causes nearly everything. If this doesn’t elevate global warming to godly status, what will? Posted. http://orangepunch.freedomblogging.com/2009/02/10/everything-causes-global-warming-and-vice-versa/6966/ O'Malley Again Pushes Climate Change Legislation. The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act of 2009 got a full-court press in Annapolis today on the lawn of the governor's mansion. Posted. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/annapolis/2009/02/_the_greenhouse_gas_reduction.html LOS ANGELES TIMES: Clearing The Air With China. As President Obama pursues green infrastructure projects and other programs aimed at fighting climate change, he is eventually going to have to confront an unpleasant truth: None of it will matter unless the developing world, particularly China, does the same. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090211/OPINION/902100226 Plan Would Turn Marin's Food Waste Into Energy. Yesterday's garbage could become tomorrow's electricity in a new plan under consideration by the Central Marin Sanitation Agency. "The whole idea is to divert that food waste from the landfill and turn it into renewable energy," said San Rafael Mayor Al Boro. "We think there could be great benefits to the community with respect to the reduction of greenhouse gases and the production of renewable energy." Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/green/ci_11671199 Oakland: Study Says Diesel Pollution Costs Local Economy $153m A Year. Several activist groups said today that a new study indicates that the total estimated cost of health impacts of air pollution from diesel trucks visiting the Port of Oakland is $153 million a year. Posted. http://cbs5.com/localwire/22.0.html?type=bcn&item=AIR-POLLUTION-STUDY-bagm- The Link Between Air Pollution And Your Allergies . When allergies strike, there are all the usual suspects: something you ate, something you touched or something in bloom. Now there's something else to consider: air pollution. Posted. http://www.sbsun.com/search/ci_11671883?IADID=Search-www.sbsun.com-www.sbsun.com Oakland's Brightsource Energy Signs 'World's Largest' Solar Deal With Southern California Utility. Oakland's BrightSource Energy, which already has a deal to build a huge solar power plant in the desert for Pacific Gas & Electric, announced an even larger project this morning after Southern California Edison said it would buy 1,300 megawatts from BrightSource. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/greenenergy/ci_11679524?nclick_check=1 http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune Climate Change Suspected In Loss Of Salamanders. Salamanders, those lowly amphibians that Bay Area folks can find in their moist backyards, are disappearing from a volcano in Guatemala and the mountains of Mexico - possibly another victim of climate change, UC Berkeley researchers say. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/11/MNHB15RC6G.DTL&type=printable Gary Bogue: Will Swallows Stop Coming Back To Capistrano? I assume you read the wild birds story that ran in your newspaper Tuesday? A new Audubon California study finds that the state will lose significant numbers of its native birds as climate change quickly shrinks the range and habitat of more than 100 species. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/bay-area-living/ci_11675238 GM Leader Says He'll Meet Stringent Fuel Standards. General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner said Tuesday the automaker is committed to meeting tighter fuel efficiency requirements as he met with House and Senate leaders who could play a role in developing global warming legislation. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/594882.html EcoChef: Sweet Story Behind Alternative Sugars. And in addition to air pollution, the WWF study found that growing sugar cane wastes water, uses lots of chemicals and is often done at the expense of wildlife habitats. In addition, sugar cane mills cause air pollution. The report concluded that "the production of sugarcane has probably caused a greater loss of biodiversity on the planet than any other single crop." Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/food-and-wine/ci_11671516 http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_11671516?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com A Solar Deal to Put Mirrors in the Mojave. Just last July, Southern California Edison, California’s biggest utility, announced what was then the largest planned array of solar panels in the world, but today it outdid itself by announcing what it bills as “the world’s largest solar deal.” Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/11/a-solar-deal-to-put-mirrors-in-the-mojave/?scp=4&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 13 Feb 2009 10:33:36 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for February 13, 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for February 13, 2009. UN climate chief praises new US administration. The U.N. climate chief praised President Barack Obama's pledge to tackle global warming and expressed hope Friday that the U.S. policy shift would boost chances for a new international agreement on cutting emissions of greenhouse gases. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/wire/sns-ap-as-japan-climate-change,1,5499609.story http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/02/13/international/i070151S17.DTL&type=politics http://www.mercurynews.com/nationworld/ci_11697309 http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/feb/13/japan-climate-change-021309/?zIndex=52553 http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_11697309 http://www.modbee.com/24hour/world/story/598524.html Pika could be a candidate for endangered listing as a result of global warming. The tiny pika, a relative of the rabbit, is at home in cold climates and is particularly adapted to high-altitude mountain ranges like the Sierra. But with mountain temperatures rising as a result of global warming, the little creatures (who weigh about a third of a pound) may soon find themselves on the endangered species list. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2009/02/pika-could-be-a.html http://www.sacbee.com/827/story/1620953.html http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/12/BANI15TAQ6.DTL PG&E offering money for anti-greenhouse gas projects. As part of its ClimateSmart program, Pacific Gas and Electric is seeking proposals from local dairies, landfill operators, governments and educational campuses for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/hourly_news/story/690072.html Watsonville company steps in to fill void of GhG measurement. WATSONVILLE - Just as cash-strapped municipalities across the state are grappling with a looming mandate to quickly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a Watsonville entrepreneur has launched a new service he claims is a revolutionary way to finally get folks to the starting line and into the race. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/centralcoast/ci_11689235 Big Science Role Is Seen in Global Warming Cure. Steven Chu, the new secretary of energy, said Wednesday that solving the world’s energy and environment problems would require Nobel-level breakthroughs in three areas: electric batteries, solar power and the development of new crops that can be turned into fuel. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/us/politics/12chu.html?_r=2&scp=2&sq=nuclear%20energy&st=cse Warning on habitat loss: Pair of studies suggests more than 100 state bird species will suffer from climate change. The yellow-billed magpie can't be missed, with his tuxedo tail, iridescent black feathers and his bright Big Bird beak. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090213/A_NEWS/902130312/-1/A_NEWS14 Scientists: Climate change delaying gray whale vacations. Out in the deep waters of Monterey Bay, gray whales will be swimming home later this month after a brief winter vacation in Baja California. Whale watchers and marine scientists say these whales have been delaying their southern sojourns and point to climate change as the culprit. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/centralcoast/ci_11691739 Conservancy Looks to Nature for Climate Change Solutions. Some scientists say we need to spend more time talking about getting ready for climate change - not just trying to avoid it. One of the world’s leading conservation groups says reducing carbon emissions is crucial, but that it is also time to focus on strategies that help people and nature adapt to climate disruption. Posted. http://www.imperialvalleynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4306&Itemid=1 Emissions ruling halts projects. At least nine modernization projects at public and private facilities in the South Bay have been brought to a halt following a sweeping court ruling that air quality officials say could affect hundreds of businesses across Southern California. Posted. http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_11689627 Joy discusses techie role in limiting pollution. He rewrote large parts of the Unix operating system and made it fundamental to the Internet, co-founded Sun Microsystems and in 2005 joined Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, one of Silicon Valley's oldest venture capital firms. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/12/BUBA15SUQT.DTL&type=tech Benefits of CNG school buses add up. The approximately 6,500 kids who ride the bus to school in the Colton school district every day probably don't realize their ride is quieter, better for the environment -- and less stinky. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/sbcounty/stories/PE_News_Local_N_nbus13.14b6457.html Demand for large engines downshifts. Engines kept getting bigger and brawnier as gasoline prices stayed near historic lows. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/13/demand-for-large-engines-downshift/ Coal industry to Obama: Friend or foe? President Obama appears committed to developing clean coal technology and his administration might not be as opposed to the fossil fuel as the industry feared, analysts and mining experts say. Posted. http://uk.reuters.com/article/behindTheScenes/idUKTRE51A7Q820090211 Congress adds billions to stalled energy plan. The Department of Energy's failure to give out $38.5 billion in energy project support is raising questions about whether the program can handle three times as much money in the pending stimulus package. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/12/congress-adds-billions-to-stalled-energy-plan/ Special feature: Energy-saving upgrades can lower bills. The bottom line is at the top of everyone's minds these days: how to save money, where to spend money to get the most value for the dollar and how to survive the recession. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/13/special-feature-lower-bills-a-goal-in-energy-savin/ Will: Prophets of environmental doom sound a new call. A corollary of Murphy's law ("If something can go wrong, it will") is: "Things are worse than they can possibly be." Energy Secretary Steven Chu, an atomic physicist, seems to embrace that corollary but ignores Gregg Easterbrook's "Law of Doomsaying": Predict catastrophe no sooner than five years hence but no later than 10 years away, soon enough to terrify but distant enough that people will forget if you are wrong. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_11689925 Can One Household Save the Planet? I'm in the corner of our family room, by the TV, looking to take a first baby step toward making my household greener. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2009/02/13/ST2009021301400.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:42:33 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for February 12-17, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for February 12-17, 2009. Los Angeles Transportation Facts and Fiction: Smog. As part of an ongoing quiz about transportation in Los Angeles, in the last post I challenged the notion that the city is sprawling. But sprawl or no, Los Angeles’s air is choked with its world-famous smog. Isn’t it? Posted. http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/17/los-angeles-transportation-facts-and-fiction-smog/ U.N. Agency Urges Nations To Make Part Of Economic Stimulus 'Green'. World leaders should pledge to "green" the global economy at a meeting in London this April, according to a new U.N. report. Doing so would help avert dangerous climate change and resuscitate the global economy, says the U.N. Environment Programme's analysis. It urges world leaders to use one-third of an estimated $2.5 trillion in planned economic stimulus programs to create green jobs to help cut greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/02/17/3/ Expert: Carbon Emissions Growing. Chicago -- Despite widespread concern over global warming, humans are adding carbon to the atmosphere even faster than in the 1990s, researchers warned Saturday. Carbon dioxide and other gases added to the air by industrial and other activities have been blamed for rising temperatures, increasing worries about weather and climate shifts. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11709056 Climate Warming Gases Rising Faster Than Expected. Despite widespread concern over global warming, humans are adding carbon to the atmosphere even faster than in the 1990s, researchers warned Saturday. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2032/story/599757.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/14/AR2009021401757.html?hpid=topnews Editorial: Climate Change Solutions. Sen. Boxer is open to everything -- except what might work best. THE SIX "Principles for Global Warming Legislation" released recently by Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) were notable for what they lacked. There were no specific greenhouse gas emissions targets. There was no determination on an auction of pollution permits vs. giving some or most of them away to polluters initially. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/15/AR2009021501425.html Changes Set For Green Ratings. The two green-building standards several local governments use are set to undergo major changes this year. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090216/BUSINESSJOURNAL/902130224 Eco-Friendly Technology Could Boost Local Businesses. To get out of the red, Stanislaus County businesses and workers may have to go green. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/business/story/600269.html EPA Announces Review Of Johnson Memo. U.S. EPA said today that it will reconsider a Bush-administration memorandum describing why the government should not regulate carbon dioxide emissions from new coal-fired power plants. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/2009/02/17/1/ Cruise Lines Urged to Shrink Their Footprints . MOVING gently through pristine blue waters, floating past whales and glaciers, fjords and islands, it is easy to see why travelers might think a vacation on a cruise ship is more eco-friendly than jetting through the earth’s atmosphere on a plane. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/15/travel/15green.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse Editorial: Clean Air Is For The Birds. A wave of the binoculars to citizen scientists. Those field observers and feeder watchers who participate in the National Audubon Society's annual Christmas Bird Count have provided base line information for studies that challenge us to deal with ecological disruption. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/story/1624378.html Stink Is Raised Over Air Quality Near Route. With a new truck route planned nearby, eight homes on Wilmington's East Robidoux Street have been promised air filtration systems to reduce cancer risks. Posted. http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_11685102 Honda FCX Clarity: Beauty For Beauty's Sake. Honda's striking, amazing hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle may be the most expensive, advanced and impractical car ever built. I've driven lots of cars. I've wallowed like a Russian oligarch pig in the gorgeous mud of a $1.6-million Bugatti Veyron. I've spit tailpipe fire across the midnight Mojave at the wheel of a Lamborghini. I've brushed gape-mouthed peasants aside with the chrome cowcatcher grille of a Rolls Royce Phantom. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-neil13-2009feb13,0,5876175.story Alternative Energy Still Facing Headwinds. Despite Obama's Support, Projects Tripped Up by Financing, Logistics. BOULEVARD, Calif. -- The late afternoon light is shining golden on the high chaparral as Donna Tisdale stands near a faded 1800s ranch house, scans the unblemished surrounding hills and sees trouble on the horizon. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/16/AR2009021601199.html?wprss=rss_business ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT: The 'Tyranny' Of Energy Illiteracy. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Jeff Bingaman, New Mexico Democrat, suggested last week that it was time to stop underestimating the ability of the working poor to be more energy-efficient. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/17/energy-environment-the-tyranny-of-energy-illiterac/ Alternative Energy Still Facing Headwinds. BOULEVARD, Calif. -- The late afternoon light is shining golden on the high chaparral as Donna Tisdale stands near a faded 1800s ranch house, scans the unblemished surrounding hills and sees trouble on the horizon. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/16/AR2009021601199.html?hpid=moreheadlines Stimulus Expected To Add Jobs To Update Energy System. Many of the jobs that the economic stimulus would create are generated by the parts of the plan that also are intended to help combat global warming and reduce the nation's dependence on fossil fuels. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/601457.html U.S. Calls For Treaty On Mercury Reduction. Nairobi, Kenya — The Obama administration reversed years of U.S. policy Monday by calling for a treaty to cut mercury pollution, which it described as the world's gravest chemical problem. Some 6,000 tons of mercury enter the environment each year, about a third generated by power stations and coal fires. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_11718031 http://www.modbee.com/24hour/world/story/601209.html Clinton, Mayor Unveil Major LED Streetlight Replacement. Former President Clinton joined with Los Angeles city officials Monday to announce the launch of the nation's biggest environmentally friendly light replacement program. The city plans to spend $57 million to retrofit 140,000 streetlights with LED bulbs, a move that is expected to ultimately save the city $10 million a year in energy costs. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11719188 Too Much Hot and Cool Hype? Vicky Pope, a meteorologist in England’s climate and meteorology office, has a remarkable op-ed in the Guardian warning that scientists, the media and campaigners of all stripes who use short-term trends in weather or sea ice to make points are misleading the public about global warming. Posted. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/british-climate-office-criticizes-cool-and-hot-hype/ Yet Another 'Footprint' to Worry About: Water. Taking a Cue >From Carbon Tracking, Companies and Conservationists Tally Hidden Sources of Consumption. It takes roughly 20 gallons of water to make a pint of beer, as much as 132 gallons of water to make a 2-liter bottle of soda, and about 500 gallons, including water used to grow, dye and process the cotton, to make a pair of Levi's stonewashed jeans. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123483638138996305.html?mod=todays_us_page_one Electric Cars and a Smarter Grid. Electric cars and a smart electric grid have a bright future, according to panelists at a roundtable discussion on the subject that I attended last Friday in Boston. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/17/electric-cars-and-a-smarter-grid/?scp=4&sq=climate%20change&st=cse ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2009 13:25:21 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for February 18, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for February 18, 2009. AP Interview: EPA To Rule On Global-Warming Risk. For Lisa Jackson, the new EPA administrator, the next step for the agency when it comes to climate change will be decided by a single question: Do heat-trapping gases pose a risk? Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2028/story/602625.html http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/02/18/ap/politics/d96ds6mo0.txt http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_11729007?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/18/AR2009021800207.html http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/02/17/national/w155737S03.DTL&hw=carbon+emissions&sn=002&sc=959 http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/2009/02/18/14/ http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-na-epa18-2009feb18,0,1909823.story E.P.A. To Consider Rollback of Bush Coal Policy. The Environmental Protection Agency said Tuesday that it will consider whether to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from coal plants, in a potential reversal of Bush administration policy. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/17/epa-to-consider-rollback-of-bush-coal-policy/ SoCal Ports To Start Collecting Environmental Fee. The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach plan to begin collecting cargo container fees on Wednesday to help finance an ambitious clean-air initiative after a three-month delay and despite opposition from the federal agency that regulates the ports. Posted. http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/CA_Port_Pollution_386057C.shtml http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_11726300?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.modbee.com/state_wire/story/602823.html http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_11726300 http://www.fresnobee.com/state/story/1205711.html http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/02/17/state/n192908S57.DTL&hw=air+pollution&sn=002&sc=836 First U.S. Cow-Powered Milk Truck Debuts at World Ag Expo. Today the nation's first “cow-powered” truck debuts at the World Ag Expo in Tulare, Calif. Two trucks that normally run on diesel have been converted to run on biomethane – produced from cow manure at Hilarides Dairy. This renewable fuels model reduces global warming emissions (methane from manure), air pollution (from diesel emissions) and dependence on fossil fuels, without a food-fuel trade-off in land use. Posted. http://www.agweb.com/news_printer.aspx?articleID=149038 http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=11119 http://www.greenrightnow.com/kabc/2009/02/11/got-milk-got-methane-got-us-innovation/ http://www.fresnobee.com/business/story/1194082.html http://www.modbee.com/ag/story/598281.html http://fleetowner.com/green/hilarides-dairy-alternative-fuel-program-0213/ http://www.capitalpress.info/main.asp?SectionID=94&SubSectionID=801&ArticleID=48774&TM=7256.793 http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=6649231 http://www.cunninghamreport.com/news_item.php?id=720 Opinion: GM, Chrysler Don't Get It. Detroit must build cars that go farther on a gallon of gas and pollute less. After receiving billions of dollars in taxpayer-funded bailouts over the last few months, General Motors and Chrysler returned to Washington on Tuesday to shake their chrome-plated tin cups again. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-oe-gerstenzang18-2009feb18,0,311699.story Washington Post: Anything But The Best Choice. The six “Principles for Global Warming Legislation” released recently by Sen. Barbara Boxer were notable for what they lacked. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090218/OPINION/902170242 EPA May Reverse Bush, Limit Carbon Emissions From Coal-Fired Plants. The Environmental Protection Agency will reopen the possibility of regulating carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants, tossing aside a December Bush administration memorandum that declared that the agency would not limit the emissions. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/17/AR2009021701302.html?hpid=moreheadlines http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/02/17/burned-again-epa-boss-jackson-opens-door-to-tougher-coal-rules/ Burning Rules Are Illogical. On Feb. 2, the Valley Air District advertised $750 rebates for swapping out "old, polluting wood burning" devices for cleaner pellet or EPA Phase II certified wood stoves, devices that are not permitted during "episodic wood burning curtailment." Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/letters/story/603029.html Obama Compares Oil Sands To Coal. President Barack Obama, in advance of his first foreign trip, said Tuesday that Canada's oil sands operations leave a carbon foot print that adds to climate change concerns. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/world/story/602808.html http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/02/17/international/i191640S92.DTL&hw=carbon+emissions&sn=001&sc=1000 Camarillo Fined $5,250 For Dirty Diesel Trucks. The California Air Resources Board has fined the city of Camarillo $5,250 for diesel truck inspection violations that date back three years. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/feb/18/camarillo-fined-5250-for-dirty-diesel-trucks/ Feds May Burst Our Bubbles. According to the report, the federal Environmental Protection Agency, in its late-to-the-game zeal to save us from global warming, is considering the imposition of a tax on greenhouse-gas emissions at livestock farms. Posted. http://www.sbsun.com/search/ci_11727687?IADID=Search-www.sbsun.com-www.sbsun.com Alaska: The Clean Energy Frontier? Can renewable energy reduce emissions and save money at the same time? Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/18/alaska-the-clean-energy-frontier/?scp=2&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse High Speed Rail Skeptics Win Time Extension. Responding to a growing chorus of calls for more public input, California high-speed rail officials on Tuesday agreed to extend by a month the environmental planning process for the San Jose-to-San Francisco portion of the line. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11729131 OC’s Stim Wish-List: More Green Construction, More Jobs. The $787 billion stimulus package signed into law by President Obama on Tuesday could bring new life to Orange County’s “green” community — not only by creating new green jobs, but by eventually reducing air pollution and even infusing cash into restoration of natural habitat. Posted. http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/ Contra Costa Times Feb. 18 Letters. The recent Times article, "Oakland port truck pollution burdens public health," describes the economic burden on the Bay Area caused by air pollution at the Port of Oakland. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_11629867?source=rss Editorial: Pull The Plug On Power-Plant Emissions Rule Change. THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION did the right thing in slapping a 90-day suspension on an 11th-hour Bush administration policy that had forced a change in power-plant emissions regulations. Now it should do the right thing and rewrite those regulations altogether. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/opinion/ci_11723292 Tough New York City Law Cracks Down On Idling Cars. The fumes from idling taxicabs and delivery trucks can be so bad outside city schools that teachers race to close their classroom windows at certain times of the day to protect their students. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/breakingnews/story/603143.html Farmers Harness Manure's Gases To Generate Power. Dodge, Neb. - Where others see simply manure, Danny Kluthe smells money. Long before President Barack Obama promised the country that "we will harness the sun and the winds and the soil," Kluthe already had yoked the power of pig poop. Manure from his hogs drains as a slurry into a giant vat. It is stirred and warmed. A virtually odorless liquid - ideal for fertilizing surrounding fields that, in turn, feed more pigs - emerges from the giant digester. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/1628418.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2009 12:37:32 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for February 19, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for February 19, 2009. California Budget Plan Would Weaken Air Pollution Rules. A major provision would delay the retrofitting of heavy diesel equipment, which would save the construction industry millions but also hurt efforts to reduce harmful emissions. California's proposed budget contains a major provision that would weaken air pollution regulations while saving the construction industry millions of dollars. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/politics/cal/la-me-diesel19-2009feb19,0,6169790,print.story Economics and Regional Cap-and-Trade. The Western Climate Initiative establishes the framework for a regional cap-and-trade system. No everyone is on board. The Western Climate Initiative began as an agreement between Western governors (and a few Canadian provinces) to place a cap on greenhouse gas emissions and develop a regional market for trading in emissions permits. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/19/haggling-over-the-economy-and-regional-cap-and-trade/?pagemode=print Trade Group Blasting Regional Climate Controls Includes Peabody, Xcel As Members. Peabody Energy, Xcel Energy and other regional coal companies and utilities are behind a report released yesterday blasting the Western Climate Initiative, according to federal tax records. The Western Business Roundtable, a trade group that has about 55 members but refuses to reveal their identities, released the report yesterday. It attacked the seven-state, four-province WCI for perceived economic dangers stemming from its plan to cap regionwide emissions starting in 2012. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/02/19/3 China Says Willing To Work With US On Climate Change. Beijing (AFP) — China said Thursday it was willing to work with the United States on addressing climate change, saying such efforts were vital to fighting global warming." Strengthening cooperation on climate change is in the interest of the two countries and conducive to our two nations contributing to international climate change cooperation," foreign ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hb-YNn_S-tl9CRIbUNh0Ab-cxe9g California's Renewable Energy Goals Feasible. California's goal of getting 33 percent of its electricity from the sun, the wind and other renewable sources by 2020 might be more feasible than previously thought, according to a new government report. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/18/BUH2160HP3.DTL&feed=rss.bayarea Green Workers. Presidents and politicians no longer talk about simply creating jobs -- now they are creating "green jobs." Just in the stimulus bill alone, there are said to be four million new green jobs. It's a great term -- it conjures up neatly dressed employees working under compact fluorescent lights, and factory workers in white and green helmets huddled over solar cells and wind turbines. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123499777765516957.html Electric-Vehicle Charging Stations for San Francisco. Mayor Gavin Newsom of San Francisco took to blogging Wednesday at Gas 2.0 — on the occasion of his city’s installation of electric-vehicle charging stations in front of San Francisco City Hall. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/19/electric-vehicle-charging-stations-for-san-francisco/ Obama and Canada’s Controversial Oil Patch. It is just one of several events organized this week by environmentalists in Canada and the United States, as well as native groups, to encourage the new administration to put pressure on Canada over pollution from Alberta’s huge oil-extraction projects. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/19/obama-and-canadas-controversial-oil-patch/?scp=2&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse Will the Stimulus Help Wind and Solar? The stimulus package, while welcome, may not be a quick fix for the struggling wind and solar industries, experts say. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/19/will-the-stimulus-help-wind-and-solar/ I Love It When You Talk Carbon Taxes! In the Odyssey, Odysseus had to be tied to the mast to resist the call of the Sirens, who tried to lure his ship onto the rocks. These days the siren song of a carbon tax fills the ear of many commentators who urge us to recognize its beauty and steer our ship in its direction. A Washington Post editorial is a recent example. Posted. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-hawkins/i-love-it-when-you-talk-c_b_168233.html Carbon Dioxide Followup. My post last night about the EPA regulating carbon dioxide emissions was a quickie, just intended to pass along the news and note some of the political implications. But David Roberts says I may be downplaying how important these new EPA regs could be: This element of Obama's impending energy policy hasn't gotten nearly the attention it deserves. If he does it right, it could be the secret weapon that kills new coal plants for good. Posted. http://www.motherjones.com/print/21428 Striking the Right Balance to Achieve Environmental and Economic Wins. Rebuilding our roads, schools and other infrastructure projects are at the heart of the $787 billion federal economic stimulus plan signed this week by President Barack Obama. Why? Because for every $1 billion the federal government commits to infrastructure helps to support some 35,000 jobs. Posted. http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?_c=xs2p7c3sra10pq&issueId=xs2mcgee6lxx8h&xid=xs2oyqhq76d0ad ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:38:31 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for February 23, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for February 23, 2009. Berkeley: Student Organization Hosts Third Annual Symposium On Energy Issues. Berkeley (BCN). The student-run Berkeley Energy & Resources Collaborative organization will host a symposium with discussions about state and national energy issues today.The theme of the third annual event is "Bold Ideas for a New Energy Landscape,'' and will feature talks about energy issues such as the future of the auto industry and financing renewable energy. California Air and Resources Board Chairwoman Mary Nichols and the former president of Shell Oil Co., John Hofmeister, are scheduled to deliver keynote addresses. Posted. http://cbs5.com/localwire/22.0.html?type=bcn&item=ENERGY-SYMPOSIUM-bagm-# EPA Set to Move Toward Carbon-Dioxide Regulation. Climate Czar Says Agency Will Determine That Greenhouse Gas Endangers Public, Propose New Emissions Rules. WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama's climate czar said the Environmental Protection Agency will soon determine that carbon-dioxide emissions represent a danger to the public and propose new rules to regulate emissions of the greenhouse gas from a range of industries. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123531391527642021.html?mod=todays_us_page_one#printMode A Dirty Air Budget Deal. California legislators may be proud they survived a marathon budget ordeal. But none should be saluted for a backroom deal that may sicken or kill thousands in the name of a special-interest loophole. If that sounds extreme, consider what happened. The budget bargaining, which wrapped up at dawn last Thursday, contains a proviso to delay the start of pollution controls on off-road diesel engines. It's a category covering some 180,000 road graders, forklift trucks, airport baggage trucks and even ski resort snow-packing vehicles, which spew out lung-damaging soot and a key chemical that causes smog. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/23/ED75161RV9.DTL&type=printable Cleanup At The Ports Of Los Angeles And Long Beach Begins To Pay Off. Older polluting trucks are being barred and electric ones rolled out in the harbors' effort to cut emissions. An ambitious plan to clean up once-filthy air around the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach has shifted into high gear. Hundreds of 1988-and-older trucks have been banned since October. Others that don't meet 2007 air pollution standards began paying a $70 fee last week each time they haul cargo to and from the ports. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-portair23-2009feb23,0,4587677,print.story Obama Weighing Nationwide Vehicle Emissions Policy, Browner Says. President Obama is considering a nationwide policy for regulating greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles rather than the current patchwork of state and federal regulations, Carol Browner, the White House coordinator for energy and climate issues, said yesterday. "The hope across the administration is that we can have a unified national policy when it comes to cleaner vehicles," Browner said during a Washington meeting yesterday of the Western Governors' Association. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/02/23/3/ 'Green' Energy Needs A Big Leap. Experts say scientific breakthroughs are the key to making renewable power sources cheap and easy to use. Reporting from Washington — When Energy Secretary Steven Chu talks about how Americans can break their addiction to oil and coal, he starts with his hi-fi amplifier. It's so old that the on-off light burned out long ago. But inside lies a technology that -- in its day -- was as revolutionary as the changes needed to solve the nation's energy problems. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-na-energy-future23-2009feb23,0,2189276,print.story Climate Fears Are Driving 'Ecomigration' Across Globe. Adam Fier recently sold his home, got rid of his car and pulled his twin 6-year-old girls out of elementary school in Montgomery County. He and his wife packed the family's belongings and moved to New Zealand -- a place they had never visited or seen before, and where they have no family or professional connections. Among the top reasons: global warming. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/22/AR2009022202378_pf.html Climate Change And The Aussie Wildfires. Development: At least 181 people died in Australian wildfires. What it means: The hellacious blazes roared across 800,000 acres of bush country near Melbourne in February, wiping out ranches, vineyards, churches, schools, entire towns - even fire stations. Arsonists started some of the fires, but climate change helped set up the drought conditions that fed them. That's a familiar scenario in the American West, which is also racked by climate change and fire. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/22/INNN15VE6S.DTL&type=printable Who Should Regulate Greenhouse Gases? Under orders from the Supreme Court, which the Bush administration ignored, President Obama’s new head of the Environmental Protection Agency is expected to determine whether carbon dioxide is a pollutant that endangers public health. Posted. http://roomfordebate.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/19/the-epa-puts-on-the-heat/?scp=4&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse Court Turns Down Utilities Over Mercury Emissions. The Supreme Court is refusing a request by electric utility companies to step into a case concerning the regulation of mercury emissions from power plants. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_11765742?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_11765742?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com Satellite Will Track Carbon Dioxide. Thirty billion tons of carbon dioxide waft into the air from the burning of fossil fuels each year. About half stays in the air. The other half disappears. Where it all goes, nobody quite knows. With the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, a NASA satellite scheduled to be launched on Tuesday from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, scientists hope to understand better the comings and goings of carbon dioxide, the main heat-trapping gas behind the warming of the planet. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/23/science/earth/23carbon.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print Clinton Paints China Policy With a Green Hue. Declaring that “we hope you won’t make the same mistakes we made,” Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton invited China to join the United States in an ambitious effort to curb greenhouse gases, as she toured an energy-efficient power plant in Beijing on Saturday. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/22/world/asia/22diplo.html?scp=2&sq=climate%20change&st=cse Reid Pushing For Climate Change Bill. Democratic leaders in both the Senate and House want to take action this year to stem global warming, but the imploding economy and the Senate Republicans are likely to make that difficult. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/feb/21/reid-pushing-for-climate-change-bill/ Changing Climate Numbers. In 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released its fourth assessment report, summarizing evidence collected and weighed by scientists around the world. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/21/opinion/21sat3.html?ref=opinion SADAR/CAMMARATA: In Global Warming We Trust. Today, we are urged to believe that within the next few decades the globe will become intolerably warmer. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/23/in-global-warming-we-trust/ EPA's Taddonio Illustrates a New Generation of Thinking. As a graduate student at George Washington University, Kristen Taddonio was taught that environmental protection was a trade-off: one could choose either economic or environmental progress, but not both. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/20/AR2009022002491.html Bubbles Of Warming, Beneath The Ice. As permafrost thaws in the Arctic, huge pockets of methane -- a potent greenhouse gas -- could be released into the atmosphere. Experts are only beginning to understand how disastrous that could be. Reporting from Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, Alaska -- Four miles south of the Arctic Circle, the morning sky is streaked with apricot. Frozen rivers split the tundra of the Seward Peninsula, coiling into vast lakes. And on a silent, wind-whipped pond, a lone figure, sweating and panting, shovels snow off the ice. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-na-global-warming-methane22-2009feb22,0,3172040,print.story El Dorado Residents Oppose Housing In Asbestos Area. Dozens of residents in the landmark Serrano development of El Dorado Hills are lining up against a proposal to build 135 homes on a ridge that bears a particularly toxic form of asbestos. The united front represents the first organized opposition to construction in Sierra foothills asbestos deposits, after 10 years of public health warnings. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/ourregion/v-print/story/1643331.html Simple Elixir Called A 'Miracle Liquid'. Electrolyzed water cleans, degreases -- and treats athlete's foot. The solution is replacing toxic chemicals. It's a kitchen degreaser. It's a window cleaner. It kills athlete's foot. Oh, and you can drink it. Sounds like the old "Saturday Night Live" gag for Shimmer, the faux floor polish plugged by Gilda Radner. But the elixir is real. It has been approved by U.S. regulators. And it's starting to replace the toxic chemicals Americans use at home and on the job. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-magicwater23-2009feb23,0,978661,print.story Palmdale Airport Land May Become A Solar Farm. Proposal could give L.A. a major source of renewable energy, but would face obstacles. After buying 17,750 acres in Palmdale for an intercontinental jetport that has not gotten off the ground, Los Angeles airport officials say they might finally have a use for much of the property: a solar power facility capable of generating up to 100 megawatts of clean energy. If approved, the project would help Los Angeles comply with a major portion of Measure B, a local proposition on the March 3 ballot that would require the city to generate 400 megawatts of electricity from solar installations by 2014. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-solar23-2009feb23,0,4806086,print.story Ms. Jackson Makes a Change. Less than a month into the job, and with only a skeleton staff, Lisa Jackson, the new administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, has already engineered an astonishing turnaround. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/23/opinion/23mon3.html Berkeley Residents Protest Steel Foundry Emissions. Some Berkeley residents are protesting a steel foundry that they say should be cleaned up or closed down. Posted. http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/CA_NorCal_Steel_Plant_Pollution_387078C.shtml http://www.modbee.com/state_wire/story/608210.html Passive Houses Aggressive Energy-Savers. Cranking up the heater or throwing on an extra sweater are two ways to cope with a drafty house that allows chilly air to seep in through cracks, doors and windows. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090220/LIFESTYLE05/902200932 U.S. Cash for Clunkers? Not Yet. AMONG the measures recently proposed in Congress for reviving auto sales in the United States were plans that would offer owners of older cars — vehicles that, in theory at least, gobble gasoline and pour out pollutants — vouchers toward the purchase of more efficient models. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/22/automobiles/22CLUNKER.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse Gore, Clinton Headline Energy Conference. Former Vice President Al Gore warned Monday against allowing lower oil prices to stall efforts to put a price on heat-trapping carbon dioxide emissions to combat climate change and reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_11765882?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_11765882?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:16:10 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for February 24, 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for February 24, 2009. U.S. May Set Greenhouse Gas Standard for Cars. The Obama administration is considering establishing national rules for regulating greenhouse gas emissions for automobiles, according to White House officials, a move backed by both auto manufacturers and some environmentalists. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/24/MN0I163KRJ.DTL http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/23/AR2009022302575.html?hpid=topnews Environmentalists Advance on Emissions. The Supreme Court cleared the way Monday for the Environmental Protection Agency to issue new regulations on emissions of mercury, lead, arsenic and other pollutants from the nation’s coal-fired power plants. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/24/washington/24mercury.html NASA global warming satellite lands in ocean. A rocket carrying a NASA global warming satellite splashed into the ocean near Antarctica early Tuesday after an early-morning launch failure. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/state_wire/story/609687.html http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/CA_SCI_Carbon_Satellite_387379C.shtm l http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/02/24/ap/headlines/d96i0sk00.txt http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_11772641?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com http://www.sacbee.com/state_wire/story/1647952.html http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/feb/24/sci-carbon-satellite-022409/?zIndex=57605 http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123548383188959177.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/science/ci_11772650 http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11773089 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/24/AR2009022400519.html?hpid=topnews Experts cite lower threshold for warming crisis. The Earth won't have to warm up as much as had been thought to cause serious consequences of global warming, including more extreme weather and increasing threats to plants and animals, says an international team of climate experts. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/24/MNGR1632GS.DTL http://www.modbee.com/2032/story/609236.html http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_11769454?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/science/ci_11767109 MIT Group Increases Global Warming Projections. New research from MIT scientists shows that in the absence of stringent reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, 21st century climate change may be far more significant than some previous climate assessments had indicated. Posted. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalweathergang/2009/02/new_research_from_mit_scientis.html?hpid=news-col-blog Low oil prices seen stalling clean energy. Former President Bill Clinton and former Vice President Al Gore warned Monday against letting low oil prices lure consumers back into gas-guzzling cars, thereby stalling efforts to develop clean energy sources. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/24/low-oil-prices-seen-stalling-clean-energy/ Harry Reid: Federal Action Trumps States’ Rights on Energy. The future of U.S. energy and climate policy is starting to take shape, if comments by Senate majority leader Harry Reid at a clean-energy conference in Washington, D.C. are any guide. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/02/23/harry-reid-federal-action-trumps-states-rights-on-energy/ Is global warming confusing pelicans? Climate change might have fooled thousands of California brown pelicans, who stayed north later than usual last year and encountered harsh winter storms on their trip south, researchers now believe. Posted. http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_11771366 http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11771582 http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11771366 Hey Mr. Green. His moniker is Mr. Green, brainchild of Schildgen and his colleagues at Sierra magazine - the million-plus circulation monthly magazine published by the Sierra Club - who was created in 2003 to answer readers' questions about sustainable living in a Q & A feature dubbed Hey Mr. Green. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi- Politics in the Guise of Pure Science. Why, since President Obama promised to “restore science to its rightful place” in Washington, do some things feel not quite right? Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/24/science/24tier.html?8dpcbin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/24/DD4815SL3J.DTL Even smoldering fires result in fines on no-burn days. Getting popped for using our wood-burning stove on a no-burn day was a learning experience, even as it raised an important question. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/community/story/609571.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:28:24 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for February 25th, 2008 From: sponedal@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for February 25th, 2008. News Clips for February 25, 2009 Bush-era soot measure overturned. "Change" became more than a vague slogan in the realm of air pollution Tuesday when the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., overturned a Bush-era decision to water down rules controlling the fine soot particles that cause lung cancer, heart disease and asthma. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/02/soot-pollution.html E.P.A. Is Told to Reconsider Its Standards on Pollutants. Bush administration standards for pollutants like soot are “contrary to law and unsupported by adequately reasoned decision making,” a federal appeals court said Tuesday. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/25/science/earth/25air.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/610208.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/24/AR2009022402215.html http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/02/24/national/w114722S28.DTL&hw=air+pollution&sn=001&sc=1000 http://www.inlandnewstoday.com/story.php?s=6870 Brown Announces Victory Against Air Pollution Standards. Attorney General Edmund G. Brown today announced that a coalition of 18 states and cities have won reversal of controversial Bush-era pollution standards “justified by nothing more than junk science” and which threatened to undermine public health. Posted. http://www.imperialvalleynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4460&Itemid=2 Learn what around the house is making you sick. Many personal, cosmetic and household cleaning products contain toxins and chemicals that can be harmful to your health. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/feb/25/learn-what-around-the-house-is-making-you-sick/ Fleet of electric trucks is bound for Port of Los Angeles. The standing joke about the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach used to be that they were like the diesel version of elephant graveyards: the place where old trucks went to die. But lately, they have become a proving ground for technology that produces little or no pollution. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-electric-truck25-2009feb25,0,6411132.story http://www.presstelegram.com/business/ci_11779136 Crash of NASA satellite impairs climate study. A new satellite to track the chief culprit in global warming crashed into the ocean near Antarctica after launch yesterday, dealing a major setback to NASA's already weak network for monitoring Earth and its environment from above. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/feb/25/1n25satel004924-nasa-satellite-crash-impairs-clima/?uniontrib http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/24/AR2009022401803.html In Climate Debate, Hype Is a Pitfall. In the effort to shape the public’s views on global climate change, hyperbole is an ever-present temptation on all sides of the debate. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/25/science/earth/25hype.html?scp=2&sq=climate%20change&st=cse http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_11777332?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com Gore, Will, Climate and Complexity. Many climate scientists, bloggers and readers have weighed in this morning online and in my in-box to complain about my short print story assessing the risk of overstatement or inaccuracy facing everyone pressing an argument about climate science and policy. Posted. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/25/gore-and-will-and-climate-and-the-press/?scp=3&sq=global%20warming&st=cse Up In Smoke: A Lesson In Humility. Yesterday, I came across an interesting article in the New York Times that revealed something I hadn't known before: Humans don't know much about how carbon dioxide emissions work. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/green/detail?&entry_id=36193 Obama Vows Support for Renewables — and a Carbon Cap. He said that solar, wind and biofuels, along with “clean coal” and more efficient vehicles, would receive investments of $15 billion a year, though eventually he wants to ensure that renewables become a “profitable kind of energy.” Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/25/obama-vows-support-for-renewables-and-a-carbon-cap/?scp=2&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Opinion: Four developments to watch in clean tech. The nexus of global energy markets and climate change science is a dynamic place these days. As more than 800 clean-technology leaders representing about $3 trillion in capital gather this week at the Cleantech Forum in San Francisco on the eve of a new era for green jobs and the environment, major shifts are under way that could change the global energy and climate agenda. Here are four prognostications for 2009. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_11776706 Action Jackson: Over-Zealous Regulation a ‘Myth,’ EPA Boss Says. The head of the Environmental Protection Agency, Lisa Jackson, denounced as “a myth” the idea that the Obama administration is preparing to slap costly new emissions regulations on small businesses. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/02/24/action-jackson-over-zealous-regulation-a-myth-epa-boss-says/ Study: Antarctic glaciers slipping swiftly seaward. Antarctic glaciers are melting faster across a much wider area than previously thought, scientists said Wednesday - a development that could lead to an unprecedented rise in sea levels. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2032/story/611046.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_11780789?nclick_check=1 http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/UN_UN_WARMING_ANTARCTIC?SITE=CASTO&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/UN_UN_WARMING_ANTARCTIC?SITE=CAANR&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 26 Feb 2009 10:19:39 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for February 26, 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for February 26, 2009. Newsclips for February 26, 2009 Administration tasked with undoing Bush-era policies on air quality, toughening pollution laws. Less than six weeks after George W. Bush left office, clean-air advocates are wasting no time under the new administration to push for new and tougher regulations. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/sbcounty/stories/PE_News_Local_S_air26.3c4f488.html State panel OKs Fresno doctor for two air-pollution boards. The Rules Committee approved Telles with no dissenting votes, nearly a year after Gov. Schwarzenegger appointed him to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District board and the California Air Resources Board. Posted. http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1224391.html Business Briefs: Feb. 26. The California Air Resources Board fined an Oxnard trucking firm $6,000 this month for diesel truck emission violations that occurred in 2006. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/feb/26/no-headline---na8fcrail26/ Is Bush smog standard next in court's bull's-eye? In the wake of a federal appeals court decision to send the Bush administration's standard for airborne soot to U.S. EPA for review, some say ozone standards could be the next. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/02/25/25greenwire-is-bush-smog-standard-next-in-courts-bullseye-9866.html Shipping Investors Advised to Watch CO2. The global shipping industry is a significant source of a number of atmospheric pollutants. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/26/shipping-investors-advised-to-watch-co2/?scp=2&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse Price of emissions: House bill would send taxpayers a check. Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., said on Wednesday he will soon introduce a climate bill that does something different - it would return at least 90 percent of the money from the sale of emissions permits to every American. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/1653566.html http://www.modbee.com/breakingnews/story/611906.html County's greenhouse gas emissions up 3.2 percent since 1990. A first-of-its-kind report on climate change suggests the county needs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3.2 percent to reach the 1990 levels that regulators are seeking statewide over the next decade. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/centralcoast/ci_11788028 Climate-Change Research Gets Big Boost in Budget. Climate-change research would get a boost in funding under the budget as a result of a refocusing of resources at several agencies. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123566417089983661.html?mod=googlenews_wsj US-China ties needed to fight climate change. A top China expert said Thursday that the fight against climate change will give the United States and China a chance to strengthen an often tempestuous relationship by working together on solutions. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/world/story/612517.html http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/02/26/international/i053419S01.DTL&hw=carbon+emissions&sn=001&sc=1000 http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_11789968?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com Obama’s Budget Presumes Revenue From a Carbon Market. For environmentalists and the energy industry, perhaps the most notable feature is that the 2012 projections include revenues from a source that does not yet exist: a carbon dioxide cap-and-trade system. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/26/obamas-budget-presumes-revenue-from-a-carbon-market/?scp=2&sq=climate%20change&st=cse Clean tech confab warns on warming. Governments and the private sector must work together if global climate change is to be slowed, and no one is moving fast enough, said several investors, government officials and entrepreneurs at a clean technology conference in San Francisco this week. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/26/BUQL165065.DTL Mr. Whipple Left It Out: Soft Is Rough on Forests. Although toilet tissue can be made at similar cost from recycled material, it is the fiber taken from standing trees that help give it that plush feel, and most large manufacturers rely on them. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/26/science/earth/26charmin.html?scp=4&sq=global%20warming&st=cse http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/26/MNR216596C.DTL S.F. pushes PG&E on bay sediment toxicity probe. Hazardous chemicals in bay sediment near San Francisco's single remaining large power plant threaten the health of people and marine life, yet Pacific Gas and Electric Co. has been slow to investigate the problem, according to Port of San Francisco officials and city leaders. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/26/MNUM16574E.DTL Environment would get big boost in Obama budget. WASHINGTON—The environment would get a lot more green under President Barack Obama's proposed budget. Obama would nearly triple funding for infrastructure projects that protect waterways and drinking water as part of the largest budget request for the EPA in eight years. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_11791128 Mr. Obama’s Energy Future. During his run for the White House, Barack Obama pledged to transform the way Americans produce and consume energy. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/26/opinion/26thu1.html?scp=3&sq=climate%20change&st=cse ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:03:14 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for February 27, 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for February 27, 2009. Calif. regulators target tech industry emissions. California air regulators on Thursday broadened their reach into Silicon Valley, implementing rules intended to cut greenhouse gas emissions from semiconductor plants. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2020/story/613002.html http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/CA_Greenhouse_Gases_California_387855C.shtml http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/feb/27/semiconductor-plants-get-new-air-board-rules/ California air board takes aim at chip makers. California air regulators adopted rules on Thursday that will require semiconductor makers to cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than half by 2012. Posted. http://sacramento.bizjournals.com/sacramento/stories/2009/02/23/daily82.html http://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/stories/2009/02/23/daily89.html State to order cuts in greenhouse gases. California air regulators approved requirements Thursday to compel chipmakers in Silicon Valley to severely cut greenhouse gases spewing from semiconductor plants. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/26/BA0T1660CI.DTL Silicon Valley manufacturers must reduce greenhouse gas emissions. California regulators Thursday adopted the world's first mandatory measures to control highly potent greenhouse gases emitted by the computer manufacturing industry. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-silicon27-2009feb27,0,6919141.story Greenhouse gas rules target computer chip makers. California's ambitious law to curb global warming took aim at the computer chip industry Thursday, as regulators adopted rules to force semiconductor makers to cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than half by 2012. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/valley/ci_11795019 Power plant near Capitol should stop burning coal, congressional leaders say. Four days before a planned civil disobedience action at a coal-fired power plant near the U.S. Capitol, the leaders of the House of Representatives and the Senate asked Thursday for the plant to replace all its coal with natural gas. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/613170.html http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/02/26/26greenwire-time-to-burn-only-gas-at-capitol-power-plant-pe-9906.html Delay sought on emissions reduction bill. A Republican state senator has introduced legislation to put California's landmark greenhouse gas reduction plan on hold, but the plan seems to have less of a chance than a polar bear on melting ice. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/26/BAC71660L8.DTL Overhaul of climate programs proposed. A panel of top analysts, including two from San Diego, yesterday proposed a sweeping overhaul of federal climate change programs to help the public better understand global warming and move quickly to deal with its effects. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/feb/27/1n27climate005026-overhaul-climate-programs-propos/?zIndex=59328 First Lady Talks About Pollution and Climate Change at the E.P.A. While her husband was unveiling the budget, First Lady Michelle Obama was visiting the Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday morning. There, she told hundreds of employees that they were in the forefront of the Obama administration’s efforts to clean up polluted communities and combat climate change. Posted. http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/26/first-lady-talks-about-pollution-and-climate-change-at-the-epa/ IPCC chief says climate change unequivocal but is challenged at Senate hearing. In testimony before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Dr. R K Pachauri, head of the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said, “warming of the climate system is unequivocal.” Despite his assertions, Dr. William Happer was on hand to offer an opposing view and a counterpoint to anthropogenic global warming alarmists. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-219-Denver-Weather-Examiner~y2009m2d27-IPCC-chief-says-climate-change-unequivocal-but-is-challenged-at-Senate-hearing?comments=true Setting ‘Green’ Goals. The Obama budget promises what it calls a comprehensive effort to address global warming, slash oil imports and create a new “green” economy that produces millions of new jobs. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/27/washington/27web-energy.html?_r=1&scp=4&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse Obama's budget focuses on renewable energy. President Obama's first budget includes $15 billion a year for renewable energy programs and an ambitious plan to raise $656 billion from a carbon reduction proposal. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/27/obamas-budget-focuses-on-renewable-energy/ New fuel standards present challenge for auto industry. At the same time that the nation’s top automakers are dealing with their worst financial crisis in history, they’re also facing possible new environmental and fuel-economy standards, pushed by the Obama administration, that could have disastrous effects on their economic recovery. Posted. http://www.thestate.com/business/story/697847.html CARB fines mid-sized carrier $6,000 for inspection failures. The California Air Resources Board appears to be stepping up its diesel inspection enforcement for smaller and medium-sized motor carriers. CARB recently announced that in January it agreed to a $6,000 settlement with Hoskins Brothers Trucking, Inc., of Oxnard, CA. Posted. http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2009/Feb09/022309/022409-04.htm SMUD gets grant for biogas use. The California Air Resources Board today approved a $246,309 grant to the Sacramento Municipal Utility District to demonstrate the use of a system using dairy digester gases “that will significantly reduce emissions from stationary biogas engines to meet strict California emission standards.” Posted. http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=11261 ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 2 Mar 2009 12:25:12 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for March 2, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for March 2, 2009. Air Regulators Show No Letup In Their War On Emissions. Online: Union-Tribune politics writer John Marelius will take your questions and comments on national and state politics during a live online chat from 10 to 11 a.m. tomorrow at uniontrib.com/chat. HIGHLIGHTS: Some of the ways California is seeking to reduce greenhouse gases: Car fees/rebates: Fees on gas guzzlers and rebates for fuel-efficient cars etc. Sacramento — Even during this deep recession, California's air-quality regulators are on an accelerated schedule to adopt a series of global warming initiatives considered unmatched worldwide. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/mar/02/1n2warming214550-air-regulators-show-no-letup-thei/ Calif.'S EPAs Chief Expects Obama To Respect Its Cap. San Francisco -- A federal climate change bill advanced by the Obama administration is likely to respect and even replicate California's cap on greenhouse gas emissions, said the state's top environmental official in a news briefing last week. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/03/02/5/ CARB Approves $700,000 In Grants For Emissions Projects. The California Air Resources Board has approved $700,000 in grants for three projects aimed at cutting engine emissions, including one that could directly affect over-the-road drivers. Through CARB’s Innovative Clean Air Technologies program, the agency will fund $700,000 in grants to develop an aerodynamic device for diesel truck trailers, a specialized drivetrain for commercial vehicles, and a stationary biogas engine. Posted. http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2009/Feb09/022309/022709-06.htm Over 100 of the Nation's Top Scientists Call on CA Air Board to Eliminate Biases in the Proposed Low Carbon Fuel Standard. Group Acknowledges Common Goal of Producing Sustainable Alternative Fuels and Protecting Forests, But Says Current Proposal Tilts Playing Field in Favor of Fossil Fuels. LIVERMORE, Calif. In a letter to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, more than 100 of the nation's top scientists warned that the proposed Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) enforces a new and highly uncertain category of carbon emissions - called indirect or market-mediated effects - against only one type of fuel. Posted. http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/03-02-2009/0004981185&EDATE= Hundreds Rally For Legislation On Climate Change. Washington (AP) — Hundreds of demonstrators are urging Congress to pass legislation to reduce greenhouse gases and they're using the Capitol power plant as a symbol of the problem. Despite attempts by lawmakers to clean up the power plant in southeast Washington, it still burns coal and accounts for a third of the legislative branch's greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gTJ799AtURArOnuR5jn5GDlyLWLQD96M2ANO3 Suburban Job Growth Imperils Emission Goals. San Francisco lagged the region's suburbs in job growth over the last three decades, forcing increasing numbers of commuters to pack highways instead of public transportation even as the dangers of greenhouse gas emissions become increasingly evident, according to a report set for release today. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/01/BU26165NVF.DTL&type=printable Firm Pledges To Cut Its Greenhouse Gases. SAP introduced a corporate sustainability office today and pledged to cut its greenhouse gases in half - to 2000 levels - by 2020. The company, based in Germany with labs in Palo Alto, also dedicated 100 employees throughout the organization to making SAP greener, an effort that includes cutting travel and printing and boosting the use of renewable energy. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/02/BU05166G3A.DTL&type=printable http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/03/02/02greenwire-tech-titan-sap-aims-to-slash-ghg-emissions-9934.html State To Order Cuts In Greenhouse Gases. California air regulators approved requirements Thursday to compel chipmakers in Silicon Valley to severely cut greenhouse gases spewing from semiconductor plants. The unanimous vote by the California Air Resources Board will force reductions in fluorinated gas emissions at 16 semiconductor plants where microchips used in cell phones, computers, calculators, cars and other electronic equipment are manufactured. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/27/BA0T1660CI.DTL&type=printable Delay Sought On Emissions Reduction Bill. A Republican state senator has introduced legislation to put California's landmark greenhouse gas reduction plan on hold, but the plan seems to have less of a chance than a polar bear on melting ice. Sen. Bob Dutton, R-Rancho Cucamonga (San Bernardino County), has introduced a bill to halt the California Air Resources Board from developing regulations to implement the plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/27/BAC71660L8.DTL&type=printable Obama Raises Hopes Of World Climate Accord. Until recently, the idea that the world's most powerful nations might come together to tackle global warming seemed an environmentalist's pipe dream. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/01/MND31672G5.DTL&type=printable EPA: Air Tests Near Schools A Priority. In an unprecedented step aimed at protecting children from toxic chemicals, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is expected to announce plans Monday to determine whether industrial pollution taints the air outside schools across the nation. Posted. http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/environment/2009-03-01-epa_N.htm Carbon Dioxide Emissions Could Last Millennia, Expert Says. Until now, most discussion of climate change has been about what scientific evidence shows is likely to happen between now and 2100. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/615837.html Awareness Of Polluted Air Goal Of Film. From a baby’s first gasp to 1952’s toxic “Great Fog” of London that killed almost 4,000 people, the documentary “Air — The Search For One Clean Breath” asks a vital question: How has air evolved and what does it mean for our human experience? Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/mar/01/awareness-of-polluted-air-goal-of-film/ Climate: It's Not Just A Metaphor. Something a little strange has happened in our national conversation about the economic crisis. Our economic experts frequently speak and write of the fiscal climate as if it were the physical climate. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/mar/01/climate-its-not-just-a-metaphor/ Marin Turns Up Heat On Fireplace Violators. A controversial Bay Area crackdown on wood burning that had neighbors reporting on neighbors in the name of clean air ended Saturday, with some calling it a success and others an unnecessary annoyance. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_11811481 Natural Gas Fueled Buses Run Cleaner, Cheaper. The familiar black belch of soot and smoke that used to spew from school buses here is no more - not since the Colton Joint Unified School District switched to a school bus fleet fueled by compressed natural gas. Posted. http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_11815866 http://www.dailybulletin.com/search/ci_11815866?IADID=Search-www.dailybulletin.com-www.dailybulletin.com Of Politics and Carbon Footprints. On both sides of the Atlantic, storm clouds have been gathering over politicians and government officials for failing to do more to shrink their own carbon footprints. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/02/of-politics-and-carbon-footprints/ County Examines Carbon Footprint. Local governments in Napa County may have to adopt land-use, transportation and other policies that reduce emissions of “greenhouse gases” by 21 percent to 49 percent from current levels to meet state-directed goals, according to preliminary findings from a new study. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090302/BUSINESSJOURNAL/902270884 WILL: No Sounding Retreat In War Over Global Warming. Few phenomena generate as much heat as disputes about current orthodoxies concerning global warming. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090228/OPINION/902270845 Obama's Cap, Trade Irk Some In Party. Senate Democrats are breaking with President Obama over his plan for sweeping new climate-change laws that he says will rake in billions of dollars to help offset massive budget deficits. Posted. http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/mar/02/obamas-cap-trade-irk-some-in-party/ Preparing To Confront The Unknowable. Any way you look at it, the numbers on climate migration are staggering. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/03/02/02climatewire-preparing-to-confront-the-unknowable-9920.html Local Green Energy Projects Could Get Boost From Stimulus Package. President Barack Obama's $787 billion economic stimulus package could help California counties and cities comply with pending mandates to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_11814639?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_11814639 http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_11814639?nclick_check=1 Team Obama Wants To Pursue High-Risk, High-Reward Initiatives On Energy. Take risks. Spend federal money quickly. Reach out to the best minds in technology. We're behind, we have to catch up. The consequences of failure are too grim to contemplate. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_11815534 http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_11815534?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com Young Environmentalists Tackle West Oakland Pollution. It started two years ago with a simple walk around the neighborhood. It then morphed into a project to collect and test soot and dust for lead, and now it has evolved into a full-fledged scientific experiment conducted by high school students in West Oakland to identify airborne toxic source emissions that foul the air they breathe. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_11810857?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com Capitol Power Plant Dims Clean Energy Hopes. As Congress tries to clean up the nation's energy sources and cut gases blamed for global warming, it is struggling to do so in its own backyard. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/01/AR2009030100454.html?sub=AR Thinking Out Of The Box ... And In The Slot. Michael Rudt of Turlock envisions cleaner valley air by turning the vehicles we drive into giant slot cars. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/life/friendsfamily/story/615369.html Ports Cleanup Good For Health.Trucks backed up for hours and an automated system to identify eligible vehicles faltered, but who will remember that a month from now? Posted. http://www.dailybulletin.com/search/ci_11809154?IADID=Search-www.dailybulletin.com-www.dailybulletin.com http://www.dailybreeze.com/opinions/ci_11816035 Car Crashes to Please Mother Nature. On Monday the network will announce that “24” is going green, becoming the first “carbon neutral” television series. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/02/arts/television/02twen.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse On Our Blogs: Green Airplanes, Prius Award, Electric Car Charging. Green Flight Plan: If you're flying to LAX, chances are your plane ride is not only safer but more environmentally conscious as well. A new report stated that up to half of the planes using the landing strips in the nation's fourth-largest airport use technology that saves fuel and reduces noise and air pollution. The procedure, known as continuous descent, not only helps local neighborhoods battle pollution, it makes plane landings safer. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/ Earthtalk: Do Volcanic Eruptions Cause More Global Warming Than Humans? Dear EarthTalk: Could it really be true that a single large volcanic eruption launches more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than the amount generated by all of humanity over history? This argument that human-caused carbon emissions are merely a drop in the bucket compared to greenhouse gases generated by volcanoes has been making its way around the rumor mill for years. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/1664160.html Winter Spare The Air Days Over. Starting on Sunday, residents of nine Bay Area counties will no longer have to worry about when they can keep the home fires burning. Year One of the controversial new law that bans burning wood on certain days is over. Year Two doesn't start until November. Technically, today is the last day that the Bay Area Air Quality Management District can declare a "Winter Spare the Air Alert'' that bans burning wood products in fireplaces, stoves and outdoor pits for 24 hours beginning at noon. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/greenenergy/ci_11804514 A Fabric With Green Sheen: Fast-Growing Bamboo Offers More Eco-Friendly Cloth. Anne Kai, of Lacey, Wash., owns a small, hand-dyed fabric business with an environmental slant. Her fabric of choice is bamboo, which has green qualities synthetic fabrics and cotton lack. "Bamboo is a weed that doesn't require pesticides and commercial fertilizers to grow," she said. And grow it does, like a weed and up to one foot a day, maturing within a year. In addition, the plant filters more water and oxygen and sequesters more greenhouse gases than an equal-size stand of trees. Posted. http://www.sanluisobispo.com/528/story/637596.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 3 Mar 2009 11:53:29 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for March 3, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for March 3, 2009. Environmental roundup: Court Finds Valley Meets Air Standard. A federal appeals court ruled Monday that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was right to declare the San Joaquin Valley in compliance with national standards for an air pollutant called PM 10. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/102/story/705171.html http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090303/A_NEWS/90302022/-1/A_NEWS Pacific Ethanol's Capacity Slashed. With the shutdown of two more plants, Sacramento's Pacific Ethanol Inc. is operating at about one-quarter capacity in an industry struggling with depressed profit margins. The company still boasts it's the "largest West Coast-based marketer and producer of ethanol," but lately it's been in retreat. Last week, it announced it is suspending production at plants in Stockton and Burley, Idaho. A month earlier, it halted operations in Madera. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/business/story/1666350.html?mi_rss=Business Diesel Fuel Goes Along With Energy And Economy's Dive. Prices have fallen to levels last seen in early 2005. Truckers can't enjoy the slide because they have less work. As gasoline prices drift and oil falters the diesel fuel that dominates agriculture, rail transport, heavy construction and road hauling is cheaper than it has been in more than four years, the Energy Department said Monday. Though that sounds like good news, diesel's decline is another sign of the depths of the global economy's funk. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-gas3-2009mar03,0,5541841,print.story Federal Plans To Put Air Quality Monitors On Campuses May Affect Inland Schools. The Obama administration announced plans Monday to measure toxic air pollution at some school campuses across the nation, then work with state and local officials to reduce high-risk emissions affecting students. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_schoolair03.43318e7.html Modesto Forum Addresses Local Climate Response. California's effort to deal with climate change could hamper Modesto area businesses and raise rates for electricity users, speakers said at a forum Monday. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/business/story/617662.html Wilmington Looks To A Greener Future. The working-class community in the shadow of the nation's busiest port is being energized by green technology and entrepreneurial innovation. When visitors to Wilmington's historic red-brick Chamber of Commerce ask what's new, three topics tend to dominate the ensuing conversation. One is the recent groundbreaking for a long-awaited 30-acre buffer of parkland separating the working-class community from the frenzy of diesel-spewing activity in the nation's busiest port. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-me-wilmington3-2009mar03,0,2851637,print.story Stimulated Energy. I must admit I was surprised at the beauty of the Berkeley campus. I've always imagined it as a huge pavilion of protesting students shouting slogans as sixteen types of studs and rings dangle from their cheeks and ears. Instead it is a forest of junipers, redwoods and other Western conifers that give it the air of a mountain resort. Posted. http://spectator.org/archives/2009/03/03/stimulated-energy/print L.A. Leads Country In Green Commercial Buildings. Los Angeles commercial property landlords are going green on a bigger scale than their counterparts in other cities, the federal Environmental Protection Agency said today. The EPA awarded the most Energy Star ratings in the country last year to Los Angeles, where 262 buildings earned the agency's coveted designation. Energy Star buildings use at least 35% less energy than average buildings and emit 35% less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/03/la-leads-countr.html Modesto Forum Addresses Local Climate Response. Poor air quality in the Central Valley is having an impact on the surrounding climate. The California Air Resources Board is carrying out Assembly Bill 32, signed in 2006. It aims to reduce emissions believed to be contributing to generally higher temperatures, rising sea levels and shrinking of valley water supplies from the Sierra Nevada snowpack. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/local/v-print/story/617662.html Europeans Urge Obama To Adopt Medium-Term Climate Targets. While pleased with "encouraging signs" from Washington on global warming, the European Union is urging the Obama administration to adopt midterm targets for greenhouse gas reductions. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/03/03/03climatewire-europeans-urge-obama-to-adopt-mediumterm-clim-9956.html Carbon Footprint Wars: Brown vs. Sarkozy. On Tuesday I wrote about how the carbon footprint of legislatures in Washington, D.C., and Brussels were under scrutiny. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/03/carbon-footprint-wars-brown-vs-sarkozy/?scp=2&sq=climate%20change&st=cse More Than Just Hot Air. The Sunday New York Times described an expected sea change in international global warming policy. The story noted that President George W. Bush, "pressed by the Senate, rejected" the Kyoto global warming protocol in 2001, but now President Obama is eager to negotiate a robust international global warming treaty to be signed in Copenhagen in December. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/03/EDGM167OSK.DTL Bren, Irvine Smith Named as OC “Eco Barons”. Two Orange County icons who use their wealth to help shape the local environment appear on a Times of London list of the world’s top “eco barons” — big-time investors in green projects. Posted. http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/2009/03/03/bren-irvine-smith-named-as-oc-eco-barons/4955/ Global Warming: Your Money Or Your Life. The global warming hysteria is a lot like hysterias that preceded it, says Dr. William Happer. Posted. http://orangepunch.freedomblogging.com/2009/03/02/global-warming-your-money-or-your-life/7549/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 4 Mar 2009 10:50:17 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for March 4, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for March 4, 2009. US Urged To Lead In Cutting Greenhouse Emissions. For the United States to play a leadership role crafting a global warming treaty, negotiators say Congress and the Obama administration must enact limits this year to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Posted. http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/03/04/ap/politics/d96n6jl80.txt http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/618399.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_11833224?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_11833224?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/04/AR2009030400285.html http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123611493656622581.html?mod=googlenews_wsj http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/04/global-car-makers-asked-to-cut-emissions-by-half/ Tough Test Emerges as Administration Aims to Bolster Automakers, Cut Pollution. If the administration opts for tougher rules, it could make its own auto rescue efforts more expensive and more complex. Balancing the two goals -- saving the industry and the environment -- has emerged as a test of the administration's aims. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/03/AR2009030303735.html L.A. Tops Rankings In Energy Efficiency. The Environmental Protection Agency says the city has the nation's most Energy Star buildings, which use at least 35% less energy than average buildings. Los Angeles commercial property landlords are going green on a bigger scale than their counterparts in other cities, the federal Environmental Protection Agency said Tuesday. The EPA awarded the most Energy Star ratings in the country last year to Los Angeles, where 262 buildings earned the agency's conservation designation. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-green4-2009mar04,0,5215386,print.story http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/04/MNF01683E4.DTL&type=printable Opinion: California's Green Meanies. By putting up barriers to new development in the state, environmentalists push homes to areas that are far less environmentally friendly. California environmentalists are tireless in their efforts to stop new development. But for the good of the planet, maybe they should lighten up. Indeed, the best thing that environmentalists can do to fight global warming is to encourage new construction in the state, especially in the areas with the most temperate climates. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-oe-glaeser4-2009mar04,0,6836743,print.story California Featured At World IT Trade Show. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger took his crusade to curb global warming to the world's largest technology trade show this week, urging international business leaders to create jobs with green innovations that reduce energy use. Swarmed by onlookers as he toured the CeBIT conference in Hanover, the governor promoted California companies represented at the fair and told executives that going green will save them money, expand business and help the planet. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/04/MN4N168F08.DTL&type=printable Missed Inspections Earn Authority Fine. Failing to inspect its diesel vehicles in 2006 has earned Victor Valley Transit Authority a citation from the California Air Resources Board, according to a release. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_region03.43311cb.html# State Board Fines High Desert Transit Authority. A state agency has fined the Victor Valley Transit Authority after finding it did not properly inspect its diesel bus fleet in 2006. State law requires the owners of truck and bus fleets to inspect the vehicles on a regular basis to make sure emissions do not exceed state standards, according to a news release from the California Air Resources Board. Posted. http://www.insidesocal.com/news247/2009/03/state-board-fines-high-desert.html Supervisor Seeks Hearing On S.F. Power Plant. San Francisco Supervisor Sophie Maxwell is calling for a hearing by the end of the month on environmental hazards at the city's remaining large power plant, which kills fish larvae and sits atop land that may be leaching toxic chemicals into bay mud. The fossil fuel plant, located south of Mission Bay on the eastern waterfront, is at the center of a long-standing dispute among city officials over when and how it should be replaced with a power source that would produce fewer emissions. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/04/BA27168KSE.DTL&type=printable Solar-Car Inventor Pursues Distance Record Alone, With Empty Pockets. San Jose, Calif. -- From stem to stern across the continent, skirting blacktop and blue highway in his oddball little electric car, Marcelo da Luz has devoted the last eight months of his life to following the sun. It keeps him going. It powers the silicon cells covering his three-wheeled roadster like a rattlesnake skin, bringing his record-breaking quest this week to Palo Alto, Calif., where he's taking a break. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/1670584.html California Air Resources Board Presenting New ‘Cash For Clunkers’ Program. Washington, D.C. – The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is holding a workshop in Sacramento to present its newly developed program aimed at getting old, polluting vehicles off the road. Posted. http://license.icopyright.net/user/viewFreeUse.act?fuid=Mjg0ODkyMg%3D%3D Scientists Argue Against Indirect Land Use. On March 2, 111 of the nation’s top scientists submitted a letter to California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger questioning the California Air Resources Board’s plan to include an indirect land use change (iLUC) for biofuels, such as biodiesel and ethanol, under the state’s intended Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). In the letter, the scientists argued that the ability to predict alleged iLUC effects depends on the use of an economic model to predict worldwide carbon effects, the outcomes of which are unusually sensitive to the assumptions made by the researchers conducting the model runs. Posted. http://www.ethanolproducer.com/article-print.jsp?article_id=5427 Controversy Over Clean Car Act Continues. Despite potential fuel savings, many oppose parts of legislation. Minnesotans could be saving $250 million if the state legislature approved the Clean Car Act that is winding its way through the Capitol, according to Environment Minnesota. Detroit Lakes – Minnesotans could be saving $250 million if the state legislature approved the Clean Car Act that is winding its way through the Capitol, according to Environment Minnesota. Posted. http://www.dl-online.com/event/article/id/42190/ Obama's Plan To Hike Taxes Meets Fierce Opposition. President Barack Obama's call to raise taxes on high earners and greenhouse gas polluters met fierce opposition Tuesday from congressional Republicans and also a few Democrats. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2020/story/617572.html http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/mar/04/stocks-potentially-good-deal-obama-says/ Global Car Makers Asked to Cut Emissions by Half. Amid a wave of government-led bailouts for car companies, a group of international agencies and motoring organizations called on Wednesday for car makers worldwide to reduce emissions. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/04/global-car-makers-asked-to-cut-emissions-by-half/?scp=2&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Editorial: The Gore Effect. Driving snow froze the hopes of organizers of "the biggest global warming protest in history" Monday in Washington. With the government on a two-hour snow delay and the speaker of the House unable to attend because her flight was grounded by inclement weather, shivering protestors gathered on the west front of the Capitol, the latest victims of a climatological phenomenon known by the scientific community as the Gore Effect. Posted. http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/mar/04/the-gore-effect/ Al Gore’s Presentation. Re “In Debate on Climate Change, Exaggeration Is a Common Pitfall” (news analysis, Feb. 25): We take issue with the comparison of Al Gore’s continuing efforts to ensure the accuracy of his presentation of more than 400 slides with a recent column by George Will in The Washington Post that questioned the scientific consensus of climate change. You note that critics have complained that Mr. Will’s column was “riddled with errors” and has yet to be corrected. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/04/opinion/l04gore.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=climate%20change&st=cse ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 5 Mar 2009 11:12:22 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for March 5, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for March 5, 2009. Stop California's Emissions Rule, Levin Asks EPA. Arlington, Va. – Michigan Sen. Carl Levin asked the Obama administration today to deny California’s attempt to limit global warming emissions from cars and trucks, saying the country needed a nationwide rule. Levin’s testimony to a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hearing followed California officials who contended the state had met the legal burden to prove it could set such limits, and that global warming was worsening the state’s pollution problems. Posted. http://www.freep.com/article/20090305/BUSINESS01/90305044/1014/Stop+California+s+emissions+rule++Levin+asks+EPA http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5homCX-v1wapuqPCGYRtMpF2OmIuwD96O0GT02 http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-tailpipe5-2009mar05,0,4494593,print.story http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/Content?oid=921099 http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_11842002?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_11842002?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com ANALYSIS-Costs To Keep US Carbon Storage From Coal Elusive. New York/Houston, March 5 (Reuters) - Capturing carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants, the biggest U.S. source of the main greenhouse gas, is unlikely to play a big role in President Barack Obama's immediate plans to slow global warming, despite billions of dollars in incentives. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN05454520 Congress to Vote on 'Cap-and-Trade' Legislation by Summer. Washington, -- Two weeks after President Obama challenged Congress to send him a bill that "places a market-based cap on carbon pollution and drives the production of more renewable energy," House and Senate leaders responded with an ambitious timetable for new "cap-and-trade" legislation, including a final Senate vote by the end of summer. Posted. http://sev.prnewswire.com/OTC-smallCap/20090305/LA7919905032009-1.html California Needs Low Carbon Fuels to Replace Polluting Petroleum Fuels. Sacramento, Calif., -- The American Lung Association in California supports the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) proposal to adopt the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from transportation fuels by 10 percent by 2020 and urges the board to proceed quickly without delay. Transportation is the largest source of global warming emissions in California, responsible for approximately 38 percent of global warming emissions. Posted. http://newswire.ascribe.org/cgi-bin/behold.pl?ascribeid=20090304.154231&time=16%2026%20PST&year=2009&public=0 Cleantech Investing Slows, Foretelling A Future GHG Problem. Investments in new wind farms and other "clean" energy projects are slowing with the crumbling global economy, and that could make climate change's bite harder in the decades ahead, financial analysts warned today. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/03/04/04climatewire-cleantech-investing-slows-foretelling-a-futur-9985.html Do C.F.L.s Increase Greenhouse Gases? The report suggested that the energy savings associated with the bulbs — which use far less electricity than their incandescent predecessors — may be offset by higher heating bills, and more greenhouse emissions. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/05/do-cfls-increase-greenhouse-gases/?scp=2&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Editorial: It's Wise To Delay Global Warming Enforcement. That's why we like the idea of Sen. Robert Dutton, R-Riverside, to delay implementation of economy-killing regulations in the so-called Global Warming Solutions Act, which would impose huge additional costs on industry and commerce when they go into effect Jan. 1, 2011. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/global-dutton-warming-2324168-costs-california Air-Quality Deadlines Threaten Valley Development. Development could be stalled in the Valley if city officials don't act quickly to comply with a new air-quality law that takes effect this summer. Posted. http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1240551.html Hanford Transit Agency Fined For Air Quality Violations. The California Air Resources Board says it has fined the Kings County Area Public Transit $6,500 for excessive diesel emissions and record keeping violations. Posted. http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=11309 What's Different About Electric Cars This Time? A Column By Kevin A. Wilson. Thirteen years after the General Motors EV1 was rolled out to cheers from advocates of a revolution in the way we power automobiles, those same advocates are out front cheerleading yet another revival of an idea as old as the automobile itself: Run 'em on batteries. Batteries aren't a source of energy. They're just storage units, a convenient means of making power portable. Posted. http://www.autoweek.com/article/20090305/CARNEWS/903059990 Warnings But No Fines For Wood-Burn Violators. In their first evaluation of a Bay Area ban on wood fires on bad air nights, pollution regulators said Wednesday that they warned 254 local residents this winter for using fireplaces and stoves on the wrong nights, but they fined none because none broke the rule twice. Encouraged by the lack of fines and heavy public sign-ups for automatic notifications of no-burn nights, regulators said the rule is effective in cleaning the air of soot despite early fears about a public backlash. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_11838561?source=rss http://www.insidebayarea.com/green/ci_11838561 ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 9 Mar 2009 10:33:18 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for March 9, 2009 From: mfricke@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for March 9, 2009. Newsclips March 9, 2009 Will AB 32 have any real impact on emissions? No program should be exempt from this scrutiny, including Assembly Bill 32 (the Global Warming Solutions Act), which is one of the largest regulatory schemes ever approved by the state of California. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/community/story/623783.html Doing nothing is too costly a 'solution'. The state of California has been recognized as an environmental leader throughout the world. In my role as member of the California Air Resources Board for the last decade, I am acutely aware of the need to balance clean air goals with a healthy economy. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/community/story/623778.html State's proposed emissions rule sparks firestorm. California regulators Thursday issued a far-reaching proposal to slash carbon emissions from transportation fuels, setting the stage for a national battle over how to reduce the damage to the global climate from gasoline and diesel combustion. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-fi-fuel6-2009mar06,0,1654710.story A clash over auto emission standards. California officials told the Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday that major automakers are already on track to meet the state's strict proposed limits on greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-na-emissions6-2009mar06,0,2898775.story California officials urge EPA to reverse Bush-era emissions ruling. California officials asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday to reverse a federal decision and get the state back on track toward setting its own auto emissions standards. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/mar/06/state-officials-urge-epa-to-reverse-emissions/ State emissions proposal quickly attacked. A proposed state regulation designed to promote alternative fuels and cut greenhouse gas emissions from cars drew fire Thursday from ethanol producers, who say the rules discriminate against them. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/05/BUE016A63B.DTL&type=business Uncertainty, but better prospects for California's landmark auto emissions plan. California officials and the auto industry clashed again Thursday in their four-year struggle over the state's landmark efforts to regulate vehicle emissions, but this time the political and economic landscape has shifted dramatically. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/businessheadlines/ci_11847396 Grant California's clean-air waiver. A few years ago, a decision by the Environmental Protection Agency to allow California to regulate vehicle tailpipe emissions should have been a cinch. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/opinion/la-ed-epa6-2009mar06,0,5960467.story California proposes new ‘cradle to grave’ fuel standard. California’s Air Resources Board (ARB) has released a proposed regulation that would cut greenhouse gas emissions from transportation fuels by 10% by 2020 and become more stringent in following years. Posted. http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/policy/i/1916/ Transportation visonary doesn't like to drive. Here's one key to Daniel Sperling's vision for the future of mobility: He doesn't like to drive. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/trafficnews/story/1679386.html Polluting paint thinners targeted. That sickly smell that wafts from paint thinners and other solvents is more than an annoyance -- it signals the emission of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that cause smog and can also contribute to asthma and cancer. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/03/paint-thinners.html Valley air regulators have beef with charbroilers. San Joaquin Valley air quality regulators have a lot of restaurant owners asking: What's the beef? Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_11866995 http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_11866995?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_11866995?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com&IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com Valley’s air police want a word with your burger. Your favorite fast-food restaurant or steakhouse might be adding to the San Joaquin Valley’s super-sized air pollution problem. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090308/A_NEWS/90308003 South Coast Air Quality Management District OKs dust-control plans for cement processors. Regional air pollution officials approved dust-control measures Friday for two Inland cement plants, including one that contaminated nearby neighborhoods with unacceptable levels of cancer-causing hexavalent chromium. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_cement07.38971d7.html SoCal air board bans high-emission paint thinners. Southern California air quality regulators have approved stricter regulations for paint thinners and solvents to reduce the emission of smog-forming compounds and prevent indoor air pollution. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_11854909?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_11854909?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com Examiner Editorial: Warning: Breathing causes global warming. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson opened Pandora’s box recently by agreeing to reconsider a Bush administration decision that excluded carbon dioxide from the list of pollutants the agency regulates under the Clean Air Act. Posted. http://www.sfexaminer.com/opinion/Examiner-Editorial-Warning-Breathing-causes-global-warming-40937912.html Climate Change Skeptics, Unite: Heartland Institute’s ‘Other’ Global Warming Gabfest. For the second year in a row, the Heartland Institute is sounding the alarm about global warming—not about rising temperatures, but about runaway climate-change rhetoric. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/03/09/climate-change-skeptics-unite-heartland-institutes-other-global-warming-gabfest/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:45:22 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for March 10th, 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for March 10th, 2009. Newsclips for March 10, 2009 Has Calif.'s Hydrogen Highway Gone Bust? San Francisco -- Soon after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) took office in 2003, he set in motion a campaign promise to build, by 2010, a "hydrogen highway" composed of 150 to 200 fueling stations spaced every 20 miles along California's major highways. Schwarzenegger's "Vision 2010" plan promised that every California motorist would have access to hydrogen fuel by the end of the decade. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/03/10/10greenwire-has-schwarzeneggers-hydrogen-highway-gone-bust-10054.html?pagewanted=print PROMISES, PROMISES: House Fails To Zero Out Carbon. It was a bold promise: the House would "lead by example" to fight global warming, becoming the first legislative body in the world to zero out its carbon impact on the planet. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/625612.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_11877102 Scientists Warn Of Rising Sea Levels At Conference. Top climate scientists warned Tuesday that sea levels could rise twice as much as previously projected as they presented the latest research on global warming. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/world/story/625857.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_11878182 In Early Stages, Obama Lets Congress Work Its Will On Climate Bill. President Obama launched the climate policy debate last month with a nationally televised call for Congress to pass a cap-and-trade bill, followed a few days later by proposed emissions limits and a spending plan for the hundreds of billions of dollars in new government revenue generated by the global warming program. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/03/10/10climatewire-in-early-stages-obama-lets-congress-work-its-10046.html Climate Change Accelerates Water Hunt In U.S. West. San Francisco (Reuters) - It's hard to visualize a water crisis while driving the lush boulevards of Los Angeles, golfing Arizona's green fairways or watching dancing Las Vegas fountains leap more than 20 stories high. So look Down Under. A decade into its worst drought in a hundred years Australia is a lesson of what the American West could become. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE52900820090310?sp=true Going Green, Without A Lawn. Drought-tolerant gardens replacing lush yards. Virtually all the bungalows in Jennie and Chas Rightmyer's Kensington neighborhood have well-tended lawns out front – part of the American dream, along with picket fences and two-car garages. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/mar/09/1n9lawns22487-going-green-no-lawn/?uniontrib 'More Bad News' On Climate Change. More bad news on climate change is expected as more than 2,000 climate scientists gather in Copenhagen. They will be trying to pull together the latest research on global warming ahead of political negotiations later in the year. The scientists are concerned that the 2007 reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) are already out of date. Posted. http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/mpapps/pagetools/print/news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7934046.stm?ad=1 New Greenhouse Gas Identified. A gas used for fumigation has the potential to contribute significantly to future greenhouse warming, but because its production has not yet reached high levels there is still time to nip this potential contributor in the bud, according to an international team of researchers. Posted. http://www.physorg.com/print155913385.html Cold Reality Of Global Warming Efforts. Setting targets to cut emissions is easy, achieving them is not, says Martin Livermore. In this week's Green Room, he questions the current wisdom of placing so much faith in systems that have failed to deliver. Posted. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7929174.stm Higher Ethanol Mandate May Not Buoy U.S. Corn Prices. Chicago (Reuters) - The Obama administration's call this week for an increase in the amount of ethanol to be used in gasoline in the United States is a positive sign for corn growers but it probably will not boost seedings or corn prices this year. "It's pretty good news for corn growers and will at least keep farmers committed to corn," said Gavin Maguire, analyst for Ehedger. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE52952420090310 Tesoro Drops Lawsuit To Stall California Gas Regulations. Tesoro Corp. has dropped its lawsuit against the California Air Resources Board (CARB) after a judge denied the company’s request for a temporary injunction. Last month, a California Superior Court judge rejected Tesoro’s bid to delay a new gasoline standard set to take effect in that state next year. Posted. http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/stories/2009/03/09/daily5.html?t=printable Oxnard Ex-Halaco Site Linked To Premature Births. A state study of pollution at the Halaco Superfund site in south Oxnard has found that emissions from the former metal-recycling plant’s smoke stack might have contributed to the incidence of premature births in the immediate surrounding area. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/mar/10/oxnard-ex-halaco-site-linked-to-premature-births/ http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/CA_SoCal_Waste_Heap_390525C.shtml With Air Pollution, Even Steak Isn't Sacred. Steak isn't sacred when it comes to air quality in the San Joaquin Valley. Charbroiling adds to pollution in the air, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District says. Posted. http://www.kcra.com/news/18892709/detail.html http://www.mantecabulletin.com/news/article/2045/ Editorial: Sparing the Bay Area Air At What Price? Bay Area air quality regulators are pleased with how the first Spare the Air season went during the winter months, which started in November and ended on the last day of February. Never mind that people's lives were intruded on and some industries suffered at the worse of times. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/opinion/ci_11872683 Stimulus Dollars Energize Efforts To Smarten Up the Electric Power Grid. Erlanger, KY. -- One gizmo allows you to run the dishwasher when electricity is cheapest. Another decides when to fire up the water heater if you plan on a 6 a.m. shower. Another routes solar energy from a rooftop panel to a battery in your garage and the wiring in your house. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/09/AR2009030902712_pf.html Company Sued Over ‘Toxic Trailers’ Enters Bankruptcy. One of the company’s that manufactured the so-called “toxic trailers” that housed Hurricane Katrina victims filed for Chapter 11 protection Tuesday. [2] Fleetwood Enterprises Inc. said in [3] court papers that the filing will halt all 289 lawsuits pending against it in federal and state courts, including lawsuits filed by Katrina victims that are set to go to trial later this year. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/bankruptcy/2009/03/10/company-sued-over-toxic-trailers-enters-bankruptcy/print/ BP Fined By US Environmental Regulator. Company is accused of failing to comply with toxic chemical regulations. BP has agreed to pay $786,000 in fines imposed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) following violation of reporting requirements at its Texas refinery. Posted. http://www.businessgreen.com/articles/print/2238193 Electric-Car Owner's Having ‘Fun With My Toys'. Santa Ana, Calif. - Chances are good that residents of Dana Point, Calif., have seen the gleaming yellow electric vehicle zooming around town or parked at the harbor. And if their queries to an older gentleman near the little car resulted in teasing or jokes, they've met the owner, too. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/1683458.html Pacific Harbor Line Serving Ports Named Short Line Railroad of the Year. The Pacific Harbor Line, which serves the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, was named today as Short Line Railroad of the Year by Railway Age magazine for replacing and expanding its entire locomotive fleet with 22 low-emission diesel-electric units. The new fleet makes the railroad the greenest in the nation, according to the magazine. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11878068 ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 11 Mar 2009 11:10:13 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for March 11, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for March 11, 2009. EPA Proposes Nationwide Emissions Report. Washington -The Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday proposed establishing a nationwide system for reporting greenhouse gas emissions, a program that could serve as the basis for a federal cap on the buildup of carbon and other gases linked to global warming. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/11/MNV416CLHH.DTL&type=printable http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aoRFUQWGv.Po&refer=us http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/environment/2009-03-10-epa-greenhouse-gases_N.htm http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/11/washington/11epa.html?ref=us http://www.modbee.com/business/story/625950.html http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/10/epa-proposes-reporting-of-greenhouse-gas-emissions/ http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/mar/11/epa-weighs-emission-reports/ Leaked EPA Draft Highlights New Research On Climate Risks. U.S. EPA has added dozens of scientific accounts about global warming threats to a key document that is expected to help drive federal regulations for curbing U.S. emissions of greenhouse gases, according to an agency draft (pdf) obtained by Greenwire. Twenty-eight EPA scientists, engineers and other career employees are now working on a nearly 2-year-old "technical support document" that synthesizes climate research on everything from melting sea ice to forest fires and air pollution. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/03/11/11greenwire-leaked-epa-draft-highlights-new-research-on-he-10084.html?pagewanted=print New Gas: MIT Researchers Identify Potent New Greenhouse Gas. The unintended law of consequences strikes again. The 20-year old campaign to save the ozone layer has led to the widespread industrial use of a greenhouse gas 4,800 times more potent than carbon dioxide. How did we get here? The 1987 Montreal Protocol was established to limit emissions of chlorofluorocarbons and other gases that deplete the ozone layer, the big worry in the 1980s. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/03/11/new-gas-mit-researchers-identify-potent-new-greenhouse-gas/tab/print/ Recession Has Taken Toll On Alternative Energy. -- Worldwide sales of solar cells, biofuels and wind turbines soared 53 percent last year to hit $115.9 billion before the global recession started sapping their strength, according to an annual report issued Tuesday. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/11/BUVS16CRCG.DTL&type=printable Bay Area Activist To Advise Obama On Green Jobs. Bay Area environmental activist and author Van Jones will join the Obama administration as adviser for green jobs, enterprise and innovation, the White House Council on Environmental Quality announced Tuesday. Jones, 40, is the founder of Green for All, an Oakland-based organization designed to create "green-collar" jobs in low-income communities. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/11/MNUL16CK5Q.DTL&type=printable Livermore Takes Aim At Greenhouse Gases. City leaders took a bold swipe at climate change this week, setting a target date to meet statewide requirements for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_11881977?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_11881977?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com CSUCI Student, Professor Push For Climate Commitment. It is a nationwide effort among college presidents and chancellors to reduce carbon footprints of their campuses in the interests of global warming, and calls on them to develop plans within two years of signing the agreement to become “climate neutral,” among other things. Hundreds of higher-learning institutions nationwide have signed the commitment. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/mar/11/no-headline---nxxfccsucicarbon11/ Scientists Urged to Step to Plate on Climate Politics. Money and politics, the stuff of social science, now drive global warming, and climate science needs to get with it, a National Research Council report suggests. Posted. http://www.news10.net/news/green/story.aspx?storyid=56087&catid=62 Chief of Climate Panel to Lead Yale Center. Rajendra K. Pachauri, the chairman of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change since 2002, will become the head of the new Yale Climate and Energy Institute, the university announced today. Posted. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/10/chief-of-climate-panel-to-lead-yale-center/?hp INSIDE WASHINGTON: Probe Finds Health Risks Missed. The federal agency charged with protecting the public near toxic pollution sites often obscures or overlooks potential health hazards, uses inadequate analysis and fails to zero in on toxic culprits, congressional investigators and scientists say. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/11/AR2009031100102.html http://www.fresnobee.com/news/national-politics/story/1253120.html http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/626975.html SoCal Ports Face Dray Truck Scramble. LA-Long Beach ports must replace 7,500 older trucks in next 10 months. The harbor trucking community in Southern California will have to scramble to replace or retrofit about 7,500 trucks over the next 10 months in order to meet the next deadline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach clean-truck program. The ports on Jan. 1, 2010, will ban all pre-1994 trucks. Also, 1994 to 2003 trucks must be retrofitted with anti-pollution devices in order to operate in the harbor. Posted. http://www.joc.com/node/410029 ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:42:29 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for March 12, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for March 12, 2009. Low-Level Ozone Exposure Found To Be Lethal Over Time. An 18-year study shows an increased annual risk of death from respiratory illnesses, depending on the pollution level. It goes beyond studies that linked brief ozone spikes to short-term effects. Ozone pollution is a killer, increasing the yearly risk of death from respiratory diseases by 40% to 50% in heavily polluted cities like Los Angeles and Riverside and by about 25% throughout the rest of the country, researchers reported today. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-sci-ozone12-2009mar12,0,4093402,print.story No Benefit To Motorists In A 'Hot Fuel' Fix, State Panel Says. California Energy Commission says the costs of compensating for gasoline temperature would outweigh the gains in fuel volume. Reporting from Sacramento — Amid allegations of conflict of interest, the five members of the California Energy Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to tell lawmakers there was no benefit to fixing service station pumps to end an inequity that may be costing Californians millions of dollars a year. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-hotfuel12-2009mar12,0,5378715,print.story Roadshow: Gas Stations Closing To Make Vapor Recovery Improvements. Q It seems like all the Shell gas stations are closing. There is one at Blossom Hill Road and Snell Avenue and another off Kooser Road in San Jose, plus one in Scotts Valley. Fences are around the stations. Are they really closing, upgrading tanks, remodeling or what? My friend Google did not know, so alas I turn to you. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_11892797 EPA Testing Local Water To Find Out If Problematic Chemical Is In Drinking Supply. The sidewalk in front of a downtown Visalia law office may seem an odd place to look for environmental contamination. But for years, starting in 1959, long before the Sullivan and Sullivan Law Corp. occupied this West Oak Avenue building, it was Van Dusen's Cleaners, according to a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency report. A group of EPA- contracted workers broke up the sidewalk Wednesday and began pounding stakes into the dirt. Posted. http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/article/20090312/NEWS01/903120305&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL Ocean Expected To Rise 5 Feet Along Coastlines. San Francisco -- Driven by global warming, the ocean is expected to rise nearly 5 feet along California's coastline by the end of the century, hitting San Francisco Bay the hardest of all, according to a state study released Wednesday. Nearly half a million people and $100 billion in property, two-thirds of it concentrated around the bay, are at risk of major flooding, researchers found in the most comprehensive study to date of how climate change will alter the state's coastal areas. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/12/MNTK16DEBF.DTL&type=printable http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-global-warming-searise12-2009mar12,0,2741152.story?track=rss http://www.modbee.com/state/story/627829.html Running On Empty: Regulations First, Californians. “Actions have consequences,” the old saying goes, and it is as true in California as anywhere else. For years, the Golden State has promulgated regulations, compliance structures, and environmental rules on everything from dry cleaners to nail salons and from ballpoint pens to video games. Most of the time, we endure this or that government directive (SB 1918: “No driving that Segway Human Transporter at night, mister!”) with little more than a bemused shake of the head. Posted. http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?_c=xtud4llq9b9rjg&xid=xttqubokwbl8bn&%3Bdone=search.php%3Fsearchparams%3Da%253A5%253A%257Bs%253A9%253A%2522issuedate%2522%253BN%253Bs%253A6%253A%2522author%2522%253BN%253Bs%253A5%253A%2522title%2522%253BN%253Bs%253A4%253A%2522body%2522%253BN%253Bs%253A12%253A%2522article_type%2522%253Bs%253A17%253A%25221192656582969_969%2522%253B%257D More Cars, More Trouble. It’s a daring vision: a sustainable transportation future. Daniel Sperling, UC Davis professor and founding director of the Institute of Transportation Studies, and Deborah Gordon, a transportation policy analyst, offer it to readers in Two Billion Cars: Driving Toward Sustainability. Posted. http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/Content?oid=924324 Dire Scenarios Presented On Global Warming. Global warming is likely to take a greater toll on California than previously believed unless strong measures are taken to combat it, a state panel was told Wednesday. The potential impacts – according to a flurry of new scientific studies – include major property damage along the coast from rising sea levels, worsening drought, widespread crop damage, increasing wildfires and a diminished Sierra Nevada snowpack. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/378/v-print/story/1692446.html Global Warming To Carry Big Costs For California. From agricultural losses to devastation wrought by wildfires, California's economy is expected to see significant costs resulting from global warming in the decades ahead, according to a new report. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2032/story/628417.html http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090312/NEWS/903121036 http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/CA_Climate_Change_Calif_390945C.shtml Planning For Future Must Consider Climate Change. Despite years of study and analysis, the world is unprepared for climate change and needs to rethink basic assumptions that govern things as varied as choosing cars and building bridges, the National Research Council reports. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2032/story/628662.html UC Berkeley, UCLA Law Professors Launch Blog On Climate Change, Energy, Environmental Policy. University of California, Berkeley and Los Angeles law professors announced the launch of a blog Wednesday that provides insight and analysis on climate change, energy, environmental law and policy. Legal Planet is meant to make developments in law and policy more approachable for general audiences. Contributors write about Supreme Court decisions, new policy developments, regulatory actions and state and national legislation. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/greenenergy/ci_11895431 Spare the Air, But At What Price? Bay Area air quality regulators are pleased with how the first Spare the Air season went during the winter months, which started in November and ended on the last day of February. Never mind that people's lives were intruded on and some industries suffered at the worse of times. Posted. http://www.timesheraldonline.com/editorial/ci_11894143 Halaco Health Report Raises Questions. Pollution from the former Halaco metal-recycling plant in south Oxnard may have contributed to premature births in women living nearby, according to a state study, but some residents at a community meeting Wednesday questioned whether that was the only health risk. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/mar/11/Trespassing-problems-continue-at-Halaco-site/ Despite Gloom, Promising Clean-Tech Trends. The clean energy sector grew by leaps and bounds last year — despite the global economic downturn and the brutal beating to the stock market. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/12/despite-gloom-promising-clean-tech-trends/?scp=2&sq=climate%20change&st=cse Irvine-Based Fisker Will Run Its Plug-In On Canadian Batteries. Advanced Lithium Power of Vancouver will provide the batteries for the high-end Karma. Fisker Automotive Inc.'s long-anticipated plug-in hybrid will run on Canadian power. The Irvine automaker said it would buy the batteries for its $87,900 luxury sedan, the Karma, from Advanced Lithium Power Inc., a Vancouver concern that also supplies batteries to the U.S. military. In addition, Fisker spokesman Russell Datz said the company would make a "sizable" cash investment in Advanced Lithium Power, also known as ALP. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-fi-fisker12-2009mar12,0,3919776,print.story Corn, Soybeans Rise After U.S. Boosts Ethanol Demand Estimate -- Corn advanced after the U.S. government unexpectedly increased its estimate of the amount of grain that will be used to make ethanol. Soybeans and wheat also gained. Increased biofuels production will more than offset falling export demand, reducing domestic supplies on Aug. 31 to 1.74 billion bushels, from 1.79 billion forecast last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said yesterday in a report. Traders surveyed by Bloomberg News expected an increase to 1.81 billion. Posted. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601086&sid=anyE7VVN26MQ&refer=latin_america# ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:13:22 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for March 13, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for March 13, 2009. California’s Proposal To Implement Low Carbon Fuel Standard. California’s Air Resources Board (ARB) has released a proposed regulation to implement a low fuel standard. Posted. http://www.autoracingdaily.com/news/alternative-fuel/californias-proposal-to-implement-low-carbon-fuel-standard/ Local Dry Cleaners Say Mandatory Machinery Upgrades Hit Budgets Hard. A December 2006 regulation handed down by the California Air Resources Board set a timeline for all drycleaners in the state to phase out the use of cleaning solvents with perchloroethylene — also known as "PCE" or "Perc." The chemical has been used heavily by the industry for at least 70 years. Posted. http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/article/20090313/NEWS01/903130346/1002 California Panel Urges 'Immediate Action' To Protect Against Rising Sea Levels. Global warming is projected to cause ocean levels to rise 55 inches or more by the end of the century. Report recommends phased abandonment of coastal areas and moving state infrastructure inland. As California officials see it, global warming is happening so there's no time to waste in figuring out what to do. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-me-global-warming-searise12-2009mar12,0,728834,print.story Despite Gaps In Climate Plans, Corporate Coalitions Share Common Goal. What's in an acronym? A lot of GHGs. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/03/12/12greenwire-despite-emissionplan-gaps-corporate-coalitions-10099.html Scientists Warn Of 'Irreversible' Climate Shifts. Hundreds of leading scientists warned Thursday that global warming is accelerating beyond the worst predictions and threatening to trigger "irreversible" climate shifts on the planet. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/world/story/628709.html Dire Scenarios Presented On Global Warming. Global warming is likely to take a greater toll on California than previously believed unless strong measures are taken to combat it, a state panel was told Wednesday. The potential impacts – according to a flurry of new scientific studies – include major property damage along the coast from rising sea levels, worsening drought, widespread crop damage, increasing wildfires and a diminished Sierra Nevada snowpack. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/capitolandcalifornia/story/1692446.html Obama Defends Campaign Pledge On Cap-And-Trade Bill. President Obama offered his most extensive remarks on global warming policy since taking office yesterday, saying he hoped to sign a new global warming law that struck the "right balance" amid concerns about the price tag from such a major new environmental initiative. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/EEDaily/2009/03/13/1/ Scientists See More Grim Effects Of Climate Change, But Economists Hope To Avoid Some Of Them. Copenhagen -- Scientists are gloomy; economists are more upbeat. Such was the bottom line of an epic, three-day international congress of climate change experts that ended here yesterday. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/03/13/1/ Opinion: Ocean Debris Trashes Our Life Support System. When you think of the ocean you usually envision a place of beauty, tranquility and wonderment — where families vacation, kids play in the surf, boaters and fishermen enjoy its bounty and seabirds fly. From the surface it's hard to imagine that the ocean is in danger and is plagued by trash. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_11901519 Pollution Dims Skies As Well As Befouling The Air. The skies are dimming, for most of the world. Increases in airborne pollution have dimmed the skies by blocking sunlight over the past 30 years, researchers report in Friday's edition of the journal Science. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2032/story/628821.html Study Links Smog Exposure To Premature Death. Long-term exposure to concentrated smog significantly raises the risk of dying from lung disease, a new study shows. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/03/12/12greenwire-study-links-smog-exposure-to-premature-death-10098.html Prince Charles: World Must Act Now To Save Planet. Charles told some 150 business leaders in Rio de Janeiro that "the best projections tell us that we have less than 100 months to alter our behavior before we risk catastrophic climate change and the unimaginable horrors that this would bring." Posted. http://www.modbee.com/world/story/628962.html http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/mar/13/prince-charles-sees-climate-disaster-ahead/ Exclusive: Infighting Trips Up Energy Plans. Bureaucratic infighting is holding up one of the Obama administration's top goals in renewable energy - the construction of wind turbines off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts that would generate clean electricity and create "green" jobs. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/mar/12/infighting-knocks-wind-from-energy-plans/ Climate Change Effects Seen In Antarctic Winds. Washington—Changing wind patterns linked to global warming are altering the food chain in Antarctica and may lead to further increases in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The most basic food, plankton, is declining in the northern portions of the Antarctic peninsula reaching toward South America, researchers report in Friday's edition of the journal Science. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_11896536 Life On Antarctica Moved By Warming. Scientists monitoring the effects of global warming in Antarctica report that rising temperatures have triggered a chain reaction that is rapidly altering the climate and the lives of plants and animals there. Marine life is moving from one region to another along West Antarctica's Palmer Peninsula as winds blow harder than they have in 30 years, cloud cover increases and the sea's surface mixes more strongly with deeper water layers. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/13/MNSS16CTEC.DTL&type=printable Northrop Grumman Proposes Climate Monitor System. Robert Burke, vice president of civil systems for Northrop Grumman's El Segundo-based Aerospace Systems sector, called for a comprehensive Global Climate Monitoring System (GCMS) in a speech Thursday. A GCMS would integrate observations, data handling, computing/modeling and decision support systems to provide a comprehensive picture of the changes the Earth is facing, he said. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11903726 Solar Energy Policies Sought. Carson City, Nev.—Lobbyists asked lawmakers on Thursday to adopt policies favoring tax credits, rebates and other incentives that will encourage solar energy development in Nevada. The incentives, also including net metering so solar energy users can get credit for excess power they generate, were recommended to the Senate Energy, Infrastructure and Transportation Committee by members of Solar Alliance, a national group of solar manufacturers and financiers. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11898022 Prince Charles: World Must Act Now To Save Planet. Rio De Janeiro—Britain's Prince Charles warned on Thursday that mankind has 100 months or less to save the planet from a climate-caused disaster. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_11897284 Push to Reduce Greenhouse Gases Would Put a Price on Emitting Pollution. President Obama's endorsement of climate legislation to clamp down on greenhouse gases has set off a lobbying rush in Congress and made the air thick with rival proposals. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/12/AR2009031203318.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:10:07 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for March 16, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for March 16, 2009. Everyone Hates Ethanol. These days, it's routine for businesses to fail, get rescued by the government, and then continue to fail. But ethanol, which survives only because of its iron lung of subsidies and mandates, is a special case. Naturally, the industry is demanding even more government life support. Corn ethanol producers -- led by Wesley Clark, the retired general turned chairman of a new biofuels lobbying outfit called Growth Energy -- want the Obama Administration to make their guaranteed market even larger. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123716798764436701.html#printMode Stations Have Been Slow To Comply With New State Regulation. Dozens of Ventura County service station operators could be fined or forced out of business starting next month for failing to install mandatory but costly fueling system upgrades designed to reduce air pollution. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/mar/15/be1fcgas15/ Proposed Waterfront Building. The building was where the 1934 General Strike began, the bloodiest clash between labor and police in San Francisco's history. And now it's proposed to be the site of the greenest commercial building on the West Coast - and one of the tallest on the city's waterfront. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/16/BA4V16F07F.DTL&type=printable Battle Brewing Over Clean-Energy Delivery Grids. Washington - President Obama's vision of a clean energy future of wind farms and solar plants comes with a catch: It will require thousands of miles of new high-voltage power lines to move the energy from where it's most abundant, in the California desert or the plains of the Midwest, to power-hungry urban centers. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/15/MNFV16FBEG.DTL&type=printable California Must Brace For Climate Change. California's farmlands face dryer, hotter weather. Snowfall in the Sierra will be lighter. Wildfires and droughts will hit harder. Add to these predicted effects of global warming: Ever-rising sea levels that will flood coastal areas, with the Bay Area getting the worst of it. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/15/EDHQ16CJAU.DTL&type=printable Eco-Friendly Lent: Catholics Go Light On Carbon Emissions. Some parishioners at St. Paul Newman Center in northeast Fresno, Calif., are giving up something unusual for Lent. They're sacrificing creature comforts for the good of Mother Earth. They say they have one eye on God and the other on global warming. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/1702940.html Clearing Big Bend Air In Texas Will Take 146 Years. Growing up in a speck of a desert town in the heart of Texas' Big Bend region, Delia White once had picturesque views of rugged mountains in every direction. On a clear day, she could see jagged peaks 100 miles away. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/business/story/632320.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/16/AR2009031600270.html Obama Administration May Revive Carbon-Capture Project. As a candidate, President Barack Obama promised that his Department of Energy would work on a way for the United States to continue to get power from coal without dumping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/631621.html Web Site Keeps Eye On S.J. Carbon. There's a reason it's called global warming. For years, scientists have struggled to pinpoint the many sources of carbon dioxide, a leading cause of climate change. Where does it come from and how much does each of us contribute? Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090314/A_NEWS/903140329/-1/A_NEWS14 Northeast US To Suffer Most From Future Sea Rise. The northeastern U.S. coast is likely to see the world's biggest sea level rise from man-made global warming, a new study predicts. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2033/story/631813.html Eye on the Environment: Impart Global Warming Lessons Without Instilling Panic. It seems dark shadows are not the only things that go bump in the night. As the public information manager at the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District, I get a lot of parents and teachers asking, “How do you tell kids about global warming without scaring them?” Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/mar/15/impart-global-warming-lessons-without-instilling/ A Second Life For California Wind Turbines. These wind turbines stripped down to the steel and completely rebuilt are forgoing the scrap heap in favor of second lives powering farms, schools and businesses. Posted. http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/Wind_Turbines_Second_Life_391476C.shtml Public's Input Sought On Climate Change Plan. Taking the environmentalist catchphrase "think global, act local" to heart, the city has come up with a draft plan to help put the brakes on climate change, and is asking residents for input now and participation later. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_11908237?nclick_check=1 http://www.insidebayarea.com/green/ci_11908237 Bay Transportation Panel Supports Forcing Motorists To Report Mileage, Privacy Fears Aroused. A proposal to chart global warming gases from California cars and trucks by requiring motorists to report odometer readings during annual vehicle registrations is meeting resistance from those worried about drivers' privacy. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_11910120 http://www.insidebayarea.com/green/ci_11910120 Push to Reduce Greenhouse Gases Would Put a Price on Emitting Pollution. President Obama's endorsement of climate legislation to clamp down on greenhouse gases has set off a lobbying rush in Congress and made the air thick with rival proposals. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/12/AR2009031203318.html Public's Input Sought On Climate Change Plan. Hayward — Taking the environmentalist catchphrase "think global, act local" to heart, the city has come up with a draft plan to help put the brakes on climate change, and is asking residents for input now and participation later. The Climate Action Plan is similar to those that have been adopted or are in the works in other communities in the Bay Area and beyond. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_11908237 EarthTalk: Hybrid Cars. Q: If You Have An electric or plug-in hybrid car, you're paying for electricity rather than gasoline all or most of the time. How does that cost compare to a gas-powered car's cost-per-mile? And as the electricity may be generated from some other polluting source, does it really work out to be better for the environment? Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_11905872 Lois Henry: Dodgy Science Strangles Industry. We are about to cripple California’s trucking and construction industries for absolutely no good reason. If I really believed the California Air Resources Board’s draconian new diesel emissions standards would save thousands of lives a year, I might say, sorry guys, you gotta suck it up for the greater good. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/1020/story/716452.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:57:59 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for March 17, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for March 17, 2009. Global Warming: Do Americans Care? Thinking about what is said in the news, in your view is the seriousness of global warming –[generally exaggerated, generally correct, or is it generally underestimated]? Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/photos/uncategorized/2009/03/16/bpgiae_6umqs7fda8tjq.gif Law Would Require California Rule Makers To Weigh Cost To Small Firms. Proponents of the bill say the burden of complying with state regulations is far worse for them than for their larger competitors. Last spring, Drew Boyles got the news that his junk-hauling operation would have to pay as much as $510,000 to retrofit its 17 diesel trucks under new state anti-pollution rules. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-smallbiz17-2009mar17,0,279588,print.story California’s Proposed Fuel Standards Criticised. The California Air Resources Board (ARB) was roundly criticised today for not honoring the 'performance-based' goal of the state's effort to develop and implement a low-carbon fuel standard (LCFS). The criticism, from the Renewable Fuels Association, came in the form of testimony in front of the California State Senate Committee on Transportation and Housing. Posted. http://www.biofuelreview.com/content/view/1868/1/ Measuring Emissions of Greenhouse Gasses: EPA Takes a Critical First Step. Watching the Obama Administration’s “green team” in action is inspiring. In a very short period of time, these folks have revitalized our environmental agenda. They are doing it with words and with deeds. While there is plenty of rhetoric and lots of symbolic action, there is also significant and important activity underway at the ground level. Posted. http://www.observer.com/2009/measuring-emissions-greenhouse-gasses-epa-takes-critical-first-step# CARB Revises TRU Advisory On Six-Month Grace Period. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has revised its TRU Advisory 08-15, which discusses the six-month administrative enforcement grace period for the first phase of the Transport Refrigeration Unit (TRU) Airborne Toxic Control Measure’s (ATCM) in-use performance standards. The grace period for the first in-use performance standard—model year 2001 and older TRU engines—ends July 17, 2009. Posted. http://refrigeratedtrans.com/2010-emissions/carb_revises_tru_grace_period_advisory_0317/ Clear The Air With Retrofit DPFs. Some fleets may need to install an aftermarket diesel particulate filter (DPF) because their EPA ‘07 engines are approaching the mileage point at which they need to be replaced or cleaned. Engine and filter makers are offering a variety of options, including remanufactured DPFs and specialized DPF cleaners. There is another compelling reason to look at aftermarket DPFs. Last December, California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) approved new regulations requiring reduced emissions of soot and, eventually, nitrogen oxides (NOx) from trucks operating in California starting in 2011. Posted. http://www.fleetequipmentmag.com/0309-clear-air-retrofit-DPFs.html Local Gas Stations Can’t Keep Up With State Mandate. State Sen. Cox Proposes To Give Them One-Year Break On Emissions Standards. Sacramento — State Sen. Dave Cox, R-Fair Oaks, recently introduced State Bill 507, which would give California gas stations an extra year to update gas-dispensing nozzles to satisfy a California Air Resources Board mandate. The state is requiring that by April 1, pumps capture 98 percent of vapor emissions rather than the old standard of 95 percent. Posted. http://www.sierrasun.com/article/20090317/NEWS/903119954/1066&ParentProfile=1051&title=Local%20gas%20stations%20can%92t%20keep%20up%20with%20state%20mandate CARB Reefer Rule Includes March 16 Registration Deadline. The deadline for California-based trucking businesses that operate reefer units to sign up with the California Air Resources Board is Monday, March 16. The Environmental Protection Agency has approved California’s new limits on reefers entering and operating inside the Golden State, giving truck owners and drivers less than five months to prepare before enforcement hits on July 17, 2009. Posted. http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2009/Mar09/031609/031609-04.htm Start-Ups Are Racing To Get Electric Motorbikes To Market. Following in the path of Vectrix, firms including Mission Motor, Zero and Brammo expect zooming growth for plug-ins on two wheels. When it comes to electric vehicles, the Tesla Roadster and Chevrolet Volt get all the love. But there are other EVs rolling around, and they're balancing on two wheels. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-electric-bikes17-2009mar17,0,1660440,print.story U.S., China Worlds Apart On Climate Change Curbs. China's top climate negotiator's visit to Washington Monday sent a fresh signal that the two countries, which account for about half the world's greenhouse gas emissions, have a long way to go to reach a common agreement on how to cut emissions to prevent serious climate change. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/world/story/633052.html http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/mar/17/china-proposes-emissions-costs-fall-on-consumers/ 8 Dems Oppose Quick Debate On Global Warming Bill. Eight Senate Democrats are opposing speedy action on President Barack Obama's bill to combat global warming, complicating prospects for the legislation and creating problems for their party's leaders. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2033/story/632793.html China: Importers Need To Share Blame For Emissions. Countries buying Chinese goods should be held responsible for the heat-trapping gases released during manufacturing in China, one of its top officials said Monday. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2028/story/632687.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/16/AR2009031601529.html Measuring Emissions From Trucks and Buses. Amid all the talk of shifting to a low-carbon economy, it is often surprising to learn how little is known about the polluting power of everyday technologies. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/17/measuring-real-emissions-from-trucks-and-buses/ Stimulus Money Puts Clean Coal Projects on a Faster Track. Duke Energy has high hopes for this two-acre plot: If all goes right, and there is a happy convergence of technology, money and federal energy policy, the construction project could become the first environment-friendly coal-fired power plant in the nation. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/17/business/energy-environment/17coal.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse FRIEDMAN: The Next Really Cool Thing. If you hang around the renewable-energy business for long, you’ll hear a lot of tall tales. You’ll hear about someone who’s invented a process to convert coal into vegetable oil in his garage and someone else who has a duck in his basement that paddles a wheel, blows up a balloon, turns a turbine and creates enough electricity to power his doghouse. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090316/OPINION/903160905 Clean School Buses Nothing To Sniff At. As part of a plan to replace diesel-belching school buses with a fleet of cleaner cousins, Los Angeles public school officials Monday unveiled their second alternative-fuel station. Posted. http://www.dailynews.com/search/ci_11928980?IADID=Search-www.dailynews.com-www.dailynews.com Fruit Tree Planters Roll Into OC — In Veggie-Powered Buses. Here’s something you don’t see every day: a caravan of vegetable-oil buses, chugging into the school parking lot and filled with volunteers carrying life-sized puppets, shovels and a variety of fruit trees for planting right there in the school yard. Posted. http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/2009/03/16/fruit-tree-planters-roll-into-oc-on-veggie-powered-buses/5279/ Governor Announces ‘Green’ Jobs For At-Risk Youth. In one of the first uses in California of federal stimulus dollars, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Monday launched the California “Green Corps,” in which young adults ages 16 to 24 and labeled “at risk” will be placed in green jobs. Posted. http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/2009/03/16/governor-announces-green-jobs-for-at-risk-youth/5315/ Climate: Energy Companies Eye Stimulus For CCS Projects. Energy companies are considering launching full-scale carbon capture and sequestration test projects as they eye the $3.4 billion in the federal stimulus bill slated for the technology. The federal money is the latest sign of a growing global interest in clean coal technologies, which backers say could one day be one of the best ways to tackle global warming. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/03/17/13 RENEWABLES: Biofuels Are Only Part Of Clean-Fuel Picture In The Transportation Sector. Experts from across the transportation sector yesterday coalesced around the idea that while biofuels are an important element in the clean fuel mix, they alone cannot complete the push toward a low-carbon transportation sector. Tailpipe emissions regulation, fuel regulation and travel activity must all be considered in the effort to green the nation's transportation sector, according to Sarah Dunham, director of the transportation and climate division of U.S. EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/03/17/7 Hybrid Car Sales Go From 60 To 0 At Breakneck Speed. The gas-electric vehicles are piling up on dealers' lots as anxiety over gasoline prices evaporates. But more hybrid models are on the way. The Ford and Honda hybrids due out this month are among dozens planned for the coming years as automakers try to meet new fuel-efficiency standards and please politicians overseeing the industry's multibillion-dollar bailout. Unfortunately for the automakers, hybrids are a tough sell these days. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-fi-hybrid17-2009mar17,0,3456431,print.story With No Regulation, It's Consumers Beware With Propane Suppliers. In cold winter weather, people tend to keep one eye on the thermostat and the other on the energy bill. But in communities that rely on propane for heat, it may take more than adjusting the temperature to control fuel costs. Consumer vigilance is key. About 500,000 California households use propane, according to the Western Propane Gas Association in Sacramento. Many are in the foothills and rural areas that lack access to natural gas. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/ourregion/v-print/story/1705304.html Honest Accounting Of Pollution's True Costs. Twenty years ago the Exxon Valdez plowed onto Bligh Reef in a pristine Alaskan inlet and let loose 11 million gallons of crude oil while the captain slept and the Coast Guard ignored the ship's course. The deadly viscous goo that devastated fish, birds and other wildlife seared our consciousness as a symbol of environmental negligence and brought calls for greater safety measures to protect our fragile world. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/1705784.html Reporter's Notes: Changes at the Pump. You'd have to be a real gas pump aficionado to notice the new gear that gas stations across California are required to have installed by April 1st. California's gas nozzles have been outfitted for some time with vapor-capture devices, designed to cut back on the amount of volatile organic compounds – those smelly fumes - that escape when you pump gas. Posted. http://www.kqed.org/quest/blog/2009/03/13/reporters-notes-changes-at-the-pump Debate Over Curbing Heat-Trapping Gases. 1 Hot-air debate: China's top climate negotiator, Li Gao, said in Washington on Monday that countries importing Chinese goods should be responsible for the heat-trapping gases released during manufacturing. He said that any fair international agreement to curb the gases would not require China to reduce emissions caused by goods manufactured to meet demand elsewhere. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/17/MNOV16G8QT.DTL&type=printable Laser-Like Hope. If you hang around the renewable-energy business for long, you'll hear a lot of tall tales. You'll hear about someone who's invented a process to convert coal into vegetable oil in his garage and someone else who has a duck in his basement that paddles a wheel, blows up a balloon, turns a turbine and creates enough electricity to power his doghouse. Hang around long enough and you'll even hear that in another 10 or 20 years hydrogen-powered cars or fusion energy will be a commercial reality. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/17/EDB216GAUQ.DTL&type=printable Roadshow: Carpool Sticker For Hybrid Cars May Be Extended. Q I have a Civic Hybrid and have the Clean Air Vehicle stickers that allow me to use the carpool lane when driving solo. I believe the program expires at the end of 2010. Will the program be extended? I would hope so, as the qualifying vehicles are still the highest-mileage cars on the road and it is the carpool-lane cheaters that are clogging up those lanes. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/columns/ci_11926721 Standards Group Approves Voluntary Formaldehyde Standard. Matches up with California rules. Leesburg, VA. — The American National Standards Institute has approved revised national voluntary standards for particleboard and medium density fiberboard for interior applications, including furniture. Sponsored by the Composite Panel Assn., the standards are harmonized with the formaldehyde emission ceilings and other requirements of the California Air Resources Board's recently implemented standards. Posted. http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/print/189984-Standards_group_approves_voluntary_formaldehyde_standard.php Planning A Green Wedding? Go Carbon-Neutral. When you're in the throes of wedding planning, words like "caterer," "vendor," "flowers" and "dress" are constantly on your mind. But there are two words that are probably not on your mind, and they have a bigger impact than you might think: carbon footprint. Most weddings involve travel. People travel by car and by plane (often from great distances) to celebrate with you on your special day. But all that travel emits CO2 into the atmosphere, which is damaging to the environment. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/1702942.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:06:35 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for March 18, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for March 18, 2009. U.S. Should Not Give Up On Clean Coal. The following editorial appeared in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram on Tuesday, March 17: Clean coal, anyone? The much-ballyhooed FutureGen project aimed at generating electric power using "clean-coal" technology was first on, then suddenly off, and now it's ... uh ... well, we dunno. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/1709021.html Air Board Fines County For Missing Low-Emissions Bus Upgrade Deadline. State officials also find violations in truck fleet and Bookmobile. California's Air Resources Board has fined Tulare County after officials missed a deadline to upgrade the county's bus fleet with low-emissions vehicles. The county has been fined $5,250. Part of that fine includes emissions violations involving the county's smaller truck fleet. Posted. http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090318/NEWS01/903180323&template=printart http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=11427 Washington Governor Steps In To Rescue Climate Bill. If you want to know how the political winds are going to blow around President Obama's proposal to force nationwide cuts on greenhouse gas emissions, look at Washington State, where Gov. Chris Gregoire is struggling to salvage her climate bill from the ill winds of the economic recession. If you want to know how the political winds are going to blow around President Obama's proposal to force nationwide cuts on greenhouse gas emissions, look at Washington state, where Gov. Chris Gregoire is struggling to salvage her climate bill from the ill winds of the economic recession. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/03/washington-gove.html Environmentalists To Sue EPA Over Pollution. An environmental group is accusing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of not safeguarding public health in the West by failing to limit the transmission of air pollution across state lines. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_11930955?IADID=Search- www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_11935878 CLIMATE: Carbon Tariffs An Option For Obama Admin -- The United States should consider placing duties upon goods imported from foreign countries if they do not implement a cap on carbon emissions when one is adopted here, Energy Secretary Steven Chu said yesterday. "If country X doesn't apply a cost to carbon, I think we should consider duties to offset that cost. This will help level the playing field," Chu told the House Science and Technology Committee. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/EEDaily/print/2009/03/18/1 Insurers Must Disclose Climate-Change Exposure. Insurance companies must start disclosing how climate change is likely to affect their businesses, state insurance regulators decided Tuesday. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners voted to require insurers to submit annual "climate-risk" reports, an unusually aggressive stance on the environmental issue from industry regulators. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123733370641063551.html#printMode Trade In Lawn Mower And Save Some Green. How would like you like to help the environment and save some green, money that is, at the same time? Posted. http://cbs13.com/local/lawn.mower.trade.2.961369.html New Government Brochure Explains Climate Science. Day after day, reports of the dangers of climate and climate change circulate in the news, often filled with confusing data and debate. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/18/AR2009031801554.html Obama Climate Plan Could Cost $2 Trillion. President Obama's climate plan could cost industry close to $2 trillion, nearly three times the White House's initial estimate of the so-called "cap-and-trade" legislation, according to Senate staffers who were briefed by the White House. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/mar/18/obama-climate-plan-could-cost-2-trillion/ For Birds, a Change in Flight Plans. The expression "a canary in a coal mine" came to mean a warning device. When it comes to global warming, the canary isn't a canary at all. It's a purple finch. As the temperature across the United States has gotten warmer, the purple finch has been spending its winters more than 400 miles farther north than before. And it's not alone. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/17/AR2009031703101.html UC Committee Approves Energy Plan. The University of California plans to borrow $178 million to improve energy efficiency at its 10 campuses and five hospitals. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_11935878 http://www.insidebayarea.com/green/ci_11935878 http://www.fresnobee.com/state/story/1268454.html Obama Tries to Draw Up an Inclusive Energy Plan. After gasoline prices rose above $4 a gallon last summer, Republican cries of “drill, baby, drill” forced candidate Barack Obama into a rare retreat. Under pressure, he said he would support some expansion of offshore oil drilling, while still emphasizing conservation and renewable energy. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/18/business/energy-environment/18offshore.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse A Nuclear Waste. PRESIDENT OBAMA has made clean and efficient energy a top priority, and Congress has obliged with more than $32 billion in stimulus money mostly for conservation and alternative energy technologies like wind, solar and biofuel. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/18/opinion/18cooke.html?scp=2&sq=global%20warming&st=cse Biodegradable Substitutes for Wood, Plastic Bottles and Other Common Materials Developed. Stanford, California - Stanford University researchers have developed a synthetic wood substitute that may one day save trees, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and shrink landfills. The faux lumber is made from a new biodegradable plastic that could be used in a variety of building materials and perhaps replace the petrochemical plastics now used in billions of disposable water bottles. Posted. http://www.imperialvalleynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4762&Itemid=1 Save Mart Retrofitting TRUs With Rypos Filtration Systems. Save Mart Supermarkets and its wholly owned subsidiary, SMART Refrigerated Transport, plan to purchase Rypos LETRU (Low-Emission Transport Refrigeration Unit) exhaust filtration systems to bring transportation refrigeration units (TRU) into compliance with the diesel TRU engine emissions levels required by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Posted. http://refrigeratedtrans.com/2010-emissions/save_mart_retrofits_trus_with_rypos_systems_0318/ In-Control Security, Inc. Subsidiary Cal-Bay Controls Announces Agreement to Produce Hydrogen Generator for Internal Combustion Engine Applications. Cal-Bay Controls, a subsidiary of In-Control Security, Inc. (Pink Sheets:INCL), today announced the Company will begin producing Hydrogen Generators for both Diesel and Gasoline internal combustion engines through a private-labeling agreement. Posted. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29738949/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:28:38 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for March 19, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for March 19, 2009. ARB In New Territory With Low-Carbon Fuel Standard. Ethanol, long viewed as a sound fuel alternative for an atmosphere tainted by gasoline and diesel exhaust, is now getting second, critical look in a fierce, two-pronged dispute that mixes science and politics. Once again, California’s Air Resources Board is breaking new ground and is at the heart of an air-quality debate with national and international implications. Posted. http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?xid=xuezdqlcl2t3mn http://www.ksby.com/Global/story.asp?S=10033172 http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=11443 http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/state&id=6717668&pt=print http://www.heartland.org/publications/environment%20climate/article/24920/California_Gas_Stations_Shut_Under_Expensive_Mandate.html Power In Numbers: Green Energy Could Fuel The Northwest. OK, everybody thinks clean energy is a good idea. But with electricity demand rising, new technology expensive and ever-increasing challenges to existing renewables like hydropower, can we afford it? Yes. Dirty coal plants can be mothballed while providing more electricity for homes, businesses and public transport by asking consumers to pay less than a penny more per kilowatt hour, says a new report from the Northwest Energy Coalition. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/03/power-in-number.html Investment Trumps Environmental Regulation. A little more than four years after we started a debate about the future of environmentalism, President Obama has largely ended it. In his State of the Union address, Obama called for the most far-reaching program ever proposed by an American president to remake America's energy economy - with hardly a mention of the environment. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/19/EDAB16IS33.DTL&type=printable Green Ink: Crude Rallies, Pipeline Politics, and Ethanol Deals. Crude oil futures surged over $50 a barrel after the Fed’s $1 trillion deb-purchase plan was unveiled, Bloomberg reports. That’s either because the Fed plan will stimulate the economy and oil demand, or because it is killing the dollar, which sends commodities higher. Either way, Morgan Stanley’s still bearish, calling $35 oil for the rest of the year, also in Bloomberg. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/03/19/green-ink-c/tab/print/ EPA: Agency's 'Lost Time' Under Bush A 'Tragedy' – Jackson. U.S. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson vowed in a television interview yesterday to make up for "lost time" the agency spent fighting for failed environmental policies under the Bush administration. "When you talk about the last eight years, for me, the largest tragedy is that we lost eight years fighting court battles that, over and over again now, we are seeing, we lose," she said on PBS's "Tavis Smiley" show. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/03/18/2 CALIFORNIA: Stimulus Will Be Used To Spur Energy Projects. Sacramento -- California plans to spend nearly $300 million in federal stimulus cash on a wide range of energy projects, a key state official said yesterday. The California Energy Commission is prepared to invest in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, boost energy efficiency or renewable energy and create "green" jobs, said Panama Bartholomy, an adviser to commission Chairwoman Karen Douglas. EPA, DOE: What Cars Are Best And Worst For Fuel Efficiency? Hybrid sales are down, but federal efficiency rules could fuel a comeback. For the first half of 2008, America was hungry for hybrids. A peak of more than 40,000 were sold in April alone, when gasoline was careening toward $4 a gallon, and automakers scrambled to keep up. Fuel efficiency was becoming a national priority. Posted. http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/translating-uncle-sam/stories/epa-doe-what-cars-are-best-and-worst-for-fuel-efficiency Canberra's Carbon Awakening. A funny thing happened on Canberra's way to cap-and-trade carbon regulation -- Australians noticed how expensive it would be. The Obama Administration, which is contemplating its own emissions trading scheme, could learn a lesson or two from this political debacle. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's Labor government unveiled its draft Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme on March 10. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123740817562875801.html#printMode Bipartisan Senate Bill Seeks Lower Tariffs On Ethanol Imports. A bipartisan group of senators is seeking to lower U.S. tariffs on ethanol imports to achieve "parity" with the blender's credit, which was reduced in last year's farm bill. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/03/18/18greenwire-bipartisan-senate-bill-seeks-lower-import-tari-10211.html Voluntary Climate Programs May Get A Face-Lift Under Cap And Trade. Former President George W. Bush may never be accused of having been a climate leader. A more appropriate title, however, could be volunteer in chief. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/03/19/19climatewire-voluntary-climate-programs-may-get-a-facelif-10216.html Global Warming Greatest Threat To Polar Bears. Tromsoe, Norway (AFP) — The five countries that ring the Arctic on Thursday declared climate change the single greatest threat to polar bears, calling for urgent action to curb global warming. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h44r-GZp04KfHxJZXtS67n7bmegA http://www.modbee.com/world/story/636195.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_11949829 http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iPqBRDHBOFfZ4T_Bl5GAgundmvUwD97160402 http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2009/03/your-morning--6.html Wood-Burning Plants Considered. Power plants that would burn mostly wood waste fit into the Northwest's energy portfolio because they would complement another emerging energy source, wind power, an Energy Northwest representative says. The 50-megawatt, wood-burning power plants would generate electricity at maximum power about 90 percent of the time, said Jack Baker, vice president of Energy Northwest's energy and business services. In comparison, Baker said wind turbines average about 30 percent of their rated capacity. Posted. http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/northwest/v-printerfriendly/story/678382.html Big Melt Seen In Antarctic Past, And Maybe Future. Washington—New information on Antarctica's regularly melting distant past is giving scientists a glimpse into what may be a flooded future as the planet warms up. The West Antarctic ice sheet collapsed periodically between 3 million and 5 million years ago, adding more than 16 feet to global sea level, according to the first examination of soil cores far below the surface of the Ross ice shelf. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/science/ci_11941384 Eco-Bills Come Due at Bay's Beaches. While the nation debates the cost of climate change -- whether the price of electricity and gasoline should increase because of their greenhouse gas emissions -- the problem already has a price tag on the Chesapeake Bay. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/18/AR2009031804178.html?hpid=topnews ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2009 10:48:05 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for March 20, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for March 20, 2009. April 1 Deadline Looms For Retrofitting Gas Pumps In California. Hundreds of California gas stations, including a few dozen in the Sacramento area, face fines or even closure if they don't meet an April 1 deadline to retrofit their pumps with a state-mandated vapor-recovery system. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/v-print/story/1714922.html Obama Unveils $2.4-Billion Grant Program To Aid Electric Cars. In Pomona, Obama visits an electric-vehicle testing center and announces a program for companies to compete for grant money. He pledges to put a million plug-in hybrid vehicles on the road by 2015. Reporting from Pomona — On the second day of his tour of Southern California, President Obama highlighted his environmental jobs agenda with a visit to an electric-vehicle testing facility in Pomona, where he announced a $2.4-billion competitive grant program to make the electric vehicles more widely available. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-obama-pomona20-2009mar20,0,1581047,print.story California’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Law Should Be Delayed. In 2006, the Governor signed Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32), requiring California to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, and 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) was charged with developing a Scoping Plan to determine how the State could reach and implement these goals. Posted. http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?_c=xuh8ls0fbe90pc&issueId=xuf2flga2c5atl&xid=xuh1oesxqt1jj0 http://www.heartland.org/publications/environment%20climate/article/24919/California_Legislator_Wants_to_Halt_Global_Warming_Act.html Boxer: Like It Or Not, Carbon Regulation Is Coming. Washington -- Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) offered a stark message today to her colleagues who want to delay or kill major reductions in U.S. greenhouse gas emissions: You've already lost. Boxer chairs the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and she's drafting the Senate version of a so-called "cap-and-trade" bill that would limit the emissions scientists blame for climate change. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/03/boxer-like-it-o.html Is The Clean Development Mechanism Slumping Toward Extinction? New York -- A perfect storm of bad economic and political trends could spell doom for the Clean Development Mechanism, the often criticized yet also lauded U.N. program created by the Kyoto Protocol that allows developed countries and their corporations to offset greenhouse gas emissions by making reductions in the developing world. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/03/20/20climatewire-is-the-clean-development-mechanism-slumping--10224.html?pagewanted=print Enforcement A Weak Link In Regional Cap-And-Trade Program, State Official Concedes. Sacramento -- Regulators are concerned about enforcement of state and regional emissions-capping programs, but the economic downturn might prevent adequate staffing, a top California official said this week. Eileen Tutt, deputy secretary at California EPA and one of the foremost authorities on California's global warming law, A.B. 32, told an audience here that the Western Climate Initiative needs stronger enforcement provisions. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/03/20/7 Pioneering Ecologist To Head NOAA. Jane Lubchenco of Oregon State says she's eager to take on issues including global warming, polluted coastal waters and severely depleted fish populations. The Senate gave its blessing late Thursday to key members of President Obama's science team, including an Oregon State University ecologist who will be the first woman and first marine scientist to lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-noaa-chief20-2009mar20,0,7933428,print.story Clean Tech Entrepreneurs Vie For Funds, Fame. An unusual contest for clean tech startups - the California Clean Tech Open - began its fourth annual challenge on Thursday, with more than $1 million in prizes and a challenge to create 100,000 new green jobs over the next five years. The contest is rare because anybody with an idea, no matter how wacky or unproven, can enter and try for a chance at the next phase - training on how to start and run a business. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/20/BUGD16JLEF.DTL&type=printable Honest Accounting Of Pollution's True Costs. Twenty years ago the Exxon Valdez plowed onto Bligh Reef in a pristine Alaskan inlet and let loose 11 million gallons of crude oil while the captain slept and the Coast Guard ignored the ship's course. The deadly viscous goo that devastated fish, birds and other wildlife seared our consciousness as a symbol of environmental negligence and brought calls for greater safety measures to protect our fragile world. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/1705784.html EPA Solicits Bids For $206M In Diesel Cleanup Funds. U.S. EPA is prepared to disburse $206 million from the stimulus package for programs to clean up or retrofit diesel engines, the agency announced today. EPA is accepting applications from state and local governments, nonprofit organizations and tribal agencies to implement projects to retrofit older, dirtier diesel engines blamed for emitting harmful exhaust. The request for applications closes April 28, according to EPA spokeswoman Enesta Jones. The agency plans to disburse the funds in June. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/03/20/14 EU Urges Swifter Action On Climate, Pledges Funds. Brussels (Reuters) - The European Union will surmount internal disputes and honor pledges to help poor states tackle climate change, the bloc's environment chief said Friday, urging other rich regions to make clear their goals. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE52I6ZL20090320 Changing Climate Increases West Nile Threat In U.S. The higher temperatures, humidity and rainfall associated with climate change have intensified outbreaks of West Nile Virus infections across the United States in recent years, according to a study published this week. One of the largest surveys of West Nile Virus cases to date links warming weather patterns and increasing rainfall - both projected to accelerate with global warming - to outbreaks of the mosquito-borne disease across 17 states from 2001 to 2005. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_11958628 Sweden To Go Carbon Neutral by 2050. Washington – Sweden, set to take over the European Union presidency in July, plans to lead the region on environmental sustainability by becoming carbon neutral by mid-century. Posted. http://us.oneworld.net/article/361163-sweden-prepares-lead-eu-climate NASA: Environmental Disaster Avoided On Ozone Loss. Washington — Here's rare good news about an environmental crisis: We dodged disaster with the ozone layer. A NASA study about ozone-munching chemicals from aerosol sprays and refrigeration used a computer model to play a game of what-if. What if the world 22 years ago didn't agree to cut back on chlorofluorocarbons which cause a seasonal ozone hole to form near the South Pole? Posted. http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/environment/2009-03-19-nasa-ozone_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip Report: Energy Production Choking Bird Population. Washington — Energy production of all types – wind, ethanol and mountaintop coal mining – is contributing to steep drops in bird populations, a new government report says. The first-of-its-kind report chronicles a four-decade decline in many of the country's bird populations and provides many reasons for it, from suburban sprawl to the spread of exotic species to global warming. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/mar/20/energy-birds-032009/?zIndex=69988 ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2009 10:51:33 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- California agricultural retailer fined $16,500 for emissions violations From: mfricke@ARB.CA.GOV Britz-Simplot, a Central valley retailer, fined for emissions violations. Release 09-24 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 20, 2009 CONTACT:Mary Fricke (916) 322-2990 www.arb.ca.gov California agricultural retailer fined $16,500 for emissions violations SACRAMENTO – The California Air Resources Board this month fined Britz-Simplot Grower Solutions $16,500 for diesel truck emission violations throughout its Central Valley facilities. ARB investigators found that Britz-Simplot failed to inspect its diesel truck fleet between 2007-2008 at its Hanford, Hollister, Terra Bella, Traver, Five Points and Stockton facilities. “Penalties for air pollution violations are a warning to business owners,” said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. “The price can be more than a monetary inconvenience when a company’s reputation is at stake.” The law requires annual smoke tests for diesel truck fleets and, in conjunction with ARB’s roadside smoke inspection program, ensures that all vehicles are properly maintained, tamper-free and free from excessive smoke. As part of the settlement, Britz-Simplot is required to: • Guarantee employees responsible for conducting the inspections attend a California community college training class on diesel emissions compliance testing and provide certificates of completion within one year; • Provide documentation to ARB that the inspections are being carried out for the next four years; • Ensure all of the company's heavy-duty diesel trucks have their software updated with the latest low-NOx (oxides of nitrogen emissions) programming; • Instruct vehicle operators to comply with the state’s idling regulations; • Comply with requirements of the fleet rule for transit agencies; and, • Ensure that all diesel trucks are up to federal emissions standards for the vehicle model year and are properly labeled with an emission control label. Britz-Simplot will pay $16,500 in penalties: $12,375 will go to the California Air Pollution Control Fund, providing funding for projects and research to improve California’s air quality, the Peralta Community College District will receive the $2,062.50 to fund emissions education classes conducted by participating California community colleges, and, the remaining $2,062.50 will go to the California Pollution Control Financing Authority to fund low-interest loans for owners of off-road diesel-powered construction vehicles. Diesel exhaust contains a variety of harmful gases and over 40 other known cancer-causing compounds. In 1998, California identified diesel particulate matter as a toxic air contaminant based on its potential to cause cancer, premature death, and other health problems. The Air Resources Board is a department of the California Environmental Protection Agency. ARB’s mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards. ##### ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:40:13 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for March 21-23, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for March 21-23, 2009. With Economy In A Rut, Is Now The Right Time For State's Global-Warming Law? Even before the recession hit, some California industries worried about the costs of complying with the state's landmark global-warming law. Now, with rising unemployment and a staggering economy, their worry has turned to fear. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_11962352?source=most_emailed EPA Warns Global Warming Endangers Health. The Environmental Protection Agency sent a proposal to the White House Friday finding that global warming is endangering the public's health and welfare, according to several sources, a move that could have far-reaching implications for the nation's economy and environment. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/?nid=top_news State Considers Ban On Big Screen TVs. In their continuing quest to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, state regulators have uncovered a new villain in the war on global warming: your big screen TV. Couch potatoes, beware. Posted. http://taxdollars.freedomblogging.com/2009/03/23/state-considers-ban-on-big-screen-tvs/12993/ Commuter Rebates For Cyclists Slow To Catch On; Employers Point To Confusing Paperwork. A program aimed at offering a financial incentive to commuters who bicycle to work hasn't yet kicked in to high gear after taking effect Jan. 1, officials said. But bicyclists and supporters of the tax break said its popularity will increase once more companies adjust to the new rules. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/politics/stories/PE_News_Local_S_bikebenefit22.39cbe2e.html Millions Available for School Bus Emissions Reduction Projects. The doors are now open for diesel emissions reduction grant requests, the Environmental Protection Agency announced yesterday. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment of 2009, the EPA’s Clean Diesel Campaign will distribute $300 million in competitive grants. In 2009, the majority of the funds, $156 million, will go to the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program. Posted. http://www.stnonline.com/artman/publish/article_9089.shtml http://www.ttnews.com/articles/basetemplate.aspx?storyid=21530 Berkeley: Hybrid Capital Of California. A decade after the first hybrids hit America's streets, a pretty tired stereotype about typical hybrid drivers has emerged: they are young, educated, upper-middle class, live in cities on the coast, vote Democrat and adorn their Toyota Prius with Wiccan and Earth Mother bumper stickers. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/uptospeed/2009/03/hybrids-percapi.html Trucking Toward A Port-Pollution Solution. The Port of Los Angeles is the technology incubator for Samra's company, Balqon, which is supplying the major smog source with heavy-duty electric cargo trucks. The gig: Founder and chief executive of one of Los Angeles' smallest publicly traded firms. Balqon Corp. is a 12-employee company that recently completed the assembly of the first in a series of heavy-duty electric trucks that will be hauling cargo at the Port of Los Angeles, the nation's busiest container port. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-fi-himi22-2009mar22,0,2090498,print.story Greenpeace Calls On China To Act On Climate Change. Beijing, China (AP) --Greenpeace China is calling on Chinese President Hu Jintao to attend December's climate change conference in Copenhagen. As the world's most populous developing nation and, by some estimates, its biggest producer of greenhouse gasses, China is obliged to take a major role in the talks, said climate change specialist Li Yan of Greenpeace's Chinese branch. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/03/23/international/i080247D31.DTL&type=printable http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gn6_NsZ76B49sX3z9mH8lewW0obwD973QP200 http://www.modbee.com/world/story/639956.html http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_11976970?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_11976970?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com States Vie for Share of Clean-Coal Cash. The federal government is once again dangling billions of dollars for "clean coal" projects, sparking a high-stakes lobbying effort among different states trying to score some of the cash for local projects. The recently enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act designates $3.4 billion in federal funding for investment in pioneering clean-coal technology, including power plants that would capture carbon dioxide so only small amounts are released to the atmosphere. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123776640682509321.html#printMode Another Voice - Solar Power And Jobs. If there are no jobs created, there is no money for taxes and this train just might wreck. Here is my thinking on job creation as it was done in Germany and is now being copied in other EU countries: Germany is now the leading country for renewable energy production. It was economic incentives that jump-started the solar revolution in Germany. Posted. http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/ci_11977070 World Wants Tough 2050 Climate Cuts, Split On Path. Oslo - Governments broadly support tough 2050 goals for cuts in greenhouse gas emissions but are split on how to share out the reductions, according to a new guide to negotiators of a new U.N. climate pact. A document to be presented to U.N. climate talks in Bonn from March 29-April 8 narrows down a list of ideas for fighting global warming in a new treaty due to be agreed in December to about 30 pages from 120 in a text late last year. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE52M31B20090323 City-Dwellers Emit Less CO2 Than Countryfolk: Study. London - Major cities are getting a bad rap for the disproportionately high greenhouse gases they emit even though their per capita emissions are often a fraction of the national average, a new report said on Monday. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE52M0E120090323 Deadline Looms For Retrofitting Gas Pumps. Hundreds of California gas stations face fines or even closure if they don't meet an April 1 deadline to retrofit their pumps with a state-mandated vapor-recovery system. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/business/story/638121.html Positive Trend Continues In EPA Report On Toxic Polluters. Toxic pollution from some of San Joaquin County's larger industrial facilities has decreased again, continuing a trend that dates back at least several years, according to federal data released last week. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090322/A_NEWS14/903220316 EPA Finds Decline In Release Of Most Toxic Chemicals. Toxic chemical pollution from the nation's industrial plants, mines and factories declined by 5 percent in 2007, the government said Thursday. Companies reported releasing 4.1 billion pounds of toxic chemicals into the air, water and onto land in 2007, down from 4.26 billion pounds in 2006. Posted. http://headlines.ocregister.com/news/subhead_18442___article.html/hl2_thursday.html http://www.fresnobee.com/news/national-politics/story/1273291.html Contra Costa Times March 23 Letters from our readers. Gerald Richards would like you to stop posting letters challenging the science about global warming. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/opinion/ci_11960787 Democrats To Shelve Fast-Track Process On Climate Bill, For Now. Capitol Hill Democrats are expected to bypass the fast-track budget process for global warming legislation but plan to keep the option open later this year if they cannot win bipartisan support on one of President Obama's signature agenda items. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/03/23/23climatewire-dems-to-shelve-fasttrack-process-on-capandtr-10245.html Climate Change Myths and Facts. A recent controversy over claims about climate science by Post op-ed columnist George F. Will raises a critical question: Can we ever know, on any contentious or politicized topic, how to recognize the real conclusions of science and how to distinguish them from scientific-sounding spin or misinformation? Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/20/AR2009032002660.html Climate Change 'Big Priority' For Energy Commission Chief. Add a new name to the list of Obama appointees devoted to aggressive action on climate change. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/20/AR2009032003194_pf.html Coal Industry Hopes For A Place In Obama's Energy Policies. The coal industry - long the lifeblood of mountain-rich but economically poor states like Kentucky - is bracing for a seismic shift as the Obama administration charges ahead with re-envisioned energy policies focused heavily on renewable resources and new ways of storing carbon emissions. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/business/story/639839.html http://www.fresnobee.com/559/story/1278564.html Energy Secretary Serves Under a Microscope. As a physicist, Steven Chu has seen atoms suspended in a powerful laser beam and DNA stretched out in a vacuum chamber. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/23/us/politics/23chu.html?scp=3&sq=climate%20change&st=cse Obama Touts Environmental Benefits Of Budget Plan. President Barack Obama's campaign promise to explore new sources of renewable energy is one element of his budget that is nonnegotiable, say administration officials. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/breakingnews/story/639701.html http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/03/23/ap/headlines/d973qeco0.txt http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/mar/23/obama-links-budget-environment/ http://www.fresnobee.com/news/national-politics/story/1278162.html Possibly Powerless Future. President Barack Obama has killed the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste storage facility in Nevada – and with it any realistic chance of actually slashing U.S. carbon emissions without massive consumer costs. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/energy-gas-obama-2341714-years-percent A Bright Idea -- Switching To CFL Bulbs -- Is Catching On. "I never wanted to put CFL light bulbs in my house because I thought they were so ugly looking and they didn't seem to have natural light to them," said Kate Kalfagan of Round Rock, Texas. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/life/story/639578.html EZ2B GREEN: Eco-Veggie: Skip the Meat and Help the Planet? We're looking for little things people can do for the environment that will add up. Here's one - eat more vegetables. And less meat. Posted. http://www.sbsun.com/search/ci_11958378?IADID=Search-www.sbsun.com-www.sbsun.com Bigtoys Takes A Green Path In Making Playground Equipment. Olympia, Wash. - Going green can be good for a business that designs and manufactures playground equipment. That's the business model BigToys Inc. President Tim Madeley has followed since he purchased the Tumwater, Wash.-based business where he started working 31 years ago in the shipping department. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/1721161.html Saving Energy — for an Hour. New York City’s nighttime skyline will look like it’s had a few teeth knocked out this coming Saturday. The Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building and several other structures and landmarks in Manhattan will turn off their night lights for an hour on March 28 to bring attention to climate change. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/23/saving-energy-%c2%a0for-an-hour/?pagemode=print ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:47:53 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for March 24, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for March 24, 2009. EPA May Make Far-Reaching Proposal On Global Warming. Sources say the agency has told the White House that climate change is endangering public health, a move that could lead to nationwide measures to limit emissions. Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency has sent a proposal to the White House finding that global warming is endangering the public's health and welfare, according to several sources, a move that could have far-reaching implications for the economy and environment. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-epa-greenhouse24-2009mar24,0,3813879,print.story http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/24/MN5H16LG13.DTL http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/23/AR2009032301068_pf.html http://www.modbee.com/breakingnews/story/640142.html http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/03/24/ap/politics/d974bafo0.txt http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_11983143?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.comhttp://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/03/23/23greenwire-will-northeastern-bulldogs-be-tougher-on-air-p-10258.htmlhttp://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/23/epa-proposal-calls-greenhouse-gases-a-danger-to-the-public/?hphttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/23/AR2009032302024.html http://www.iht.com/bin/printfriendly.php?id=21018663 http://www.pressdemocrat.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090324/NEWS/903241065&template=printart REGULATION: EPA Pushes Climate Endangerment Finding Forward. The Obama administration is a step closer to releasing a finding that is widely expected to trigger the first federal climate regulations. But U.S. EPA spokeswoman Adora Andy said a decision sent to the White House Friday on whether the agency will regulate greenhouse gas emission under the Clean Air Act will not immediately impose carbon dioxide controls. "The document does not propose any requirements on any sources of greenhouse-gas emissions. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/03/24/3 POLICY: Electricity Rates To Soar Under Cap And Trade – Report. Regulation of greenhouse gases could increase electricity rates for consumers by as much as 30 percent, according to a new report from a leading credit-rating firm. Large, industrial users of electricity could avoid some of the potential cost burden under a proposed federal cap on emissions because of their ability to "successfully negotiate for special rates and tariffs," the report from Moody's Investors Service found. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/03/24/6 Editorial: The Price Of Greenhouse Gases. As White House officials weigh issuing a finding that climate change endangers public health, foes of greenhouse gas regulations are ignoring the cost of doing nothing. President Bush's greatest crime against the environment was his refusal to regulate greenhouse gases. The Obama administration is reportedly wasting little time righting that wrong. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/features/health/medicine/la-ed-epa24-2009mar24,0,2445725,print.story Letter: Ease State Mandate. Editor: On April 1, nearly a third of the state's gas stations could be forced to shut off their pumps. An estimated 3,400 stations cannot afford to comply with a new state mandate -- the Enhanced Vapor Recover Phase II system -- that requires them to purchase new equipment. This means that more people will be out of jobs, and commuters will have to drive further to fill up. Posted. http://www.mercedsunstar.com/opinion/story/752888.html California’s Proposed Fuel Standard Threatens National Security. Retired Members of the Armed Forces, the Intelligence Community and Pres. Reagan's NSA Advisor Bud McFarlane Petition Gov. Schwarzenegger to Fix Proposed Fuel Standard -WASHINGTON. The following was released today by the Truman National Security Project: Sixty-six retired members of the U.S. armed forces and intelligence community petitioned Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to fix the proposed California fuel standard, which imperils our national security. Posted. http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/03-24-2009/0004993858&EDATE= Climate Lobbyists Look Beyond Cap and Trade. Climate lobbyists are flooding Capitol Hill, and they're not showing up in all the likely places. As uncertainty hovers over passage of an economy wide cap on greenhouse gases, advocates are pushing for climate provisions in less obvious spots, like legislation funding the Federal Aviation Administration. There are also opportunities for hired guns to shape global-warming language in measures about livestock management and waste disposal, among other issues. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/03/24/24climatewire-climate-lobbyists-look-far-beyond-cap-and-tr-10266.html?pagewanted=print Environmentalists in a Clash of Goals. The goal of his former allies is to combat climate change by harnessing the desert’s solar-rich terrain, reducing the region’s reliance on carbon-emitting fuels. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/24/science/earth/24ecowars.html?scp=3&sq=climate%20change&st=cse CLIMATE: Research Challenges Link Between Global Warming, El Niño. New research showing an El Niño event in 1918 was far stronger than previously thought is challenging the theory that climate change is intensifying the weather pattern. El Niño, an abnormal warming of the surface waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean off South America, causes global climate chaos such as floods and droughts. The phenomenon was strongest in the 20th century in 1982-83 and 1997-98, causing casualties and damaging crops and infrastructure. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/03/24/13 Costly Clean-Air Regulations Could Close 50 Gas Stations In OC. At least 51 independently owned gas stations in Orange County are in danger of closing next month because of costly new regulations implemented by the state. By April 1, the California Air Resources Board wants all California gas stations to install new gas-dispensing nozzles that reduce smog-causing vapor emissions by 43 percent. Posted. http://taxdollars.freedomblogging.com/2009/03/24/costly-regulations-could-close-50-oc-gas-stations/13035/ L.A. Mayor Villaraigosa Responds To Court’s Port Decision. Los Angeles, Calif. — Making the best out of what could have been considered bad news for California’s clean truck program from the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals last week, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa defended efforts to clean up harmful emissions, adding that, “We are committed to fighting this case because our clean truck program is the most sustainable plan for ensuring a clean, safe and secure trucking system for the long-haul at the Port of Los Angeles.” Posted. http://www.thetrucker.com/News/Stories/2009/3/24/LAMayorVillaraigosarespondstocourtsportdecision.aspx Lawn Mowing: Get Reel, Go Gas-free. (ARA) - Warm weather arrives with the melodic chipping of songbirds preparing their nests. What? Can't hear them? The steady rumble of lawn mowers not only drowns out nature's melodies; it disturbs wildlife and sleeping neighbors, and is an unhealthy source of summertime air pollution. Gasoline-powered lawnmowers will soon have to be dramatically cleaner under new rules issued by the Environmental Protection Agency. Posted. http://www.themonitor.com/articles/reel_24604___article.html/mowers_lawn.html Fueling Our Transportation Future. What are the options for decreasing demand for oil and lowering greenhouse gas emissions in cars and light trucks? Editor's Note: We are posting this feature from our September 2006 issue in light of the Obama administration's renewed focus on how to power the country without overloading the atmosphere with greenhouse gases. If we are honest, most of us in the world’s richer countries would concede that we like our transportation systems. Posted. http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=fueling-our-transportation-future-2006&print=true San Diego Will Be Among First Areas To Test New All-Electric Vehicles. The city's Gas & Electric Co. signed a contract to lease 15 to 20 electric vehicles from Nissan-Renault. The automobiles, in the last stages of development, will be available to the public in 2012. Reporting from San Diego — If the future is widespread use of electric cars, it may arrive in San Diego before other places in car-happy Southern California. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-me-cars24-2009mar24,0,2610194,print.story Specialist Urges National Port Pollution Policy. Analyst would extend action to handling equipment, tugs, locomotives, trucks. The United States should build upon the momentum created last year when Congress ratified an international treaty to reduce vessel emissions by establishing a national policy for reducing all types of port pollution, according to an energy specialist. Congress last July put the United States on par with many of the world’s trading nations by adopting the International Maritime Organization’s Marpol Annex VI amendments to reduce emissions from ocean-going vessels. Posted. http://www.joc.com/node/410280 Citrus Cleaning Products Produce Formaldehyde. Green cleaners are popular as a way to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals. However, UC Berkeley researchers found that terpenes in pine oils and citrus oils react with ozone to produce formaldehyde. The problem is greatest in warm weather, when ozone is highest. Formaldehyde is a strong eye, nose, throat, and lung irritant. Formaldehyde is also an asthma trigger and a carcinogen, according to the EPA. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-5101-San-Jose-Environmental-Health-Examiner~y2009m3d23-Citrus-cleaning-products-produce-formaldehyde Earthtalk: What Are ‘Green Cities'? Dear Earthtalk: What Is The "Green Cities" Movement? - John Moulton, Greenwich, Conn. Best described as a loose association of cities focused on sustainability, the emerging "green cities movement" encompasses thousands of urban areas around the world all striving to lessen their environmental impacts by reducing waste, expanding recycling, lowering emissions, increasing housing density while expanding open space, and encouraging the development of sustainable local businesses. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/1721170.html Exxon Valdez, 20 Years Later. Today marks the 20th anniversary of one of the worst environmental disasters in history, the Exxon Valdez oil spill. After two decades, the memory of the spill persists for the commercial fishermen and Alaska natives whose livelihoods were destroyed by Exxon's recklessness. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/24/EDLU16LLAK.DTL&type=printable AM Alert: Smoke and Mirrors. Smokers, beware. Lawmakers will begin considering a bill today that bans smoking at state parks and beaches in California starting next year. Senate Bill 4 by Sen. Jenny Oropeza, D-Long Beach, would impose a $250 fine for each smoking violation. The senator sees it as a way to protect the state's marine life from cigarette litter and reduce fire danger in forest areas. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/capitolalertlatest/020967.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:12:29 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for March 25, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for March 25, 2009. Car Shops Face Tire Inflation Regulation. Proper pressure would be required. Sacramento – Once, promoting tire pressure as a tool to save fuel – and reduce vehicle emissions – drew wide-spread ridicule. During last year's presidential campaign, Republican Party leaders even distributed tire gauges labeled “Barack Obama's energy plan.” But it is serious business: under-inflated tires cost drivers at the pump, send thousands of tires to landfills prematurely every year and contribute to global warming, California air quality regulators contend. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/mar/25/1n25tire011220-car-shops-face-tire-inflation-regul/?uniontrib Guest View: State Regulatory Board Should Save Jobs. On April 1, nearly a third of the state’s gas stations could be forced to shut off their pumps. An estimated 3,400 stations cannot afford to comply with a new state mandate that requires them to purchase new equipment. This means that more people will be out of jobs, and commuters will have to drive farther to fill up. But this disaster can be prevented. The 11 members of the California Air Resources Board (CARB), a committee in charge of regulating the state’s air issues, can act within their power to provide flexibility for these gas stations, their employees and their costumers. Posted. http://www.tahoedailytribune.com/article/20090325/NEWS/903249978/1024/NONE&parentprofile=1059&title=Guest%20View%20%20State%20regulatory%20board%20should%20save%20jobs Automakers Press Their Fight on Emissions. Bernie Madoff had a bail hearing that same day, so it’s not surprising that coverage was sparse for the oral arguments in the United States Second Circuit Court of Appeals case, pitting automakers against the state of Vermont, et al. California, whose emissions standards are much tougher than the federal alternative, adopted rules to regulate greenhouse gas from tailpipes in 2005. Posted. http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/25/automakers-press-their-fight-on-emissions/?pagemode=print AG Retailer Fined For Hollister Emission Violations. The California Air Resources Board this month fined Britz-Simplot Grower Solutions $16,500 for diesel-truck emission violations - including at a facility in Hollister - throughout its regional operations, according to a statement from the agency. Posted. http://hollisterfreelance.com/printer/article.asp?c=254790 EPA To Review Coal-Mining Permits. The agency puts hundreds of mountaintop mining requests on hold so it can study impacts of dumping debris into waterways. Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency put hundreds of mountaintop coal-mining permits on hold Tuesday to evaluate the projects' impact on streams and wetlands. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-epa-mining25-2009mar25,0,4895803,print.story http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123791714319327279.html U.S. Carbon Cap To Raise Power Prices: Moody's. Los Angeles (Reuters) - U.S. electricity prices are likely to rise 15 to 30 percent if a national cap on carbon dioxide emissions is instituted, according to a report by Moody's Investors Service. And "the vast majority" of the burden of those higher costs will be borne by residents as large industrial users are likely to be successful in lobbying U.S. lawmakers for special rates and tariffs, the report dated March showed. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE52O02420090325 Carbon Caps Are the Best Policy. Why taxing emissions is an inferior approach. Curbing carbon emissions will spur a new generation of competition for the old ways of generating energy, especially from Big Oil. So when Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson says he favors a carbon tax over a cap-and-trade system, it's worth asking why the energy giant would want to put a government levy on its own product. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123785178691219381.html#printMode SCIENCE: Climate Changing 'More Rapidly' Than Predicted. Climate change is transforming the world's ice sheets, forests, permafrost and oceans faster than scientists have predicted, according to a new analysis released by an environmental group. A National Wildlife Federation report set for release today says recent scientific studies document "early warning signs" that many natural systems are approaching irreversible changes driven by global warming. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/03/25/6 POLICY: Cap And Trade Not Enough To Prevent Dangerous Temperature Rise – Study. Leading climate proposals will not cut greenhouse gases to a level that many scientists consider necessary to prevent environmental catastrophe, a new Carnegie Mellon University report has found. Researchers maintained that major global-warming legislation needs to be combined with complementary measures like strict efficiency mandates on appliances to ensure that new technologies are deployed to cut heat-trapping gases 50 to 80 percent by midcentury. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/03/25/8 Obama Makes Bold Climate Bill Prediction: 'We'll Get It Done'. President Obama struck an optimistic note last night on the prospects for signing a major global warming law, pledging also to craft a bill that takes into account economic concerns and the country's regional differences over energy production. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/03/25/25climatewire-obama-makes-bold-capandtrade-prediction-well-10277.html U.S. Ports Plan Clean-Truck Programs. From the Pacific Northwest to New York-New Jersey, ports across the U.S. are developing clean-truck programs, although they will attempt to avoid the litigation and fees associated with the Los Angeles-Long Beach program. Posted. http://www.joc.com/node/410317 Gore To Publish New Book. Former Vice President Al Gore said Tuesday he plans to have a new book out by November, building on his movie and traveling slideshow about global warming. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/mar/24/gore-publish-new-book/ Worldwide Darkness Planned For Earth Hour. What started in 2007 as one city's protest over inaction on climate change has ignited into a worldwide movement. On Saturday, 1,800 cities are expected to participate in this year's Earth Hour. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_11986478 Factbox: How Japan Plans To Meet Kyoto Emissions-Cut Goal. (Reuters) - The Japanese government has almost completed planned purchases of emissions offsets from abroad in a scheme under the Kyoto Protocol to supplement domestic efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions. A government source said on Wednesday that Japan is set to seal a deal with the Czech Republic next week to buy 40 million metric tons of emissions rights from the east European country, with its proceeds to be spent on specific environment measures. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/internal_ReutersNewsRoom_BehindTheScenes_MOLT/idUSTRE52O2CW20090325 Top China Think Tank Proposes Greenhouse Gas Plan. BEIJING (Reuters) - A top Chinese state think tank has proposed a global greenhouse gas trading plan to reflect the different historic emissions of rich and poor nations, indicating deepening discussion in Beijing about climate change policy. http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE52O1IZ20090325 Global Warming 37 Percent To Blame For Droughts: Scientist. Singapore (Reuters) - Global warming is more than a third to blame for a major drop in rainfall that includes a decade-long drought in Australia and a lengthy dry spell in the United States, a scientist said on Wednesday. Peter Baines of Melbourne University in Australia analyzed global rainfall observations, sea surface temperature data as well as a reconstruction of how the atmosphere has behaved over the past 50 years to reveal rainfall winners and losers. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE52O3EJ20090325 U.N. Plans Guide To Fighting Climate-Change Disasters. Oslo (Reuters) - A proposed U.N. study of climate extremes will be a practical guide for tackling natural disasters and fill a gap in past reports focused on the gradual effects of global warming, experts said. Floods, mudslides, droughts, heatwaves or storms are often the main causes of destruction and human suffering tied to climate change, rather than the creeping rise in average temperatures blamed on a build-up of greenhouse gases. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE52O1DM20090325 Grassley Defends Ethanol During Floor Session. Ethanol and agriculture industry heavy-hitter Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, took to the U.S. Senate floor March 23 to bring attention to the potentially destructive policy lifecycle analysis and indirect land use policies currently under consideration at the U.S. EPA. Grassley encouraged U.S. President Obama and his staff to closely examine the actions being considered by the EPA and stated that the agency’s current path could lead to punishing U.S. biofuel producers for land use changes elsewhere. Posted. http://ethanolproducer.com/article.jsp?article_id=5522 Fisker Signs Up 32 Dealerships To Sell Karma Sedans. The Irvine maker of plug-in hybrids plans to begin production of its $87,900 Karmas late this year. Even the car of the future needs old-fashioned sales technology. Irvine-based Fisker Automotive said Tuesday that it had signed up 32 new-car dealers in North America to sell its plug-in hybrid sedan, which begins production late this year. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-fisker25-2009mar25,0,2936607,print.story Clean Trucks at California Ports Survive Court Ruling. Los Angeles, California, - The environmental protection sections of the Clean Truck Programs issued by the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach have survived a decision Friday by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit that ruled against most other sections of the program.http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/mar2009/2009-03-24-094.asp Dealership For New Luxury Plug-In Hybrid To Open In Sunnyvale. Fisker Automotive, the Orange County automaker that will put the Karma, its $88,000 plug-in hybrid luxury sedan, on sale later this year, announced its first 32 dealers Tuesday. In Northern California, the Price Family Dealerships will open Fisker showrooms in the San Jose area, San Francisco and Sacramento. The Silicon Valley store will be on El Camino Real in Sunnyvale, across the street from Toyota of Sunnyvale, which Price also owns. Tesla Motors, the Silicon Valley electric automaker and Fisker rival, has a showroom on El Camino Real in Menlo Park. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/greenenergy/ci_11987248 Feinstein Wants Desert Swath Off-Limits To Solar, Wind Projects. In a move that could pit environmentalists and alternative energy industries against each other, the senator wants hundreds of thousands of acres in California designated as a national monument. Reporting from Washington — While President Obama has made development of cleaner energy sources a priority, an effort is underway to close off a large swath of the Southern California desert to solar and wind energy projects. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-desert25-2009mar25,0,4824638,print.story Texas Aims for Solar Dominance. The Lone Star State leads the country in wind-power. Now Texas aims to ramp up its solar production too. This week the state senate is considering an avalanche of bills that would boost state incentives for solar power, and the entire legislative session has become known as the “solar session.” Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/25/texas-aims-for-solar-dominance/?scp=2&sq=climate%20change&st=cse U.S. Interior Chief Touts Renewable Energy Zones. Washington (Reuters) - The Obama Administration is carving out renewable energy zones across the country and offshore, and is preparing to work with critics who object to wind turbines or solar farms near wilderness or tourist areas, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said on Tuesday. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE52N7EX20090325 ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 26 Mar 2009 10:42:27 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for March 26, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for March 26, 2009. Air Resources Board To Help Truckers Meet Pollution Rules. State officials on Wednesday announced details of one piece of a $1 billion assistance package to help truckers comply with new air pollution regulations for heavy-duty diesel trucks. The state Air Resources Board will provide $48 million to an existing small business loan-guarantee program administered by the California Pollution Control Finance Authority. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/politics/story/1729748.html?mi_rss=State%2520Politics http://www.theunion.com/article/20090325/WEBUPDATE/903259993/1053/NONE&parentprofile=1053&title=Partners%20to%20aid%20truckers%20clean%20air Lawmakers Urge State To Delay Costly Gas Station Regulations. Five lawmakers gathered on the North steps of the State Capitol this morning to urge the California Air Resources Board to delay implementation of costly new regulations that could close thousands of independently owned gas stations, including at least 51 in Orange County. Posted. http://taxdollars.freedomblogging.com/2009/03/25/lawmakers-urge-state-to-delay-costly-gas-station-regulations/13749/ Editorial: April Fools' - No Gasoline. New rules threaten station shutdowns April 1. Thousands of California gasoline stations may close Wednesday – April Fools' Day – because they can't comply with state government's latest ham-handed regulatory scheme. It's another case of Sacramento's bureaucratic indifference, unintended dire consequences and imposing of extraordinary costs on the public. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/gas-stations-state-2346044-station-sacramento%23# Letter: Response To Letter. Editor: In response to Sen. Dave Cox, R-Fair Oaks, in his letter to the editor "Ease state mandate" of Tuesday. There have been extensions previous to the California Air Resources Board standards. CARB has notified all gas station operators in California more than three years ago that there would not be any more extensions. There have been numerous financial institutions offering to loan money to operators to make these upgrades. The independent operators have been too greedy in trying to sell more gallons at a little less margin instead of reinvesting in their facilities. Posted. http://www.mercedsunstar.com/perspective/story/757018.html SB Gas Station Owner Says New Rule Will Shut Him Down. San Bernardino - California air quality regulators say a new rule targeting gasoline vapor will be a major achievement for public health, but gas station owner Ron Nuckles says the mandate will force him to turn off his pumps. "You're going to have a lot of stations go by the wayside," Nuckles said. Nuckles is president of Merit Oil Co. The firm has fuel stations that primarily serve commercial accounts in Westside San Bernardino, Del Rosa and Bloomington. Posted. http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_11996607 The Head Of CARB Has Some Choice Words For Me! Mary Nichols, the head of the California Air Resources Board took me to task in a letter we published today (3/25) in our Editorial Section. Posted. http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/42886 Fran Pavley Back On Greenhouse Gas Patrol. The author of California’s landmark law to curb greenhouse gas emissions has launched a two-year effort to expand the law’s reach into other operations, including logging, and shape the market place governing potentially billions of dollars worth of emissions credits. Posted. http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?xid=xv0m6nlm67pv4h Can NEPA Pass Tests Posed By Climate-Related Projects? The "magna carta" of U.S. environmental law is having growing pains as federal agencies grapple with how it will incorporate climate change and whether it will invite lawsuits that could send streams of climate-related issues into the courts. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is the ambitious statute requiring that federal agencies publicly evaluate the environmental impacts of their decisions -- from building a highway to permitting wetland development. It also requires them to consider alternative approaches. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/03/26/1 http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/03/26/26climatewire-can-nepa-pass-tests-posed-by-climaterelated-10308.html California To Reduce Carbon Emissions By... Banning Black Cars?! In a move that will likely get California's consumers in a huff, impending legislation may soon restrict the paint color options for Golden State residents looking for their next new vehicle. Posted. http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/25/california-to-reduce-carbon-emissions-by-banning-black-cars/ Michele Bachmann Seeks ‘Armed and Dangerous’ Opposition to Cap-and-Trade. Michele Bachmann, a Republican Congresswoman from east-central Minnesota, has some fighting words for President Obama’s energy plans. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/25/michele-bachmann-seeks-armed-and-dangerous-opposition-to-cap-and-trade/ Global Warming Giving Nuclear New Claim To Clean. The nation's worst nuclear power plant accident was unfolding on Pennsylvania's Three Mile Island when an industry economist took the rostrum at a nearby business luncheon. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/business/story/643517.html http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12001442?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/26/AR2009032601442.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12001442?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com EPA Port Regs Failing To Protect Public Health -- U.S. EPA's efforts to slash ship emissions at ports have not gone far enough to protect human health, the agency's inspector general said in a report this week. Under the Clean Air Act, EPA has authority to regulate emissions from oceangoing vessels if their emissions threaten health. But while EPA has acknowledged for more than 14 years that ship emissions are health risks, the agency has only regulated nitrogen oxides emissions, and only from U.S.-flagged vessels. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/03/25/2 Tesla's Model S: 'Mass-Market' Electric Car To Be Unveiled. Today's unveiling of Tesla Motors' second car, the Model S sedan, is a major step toward the mainstreaming of electric vehicles. And the company hopes that will give Tesla a leg up on a growing group of rivals. By the time the Model S goes on sale for about $50,000 in late 2011, a slew of electric vehicles — or plug-in hybrids that get most of their propulsion from batteries — will likely be on the road. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/greenenergy/ci_11995464?nclick_check=1 In Hybrid Price War, New Toyota Prius Battles Honda Insight. Oyama, Japan — Toyota's chief engineer, Akihiko Otsuka, chose a curvy test-drive course near Mount Fuji to show off the smooth handling of the prototype of the remodeled Prius hybrid, set to reach showrooms in May. He proudly told reporters about its outstanding mileage — 50 miles per gallon — roof solar panel, collision safety features and how fun it was to drive. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/greenenergy/ci_11994663 Home Is Where The Hazards Are. When it comes to environmental problems, household hazardous waste is the elephant in the room. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that American households generate 1.6 million tons of hazardous waste per year. That includes cleaning products, paint, insecticides, oils, batteries, old computers and literally thousands of other products that contain potentially hazardous materials, almost all of it destined for already overburdened landfills, where it continues to pollute the air we breathe and our water systems. Posted. http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/PrintFriendly?oid=932241 Wow. Another Global Warming Oops and a biggie. Like a tumbling snowball gaining momentum, the Global Warming Oops Moments just keep a-comin’. Posted. http://orangepunch.freedomblogging.com/2009/03/26/wow-another-global-warming-oops-and-a-biggie/8007/ Seeds of Revival in Wind and Solar? After several gloomy months, experts say that the stimulus package is beginning — just beginning — to revive interest in wind and solar power. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/26/seeds-of-revival-in-wind-and-solar/?scp=3&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Head Hunters Go Green: OC Company Hosts Webcam Interviews. And if the head hunter is ecologically minded, there’s an additional sting. A flight from New York to the West Coast spews as much carbon dioxide — a greenhouse gas — into the atmosphere as burning 155 gallons of gas in a passenger car. Posted. http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/2009/03/25/head-hunters-go-green-oc-company-hosts-webcam-interviews/5885/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:00:25 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for March 27th, 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for March 27, 2009. Calif. tire rule aims to pump up fuel efficiency. California officials have decided to require auto repair shops to check tire pressure, a move they say will save millions of gallons of gasoline. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2033/story/644065.html http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009903260400 http://www.fresnobee.com/641/story/1289162.html http://www.sacbee.com/trafficnews/story/1732708.html http://www.modbee.com/state/story/643864.html http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_12003819 http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12003092?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12003092?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com California to Ban Black Cars (Not Really). The California Air Resources Board is trying to squash reports that it wants to ban the sale of black cars. “I think it's an example of a misperception and misinformation in the blogosphere," said CARB spokesman Stanley Young. Posted. http://www.news10.net/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=56925&catid=2 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/26/AR2009032603316.html The First Green Step. THE LACK of concrete data on which facilities were emitting greenhouse gases and how much they were spewing into the atmosphere led to a major flaw in the European Union's cap-and-trade system: the over-allocation of pollution permits to industry. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/26/AR2009032603469.html There is no time for speculation — we must get serious about climate change. As someone who has worked in the field of climate science for 39 years, it is both comic and unnerving when media pundits who know zero about climate science present ideological clap trap as an alleged “other side” to mainstream research results. Posted. http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009903260400 White House official says U.S. climate policies are still in the formative stage. The White House is still figuring out whether it will have a single point person for international envoys who want to talk climate policy, a chief climate change aide said yesterday. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/03/27/4 Key House Democrats warn against climate maneuver in budget. Four powerful House Democrats warned President Obama today against using a fast-track budget process for climate legislation. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/03/27/27greenwire-key-house-dems-warn-against-fasttrack-budget-m-10328.html US hopes to avoid repeat of Kyoto Protocol. President Barack Obama's administration will be guided by a mix of "science and pragmatism" as it helps craft a global deal on climate change, the top U.S. climate official said Friday. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/world/story/644717.html http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/03/27/international/i072605D25.DTL&hw=carbon+emissions&sn=001&sc=1000 http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12010387?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12010387?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com Climate Talks Look to U.S. Role. When the Obama administration makes its debut in the international climate-change debate at talks next week, expectations will be high: Europe hopes the U.S. can help end a standoff between rich and poor countries over how to share the burden of cutting carbon emissions. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123810453832651911.html Farm Bureau Demands Fairness for Biofuels in California Carbon Scoring. When rating fuels on the basis of their carbon content, biofuels should not be singled out and artificially degraded for so-called “indirect effects,” according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. Posted. http://www.imperialvalleynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4908&Itemid=2 Cutting Carbon Dioxide, Not Profits. As the momentum grows to limit carbon emissions, some critics, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, are warning about the high cost of climate policies on the economy. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/27/cutting-carbon-dioxide-not-profits/ People encouraged to turn lights off for an hour. In an effort to show solidarity on climate-change issues, the World Wildlife Fund is asking people around the world to turn off their lights for one hour Saturday. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/mar/27/people-encouraged-to-turn-lights-off-for-an-hour/ http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/27/BAGQ16NNQP.DTL Ethanol lobbyists storm Sacramento. Ethanol investors met with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger this week in an effort to derail California’s far-reaching proposal to slash carbon emissions from transportation fuels. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/03/ethanol-lobbyis.html#more Ship pollution: EPA 'not responsive,' inspector says. Should the federal government crack down on cancer-causing air emissions from ships? Yes, according to a new report from the Environmental Protection Agency's inspector general, who says voluntary measures and international negotiations have failed to protect public health. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/03/ship-pollution.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:27:30 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for March 30th, 2008 From: sponedal@ARB.CA.GOV ####. Cool Paints Bunch Of Hot Air? California Isn't Banning Black Cars. Would California really ban black cars to fight global warming? A rumor to that effect raised hackles on the blogosphere last week. Even conservative radio commentator Rush Limbaugh weighed in, urging listeners to rush out and buy a black car before they were pulled from the market. But while a state agency was indeed mulling the relationship between automobile color and greenhouse gases, the rumored ban on black wasn't actually true. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_12013592?source=most_emailed Enhanced Vapor Recovery Gas Pump Retrofit Law To Take Effect. Sacramento – Gil Moore has been steadily selling off his gas stations across the state, unwilling to risk hefty fines or shutdown orders for not replacing old nozzles that release unhealthy toxins with every gallon pumped. “What a nightmare,” said Moore, who has sold about two dozen stations in the San Diego area and may shed another three amid the additional costs in a tough economy. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/mar/29/1n29nozzle223839-gas-pump-retrofit-law-take-effect/?uniontrib Pump Pain: Owners Hit By Pricey Upgrade. Mountain Ranch- Gasoline no longer flows from the pumps at The Gas Station in this remote mountain village. Jerry and Jackie Yates, owners of the business, which also sells auto parts, decided to quit selling gasoline rather than buy tens of thousands of dollars in equipment all California gas stations are required to install by Wednesday to reduce pollution from escaping gasoline fumes. "We didn't even get a price on it, because we know we can't afford it," Jerry Yates said. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090329/A_NEWS/903290312&template=printart Service stations may face closure. More than half of the state's gas stations will miss a Wednesday deadline for scrubbing toxic vapors from their pumps, setting them up for hefty fines or eventually even closure, officials say. Posted. http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_12026447 Fuming over new regs. For gas station owners in the Mid-Valley, a Wednesday deadline to comply with a new state regulation to clean up the air is no April Fools' Day joke. Posted. http://www.appeal-democrat.com/news/air_75916___article.html/upgrade_station.html Letter: Air board must show compassion. On April 1, nearly a third of the state’s gas stations could be forced to shut off their pumps. An estimated 3,400 stations cannot afford to comply with a new state mandate that requires them to purchase new equipment. Posted. http://www.appeal-democrat.com/articles/state_75925___article.html/air_third.html Pump change good for Earth but not wallets. You felt the pain at the pump last summer. So did the Earth's climate; transportation accounts for about 40 percent of the state's greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090330/A_NEWS/903300317/-1/A_NEWS14 Owners fume over fume controls. For nearly two decades, customers of the Temecula Car Wash could fill up and get their car sparkling clean. No more. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_gasfumes30.38b3f6b.html Vehicles Internal Affairs: Is Schwarzenegger Having Buyers Remorse Over His Tesla? Tight squeeze for governor in electric car? Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was on a short list of celebrities who ordered the super-sleek, $109,000 Tesla Roadster when the San Carlos-based electric-car maker took its first round of orders awhile back. But now it looks as if the governor wants a refund. The gossip Web site Valleywag reported last week that Schwarzenegger for months has been quietly trying to return the sports car. The reason? The car, built on a Lotus frame, is a little too cramped for the former bodybuilder. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/localnewsheadlines/ci_12014942?source=rss Reality Puts Brakes On High-Speed Rail Ambitions. To Americans, high-speed trains evoke the gee-whiz factor of a trip to Tomorrowland: Ride futuristic cars that zoom you to a destination in a fraction of the drive time — without having to fight your way through an airport. Read a book, do paperwork, take a nap while you whoosh ahead in high-speed comfort. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12019263?source=rss India To Debut World's Cheapest Car. It's Not A Nano, But A Plug-In That's Making Inroads. New Delhi - The streets of Indian cities are clogged with noisy conveyances - hulking buses, cars, carts pulled by braying bullocks and motorbikes pyramided with passengers. Commuters idle angrily in traffic for hours each day. Posted. http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/mar/30/indias-second-car/ Climate Change Obama Envoy: Time To Act On Climate Change. Bonn, Germany (AP) — Once booed at international climate talks, the United States won sustained applause Sunday when President Barack Obama's envoy pledged to "make up for lost time" in reaching a global agreement on climate change. Todd Stern also praised efforts by countries like China to reign in their carbon emissions, but said global warming "requires a global response" and that rapidly developing economies like China "must join together" with the industrial world to solve the problem. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jpokgFJzTVqBUWoSV4Qm3bXiDWlAD977S2B80 Environmentalists Hail Earth Hour As A Big Success. Now they say nations have a mandate to tackle climate change. "The world said yes to climate action, now governments must follow," the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) said Sunday, a day after hundreds of millions of people worldwide followed its call to turn off lights for a full hour. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/03/27/national/a014140D20.DTL&feed=rss.news Earth Hour: publicity stunt or true energy saver? Turn out the lights, whether or not the party's over. That's what organizers of a green event called Earth Hour are asking people to do at 8:30 tonight for at least 60minutes: Switch off non-essential lights and electronic appliances to conserve energy and join a "global statement" of concern about climate change. Posted. http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_12015879 Gary Griggs, Our Ocean Backyard: Climate Change And Rising Sea Level. The records of the climate changes that the Earth has experienced are diverse, widespread and well documented. These include the extent of past glaciers and the stuff they left behind, the isotopic signatures from long ice cores from Antarctica and Greenland indicating alternating warm and cooler periods that go back as far as 800,000 years, and the fossil record from deep-sea sediment cores that extends back many millions of years. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/centralcoast/ci_12016940 Among Climate Scientists, a Dispute Over ‘Tipping Points’. The language was apocalyptic. Last month, a leading climate scientist warned that Earth’s rising temperatures were poised to set off irreversible disasters if steps were not taken quickly to stop global warming. “The climate is nearing tipping points,” the NASA climate scientist James E. Hansen wrote in The Observer newspaper of London. “If we do not change course, we’ll hand our children a situation that is out of their control.” Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/29/weekinreview/29revkin.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print Editorials: Mother Nature’s Dow. This is the first editorial from the Times that has made sense in a long, long, time. It was factual, insightful and objective: a brilliant blueprint for how we should move forward with respect to an imminent threat, global warming. It was worthy of a newspaper that is dedicated to telling the truth about the problems we face and the solutions we should seek. Posted. http://community.nytimes.com/article/comments/2009/03/29/opinion/29friedman.html U.S. shows its new approach on warming. WASHINGTON - At its first negotiations on climate change, the Obama administration is trying to convince other countries that the U.S. does care about global warming and wants to shape an international accord. After eight years on the sidelines, the U.S. says it is ready for a central role in developing a new agreement to slash greenhouse gases. Posted. http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_12021086 THOMAS: Consensus or censorship? The Environmental Protection Agency has submitted a “finding” to the White House Office of Management and Budget that will force the Obama administration to decide whether to limit greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090329/OPINION/903289985 Energy Surge Of College Students Pursuing 'Clean Energy' Careers. Climate change is a concern among undergraduates, driving a surge of interest in science and engineering on campuses nationwide. Reporting from Washington -- In what could be an encouraging sign of change in the long-standing shortage of Americans preparing for "clean energy" careers, the subject is suddenly hot on college campuses across the nation -- a surge of interest largely stimulated by the specter of global warming. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-energy-students29-2009mar29,0,362299.story Obama stumps for green energy. President Obama stumped Monday for billions of dollars in renewable energy spending included in his first budget, saying the investments are necessary to return Americans to work and break the nation's dependence on foreign oil. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/mar/23/obama-stumps-green-energy-budget/ Eye on the Environment: Computers don't have to be major electricity hogs. Most of us do not think too much about electricity consumption. We live in a place and time when we can just plug our devices into the wall, turn on the switch and enjoy the benefits of modern technology. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/mar/29/computers-dont-have-to-be-major-electricity-hogs/ Low Carbon Fuels Ethanol Investors Try To Derail California's Carbon-Emissions proposal. Ethanol investors met with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger this week in an effort to derail California’s far-reaching proposal to slash carbon emissions from transportation fuels. The meeting, the latest volley in a national campaign against the regulation, was attended by Silicon Valley mogul Vinod Khosla and former Secretary of State Bill Jones, chairman of the board of Sacramento-based Pacific Ethanol Inc. One participant, New Fuels Alliance lobbyist Brooke Coleman, said the proposal is based on "completely speculative" scientific models and would cripple the nation's biofuels industry. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-ethanol27-2009mar27,0,6273025.story Ports EPA head to announce new port emissions proposal. NEWARK, N.J.—The head of the Environmental Protection Agency is expected to announce a new proposal to limit ship emissions at major seaport communities. EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson will be joined Monday by New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine, her former boss, and U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg at a noon news conference in Port Newark. It's part of the Port of New York and New Jersey, the East Coast's largest port complex. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12029387 Trucks California loan program to help truckers reduce emissions. California’s Treasury Office has joined with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for a $48 million loan guarantee program to help California truckers comply with new diesel emissions regulations. Posted. http://refrigeratedtrans.com/2010-emissions/carb-loans-0330/ Daily Blogs: New Fuel Economy Rules Spark Debate The Obama administration’s first stab at raising mileage standards for cars and light trucks is getting mixed reviews today. The Department of Transportation set the combined fuel economy standard for the 2011 model year at 27.3 miles per gallon. That would be an increase of two miles per gallon from the 2010 industry average for cars and light trucks, which include pickups and sport utility vehicles, according to the government. (Read the 857-page rule here.) Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/uptospeed/2009/03/cafe-rules-deba.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 1 Apr 2009 11:17:38 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for April 1, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for April 1, 2009. Gas Stations Given More Time To Reduce Vapor Release From Pumps. Air regulators have eased off threats to close gas stations that don't meet today's deadline to upgrade pumps to reduce toxic vapors. But the technology's cost -- about $11,000 per pump -- still threatens to put hundreds of stations out of business. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/news/ci_12039776 http://www.contracostatimes.com/solanocounty/ci_12039776 Calif. Stations Face Deadline For New Gas Pumps. Sacramento—Service station owners throughout California face a Wednesday deadline to install gasoline pumps that reduce air pollution, a costly development that prompted a trade association to warn that thousands of stations might close. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12031947 Retrofit Ready? Local gas station owners who haven't complied by today with California's gas pump nozzle retrofit rule are holding their breath as a legislative committee seems poised to discuss giving them emergency grant money to ease the rule's financial pain. More than 500 gas stations in San Bernardino and Riverside counties weren't in compliance as of March 24, according to data published by the air quality agency. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12039475 Letter: Delay Deadlines For Gas Stations. would like to thank The Sun for the story it ran on the compliance difficulties that I and many gas stations face across the great state of California ("Deadline stress at gas stations," March 27). Many people are not aware of the risk of station closures across our state if a postponement of this California Air Resources Board-mandated upgrade is not granted. Posted. http://www.sbsun.com/pointofview/ci_12040883 Big Blue Bus Hit With Hefty Fine. City Hall — Santa Monica might be one of the most environmentally-conscious cities in the country, but the community's own public transit agency was recently hit with a $21,000 fine for some eco-unfriendly practices. Posted. http://www.smdp.com/Articles-c-2009-03-30-51732.113116_Big_Blue_Bus_hit_with_hefty_fine_.html http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2009/March-2009/03_31_09_Air_Board_Fines_Big_Blue_Bus.html Temecula School District Fined $18,500 For Failing To Inspect Diesel Vehicles. The California Environmental Protection Agency's Air Resources Board has fined the Temecula Valley Unified School District $18,500 for failing to inspect its diesel truck and bus fleet in 2006 and 2007. The district is required by law to perform periodic inspections to test for excessive emissions and engine tampering. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_airfine31.42162a1.html http://www.northcountytimes.com/articles/2009/03/30/news/californian/temecula/z2f59ef1bdb3289cd8825758900749c51.txt County's Polluting Buses Fined $5,000. Public buses in Ventura County exceeded state standards for diesel emissions in 2007, and the county Transportation Commission was recently fined $5,000 for the violation, according to a statement released Monday by the California Air Resources Board. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/mar/31/countys-polluting-buses-fined-5000/ http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/ventura_county&id=6739106 ARB Sets Aside Mandate For 'Cool Paint' On Cars. The California Air Resources Board has dropped – for now – a proposal to require so-called "cool paint" on new cars. By reflecting the sun's heat, cool paints would help to keep passengers cooler, cutting air conditioning load and improving fuel efficiency. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/content/business/story/1741418.html EPA To Test Air Around 62 Schools In 22 States. Washington—The Environmental Protection Agency will soon be adding a different kind of equipment to dozens of school yards around the country—air pollution monitors. The EPA announced Tuesday a list of 62 schools in 22 states where the outdoor air will be tested for toxic air contaminants. The agency will work with state and local officials to begin the monitoring at the selected schools within three months. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12036599 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/31/AR2009033101456.html Pollution Reduction Program Unveiled. Washington — Democratic lawmakers on Tuesday proposed cutting greenhouse gases by one-fifth over the next decade, a faster clip than urged by President Barack Obama. Their plan, seen as the first step toward Congress enacting climate legislation this year, was crafted to attract broader support among centrist Democrats. It includes measures to spur energy efficiency and to support technology to capture carbon dioxide, the leading greenhouse gas, from coal burning power plants. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12041653 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/31/AR2009033103683_pf.html http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/649146.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12038081 http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/04/01/01climatewire-house-bill-shifts-focus-to-climate-change-im-10371.html http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-climate-bill,1,5328450.story http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/politics/wire/sns-ap-congress-budget-global-warming,1,5666140.story New Plan In Europe To Reduce Planes' CO2 Emissions. Geneva—Aviation groups in Europe announced a plan Tuesday to change the way commercial planes land in order to reduce their global-warming emissions of carbon dioxide. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/travel/ci_12036092 http://www.latimes.com/business/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-eu-aviation-climate-change,0,4717851.story Senate Devotes Warming Fees To Energy Subsidies. Washington—The Senate has endorsed using revenues from controversial cap-and-trade auctions of permits for emitting greenhouse gases to help consumers pay higher gasoline and electricity prices. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_12038526 Powering Up The 21st Century. Southern California Edison is continuing its goal to build more large-scale solar energy producing sites, and they're using available real estate in a region that increasingly has little space for such projects. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12040603 Jobs Of The Future: Oakdale Solar Company Hiring. Oakdale -- Steve Vella will ring the opening bell Friday at the Toronto Stock Exchange, where shares in his solar electricity company are now traded. Acro Energy Technologies, formerly Acro Electric, went public Feb. 23 as part of its acquisition by Lonestar Capital Corp. of Houston. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/business/story/648121.html McNerney Introduces Trio Of Green-Energy Bills. A "smart" utility grid, more plug-in stations for the electric vehicles of the future, and $100 million for green-job training are the highlights of a new package of legislation from U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090401/A_NEWS/904010316 Blogs: Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus Not So 'Green'? Just how "green" is Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus? Apparently not green enough. The state's Air Resources Board announced today that it is slapping a $21,000 fine on the bus line for failing to conduct required diesel emissions testing and maintaining appropriate records, among other violations. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/03/bus-violations.html Legislators, Greens, Industry React to Climate Bill. Reactions to the newly unveiled American Clean Energy and Security Act, which promotes clean energy and tries to stop climate change, have been pouring in all day. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/31/legislators-greens-and-industry-react-to-climate-bill/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 2 Apr 2009 10:36:11 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for April 2, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for April 2, 2009. 16 Area Gas Stations Now Defy Pump Regulations. Only 16 of Ventura County’s 188 service station operators failed to meet Wednesday’s state-imposed deadline for starting to install mandatory but costly fueling system upgrades to reduce air pollution, a county official said. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/apr/02/16-area-gas-stations-now-defy-pump-regulations/ Gas Stations Dealing With Emissions Rule. The gas pumps outside the Hitching Post store in Colton were closed Wednesday as a new state requirement for cleaner technology went into effect. "I'm not saying I've stopped completely. I'm stopped for this time," said Hitching Post owner Marvene Stout, who has yet to decide whether to invest in costly anti-pollution equipment or to keep her pumps out of business. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12049579 http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_12049579 ARB’s Fuel-Nozzle Regulation Gets Under Way As Scheduled. A new rule that requires thousands of California gas stations to modify their pump nozzles so that less fuel vapor escapes into the atmosphere went into effect this week, despite requests from Gov. Schwarzenegger to postpone the controversial regulation. The governor asked the Legislature to approve a “one-year enforcement holiday” for the stations, and Republicans announced Wednesday that they were introducing emergency legislation to give gas stations relief from the new regulation. Posted. http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?xid=xvm0ro4p9c96if# Calif. Lawmaker Seeks Delay Of Gas-Pump Rules. Sacramento—A Republican lawmaker wants to delay a rule that takes effect this week and requires California service stations to install environmentally friendly gas pumps. Some station owners have complained about the cost—up to $11,000 per pump—and say they fear being shut down if they don't comply. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12049216 He Asks for "Delay." She Urges "Restraint." The public policy battle of the week has featured a looming deadline for California gas station owners... and demands that the deadline be extended. But more interesting politically is what kind of official response would be given to one of those asking for an extension -- Governor Schwarzenegger. Posted. http://blogs.kqed.org/capitalnotes/2009/04/01/he-asks-for-delay-she-urges-restraint/ Gas Station Law Hiatus In Slow Lane. Sacramento- Emergency legislation to provide gas stations with a one-year enforcement holiday from tough new air pollution regulations is running through the Legislature more like a Corolla than a Corvette. Dire warnings of shuttered stations and hefty fines aside, the Legislature is unlikely to act until returning from spring recess April 13. Posted. http://weblog.signonsandiego.com/news/breaking/2009/04/gas_station_enforcement_holida.html Legislation Would Pay Drivers To Turn In Clunkers. President Obama has endorsed the idea of using public funds to pay drivers to scrap certain vehicles and replace them with new or more fuel-efficient ones. This cash-for-clunkers concept is designed to decrease the nation's fuel consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and give struggling automakers a boost. Similar programs have stimulated car sales in some European countries, particularly Germany. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/02/BUPI16QS5Q.DTL&type=printable http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-auto-clunkers2-2009apr02,0,7130899.story http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_12047678 Report Outlines Possible Effects Of Warming On California. A compilation of research papers suggests that climate change will mean the state will have less water, experience a loss of cropland and see soaring wildfire rates. As California warms in coming decades, farmers will have less water, the state could lose more than a million acres of cropland and forest fire rates will soar, according to a broad-ranging state report released Wednesday. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-climate2-2009apr02,0,1916824,print.story http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/01/MN9P16R25A.DTL http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_12047842 http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_12047842 Can Obama Lay Ground For Climate Talks? As he meets with other world leaders in Europe this week, President Obama faces many mind-bendingly tough challenges, but none with longer-term implications than the need to rescue the world's climate negotiations. There's been lots of admirably resolute talk on both sides of the Atlantic about the need to "green" the economic recovery. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/02/ED4B16QSTA.DTL&type=printable CALIFORNIA: Lawsuit Could Mean 'Tough Slog' For Climate Law -- Air Chief. California's top air regulator expects a difficult court challenge to emerge against her state's cap-and-trade system to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. Mary Nichols, head of the California Air Resources Board, said today that the industries "that feel they stand the most to lose" are likely to file suit against a market-based system to slash emissions. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/eenewspm/print/2009/03/31/4 EPA Can Weigh Cost-Benefits in Environmental Action, Court Says. The Supreme Court said yesterday that the Environmental Protection Agency may consider whether protecting fish and other aquatic creatures is worth the cost of the most advanced upgrades for older power plants, a defeat for environmentalists who had challenged the government's position. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/01/AR2009040103717_pf.html EU Greenhouse-Gas Emissions Drop 6%. Industrial Slowdown Reduces Carbon Output, but Eases Pressure on Big Polluters to Change Their Behavior. Greenhouse-gas emissions from heavy industry and utilities in the European Union fell 6% last year as the economic downturn slowed industrial activity in everything from construction to auto manufacturing. Some analysts and economists say the recession, though it reduces emissions in the short-term, could also slow the adoption of low-carbon technologies in factories and power plants. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123862565896480059.html#printMode Climate: House Proposal Would Hand EPA A Heavy Workload. Under house democrats' draft climate and energy bill, U.S. EPA would be tasked with launching a raft of major climate programs, dramatically boosting the workload of a cash-strapped agency already struggling to meet a long list of regulatory deadlines. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/print/2009/04/01/1 http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/04/01/01greenwire-house-proposal-would-hand-epa-a-heavy-workload-10380.html Climate Bill Takes Aim At Transportation Emissions On Land And At Sea. Sweeping climate and energy legislation that Democratic leaders of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unveiled yesterday takes direct aim at greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles across the transportation spectrum, from passenger cars to oceangoing ships. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/04/01/01greenwire-climate-bill-takes-aim-at-emissions-on-land-an-10373.html Senate Brakes Obama's Energy Plan. In a bipartisan rejection of one of President Obama's key budget proposals, the Senate voted Wednesday to prevent Democrats from using fast-track procedures to push through a plan to combat greenhouse gases. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/02/senate-puts-brakes-on-obamas-energy-plan/ State Faces Greater Risk From Global Warming. State officials on Wednesday released what they called the most comprehensive and detailed report on the effects of climate change in California — a 40-volume set of scientific studies that shows the state more at risk to global warming than previously believed. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/apr/01/state-faces-greater-risk-from-global-warming/ FirstEnergy To Convert Plant Units To Burn Biomass. Cleveland—Electric power company FirstEnergy Corp. said Wednesday it plans to spend $200 million to convert two units at an eastern Ohio power plant to burn renewable biomass like wood chips and crops grown as fuel. The Akron, Ohio-based company said the conversion will make its R.E. Burger plant in Shadyside one of the nation's largest biomass facilities. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/ci_12045964 Tam Valley Recycling Attracts International Attention. Jon Elam, general manager of the Tamalpais Community Services District, has spent the past couple years talking up recycling efforts of his tiny Southern Marin district on his own dime across the globe at United Nations climate change meetings. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12048635 Edison Solar System. Southern California Edison is continuing its goal to build more large-scale solar-energy producing sites, and the utility is using real estate in a region that increasingly has little available space for such projects. The power company wants to use the sprawling rooftops of large industrial buildings where it can place new, cheaper and lighter solar panels to capture energy from that Southern California fixture - the sun. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12051733 http://www.dailybulletin.com/ci_12051733 Invest Pollution Trading Dividends In Clean Energy Industry. A March 24 decision by the Obama administration's Environmental Protection Agency that greenhouse gases are dangerous moves the global warming discussion from assessment to action. Here is a line of action: Use proceeds from pollution-credit trading to invest in new energy sources. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/02/ED4B16QT12.DTL&type=printable Test Vote Spells Trouble For Dems. Senate Democrats won an early test vote Tuesday in support of climate change legislation, but the partisan tone was ominous for President Barack Obama if he is to really move ahead on this issue while also coping with a weakened economy. Posted. http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=5F0DCAAD-18FE-70B2-A8307FBDE0DC849A Ethanol Company May Be Out Of Cash. Pacific Ethanol Inc. is running on fumes. The Sacramento-based company warned in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing it could run out of operating cash by the end of the month unless it finds additional capital and restructures its existing debt. With little profit in making and selling ethanol, it already has shut down three of its four ethanol fuel plants - including a $140 million facility opened last fall in Stockton. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090402/A_BIZ/904020326/-1/rss01 EPA To Test Air Near El Monte School. Citing concerns about airborne lead from airplane fuel, federal officials will begin monitoring air quality outside a school located near the El Monte Airport. Posted. http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_12050738 Google Shows Alternative Energy Firms The Way. Picking the right place for an immense solar power plant or wind farm is a tricky business, one that can turn natural allies into enemies. An open stretch of desert might look empty to a renewable-power developer who wants to blanket a few hundred acres with solar panels or mirrors. To environmentalists, the same spot could be vital habitat for an endangered lizard or bird - an ecosystem too delicate to touch. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/02/MNH216R1OL.DTL&type=printable Heat, Wildfires To Pump Pollution, Studies Say. Longer, more intense heat waves and increased air pollution from smog and wildfires could adversely affect the health of Californians under scenarios for climate change. Heat waves have been increasing in recent decades in the state, and scientists expect air pollution to worsen in the coming decades, exacerbated by a longer fire season. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/02/MNAP16R656.DTL&type=printable Long Beach Port Expansion Moves Closer To Passage. The final environmental impact report for the $750-million project is set for release today. Port officials expect it to be approved despite opposition from environmentalists. The Port of Long Beach is expected to release the final environmental impact report today on a 10-year, $750-million harbor expansion that would accommodate the world's largest ships, reinforce the nation's Pacific Rim trade and create 14,000 permanent local jobs. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-long-beach-port2-2009apr02,0,887814,print.story Environmental Leaders Rally Behind DWP General Manager. The officials respond to 'grumbling' about H. David Nahai's leadership after the defeat of Measure B, the solar energy plan. A Villaraigosa spokesman says Nahai has the mayor's full support. Environmental leaders across the region have begun shoring up support for the top executive at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, saying he is being unfairly blamed for the defeat of a solar energy plan in last month's election. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-nahai2-2009apr02,0,5879960,print.story National Parks Seek To Reduce Carbon Footprint Of Workers, Visitors. Tacoma, Wash. -- Thousands of cars, pickup trucks and minivans carry visitors to Mount Rainier, North Cascades and Olympic national parks. They leave behind tons of plastic water bottles, granola bar wrappers and banana peels. Mount Rainier staff have a two-hour, 60-mile drive just to get from one area of the park to another. Heating the Hurricane Ridge visitor center at Olympic costs almost $12,000 a year for diesel fuel. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/1749280.html Government Should Offer Incentives For Homes To Go Green. The federal government should help homeowners go green. Several states are already seeking ways to encourage homeowners to switch from dirty fuels to cleaner energy sources, kick-starting a green revolution house by house. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/1745713.html As Eco-Seals Proliferate, So Do Doubts. It's too easy to be green. Recently, Kevin Owsley went searching for a reputable organization that could validate the eco-friendly traits of his company's carpet-cleaning fluid. But after canvassing a dozen competing groups hawking so-called "green certification" services -- including one online outfit that awarded him an instant green diploma, no questions asked -- he grew disillusioned about how meaningful any endorsement would be to his customers. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123862823846680371.html#printMode Blogs: Recession Cuts Europe’s Carbon Emissions. As negotiators from the world’s biggest economies negotiate a new climate treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol, they might find little comfort in this fact: There’s nothing like a crippling recession to reduce carbon emissions. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/01/recession-cuts-europes-carbon-emissions/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 3 Apr 2009 10:54:28 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for April 3, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for April 3, 2009. Newsclips for April 3, 2009 Nozzle Delay Provides A Fair Break. The California Air Resources Board has wisely agreed to delay enforcement of rules that require gas stations to install new pollution-control nozzles on their pumps. The deadline was Wednesday, and many of the state's 11,000 gas stations had not met the requirement. The main reason is the cost of the enhanced vapor-recovery nozzles. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/story/652217.html Cutting Emissions, Not “Offsetting” Them. If a polluter pays someone else to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, should the polluter get credit? Such “offset” projects may include emission reductions in a different local industry, planting trees in a deforested region, or paying a factory in China to stop producing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The logic behind offsets is that carbon reductions anywhere in the world are equally effective at controlling global climate change. Posted. http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?_c=xvncyvhb0j5q6o&xid=xvm17mwus7d7wn&done=.xvncyvhb0joq6o# Pump Frustrations. Long Beach may be sitting atop millions of barrels of oil, but the city's police cars, public works trucks and other fleet vehicles have found gasoline hard to reach since Wednesday. That was the day when a new state mandate that all gas stations be upgraded to reduce gas emissions went into effect. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12060996 Group Sues Obama Admin. Over New Fuel Standards. An environmental group is suing the Obama administration to toss out federal fuel efficiency standards that are lower than those proposed by the Bush administration. Posted. http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/CA_Obama_Autos_396227C.shtml EPA Holds Trump Card In U.S. Emissions Debate. Two years ago today, the Supreme Court ordered U.S. EPA to reconsider its decision not to regulate for greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/04/02/02greenwire-epa-holds-trump-card-in-us-emissions-debate-10422.html New Study: Insurers Move Slowly on Climate Risks. Insurers worldwide are gearing up to confront climate change, substantially increasing the number of programs they offer to reduce storm damage, address emissions and encourage renewable energy projects, according to a study (pdf) released yesterday. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/04/03/03climatewire-industry-begins-to-move-on-climate-risks-but-10429.html Cap-And-Trade Advocates Press On After Budget Battle. Don't bury cap-and-trade legislation just yet. That was the message from several moderate Senate Democrats yesterday who a day earlier had joined with Republicans in a 67-31 Senate vote against fast-tracking a climate change bill so that it did not have to face a filibuster. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/EEDaily/2009/04/03/1/ Study: Arctic Sea Ice Melting Faster Than Expected. Arctic sea ice is melting so fast most of it could be gone in 30 years. A new analysis of changing conditions in the region, using complex computer models of weather and climate, says conditions that had been forecast by the end of the century could occur much sooner. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/02/AR2009040202622.html Will: Fluorescent Bulbs Idea Not So Bright? Fervently" is how America will henceforth engage in talks on global warming. So said the president's climate change negotiator Sunday in Germany, at a U.N. conference on reducing carbon emissions. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/national/story/652226.html http://headlines.ocregister.com/articles/bulbs_20381___article.html/climate_times.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/01/AR2009040103042.html Cap-And-Trade Advocates Press On After Budget Battle. Don't bury cap-and-trade legislation just yet. That was the message from several moderate Senate Democrats yesterday who a day earlier had joined with Republicans in a 67-31 Senate vote against fast-tracking a climate change bill so that it did not have to face a filibuster. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/04/03/03climatewire-capandtrade-advocates-press-on-after-budget-10428.html Long Beach Port's Environmental Impacts To Be Released. Environmentalists and health advocates are demanding a number of revisions and at least $5 million worth of mitigation measures to counter the project's side effects -- heavy truck traffic, excessive noise and light, air pollution and higher rates of respiratory disease and cancer. Posted. http://www.dailynews.com/search/ci_12054780?IADID=Search-www.dailynews.com-www.dailynews.com China Invests To Lead In Electric Vehicles. Tianjin, China — Chinese leaders have adopted a plan aimed at turning the country into one of the leading producers of hybrid and all-electric vehicles within three years, and making it the world leader in electric cars and buses after that. The goal, which radiates from the very top of the Chinese government, suggests that Detroit's Big Three, even as they struggle to stay alive, will face even stiffer foreign competition on the next field of automotive technology than they do today. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/cars/ci_12057826 http://www.mercurynews.com/greenenergy/ci_12057826?nclick_check=1 Wind Turbines Could More Than Meet U.S. Electricity Needs, Report Says. The Interior Department report, which looks at the potential of wind turbines off the U.S. coast, is part of the government's process to chart a course for offshore energy development. Reporting from Arlington, Va. — Wind turbines off U.S. coastlines could potentially supply more than enough electricity to meet the nation's current demand, the Interior Department reported Thursday. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-na-energy3-2009apr03,0,7651923,print.story BLOG Study: Low-Carbon Fuel Standards Are Unlikely to Reduce Warming. A low-carbon fuels standard is likely to do little to reduce global warming emissions and can even be counterproductive, according to a paper published in American Economic Journal: Economic Policy. The study, by three academics, found that the policy reduces consumption of high-carbon fuels like oil, but “increases low carbon fuel production, possibly increasing net carbon emissions.” Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/03/study-low-carbon-fuel-standards-are-unlikely-to-reduce-warming/?pagemode=print California Faces Billion Dollar Bill From Climate Change. Climate change could cost California tens of billions of dollars a year, according to a draft government report. Posted. http://blogs.nature.com/news/thegreatbeyond/2009/04/california_faces_billion_dolla.html G-20 Countries Nod to Climate Issues. At a press conference following the release of the G-20 leader’s agreement in London Thursday, Britain’s prime minister, Gordon Brown, said the participating nations will be “working together” to reach an agreement at next December’s United Nations Climate Change conference in Copenhagen, “based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.” Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/03/g-20-countries-nod-to-climate-issues/?scp=2&sq=climate%20change&st=cse ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 6 Apr 2009 10:58:27 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for April 6, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for April 6, 2009. Ports' Clean-Rig Program Puts Truckers In More Comfortable Driver's Seat. Dumping exhaust-spewing rides for new trucks that offer comparative luxury is one advantage of complying with the L.A. and Long Beach harbor complex's lower-emissions effort. The cargo is pretty much the same -- a rusty 40-foot container filled on a recent morning with 50,000 pounds of Asia-bound hay cubes. The trip on a recent Saturday also was unchanged: the few miles between the 51-year-old Los Angeles Harbor Grain Terminal and the TraPac Inc. terminal at the Port of Los Angeles. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-clean-truck6-2009apr06,0,323330,print.story California Offers Truck Funding Program. A California program will help truckers borrow money for new trucks or retrofits. The California Capital Access Program is described as easing the way for small businesses to get financing through participating financial institutions. CalCAP provides money to a lending institution for a “loan loss reserve” account. This results in banks being more comfortable lending to businesses, and they will typically offer more favorable terms than otherwise available. Posted. http://www.etrucker.com/apps/news/article.asp?id=77557 Another View: Nozzle Delay A Wise Move. The California Air Resources Board has wisely agreed to delay enforcement of rules that require gas stations to install new pollution-control nozzles on their pumps. The deadline passed last week and many of the state's 11,000 gas stations had not met the requirement. The main reason is the cost of the enhanced vapor-recovery nozzles. The high-tech system costs about $11,000 per pump, or about $80,000 for the average station, according to state officials. Posted. http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/opinions/ci_12078787 California Schools Named EPA Priority for Monitoring Toxic Outdoor Air Pollution. Sanfrancisco, California - In an unprecedented effort to help protect children from toxic air pollution around schools, EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson announced that four California schools will be among the schools that will undergo outdoor air monitoring. The four Calif. schools are Felton Elementary in Lennox, Santa Anita Christian Academy in El Monte, Soto Street Elementary in Los Angeles and Stevens Creek Elementary in Cupertino. Posted. http://www.imperialvalleynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5054&Itemid=1 Electric Car Owners Plugged In To Future. Vehicles Arriving After A Long Wait. Online: For a slide show of Gregg Neuman and his Tesla, go to uniontrib.com/more/tesla. The Tesla Roadster is as sleek as anything on the road. Fast, too. And it's starting to pop up in San Diego as people who years ago decided they wanted a $109,000 electric car are taking delivery and turning heads. “We want to show that green can be fun,” real estate agent Gregg Neuman said as he stood outside his downtown San Diego condo showing off the black Roadster he and his wife picked up a week ago. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/apr/05/1n5electric00291-electric-car-owners-plugged-futur/?metro State Of The Art Electric Car Charging Stations Coming To Contra Costa County. Most days he ignores the truck and two gas-guzzling Cadillacs in his Pleasant Hill driveway and takes his all-electric GEM to work, where he simply plugs it into the wall outlet to recharge. He dreams of the day when all cars will be electric. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_12066631?nclick_check=1 http://www.insidebayarea.com/green/ci_12066631 Producers Look To Next Generation Of Biofuels. For America's biofuel industry, these are times of incredible promise - and serious pain. The Bay Area teems with entrepreneurs trying to replace oil with new, renewable fuels. Their experiments are attracting investment despite the global recession, with venture capitalists pouring $96 million into the industry in this year's first quarter. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/05/MN4916RJ4C.DTL&type=printable On Helping the Economy and Environment. Cash in on clean cars. Finally, an idea that could benefit both Detroit and everyday Americans. We're talking about a cash-for-clunker idea that needs fine tuning but should see fast action in Congress. The plan calls for government rebates ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 for drivers who turn in older, low-mileage gas hogs. The payments could be used to buy gas-thrifty, newer models, providing an instant boost to automakers. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/06/ED5G16SHAJ.DTL&type=printable Stern's Approach To Climate Talks Cautious But Optimistic. The cheering that greeted America's presence at U.N. global warming talks last week was "gratifying" and a little surprising, President Obama's climate envoy, Todd Stern, said upon returning to Washington, D.C., after his first foray into international negotiations. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/04/06/06climatewire-stern-takes-a-cautious-but-optimistic-approa-10435.html?pagewanted=print Another Voice: "Climate Change Cover-Up". Are you aware that there has been a widespread cover-up of a major cause of global warming, and that former Vice-President Al Gore, our current President Barack Obama, and the EPA are all complicit? What is being covered up? Meat-eating is a major cause of global warming. Big Macs and bacon are destroying the planet. Posted. http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/ci_12082543 UN Climate Talks Stall Over Emissions Cuts By Rich. Amsterdam (AP) — Negotiators at U.N. climate talks, buoyed by U.S. promises to lead the fight against global warming, are demanding that industrial countries pledge deeper cuts in greenhouse gases over the next decade. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gPdbwo3hD-ySBZ7I2oSagRqV5iUgD97D24GO0 http://www.modbee.com/world/story/656645.html http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12082384?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/06/AR2009040601495.html Editorial: Seeing The Light On Dark. In their relentless war against global warming, state government's greenhouse gas warriors typically overreach. For now, however, they've decided to shelve their latest brainstorm: replacing regular black automobile paint with something called "cool paints." Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/paint-air-cool-2354492-cars-theoretically Greenhouse Gas Levels, Like Temperatures, Are Falling. The atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide measured at Hawaii's Mauna Loa observatory have declined since 2004. How can this be when humans keep emitting more greenhouse gases? Could declining atmospheric CO2 levels mean that the whole greenhouse warming theory is collapsing? Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/co-warming-levels-2353929-time-ocean Program Helps Kids Find Their Carbon Impact. In the ranking of teenage pursuits, cell phones and social networking usually rate higher than protecting the environment. But a new pilot project in San Francisco is incorporating GPS-equipped cell phones and Facebook to help students learn about their impact on the environment. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/06/BUHM16SDAE.DTL&type=printable Energy Legislation To Test Fractured Democrats. Washington -- On Capitol Hill, Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan is known as a faithful Democrat, reliably loyal to her party on such divisive issues as abortion rights and gun control. But when the subject matter is energy policy, she is more likely to be shoulder to shoulder with Republicans than her Democratic colleagues. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/05/MNAS16QTJ1.DTL&type=printable Energy. Americans Find Common Ground. The American people largely agree on the need for policies to promote alternative energy use, according to a national survey by Public Agenda of 1,100 Americans. But the public may not be prepared for the trade-offs needed to make some 10 major energy proposals reality. Here are some of the findings: Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/05/IN7816RJDJ.DTL&type=printable Long Beach Botched Gas Pump Upgrade. City officials dropped the ball when they failed to ensure that vehicle fueling stations were upgraded to comply with a new state law by Wednesday's deadline, Jim Kuhl, manager of the Environmental Services Bureau, said Friday. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12069723 Is It Safe To Live Near A Gas Station? Despite all the modern health and safety guidelines they must follow, gas stations can still pose significant hazards to neighbors, especially children. Some of the perils include ground-level ozone caused in part by gasoline fumes, groundwater hazards from petroleum products leaking into the ground, and exposure hazards from other chemicals that might be used at the station if it's also a repair shop. Posted. http://www.dailynews.com/search/ci_12066879?IADID=Search-www.dailynews.com-www.dailynews.com Beijing Extends Limits On Car Use For Cleaner Air. China's capital announced a year's extension for traffic restrictions aimed at reducing congestion and improving air quality - a lighter version of rules launched to clean up Beijing for the Olympics. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/world/story/656571.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/06/AR2009040601268.html http://www.fresnobee.com/worldnews/story/1311897.html This Old Wasteful House. NEVER before has America had so many compelling reasons to preserve the homes in its older residential neighborhoods. We need to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/06/opinion/06moe.html?em Climate Change Threatens Channel Islands Artifacts. The sea has long lashed at the Channel Islands, also known as the North American Galapagos - stripping away beaches, slicing off cliff faces and nibbling at hundreds, perhaps thousands, of cultural relics. Past coastal erosion for the most part was a natural phenomenon, but the problem is feared to grow worse with human-caused global warming and higher sea levels. Posted. http://www.dailynews.com/ci_12072490 http://www.modbee.com/state/story/654826.html http://headlines.ocregister.com/news/islands_20751___article.html/sea_channel.html Will Obama's Revolution Deliver Energy Independence? Steven Chu, the Nobel Prize-winning physicist who is President Obama's energy secretary, recently gave a speech in which two key words never passed his lips. He talked about energy efficiency, electricity transmission lines and renewable energy sources. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/03/AR2009040302794.html Energy-Efficiency Jobs Get A Jolt. Counting on an infusion of federal stimulus funds, states and private firms plan to expand a workforce that will upgrade buildings. Reporting from Washington — Asa Foss spends his days fielding calls from construction workers who were bulldozed along with Maryland's home-building market and now want to be part of a booming side-industry: making houses more energy-efficient.Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-na-weatherize5-2009apr05,0,1816852,print.story Wind Power Can Meet Electricity Needs, Says Salazar. Wind turbines off U.S. coastlines could potentially supply more than enough electricity to meet the nation's current demand, the Interior Department reported. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090404/NEWS/904040378 False Hope In Obama Energy Policy. Because Democrats abandoned a plan to use a Senate squelch-the-minority maneuver to pass a disastrous cap-and-trade carbon tax, the idea may be done for this year. But don't give thanks too quickly. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/administration-waste-power-2353091-nuclear-carbon Lighting the Way to a Better Energy Future. George F. Will and opponents of our "bright idea" haven't managed to flip on the light switch ["Climate Change's Dim Bulbs," op-ed, April 2]. We helped craft the legislation about which Mr. Will complains, and we can help shed some light on his confusion. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/05/AR2009040501634.html Blogs Are ‘Cash-for-Clunkers’ Programs Green? A popular tack among some governments trying to improve energy efficiency and shore-up the auto industry has been to provide cash gifts to consumers who trade in their old, low-mileage clunkers for newer, high-mileage models. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/06/are-cash-for-clunkers-programs-green/?scp=2&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Debating Cap-and- _____ (Fill in the Blank). Shutterstock Capping and trading emissions allowances is generating a lot of debate. Carl Pope, the executive director of the Sierra Club, calls it cap-and-auction. The Wall Street Journal editorial page calls it cap-and-tax. Others are pushing for cap-and-dividend. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/06/debating-cap-and-_____-fill-in-the-blank/?pagemode=print On Our Blogs: Bus Pollution, Black Cars And Pistachios. WHEN BLUE ISN'T GREEN: The Santa Monica Big Blue Bus agency was fined last week for violating environmental regulations. The bus line had failed to keep emission levels at less than 60% of 2005 levels, and did not conduct required diesel emissions testing. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/04/on-our-blogs-bus-fines-rail-fares-and-pet-fairs.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 7 Apr 2009 10:54:36 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for April 7th, 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for April 7, 2009. EPA releases list of top polluters in Ventura County. For the third year in a row, an Oxnard company that manufactures plastic coatings and other materials was the top polluter in the county in 2007. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/apr/07/epa-releases-list-of-top-polluters-in-ventura/ Antioch cement company fined for emissions violations. An Antioch cement company has been fined $10,875 by the California Air Resources Board for emissions violations. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12084119 http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_12084119 The jury remains out on cap and trade as enthusiasts gather. Hundreds of carbon market enthusiasts and backers of greenhouse gas cap-and-trade programs have gathered in Washington for two days of talks starting today on the future of climate change mitigation efforts and recently proposed carbon legislation working its way through Congress. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/04/07/5/ Obama: Accord on climate will be tough. Obama told a group of Turkish college students on Tuesday that some companies in many nations will resist efforts to limit the production of carbon gases because of the costs. He said political leaders face tough decisions on who would bear such costs. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/apr/07/eu-obama-climate-040709/?zIndex=78682 http://www.sacbee.com/830/story/1760929.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12088989 Editorial: Plan now for a warmer future. The latest report from California's Climate Action Team contains some sobering conclusions from a broad collection of new research on global warming's likely effect on the state. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/story/1760232.html Arctic ice getting thinner, fading fast. Ice in the ocean surrounding the Arctic is thinner than it's been in 30 years, and there's much less of it, say scientists who are monitoring the effects of climate change. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/06/MNF416TNTP.DTL http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2009/04/07/ST2009040700783.html Push for deeper cuts in greenhouse gases. Negotiators at U.N. climate talks, buoyed by U.S. promises to lead the fight against global warming, are demanding that industrial countries pledge deeper cuts in greenhouse gases over the next decade. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/07/MNPL16TIF5.DTL&hw=air+pollution&sn=001&sc=1000 Power company Exelon reduces greenhouse gases by 35 percent from 2001 levels. Power generator Exelon Corp. said Tuesday it cut greenhouse-gas emissions by 35 percent from 2001 levels by closing old, inefficient power plants and increasing energy efficiency in transmission and distribution systems and its buildings. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-exelon-greenhouse-gases,0,225844.story SFO wins grant for hydrogen refueling station. San Francisco International Airport won a $1.7 million state grant Monday to build a refueling station for cars and buses that run on hydrogen. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/06/BU3D16U1Q3.DTL&type=business Harbor City filling station to sell hydrogen fuel. Mebtahi Station Services has been awarded a grant to add hydrogen fuel to its existing Chevron Station in Harbor City. The California Air Resources Board said Monday the station near Western Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway won $1.7 million to supplement the construction of refueling stations that can be used by the public. Posted. http://www.dailybreeze.com/latestnews/ci_12087570 http://www.fuelcellsworks.com/Supppage9709.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12087570 GM and Segway unveil new two-wheeled urban vehicle. NEW YORK (AP) - A solution to the world's urban transportation problems could lie in two wheels not four, according to executives for General Motors Corp. and Segway Inc. The companies announced Tuesday that they are working together to develop a two-wheeled, two-seat electric vehicle designed to be a fast, safe, inexpensive and clean alternative to traditional cars and trucks for cities across the world. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_12089788 Interior chief favors East Coast wind over coal. If wind power were fully developed off the East Coast, windmills could generate enough electricity to replace most, if not all, the coal-fired power plants in the United States, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said Monday. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/07/MNM516TPQS.DTL Blogs King Coal: Waxman-Markey Bill Opens Door to Dirty Coal. The draft energy and climate bill from the House takes an approach to clean coal similar to St. Augustine’s approach to chastity—happy to have it, just not yet. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/04/06/king-coal-waxman-markey-bill-opens-door-to-dirty-coal/ E.P.A. Revisits Position on Dry Cleaning Chemical. The Environmental Protection Agency is reconsidering the Bush Administration’s position in a suit involving a solvent widely used in dry-cleaning. The solvent, known by a variety of names, including tetrachloroethylene, perchloroethylene, or simply “perc,” is considered to be a likely human carcinogen. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/07/epa-revisits-position-on-dry-cleaning-chemical/?scp=3&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 8 Apr 2009 10:03:46 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for April 8th, 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for April 8, 2009. Port of Oakland approves pollution reduction plan. Oakland Port commissioners Tuesday approved a master plan for reducing port diesel vehicle pollution that has contributed to a higher cancer risk for West Oakland residents. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_12094411 http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12094411?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12094411?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com EPA Will Not Monitor Berkeley Air Quality. Berkeley didn’t make the list of schools selected last week for outdoor air quality monitoring by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and a local environmental group isn’t happy about the omission. Posted. http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2009-04-02/article/32639?headline=EPA-Will-Not-Monitor-Berkeley-Air-Quality EPA Is Reconsidering Dry Cleaners' Use of Cancer-Causing Chemical. The Environmental Protection Agency is reconsidering whether to compel dry cleaners to phase out a cancer-causing chemical used in tens of thousands of operations nationwide, according to court documents filed late last week. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/07/AR2009040703748.html NEW YORK TIMES: Cash for clunkers. President Barack Obama’s rescue plan for the automotive industry has given the presidential seal of approval to a little-noticed movement in Congress to clear the roads of gas-guzzling clunkers and replace them with more fuel-efficient cars. It’s an excellent idea, with clear benefits for the environment and — Obama hopes — beleaguered carmakers. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090408/OPINION/904079917 Pumped up: Most Butte gas stations complete nozzle upgrades. A rule that went in effect last week requiring new nozzles on gas pumps has seen remarkable compliance in Butte County. Statewide, there are said to be thousands of stations without the systems that more efficiently capture toxic gasoline fumes. Posted. http://www.orovillemr.com/news/ci_12095152 Obama's energy policies appear to be disastrous. Because Democrats abandoned a plan to use a Senate squelch-the-minority maneuver to pass a disastrous cap-and-trade carbon tax, the idea may be done for this year. But don’t give thanks too quickly. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/apr/07/obamas-energy-policies-appear-to-be-disastrous/ UN climate chief says rich countries must do more. Industrial countries are falling short of pledging to slash their carbon emissions by 2020 on the scale needed to prevent climate disasters, U.N. climate chief Yvo de Boer said Wednesday. Posted.http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/04/08/international/i084557D41.DTL&hw=carbon+emissions&sn=001&sc=1000 http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_12098315?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12098315?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12098315?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/08/AR2009040802043.html Show Us the Ball. I am really encouraged by President Obama’s commitment to clean energy and combating climate change. I just have three worries: whether he has the right policies, the right politics and the right official to sell his program to the country. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/08/opinion/08friedman.html?ref=opinion In Bill's Big Idea: Save the Climate, Share the Wealth. For several years, Peter Barnes has been peddling a Big Idea about how to design climate change legislation so that it might actually be popular. Now he might finally get his day in the sun. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/07/AR2009040703998.html?hpid=moreheadlines White House says action on climate, economy go hand in hand. The chairwoman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality today emphasized the Obama administration's intent to mitigate climate change as it pulls the nation out of the biggest economic slump since the 1930s. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/04/07/07greenwire-action-on-emissions-economy-go-handinhand--ceq-10462.html Ocean panel urges federal action to protect coasts, marine resources. A blue-ribbon panel is urging Congress and the Obama administration today to toughen federal coastal protections in the face of rising climate threats and increased pressure from offshore energy producers. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/04/07/07greenwire-panel-urges-federal-action-to-protect-coasts-m-10461.html National parks on front lines of climate debate. They sequester carbon, serve as corridors and refuges for plants and animals adapting to climate change, and increasingly provide model programs for energy and water conservation. Posted. http://www.mydesert.com/article/20090408/NEWS07/904080329&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200990407013 Obama looking at cooling air to fight warming. The president's new science adviser said that global warming is so dire, the Obama administration is discussing drastic options to cool Earth's air. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgibin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/04/08/national/a074119D49.DTL&hw=air+pollution&sn=001&sc=1000 http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hm1kMpA2nQALOfQL8Y8PxxTHNVtgD97EBF300 http://www.modbee.com/2032/story/659324.html http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/04/08/ap/us/d97ebf300.txt http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_12098021?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/08/AR2009040801807.html Energy Secretary Chu on climate threat: Earth is like the Titanic. Energy Secretary Steven Chu, renowned policy wonk, has found vivid language to highlight the threat of global warming: "Earth is like the great ship Titanic," on a collision course with disaster unless action is taken. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/greenenergy/ci_12092138 http://www.insidebayarea.com/green/ci_12092138 Attorney General Urges President Obama to Allow California to Enforce Greenhouse Gas Emissions Laws. Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. and 14 other states yesterday urged the Obama Administration to overturn the Bush EPA's "shameful denial" of California's request to enforce its automobile greenhouse gas emissions law. Posted. http://www.imperialvalleynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5087&Itemid=1 Energy Secretary Backs Clean-Coal Investments. Energy Secretary Steven Chu said the U.S. should invest in technology to reduce the carbon produced by burning coal, but he said it will take at least eight years to be sure such systems work. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123913664020498157.html East Bay tries to take lead in green economy. They intended, in the words of Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates, to make the East Bay "the Silicon Valley of the green economy." Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/08/BA9O16JR6V.DTL Standards for 'green' products draw scrutiny. From "fair trade" to "Earth advantage," American consumers are faced with a dizzying array of Earth-friendly labels on everything from tennis shoes to two-by-fours. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/378/story/1763523.html Live like a green heroine - and hold the stuff. Annie Leonard, named one of Time magazine's 2008 Environmental Heroes, knows better than most: It's not so easy living green. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/08/DDA815VQAH.DTL Blogs Cash-for-Clunkers: Really Such a Bright Idea? The cash-for-clunkers plan might not be such a good idea from an economic or an environmental point of view. The Obama administration seems ready to split the difference on dueling versions of the cash-for-clunkers bills, which would pay consumers to trade in old cars for new, fuel-efficient models. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/04/08/cash-for-clunkers-really-such-a-bright-idea/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 9 Apr 2009 10:13:15 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for April 9th, 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for April 9, 2009. California: $6.8M for Hydrogen Fueling. Though they’re few in number, Californians driving cars or buses powered by fuel cells just got a reason to celebrate. The state’s Air Resources Board announced $6.8 million in grants for the construction of four hydrogen refueling stations, which once built will double the amount of the fuel available to Californians driving these alternative vehicles. Posted. http://www.redherring.com/Home/25996 Oakland port's air quality proposal criticized. The nation’s fourth-largest container port still faces tough decisions about how to reduce diesel emissions from trucks, ships and trains after Tuesday’s adoption of its first comprehensive master plan for reducing the toxic pollution. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_12101412 http://www.insidebayarea.com/ci_12101412?source=most_emailed Lawsuit may affect clean air. A major air pollution rule limiting emissions from dairies will be suspended in May, just as the San Joaquin Valley enters its peak smog season. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/news/local/x358680525/Lawsuit-may-affect-clean-air Central Valley hauler hit with emissions fine. MP Environmental Inc. of Bakersfield has been fined by the California Air Resources Board $14,240 for diesel emission violations .The company was cited for failure to maintain diesel emissions records for 2005 and 2006, as required by law. Posted. http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=11618 Milpitas gas station owners pinched by new vapor emission equipment. Indicating a top corner of a north-facing wall of his Main Street Gas station, Prasert Mahatdejkul points to a spot where specialized equipment resembling a propane tank must be installed or else. Posted. http://www.themilpitaspost.com/ci_12099834 Greenhouse gases must be cut, Obama aide says. In sharp contrast to the low priority the Bush administration gave to global warming, President Obama's new science adviser said Wednesday that the world's industrialized nations must immediately cut greenhouse gas emissions to ward off the most extreme effects of climate change. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/08/MN2416V8Q9.DTL Offset provisions in House climate bill draw some heat. Buried in a massive climate bill introduced last week were two words that seem obscure but could make or break a cap on greenhouse gases. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/04/09/2/ What will global warming look like? Scientists point to Australia. Climate scientists say Australia -- beset by prolonged drought and deadly bush fires in the south, monsoon flooding and mosquito-borne fevers in the north, widespread wildlife decline, economic collapse in agriculture and killer heat waves -- epitomizes the "accelerated climate crisis" that global warming models have forecast. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-climate-change-australia9-2009apr09,0,65585.story Quick fixes to chill planet on table. Tinkering with Earth's climate to chill runaway global warming - a radical idea once dismissed out of hand - is being discussed by the White House as a potential emergency option, the president's new science adviser said Wednesday. Posted. http://www.dailynews.com/search/ci_12103153?IADID=Search-www.dailynews.com-www.dailynews.com http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12105815?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12105815?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/09/AR2009040900963.html At U.N. Talks on Climate, Plans by U.S. Raise Qualms. At the start of the United Nations climate talks here 12 days ago, the Obama administration’s chief climate negotiator, Todd Stern, received a round of rowdy applause. It was the first appearance of the new negotiating team at any global meeting. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/09/world/09climate.html?ref=world Analysis: Climate talks to move to smaller forum. With a digital clock ticking in giant red numbers, U.N. climate negotiators ended another round of talks this week, nibbling at the edges of a new climate change treaty but frustrated – again – at failing to reach the heart of an accord. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/apr/09/eu-germany-climate-analysis-040909/ http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_12106112?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12106112?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12106112?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/09/AR2009040901314.html Science Chief Discusses Climate Strategy. The Obama administration might agree to auction only a portion of the emissions allowances granted at first under a cap-and-trade system to limit greenhouse gas pollution, White House science adviser John P. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/08/AR2009040802467.html?wprss=rss_business Losing Joshua trees. A federal spotlight was on Joshua Tree National Park this week during a congressional subcommittee hearing to discuss how climate change is affecting the country's parks. Posted. http://www.sbsun.com/ci_12104076 http://www.dailybulletin.com/search/ci_12104076?IADID=Search-www.dailybulletin.com-www.dailybulletin.com Come on, Mr. President, show us the ball already. I am really encouraged by President Barack Obama's commitment to clean energy and combating climate change. I just have three worries: Whether he has the right policies, the right politics and the right official to sell his program to the country. Posted. http://www.dailynews.com/search/ci_12102213?IADID=Search-www.dailynews.com-www.dailynews.com No easy road for U.S. auto industry. President Obama's threat to cut off government loans and bring on bankruptcy has given him unprecedented leverage to realize his vision of Detroit as the world leader in greener cars. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-green-cars9-2009apr09,0,6713603.story Brew that’s true. It’s hard to miss the giant solar array in the hops field next to Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Composed of 10,000 panels, it’s one of the largest private solar arrays in the country. Used in conjunction with fuel cells, the photovoltaic project helps generate an average of 70 percent to 80 percent of the Chico brewery’s total energy needs. Posted. http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/content?oid=939946 Blogs How Much Carbon’s in Your Investment Portfolio? Everybody from energy companies to investors are waiting for the other shoe to drop when it comes to looming climate regulation. Which raises the question—how much carbon is in your portfolio? Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/04/08/how-much-carbons-in-your-investment-portfolio/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 10 Apr 2009 10:13:21 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for April 10th, 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for April 10, 2009. California Receives Economic Recovery Funding from EPA to Reduce Diesel Emissions, Create Jobs. In a move that stands to create jobs, boost local economies, reduce diesel emissions and protect human health and the environment for the people in the State of California, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $1.73 million to the California Air Resources Board. Posted. http://www.imperialvalleynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5121&Itemid=2 California lawmakers want update on gas-station vapor rules. A bipartisan group of state lawmakers wants the California Air Resources Board and 35 air districts statewide to provide details on how they are enforcing a state-mandated vapor-recovery system designed to reduce air pollution at California gas stations. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/business/story/1769674.html http://www.kpbs.org/news/local;id=14326 EPA puts Stevens Creek School on its air-quality monitoring list. Stevens Creek Elementary School is one of 62 schools selected by the Environmental Protection Agency to test and monitor air quality as part of a study on whether outdoor toxic air pollution poses health risks to students. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/valley/ci_12110910 Dairy rules to be lifted after appeal. Air quality officials Thursday said they plan to suspend some of their pollution rules on dairy farms because of a lawsuit claiming that they are not tough enough. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/ag/story/661524.html http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_12107760 http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=11631 http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/article/20090409/NEWS01/90409010/1002 http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/apr/09/dairy-air-emissions-eased-in-san-joaquin-valley/ http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/apr/09/ca-sj-valley-air-quality-dairies-040909/ http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12107760 Ontario logistics summit offers hope to transportation industry. But a new dawn is on the horizon, and better collaboration in supply-chain management - along with adapting to California's clean-air emissions rules - will define the industry's future success. Posted. http://www.dailybulletin.com/ci_12111317 EXCLUSIVE: Climate bill could trigger lawsuit landslide. Self-proclaimed victims of global warming or those who "expect to suffer" from it - from beachfront property owners to asthmatics - for the first time would be able to sue the federal government or private businesses over greenhouse gas emissions under a little-noticed provision slipped into the House climate bill. Posted. http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/10/climate-bill-could-trigger-lawsuit-landslide/ Australia may have climate lessons for the U.S. Only a few years ago, two coal-rich countries, the United States and Australia, both stood accused of hampering global efforts to tackle climate change. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/04/10/1/ Bad Economy Helps Cut CO2 Emissions. The worldwide economic slowdown is having an unexpected positive impact in the fight against climate change: Emissions of carbon dioxide are falling, records collected by governments show. Posted. http://www.news10.net/news/green/story.aspx?storyid=57617&catid=62 Cage Fight: No on Obama's carbon plan. Global warming and increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide seem to be what former Vice President Al Gore calls "inconvenient truths," but where they end, the guesswork begins. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/cap-trade-carbon-2359291-tax-government Decoded algae could aid biofuel, climate work. Scientists in laboratories at Moss Landing and Walnut Creek have decoded the genes of two widely varied species of ocean-dwelling algae, finding promising evidence of their ability to resist global climate change and clues to new sources of biofuels for an energy-short world. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/09/MNLU1702P7.DTL Ethanol folly. The federal government's headlong rush toward ethanol serves agricultural-state politics, but not sound national policy. Burning the nation's food as fuel is not a sustainable approach, and Congress needs to devise a more sensible energy and environmental strategy. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/opinion/editorials/stories/PE_OpEd_Opinion_S_op_10_ed_ethanol1.38b6bac.html Energy blamed more than ethanol for food prices. Ethanol bears some of the blame for last year's rising food prices, but oil and electricity bear more, according to a new congressional study of the food-versus-fuel debate. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/09/BUHL1704UL.DTL Report: Ethanol raises cost of nutrition programs. WASHINGTON—The increased use of ethanol could cost the government up to $900 million for food stamps and child nutrition programs, a congressional report says. Higher use of the corn-based fuel additive accounted for about 10 percent to 15 percent of the rise in food prices between April 2007 and April 2008, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. That translates into higher costs for food programs for the needy. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j6ogZotbuhkV2EmKFNNlLN2VDjmQD97F7C203 http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12108237 http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-global-warming10-2009apr10,0,2416858.story Down to the Wires. INCREASED GENERATION of renewable sources of energy is a key component of the energy and climate change bills circulating on Capitol Hill. The United States can't possibly hope to reduce its addiction to greenhouse-gas-emitting fossil fuels without harnessing the power of the wind, the sun and water. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/09/AR2009040903914.html 'Smart' device saves energy when no one's there. The company is equipping more than 400 of its soda dispensers with the device, an infrared laser that monitors movement in the room. The sensor turns on the machine when people are in the room and shuts it down when no one's around. Posted.http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090409/NEWS/904091039 Corn Belt could feel early effects of climate change. Corn could be the "canary" that feels the earliest effects of climate change, according to a new report, which concludes that yields could drop as greenhouse gases rise. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/04/10/2/ Blogs Global warming reports: poor prospects for corn ethanol. Global warming could scorch the corn economy to the tune of about $1.4 billion a year, according to a report that compiles data from academia and government. The damage would come in the expected places: the Midwest and South, according to the Environment America study released Thursday. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/04/global-warming-reports-prospects-not-so-good-for-corn-and-ethanol.html E-corn-omics: Ethanol vs. Gasoline vs. Food. Well, corn ethanol is off the hook for rising food prices last year, if anybody other than the renewable-fuels lobby is still keeping score. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/04/09/e-corn-omics-ethanol-vs-gasoline-vs-food/ CARB Grants Millions for Hydrogen Stations. The California Air Resources Board will give four separate groups--Mebtahi Station Services, the San Francisco Airport, Shell Hydrogen, and UCLA --a total of $1.7 million each to build four hydrogen refueling stations in Los Angeles and San Francisco, according to AutoblogGreen. Posted. http://www.gearlog.com/2009/04/carb_grants_millions_for_hydro.php ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 13 Apr 2009 11:44:55 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for April 13, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for April 13, 2009. As Industry Struggles, Pacific Ethanol Is Running On Fumes. After laboring a quarter-century in the ethanol business, Neil Koehler insists the industry will become healthy again, maybe in as little as two years. Others agree with him. But Koehler's company, Pacific Ethanol Inc. of Sacramento, might not make it to the promised land. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/1775220.html Skeptics Challenge Global Warming Causes. Dear EarthTalk: I keep meeting people who say that human-induced global warming is only theory, that just as many scientists doubt it as believe it. Can you settle the score? Posted. http://www.dailynews.com/search/ci_12120687?IADID=Search-www.dailynews.com-www.dailynews.com http://www.sbsun.com/search/ci_12120687?IADID=Search-www.sbsun.com-www.sbsun.com http://www.dailybulletin.com/search/ci_12120687?IADID=Search-www.dailybulletin.com-www.dailybulletin.com Money For Reducing Diesel Emissions Granted. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $1.73 million to the California Air Resources Board to support clean diesel projects and loan programs to address the nation's existing fleet of more than 11 million diesel engines. Posted. http://www.dailynews.com/search/ci_12118855?IADID=Search-www.dailynews.com-www.dailynews.com http://www.sbsun.com/search/ci_12118855?IADID=Search-www.sbsun.com-www.sbsun.com U.S. Takes a Gamble With Test of Carbon Caps on Car Makers. The Obama administration is preparing to test whether capping greenhouse gas emissions will push the economy into higher gear, or deeper into a rut. The likely subject of the experiment is the ailing auto industry. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123958418592912381.html#mod=todays_us_page_one U.S. Plays Catch-Up in Efficiency Credits. How many markets does it take to screw in millions of compact fluorescent light bulbs? At least two, and possibly three or more: A cap-and-trade market for greenhouse-gas emissions and another in renewable-energy certificates are developing apace, but a third trading system to reward cuts in electricity use lags behind. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123958088106012135.html Oil Industry Braces for Drop in U.S. Thirst for Gasoline. Dallas -- Since Henry Ford began mass production of the Model T nearly a century ago, car-loving Americans have gulped ever-increasing volumes of gasoline. A growing number of industry players believe that era is over. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB123957686061311925-lMyQjAxMDI5MzE5MzUxNzM2Wj.html More Fuzzy Math? How GOP Estimates Carbon Tax Impact. The cost to consumers will be the top issue this month when Congress gets to work on a bill to limit greenhouse gas emissions for the first time in the U.S. Economists say the bill would raise energy prices from fossil fuels as the country makes a transition to cleaner energy sources. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/663654.html Tax By Any Other Name. Many Americans find confusing the debate in Washington over adopting a "cap and trade" program to reduce carbon dioxide. That's understandable. Put simply, it's a tax on energy consumption. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/tax-cap-trade-2361041-energy-carbon Obama, Who Vowed Rapid Action on Climate Change, Turns More Cautious. President Obama came to office promising swift and comprehensive action to combat global climate change, and the topic remains a surefire applause line in his speeches here and abroad. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/11/us/politics/11climate.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse India Rejects Calls For Emission Cuts. Days after the Obama administration unveiled a push to combat climate change, Indian officials said it was unlikely to prompt them to agree to binding emission cuts, a position among emerging economies that many say derails effective action. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/12/AR2009041202452.html?hpid=sec-world Warming Could Harm Crops. The current issue of California Agriculture, mailed to subscribers this week, is devoted to peer-reviewed articles by researchers at the University of California who paint a dire picture of the impact of climate change on food production and the environment. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/ag/story/662724.html http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/apr/10/report-climate-change-could-doom-many-calif/ http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12116462?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12116462?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com Protecting Birds From Climate Change. A new report by Audubon California warns that climate change will cause the local extinction of some bird species while decreasing the range of others. The report also indicates that the magnitude of bird losses in California depends on the steps we take now to address the effects of climate change, and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.dailynews.com/search/ci_12120695?IADID=Search-www.dailynews.com-www.dailynews.com http://www.sbsun.com/search/ci_12120695?IADID=Search-www.sbsun.com-www.sbsun.com http://www.dailybulletin.com/search/ci_12120695?IADID=Search-www.dailybulletin.com-www.dailybulletin.com Professor Awarded Millions to Build Hydrogen Fueling Station. Vasilios Manousiouthakis, a professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, has been awarded $2.1 million in grant funding to build a state-of-the-art hydrogen fueling station on the UCLA campus. Posted. http://www.imperialvalleynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5158&Itemid=1 http://www.fuelcellsworks.com/Supppage9725.html 2 Valley Demos Seek Big Earmarks. The money could pay for everything from agricultural research at California State University, Fresno, to a University of California at Merced solar program. And even as budget reformers decry the use of earmarked spending, the valley Democrats justifies every request. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/local/story/663593.html Obama's Energy Czar Visits Oakland Program. President Barack Obama's energy and climate-change czar seemed to like what she saw at a green-jobs training program Friday in West Oakland. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/green/ci_12118246 New Calif. Homes Would Have To Be Energy Producers. If state Assemblywoman Lori Saldana has her way, buyers of California homes built a little more than a decade from now would not have to worry about paying big electricity bills. The homes would produce power themselves. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/state/story/663958.html http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/CA_XGR_Statehouse_Week_Ahead_398307C.shtml http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/apr/12/new-calif-homes-would-have-to-be-energy/ http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/04/13/ap-state-ca/d97h3rao0.txt http://www.dailynews.com/search/ci_12129726?IADID=Search-www.dailynews.com-www.dailynews.com http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12128956?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12128956?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com The Greening of American Homes. Re “This Old Wasteful House” (Op-Ed, April 6): Richard Moe’s advice on making homes more energy efficient is well meaning, but it’s a little like telling the children to eat their spinach. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/13/opinion/l13house.html?scp=1&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Making 'Green' Choices Isn't As Simple As It Seems. The messages come from everywhere: Save the planet. Reduce your carbon footprint. Be eco-wise. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090410/LIFESTYLE05/904109968 Warner Bros. Picture Practices Green Filmmaking. Gov. Bill Richardson has commended Warner Bros. Pictures for its green initiatives on the film, "Observe and Report," shot in Albuquerque last year. Richardson says "Observe and Report" marks the company's first dedicated green filmmaking project, though the company has incorporated environmentally sustainable practices on its sets in the past. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12131511?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12131511?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com Blogs UCLA Goes Green. Cattle-raising is a major source of greenhouse gases across the globe: Forests are razed for range land, thus losing carbon-absorbing trees, and cows belch methane. Now UCLA dining services is doing its part to prevent global warming by starting out the spring quarter with an initiative known as beefless Thursdays. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/04/ucla-takes-collective-green-action-.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 11:43:40 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for April 14, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for April 14, 2009. Valley Winds May Kick Up Dust Storms, Threaten Health. Wind gusts as high as 34 mph are expected in the Valley today, prompting the National Weather Service to warn against dust storms after 11 a.m. Motorists on the Valley's west side are advised to drive with caution. Blowing dust is expected into the evening (get the current forecast). The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District issued a health warning in response to the wind forecast. Posted. http://www.fresnobee.com/updates/story/1328776.html Blowing Dust Warning Issued. Air pollution officials warned that high winds expected Tuesday morning through Wednesday could create unhealthy air quality. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District has advised people who are sensitive to poor air quality to use caution. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/news/local/x44130866/Government-roundup-Parkway-money-thawed EDITORIAL: Senate Takes Needed Step On Clean-Air Plan. Sen. Kip Averitt has shown himself to be well suited to the job of chairing the Natural Resources Committee, laying out forward-looking plans to protect the state's environment. He has filed smart legislation to protect our air and to finance the Texas water plan. The Waco Republican deserves high marks for his efforts. Posted. http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/editorials/stories/DN-AQ_13edi.State.Edition1.2467a46.html My View: Energy-Saving Carbon Cap Offers A Bonus: More Jobs. Amid all the news reports about failed financial gadgets like credit-default swaps and mortgage-backed securities, you'll find an occasional story that reveals the human face of this recession. Posted. http://sacbee.com/1190/story/1777653.html White House Seeks Bill on Climate by December\. Boston -- Climate czar Carol Browner said she wants Congress to establish a broad U.S. greenhouse-gas policy before global climate-change talks near the end of the year. Speaking at a conference Monday at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Ms. Browner said she is confident Congress can move forward on a climate-change policy, citing hearings scheduled for next week on sweeping legislation proposed by Rep. Henry Waxman (D., Calif.) and Rep. Ed Markey (D., Mass). Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123966972093715575.html#mod=todays_us_page_one Calif. Climate Action Report Available for Comment. Following the release of California's Climate Action Team Draft Biennial Report, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said “Today’s new research reveals that California’s severe drought conditions are only a preview of what is likely to come because of our changing climate. Posted. http://www.eponline.com/articles/71654/ Canada Reconsiders Offer for Continental Climate Deal. Canada blushed with enthusiasm when it proposed a sweeping climate marriage with the United States on President Obama's inauguration day. But now the northern nation plans to develop its own cap-and-trade program, leading some to question whether the request was premature. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/04/14/14climatewire-lack-of-nibbles-has-ottawa-reeling-in-its-of-10522.html Ask the Mayor: Is A Climate Action Plan In Works For San Clemente? Mayor Lori: I think, as do many others, that global warming is a most important threat to Mother Earth and its inhabitants. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/plan-action-city-2362667-san-clemente Yosemite Beats Valley To First Ozone Violation. You might figure it's an odd year when Yosemite National Park records an ozone violation before the San Joaquin Valley does. Yosemite got a federal ozone violation April 4 at the Turtleback Dome monitor. I looked back a couple of years in the data and noticed a few other April violations. Posted. http://fresnobeehive.com/news/2009/04/yosemite_beats_valley_to_first.html Take The Long View Of Global Warming. A lot of us have visited Yosemite. While there, we've seen the displays showing different stages of the Ice Age -- how the glaciers moved through, carving the cliffs and valleys. Then the ice melted and retreated, leaving a lot of residual water, which then dispersed, showing the valley as we recognize it today. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/letters/story/665410.html Study: Warming, Drought, Harmful To Pinion Trees. A new study by researchers at the University of Arizona suggests a combination of global warming and drought could prove exceptionally deadly to pinion pine, Nevada's state tree. Scientists at the university's Biosphere 2 research station found pinion pines could die five times faster during droughts of common duration if the climate warms by 7 degrees. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/state/story/665793.html http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/NV_Pinion_Pines_398669C.shtml http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12139472?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12139472?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com Letters, April 13: Dr. Frankenstein plays with Mother Nature? During the 1970s scientists thought we were on the verge of another ice age. Time Magazine ran a cover story on the topic. There were plans to spread coal dust on the arctic shelf to help warm the planet. If you actually believe in man-made global warming, imagine what a catastrophe that would have caused. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/april-arrest-obama-2361045-letter-message Researchers Look To Make 'Messy' Nanotech Production 'Clean And Green’. That "very messy process" is a problem for nanotech researchers trying, among other things, to design more efficient batteries, higher-performing solar cells, more effective water purifiers and more sensitive pollution detectors. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/04/13/13greenwire-nows-the-time--to-make-this-stuff-clean-and-gr-10512.html Unemployed Seek Training For 'Green Collar' Jobs. San Jose, Calif. -- As the economy sheds jobs, community colleges across the country are reporting a surge of unemployed workers enrolling in courses that offer training for "green-collar" jobs. Students are learning how to install solar panels, repair wind turbines, produce biofuels and do other work related to renewable energy. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jZOY4RFnGgdC0vZA06ROSRBKKNwAD97HQ2U80 Bring Back 1990s Electric Cars. Here are some suggestions that may be considered for using less oil, reducing global warming and air pollution. Start producing, promoting and selling the electric cars that GM, Honda and Toyota made and leased – then pulled out of the market – in the 1990s. If the government can enforce catalytic converters, then it can surely do this. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/story/1777647.html Palm Desert Bill On Electric Vehicles Gets Sacramento Hearing. A Palm Desert-authored bill to expand the use of low-speed electric vehicles in the city will get a hearing in Sacramento on Tuesday, with two city officials on hand to give testimony. Posted. http://www.mydesert.com/article/20090413/NEWS01/90413033/1263/UPDATE Another View: Without Higher Gas Taxes, 'Cash For Clunkers' Won’t Work.Car sales in Germany jumped an astonishing 40 percent in March, thanks in large part to a "cash for clunkers" program in which the government gave those handing over old-model cars roughly $5,000 toward the purchase of newer, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Posted. http://www.hanfordsentinel.com/articles/2009/04/13/opinion/doc49e375a65b8d0860920828.prt Owners Of Heavy Duty Vehicles And Equipment In The Bay Area Can Apply This Week For Grant Money To Replace Or Upgrade Older, Polluting Diesel Engines, According To Regional Air Quality Regulators. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has up to $20 million in grant money for eligible projects, provided by the Carl Moyer Program, a state-funded program to reduce ozone-forming and toxic emissions from aging diesel equipment. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/baycitynews/roundup.DTL&hw=Owners+of+heavy+duty+vehicles+equipment+in+the+Bay+Area+can+apply+this+week+for+grant+money+to+replace+upgrade+older+polluting+diesel+engines+according+to+regional+air+quality+regulators&sn=001&sc=1000 Long Beach Board Of Harbor Commissioners Approves Port Expansion. The $750-million project will merge two aging terminals and create an estimated 14,000 jobs. The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners on Monday unanimously approved a 10-year, $750-million expansion project that will merge two aging terminals and create an estimated 14,000 jobs. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-ports14-2009apr14,0,5578731,print.story http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12137114 Oakland Port Moves Ahead With Emission Reduction Plan. Port of Oakland commissioners have approved a Maritime Air Quality Improvement Plan (MAQIP) designed to reduce diesel emissions from port activities by 85%, by 2020. Posted. http://www.portworld.com/news/i76380/Oakland_port_moves_ahead_with_emission_reduction_plan No Happy Days for Gas Station Owners. Samuel Johnson said: “Hell is paved with good intentions.” It seems that saying applies to some unhappy independent service station owners in California today. They had made it a through a down turn in the economy and are barely surviving a recession that is still taking its toll. This dilemma may not mean much to the average Montanan but what starts in California may soon spread to the rest of the country. Posted. http://montanawithkids.com/crude-business/2009041407/no-happy-days-for-gas-station-owners/ Dairy Industry Sees Less-Gassy Future For Cows. The U.S. dairy industry wants to engineer the "cow of the future" to pass less gas, a project aimed at cutting the industry's greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/business/story/665554.html http://www.google.com/hostednew s/ap/article/ALeqM5hK22bcl9KmjwOXJP-746Uh0_0r9wD97I3KIG0 http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12138066?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12138066?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com California's New Power Source A Solar Farm. California's next source of renewable power could be an orbiting set of solar panels, high above the equator that would beam electricity back to Earth via a receiving station in Fresno County. Pacific Gas and Electric Co. has agreed to buy power from a startup company that wants to tap the strong, unfiltered sunlight found in space to solve the growing demand for clean energy. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/14/MN7S171PSL.DTL&type=printable State Wants To Pull Plug On Energy-Guzzling TVs. Sacramento -- California state regulators, who have limited automobile emissions and required large utilities to increase use of renewable energy, now are taking aim at a ubiquitous household item - the television. Consumer demand for bigger, flatter and fancier TVs has dramatically increased the amount of energy needed to watch the tube, officials say. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/14/MNT516V87T.DTL&type=printable CECO Environmental Receives New Orders Totaling Approximately $3.7 Million.CINCINNATI, FirstCall/ CECO Environmental Corp. (Nasdaq: CECE), a leading provider of air pollution control and industrial ventilation systems, announced today that it has received orders from three separate customers totaling approximately $3.7 million. Rick Blum, President and Chief Operating Officer, stated, "These orders came from the power, chemical, and automotive industries. They were secured by companies in our equipment and contracting groups." Posted. http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/04-14-2009/0005005325&EDATE= Wind Turbine Imports Increase; Can U.S. Factories Catch Up? Manufacturing of wind turbine parts in the United States grew last year as the market for wind energy boomed, but trade figures show that imports continued at a high rate after years of big growth. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/665692.html http://www.fresnobee.com/news/national-politics/story/1328146.html $150M Sought To Buy ACE Track Corridor. It’s a $150 million investment backers say will relieve traffic congestion, take trucks off the crowded Altamont Pass corridor, reduce air pollution, strengthen the San Joaquin County economy, and ease the need for more freeway construction. That is the price tag to acquire the Union Pacific right-of-way and tracks crossing the Altamont Pass that four ACE trains in each direction take each working day. Posted. http://www.mantecabulletin.com/news/article/3034/ Feds Oppose Gas Terminal In Long Island Sound. Garden City, N.Y.—The U.S. Commerce Department on Monday announced its opposition to a proposed massive floating liquefied natural gas terminal in Long Island Sound. Environmentalists hailed the decision as a victory over "the corporate Goliaths of our time." Politicians in New York and Connecticut have campaigned for several years to stop what would have been the world's first floating liquefied natural gas terminal. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h5x3TdRbmJ1IX2wzurNDgX56PqwgD97HQF680 New NM Law Calls For Agencies, Tribes To Cooperate. Albuquerque, N.M.—Feelings of bitterness and mistrust have long permeated American Indians' relationship with government, but New Mexico hopes to change that with a new law that requires all state agencies to cooperate with tribal governments. Indian leaders from New Mexico and elsewhere are excited about the state's expanded spirit of cooperation, but it's already being put to the test by a plan for a $3 billion coal-fired power plant on the nation's largest Indian reservation. Posted. http://www.lcsun-news.com/ci_12133813 Gasoline Prices Climb In California, U.S. Retail costs in the state rise 2.8 cents in the last week for a gallon of regular to an average of $2.336, while the nation sees a 1.4-cent increase to $2.051.Retail fuel prices continued their slow ascent in California and across the nation over the last week, the Energy Department said Monday. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-gas14-2009apr14,0,6859461,print.story Blogs Eliminate Newspapers, Save the Planet? Marriott, the hotel group, announced on Monday that it no longer will automatically deliver newspapers to guests. Marriott said each newspaper represents emissions of a half pound of carbon dioxide. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/14/eliminate-newspapers-save-the-planet/ Wave Of The Future Receives CARB Approval. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has granted approval to the ROUSH® propane-powered F-150 pickup which means that it meets the strict emission standards of the state. Posted. http://blogs.truckinweb.com/6493486/editorials/propane-powered-f-150/index.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:10:14 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for April 15, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for April 15,2009. Environmental Groups To Seek Congressional Help On Clean-Truck Program. Clean-air advocates will ask lawmakers for help in revising laws after a federal court ruled many of the provisions of the port cleanup plan unconstitutional. Only a month ago, officials at the nation's busiest port complex believed the landmark clean-truck program -- a $1.8-billion strategy to slash toxic diesel emissions by phasing out 17,000 old, dirty big rigs -- had survived its toughest challenges and was on its way to becoming a model for green growth. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-me-clean-trucks-teamsters15-2009apr15,0,766810,print.story Port Of Oakland Must Get Serious About Cleaning The Air. THE PORT OF Oakland commissioners, after more than two years in the making, adopted a master plan for reducing the toxic pollution the port creates in a variety of ways. But at a time when residents of neighboring communities continue to become ill and die from the port's bad air, the commissioners ushered out a weak report that barely addresses the tough issues. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/opinion/ci_12140510 Palin Sees Gas Drilling As Step To Curb Global Warming. Alaska's governor steps away from past denials and tells Interior Secretary Ken Salazar at an Anchorage hearing that natural gas could ease 'the transition to green energy alternatives.' Reporting from Anchorage — Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin acknowledged Tuesday that global warming was harming her state but said stepped-up natural-gas production could mitigate its effects. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-palin15-2009apr15,0,5124711,print.story Boxer Seeks Silicon Valley's Help In Clean-Technology Push. U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer on Tuesday called for Silicon Valley's help in promoting clean technology, describing it as "a win-win for us — where we can be free from foreign oil and pollution and create these fabulous jobs." Posted. http://www.siliconvalley.com/greenenergy/ci_12142720?source=rss Study: Cuts In Greenhouse Gas Could Lessen Warming. Washington—A new scientific study finds that the absolute worst of global warming can still be avoided if the entire world cuts emission of greenhouse gases the way President Barack Obama and Europe want. A computer simulation by the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colo., looked at what would happen by the end of the century if greenhouse gas levels were cut by 70 percent. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_12139667?nclick_check=1 Top Emissions Negotiator an Expert on Political Climate, Too. When Todd Stern was working in private law practice, the State Department's top climate-change negotiator was known for dispensing blunt political advice. When a client said he was planning to defy the entire Illinois political establishment on an issue affecting Lake Michigan, Stern brought him up short. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/14/AR2009041403444.html Copenhagen Will Have To Take Into Account The Situation In Congress. Please note: This article is originally in French format from Letrre Climate International #15 (March, 2009). Translation is as follows: Posted. http://www.arb.ca.gov/knowzone/newsreleases/copenhagenarticle.pdf Emissions Treaty Will Protect U.S. Jobs, Obama Admin Tells GOP. The Obama administration is trying to assure House Republicans that a muscular international climate agreement won't spark an exodus of energy-intensive U.S. companies to countries with weak emissions rules. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/2009/04/15/1/ Redford, Dicaprio Among Guests For Natural Resources Defense Council Gala. Anyone who doubts that green is still Hollywood's favorite color just needs to take a look at the sponsors and guest list for the upcoming gala celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Natural Resources Defense Council's Southern California office. The event is set for April 25 at the Beverly Wilshire and longtime superstar environmental activists Robert Redford and Leonardo DiCaprio will be among the guests. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-cause15-2009apr15,0,6577982,print.story Gas Station Funding. Vasilios Manousiouthakis, a professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at UCLA has been awarded $2.1m (£1.4m) in funding to build a hydrogen fuelling station on the UCLA campus. A $1.7m grant from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and a $400,000 grant from the state's Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC) will go towards the construction of one of the largest hydrogen fuelling stations in California, with a capacity to produce 140kg of hydrogen a day for use in hydrogen-powered vehicles. Posted. http://www.theengineer.co.uk/Articles/310868/Gas+station+funding.htm Eliminate Newspapers, Save the Planet? Marriott, the hotel group, announced on Monday that it no longer will automatically deliver newspapers to guests. Marriott said each newspaper represents emissions of a half pound of carbon dioxide. It said the new policy should reduce newspaper distribution by about 50,000 newspapers every day or by about 18 million newspapers every year. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/14/eliminate-newspapers-save-the-planet/?pagemode=print New Survey Urges Buyers Of Green Products To Beware. Green buyers, beware: Many products that promise to be good for the planet aren't as environmentally friendly as they claim. That is the main message of a new survey released today that examines a blizzard of consumer products from cosmetics to copy paper, aluminum foil to baby diapers, and finds that most exaggerate or fail to document their green credentials to one degree or another – a process known as greenwashing. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/v-print/story/1780849.html Satellite May Send Energy To Valley. PG&E signs on to buy electricity starting in 2017 from $2 billion-plus project. In the next seven years, several square miles of scrubland in western Fresno County could be ground zero for satellites beaming enough energy from space to power nearly a quarter of a million homes. Posted. http://www.fresnobee.com/local/v-print/story/1330692.html ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT: Earth Day Bonanza? Who would've thought Earth Day could prove so divisive for the environmental movement? Enviro-bloggers at Grist.org have started a tongue-in-cheek "Screw Earth Day!" campaign to push for more sustained recognition of the globe's environmental problems than the one-day-a-year celebration can offer. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/14/energy-environment-earth-day-bonanza/print/ Blogs: Another Approach to Low-Carbon Coal. Tenaska Energy Tenaska Energy, an Illinois power company, hopes to turn coal into methane — the main component of natural gas. (See full diagram here.) Of the various possibilities for turning coal into electricity without dumping copious amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, many experts are betting on one called an “integrated gasification combined cycle” — or I.G.C.C. — in which coal is cooked into a fuel gas, carbon is removed, and the remaining hydrogen is burned in a turbine. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/15/another-approach-to-low-carbon-coal/?pagemode=print Spam’s Noxious Carbon Footprint. Email users may already hate spam, but perhaps they’ll be gratified to know that it’s also bad for the environment. Calculating one’s carbon footprint may be all the rage, but in the case of spam, it’s serious, according to a study released Wednesday by computer security company McAfee Avert Labs. The report found that an estimated 62 trillion spam messages are sent each year Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2009/04/15/spams-noxious-carbon-footprint/tab/print/ Do Old Corals Hint at a Fast Sea Rise? Paul Blanchon Coral fossils in canal walls at a Mexican resort show evidence of a rapid increase in sea level 121,000 years ago, researchers say. Other experts on corals and climate are not convinced. For the last several days, I’ve been learning a lot about what old coral formations, which reflect the height of seas at different times in the past, might say about future sea levels in a warming world. Posted. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/15/do-old-corals-hint-at-fast-sea-rise/?pagemode=print ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2009 11:26:49 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for April 16, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for April 16, 2009. New Gas Pumps Causing Problems. Sacramento - "I've been to different gas stations and I've encountered the same problem." For Marnie Dupre, filling up her gas tank takes a whole lot longer than it should. "If I put five dollars it usually takes me almost ten minutes to pump five dollars worth of gas," said the Citrus Heights driver. Posted. http://www.fox40.com/pages/print_landing?New-Gas-Pumps-Causing-Problems=1&blockID=267487&feedID=190& Greenhouse Gas Rules Could Fuel Oil Dependence. California's proposed emissions standards favor petroleum over biofuels. Next week, the California Air Resources Board, or CARB -- the same agency that only five years ago gained notoriety for its role in "killing" the electric car -- could be in a position to deliver another crippling blow to the United States' effort to achieve energy independence. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-luft16-2009apr16,0,1146573,print.story U.S. Court Refuses To Halt Clean-Truck Program At L.A. And Long Beach Ports. The judge says that regulators presented 'weak' arguments that the program to replace polluting big rigs threatens to cause irreparable harm or to unreasonably increase shipping costs. A federal judge in Washington refused Wednesday to halt the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach's clean-truck program, which aims to phase out 17,000 polluting big rigs that shuttle freight to and from rail terminals and other transport hubs. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-clean-trucks16-2009apr16,0,1542006,print.story http://www.modbee.com/state/story/667903.html http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_12151857 http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/apr/15/judge-wont-block-ports-clean-trucks-programs/ http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12151857 L.A. To Partner With 3 Universities On Clean Technology. A goal of the joint effort with Caltech, UCLA and USC is to better compete for federal money for such programs and a proposed state climate change center. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced a partnership Wednesday with three local universities aimed at positioning the city to compete for hundreds of thousands of federal dollars for clean technology research and a proposed state institute to study climate change. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-clean-tech16-2009apr16,0,4212905,print.story Organizers Call Regional Emissions Plan A Success. New Brunswick, N.J. (AP) — Organizers and participants in the nation's only working cap-and-trade program for carbon emissions called the fledgling attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions a success Wednesday. Jeanne Fox, the head of New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities, said she hopes the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative will soon fall victim to its own success. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i_AnuSsBScdP-6e1hjBiKTey2y9gD97J4BR05 http://www.modbee.com/business/story/667440.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/financialmarkets/ci_12146096 California Works To Reduce GHG Emissions. California is proceeding with plans to implement a low-carbon fuel standard (LCFS) that would seek to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the state’s transportation fuels by 10 percent by 2020. In March, the California Air Resources Board released its proposed regulation to implement the LCFS, which would diversify the variety of fuels available within the state, boost markets for alternative fuels. Posted. http://ethanolproducer.com/article-print.jsp?article_id=5573 How Green Is Biodiesel? When it comes to our energy woes, there may be a light at the end of the tunnel -- a green light, and one not powered by petroleum. We may be able to curb our addiction to fossil fuels by using plants, animal fats and old restaurant grease. But there are a few drawbacks. Posted. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,516738,00.html Jobs At Issue As Labor-Enviro Coalitions Stump For Climate Bill. The Apollo Alliance, a coalition of labor and environmental groups, is launching a media blitz aimed at promoting passage of legislation its members hope will boost domestic renewable energy and create "green" jobs and services. "America must end its dependence on foreign oil and create good jobs, but 70 percent of clean-energy technologies are manufactured overseas," the alliance says in a 30-second television ad slated to run next week in Ohio. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/04/16/16greenwire-jobs-at-issue-as-laborenviro-coalitions-stump-10548.html?pagewanted=print New Greenpeace Chief Sketches Outside-In Strategy On Climate Bill. Phil Radford, Greenpeace USA's new executive director, has many goals, but landing on the speed-dial list of top White House and Capitol Hill officials is not among them. The path to his top goal -- passage of climate legislation -- starts far from Capitol Hill, he said. "Our major focus is having people actually in the communities, in the districts," said Radford, whose own road to Greenpeace's top job went through grassroots organizing. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/04/16/16greenwire-new-greenpeace-chief-sketches-outsidein-strate-10549.html?pagewanted=print Third-World Stove Soot Is Target in Climate Fight. Kohlua, India — “It’s hard to believe that this is what’s melting the glaciers,” said Dr. Veerabhadran Ramanathan, one of the world’s leading climate scientists, as he weaved through a warren of mud brick huts, each containing a mud cookstove pouring soot into the atmosphere. As women in ragged saris of a thousand hues bake bread and stew lentils in the early evening over fires fueled by twigs and dung, children cough from the dense smoke that fills their homes. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/16/science/earth/16degrees.html?_r=1&ref=world&pagewanted=print Study: Action Could Halve Global Warming. A new scientific study finds that the absolute worst of global warming can still be avoided if the entire world cuts emission of greenhouse gases the way President Barack Obama and Europe want. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090415/NEWS/904151077 Earth’s Temperature 8th-Warmest On Record So Far In 2009. The Earth's temperature from January-March 2009 was the 8th-warmest on record, according to data released Thursday from the National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, N.C. The global temperature of 55.04 degrees for the year's first three months was almost a full degree above the 20th-century average of 54.1 degrees. This continues a decades-long trend of warmer-than-average temperatures. Posted. http://www.usatoday.com/weather/climate/2009-04-16-march-temperatures-emissions-reduction-study_N.htm Fight Air Pollution. Air pollution is real and threatening the health and lives of people throughout California, especially in the San Joaquin Valley. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/opinion/letters/x44131138/Fight-air-pollution EPA Selects 50 Polluted Sites For Stimulus Money. NEW BEDFORD, Mass.—For decades, the New Bedford Harbor was a dumping ground for industrial metals and other contaminants. But now that harbor and 49 other polluted and hazardous waste sites are a step closer to a major cleanup. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12147173 PROMISES, PROMISES: Plug-In Cars Goal Hard To Hit. President Barack Obama's campaign pledge to put 1 million plug-in hybrid cars on the road by 2015 is fraught with difficulties, from technical and engineering hurdles to the realities of the economy and the price of gasoline. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/667059.html Public Wants More Action On Wetlands. The state Integrated Waste Management Board and the South Coast Air Quality Management District have since ordered Hitchcock to put a 6-inch dirt cap on the former landfill site to prevent the escape of methane gas. Friday is the deadline for him to finish the work. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12152814 Sustaining the Dream of a Cure: Family of Girl Who Died From Asthma to Hold Fundraiser. Waldorf resident Claudia Rose Allen Bogan wanted to become a doctor and find a cure for asthma so other children wouldn't suffer the way she did. She didn't get her chance, dying last year after an asthma attack at age 10, but her family is trying to make sure her dream of a cure will come true. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/14/AR2009041403577.html Peaker Plant Plan Moves Forward. It was opposed by city leaders yet approved by the state coastal commission, and with the latter group’s go-ahead last week, officials from a regional energy company are moving ahead with provisions to construct a peaker plant — a smaller power plant used as a back-up if a regular power plant should temporarily fail — along the Oxnard coastline by next summer. Posted. http://www.vcreporter.com/cms/story/detail/peaker_plant_plan_moves_forward/6855/ OOIDA To The ‘Governator:’ While You’re At It, Fix Hot Fuel. Prices have come down since “hot fuel” was a hot topic in 2007 and 2008, but truckers and other highway users continue to get ripped off at the pump because of it. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association has sent a letter urging the governor of California to take action and end hot fuel for good. Click here to read the letter. Posted. http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2009/Apr09/041309/041509-01.htm ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:32:25 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for April 17, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for April 17, 2009. California Air Resources Board Fines Nissan $4.4 Million. The California Air Resources Board has fined Nissan Motor Co. $4.4 million for failing to meet requirements for diagnostic equipment used to monitor tailpipe emissions, the agency said Thursday. CARB said it discovered Nissan's problems in 2007 during a routine compliance review. According to the agency, most of the 2005-07 models were affected, or more than 450,000 cars. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12159150 http://www.dailybreeze.com/business/ci_12159150 Greenhouse Gases A Threat To Public Health, Obama Administration Will Declare. The Environmental Protection Agency is expected to issue the ruling today, paving the way for federal limits on carbon dioxide emissions. Reporting from Washington — The Obama administration will declare greenhouse gases a threat to public health today, sources said, marking a major step -- both practically and symbolically -- toward federal limits on the carbon dioxide emissions scientists blame for global warming. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-obama-greenhouse18-2009apr18,0,5255656,print.story http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/18/science/earth/18endanger.html?hp http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/17/AR2009041701453.html?wprss=rss_business http://www.modbee.com/breakingnews/story/669753.html http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE53G3BN20090417 http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=ay69QP0W7xfg&refer=us http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jbtRZWd2aArVab_f4DS-ok4bnaxQD97KA0G00 http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123997738881429275.html http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2009/04/ap-epa-set-to-label-carbon-dioxide-a-public-health-threat.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12164210 http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12164333 http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/2009/04/17/1/ Editorial: The EPA Readies a Hammer. AS SOON as next week, the Environmental Protection Agency could follow through on an order from the Supreme Court to either declare carbon dioxide a pollutant or to say why it isn't. That decision could usefully signal to the world that the United States is serious about regulating greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/16/AR2009041603947.html EPA Considers Higher Ethanol Mix. Allowing 15% Gasoline Blends Would Help Industry, but Poses Car-Warranty Issue. WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has opened the door to allowing higher mixes of ethanol in gasoline, a potential boon to farmers and the struggling ethanol industry, but opposed by auto makers whose consumer warranties typically are tied to the current EPA standard. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123993106781727761.html#mod=todays_us_page_one Villaraigosa Picks S. David Freeman As Environment Deputy. The former head of the DWP will focus on the mayor's clean-air and water conservation measures, as well as an attempt to revive a solar energy plan defeated in last month's election. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has selected S. David Freeman, the onetime head of the Department of Water and Power, as the deputy mayor assigned to carry out his environmental agenda. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-freeman17-2009apr17,0,4522163,print.story Think Globally, Party Locally For Earth Day. It was almost 40 years ago when a passion for environmentalism sparked Earth Day. Founded by Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson, the first Earth Day was celebrated April 22, 1970. The goal was to inspire environmental awareness and to encourage the conservation, protection and appreciation of the nation's natural environment, ecosystems and resources. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12161374 City, University Seek Air Pollution Facts Around San Bernardino Rail Yard. The BNSF Railway yard in western San Bernardino is both a major employer and an important link in the transportation chain for imports that enter the United States from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. But the diesel-fueled locomotives, cranes and big rigs that rail yard employees and truckers use to move those goods are also a source of pollution. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_12159616?source=most_emailed http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_12159616 Should EPA Ban Perchloroethylene At Drycleaners? Should EPA ban perchloroethylene at all drycleaners? The Bush Administration imposed rules in 2006 that regulated the emissions of large dry cleaners and ban “perc” use in residential building by 2023. Perchloroethylene is a cancer causing hazardous air pollutant that has been known of for several years. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has banned all use of perc by 2020 in California. The question is, should EPA now ban all use of perc or just in mixed use buildings? Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-5908-Boston-Environmental-Policy-Examiner~y2009m4d17-Should-EPA-ban-perchloroethylene-at-drycleaners NV Power Meets Renewable Energy Goal. Las Vegas—Nevada's main electric utility says it finally has met state guidelines set in 1997 for use of renewable energy. NV Energy is crediting a number of projects just coming on line for its subsidiaries, Nevada Power Co. in Las Vegas and Sierra Pacific Power in Reno. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12164166 Obama: Better Trains Foster Energy Independence. Washington — President Barack Obama today outlined plans for a high-speed rail network he said would change the way Americans travel, drawing comparisons to the 1950s creation of the interstate highway system. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12156054 Go Vegetarian. This Earth Day, Do Something for the Planet and Go Vegetarian. You may not associate vegetarianism with environmentalism, but studies prove there is a correlation. The Sierra Club reports that compared with a burger, having a peanut butter and jelly sandwich saves as much as 2.5 pounds of carbon dioxide, 280 gallons of water, and 50-square-feet of land. It should be a no-brainer that eating from the bottom of the food chain is more environmentally efficient than eating from the top. Posted. http://www.independent.com/news/2009/apr/17/go-vegetarian/?print Gore Group Debuts Ads On Carbon Cap. The Alliance for Climate Protection is lobbying for the sweeping House climate bill with ads in states that likely would be hardest-hit by the legislation, including Michigan, Missouri and Pennsylvania. Posted. http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/16/gore-group-debuts-ads-on-carbon-cap/ Study Finds Pattern of Severe Droughts in Africa. For at least 3,000 years, a drumbeat of potent droughts, far longer and more severe than any experienced recently, have seared a belt of sub-Saharan Africa that is now home to tens of millions of the world’s poorest people, climate researchers report in a new study. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/17/science/earth/17drought.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=global%20warming&st=cse Blogs Government Fuel Goals Will Require Higher Ethanol Blends, Study Concludes. A new report on biofuels is urging that better infrastructure and more aggressive policies necessary if the nation is to meet its mandates for ethanol and other alternative fuels. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/17/government-fuel-goals-beg-for-higher-ethanol-blends-study-concludes/?scp=3&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:53:38 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for April 20, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for April 20, 2009. Editorial: California's Proposed Low Carbon Fuel Standard. It isn't perfect, but it's an ambitious and worthy effort. Until somebody comes up with a way to power a car with garbage, like the time-traveling DeLorean in "Back to the Future," our options are limited: gasoline and diesel, electricity, natural gas, liquid coal, hydrogen or plant-derived biofuels such as ethanol. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-ed-lowcarbon20-2009apr20,0,1672022,print.story Climate Is Right To Fight Warming. At last, Washington is engaged in a serious effort to curb global warming. In the House, Reps. Ed Markey, D-Mass., and Henry Waxman, D-Los Angeles, have put together legislation designed to reduce domestic greenhouse-gas emissions by 20 percent over the next decade. One of its key - and most controversial - strategies would be to establish a mandatory cap-and-trade system in which oil refineries, manufacturers and other major carbon emitters would buy and sell credits based on their greenhouse-emission allowances. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/19/EDQF16HUP0.DTL&type=printable Indigenous Groups Hold Climate Summit In Alaska. Indigenous people from around the world are gathering in Anchorage this week for a conference on climate change, a subject participants say disproportionately affects them though they share relatively little responsibility for it. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2033/story/672003.html Climate Change's Focus Is Still A Bit Blurry. A series of scary reports issued by state officials this month puts the local consequences of climate change in greater focus, yet it's still far from clear, to the frustration of those tasked with managing our natural resources. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090420/A_NEWS/904200311 Go Slow On Enacting Global Warming Regs. The recession has only exacerbated these feelings. Now, business and governments face myriad regulations to implement the state's sweeping Global Warming Solutions Act, known as Assembly Bill 32. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/story/671516.html Congress Considers Major Global Warming Measure. The last time Congress passed major environmental laws, acid rain was destroying lakes and forests, polluted rivers were on fire and smog was choking people in some cities. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2033/story/670791.html http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/19/congress-considers-major-global-warming-measure/ EPA Paves Way For Broad Emission Limits. The agency's proposed 'endangerment finding' may result in regulation of automobiles and other greenhouse gas producers. Reporting from Los Angeles and Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday declared that industrial greenhouse gases are a danger to human health and well-being, opening the way to broad new regulations to reduce carbon dioxide and other planet-heating gases. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-epa-climate18-2009apr18,0,1707531,print.story My Word: Port Of Oakland Commissioners Need To Show True Leadership. WE APPLAUD the Oakland Tribune editorial, urging that Port of Oakland commissioners "Must get serious about clearing the port's air." (April 15) On April 7, Port of Oakland — the fourth-largest container port in the United States — fumbled badly on a critical opportunity to show true environmental leadership when commissioners voted to ignore…etc Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/opinion/ci_12166844 http://www.etrucker.com/apps/news/article.asp?id=77931 http://www.insidebayarea.com/opinion/ci_12166844 Berkeley Mayor Gives Up His Car For The Bus. Some mayors tool around in Priuses and hybrid Civics. But Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates has taken green transit a step further. No more cars for him, at all. The 71-year-old mayor is trading in his 2001 Volvo for an AC Transit pass and a sturdy pair of walking shoes. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/20/BA651754K6.DTL&type=printable Today Is A Spare The Air Day In Bay Area. With record-setting temperatures expected today, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District has a Spare the Air advisory, the first of the season. Air quality in the region is expected to be unhealthy today and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District is urging people to drive less and reduce their energy use. The official Spare the Air season begins May 1. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_12182763 Oakland Port OKs Funds For Truck Retrofit. The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners last week approved its Maritime Air Quality Improvement Plan, a master plan to improve air quality related to port maritime operations through 2020. Posted. Oakland Schools Near Caldecott Tunnel Get $3 Million For Air Pollution, Noise Mitigation. Specialized air-filtration systems and thick banks of trees near Chabot Elementary School and Claremont Middle School in North Oakland should ease some concerns about air quality when construction begins this year on the fourth bore of the Caldecott Tunnel, state officials said Friday. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_12167434 Lawmakers Forge Alternative To Cap-And-Trade Proposal. A growing number of lawmakers who are deeply involved in the effort to reduce greenhouse gases and global warming are beginning to question "cap-and-trade," the current hot-button solution to the problem. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/671487.html Calif. Governor Calls For Stronger Energy Policy. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says the U.S. needs a clear energy policy so automakers can develop cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/state/story/672660.html http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/Autos_Schwarzenegger_400143C.shtml 'The Price Is Right' Goes Green For Earth Day. Green prizes are coming on down at "The Price Is Right." In observance of Earth Day, Wednesday's episode of the CBS game show will feature environmentally friendly products including cell phones made of recycled materials, solar charging equipment and a recycling cabinet. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/scene/entertainment/story/672539.html Earth Day Focus: Live Green On The Cheap. A blue economy doesn't mean you have to give up green living. Thousands are expected to turn out Sunday for Stockton's annual Earth Day celebration in Victory Park, and events are planned throughout the weekend in other cities as well. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090417/A_NEWS14/904170311 Bangladesh's Crusader For Clean Ship Breaking. Who: Rizwana Hasan, 40. Where: Dhaka, Bangladesh. Hasan, executive director of the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association, exposed environmentally damaging and exploitive practices used in the country's thriving ship-dismantling industry. She has filed several petitions since 2003 to deny the entry of decommissioned ships laden with asbestos, PCBs, lead, arsenic and other toxic substances. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/19/MN59172MJC.DTL&type=printable Slump Tilts Priorities of Industry in China. Duanjialing, China — Less than a year ago, officials were pressing mines and factories along this limestone belt of northern China to shut down or move away to clear the air of dust and smog for the Beijing Olympics. Now, amid the global economic downturn, priorities have shifted. Cumbersome environmental reviews have been accelerated, state bank loans are flowing freely again and workers are welding the grinding mills of Sanhe Yongsheng Cement, one of the new cement plants under construction not far from China’s capital. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/19/world/asia/19china.html?_r=1&hp=&pagewanted=print Africa Suffers Cyclical Megadroughts. Areas of the continent have suffered dry periods lasting centuries as part of a normal cycle, scientists report. They fear what could happen if climate change is added to the equation. Megadroughts lasting centuries are part of the normal weather pattern in sub-Saharan Africa, researchers reported Friday, a finding they say bodes ill for what could happen if the effects of global warming are added in. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-sci-megadroughts18-2009apr18,0,7990993,print.story Blogs: >From War Bonds to Environment Bonds. Bloomberg News James Cameron of Climate Change Capital, said climate bonds, like war bonds, could help combat global warming and spur development of clean tech. James Cameron, an executive director of Climate Change Capital, an investment company, is proposing creating “environment bonds” similar to bonds created by governments during the 20th century to fund efforts to fight the Second World War. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/20/from-war-bonds-to-environment-bonds/?pagemode=print Feds Follow California's Global Warming Lead. California greeted the federal government's first tentative step toward regulating greenhouse gases with a collective its-about-time shrug. "While the federal government was asleep at the wheel for years, we in California have known greenhouse gases are a threat to our health and to our environment -- that's why we have taken such aggressive action," said Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, noting the "promising" signs that Washington is moving forward. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/04/global-warming-epa-regulations.html EPA: Carbon Dioxide Endangers Human Health. (UPDATED with EPA news release) Today the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a finding that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases constitute a danger to public health and welfare and are subject to regulation under the Clean Air Act. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/contribute/sn/persona?User=bruce_nilles&plckController=PersonaBlog&plckScript=personaScript&plckElementId=personaDest&plckPersonaPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog%3abruce_nillesPost%3ad2b6f084-b110-4bd7-b2ee-89bca65eed4f&plckCommentSortOrder=TimeStampAscending CO2 = Pollution. Now What? It’s nearly official. Carbon dioxide, the bubbles in beer, is a pollutant in the context of the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed on Friday. Posted. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/17/co2-pollution-now-what/?em ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:32:50 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for April 21, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for April 21, 2009. Schwarzenegger Backs Detroit Automakers. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says the United States needs a clear energy policy so automakers can develop cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Speaking at the Society of Automotive Engineers 2009 World Congress on Monday, Schwarzenegger said Washington has failed to create an energy policy that would help automakers develop fuel-efficient or alternative fuel vehicles more quickly. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/21/MNCK175HS9.DTL&type=printable Plan Would Mandate Fuels Have Less Carbon. Ethanol industry fears punishment. At Issue: Cleaner Fuel. The state Air Resources Board Thursday will consider sweeping regulations to require fuel providers to cut the amount of carbon in gas and diesel by 10 percent. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/apr/21/1n21fuels002927-plan-would-mandate-fuels-have-less/?california&zIndex=85774 The EPA Is Choking Democracy. The agency's sweeping new power to battle global warming is another example of the weakening of democratic controls. One of the most important events of our lifetimes may have just transpired. A federal agency has decided that it has the power to regulate everything, including the air you breathe. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-goldberg21-2009apr21,0,5689253,print.column Republicans Say Climate Bill Not Ready For Debate. Washington—House Republicans say it is too early to debate a climate change bill because a major element of the legislation is missing. In a letter sent Tuesday to Democratic leaders of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, all 23 Republicans on the panel say that the draft bill is not ready to be discussed. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_12189819 San Rafael Adopts Plan To Address Warming. The San Rafael City Council on Monday unanimously adopted the city's first climate-change action plan - a yearlong effort to green the city and avoid "catastrophic climate change events." The city's Green Ribbon Committee and four Green Teams spent a year coming up with ways to reduce the city's carbon footprint in its municipal buildings and operations and to influence the residential and business communities to go green. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12189500 Calif. Governor Calls For Stronger Energy Policy. Detroit (AP) — California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says the U.S. needs a clear energy policy so automakers can develop cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Speaking at the Society of Automotive Engineers 2009 World Congress on Monday, Schwarzenegger said Washington has failed to create an energy policy that would help automakers develop fuel-efficient or alternative fuel vehicles more quickly. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/technology/ci_12187756 Use Energy, Get Rich and Save the Planet. When the first Earth Day took place in 1970, American environmentalists had good reason to feel guilty. The nation’s affluence and advanced technology seemed so obviously bad for the planet that they were featured in a famous equation developed by the ecologist Paul Ehrlich and the physicist John P. Holdren, who is now President Obama’s science adviser. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/21/science/earth/21tier.html?ref=science&pagewanted=print Peace Has A Price When Going Green Turns Mean. Washington -- A woman parks her hybrid car and erases its computer memory because she doesn't want her husband to find out she's getting just 30 miles per gallon. A dirty plastic to-go container forces a woman to face down her brother, who thinks she should wash it out and reuse it at another restaurant. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/21/MNDD175H74.DTL&type=printable Gore: 2009 Turning Point In Environment Battle. Former Vice President Al Gore said Monday that this year is "the Gettysburg" for the environment and that the United States will have to lead the fight against global warming if true progress is going to be made. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/21/BA3O1763I8.DTL&type=printable Valley Times April 21 Letters From Our Readers. Our world climate, our oceans and the air we breathe are quickly changing for the worse due to carbon pollution that is exponentially sickening our planet. When will the madness end? We have the power and technology to forever reverse the damage done and improve our world going forward, but we must first make bold and brave steps in the right direction. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/opinion/ci_12184733 Long Beach Touts New LNG Fleet Station As Step To Sustainability. Long Beach - As a kickoff to Earth Week, the city on Monday unveiled a new liquefied natural gas station for Long Beach's fleet of alternative fuel vehicles. Mayor Bob Foster and 7th District Councilwoman Tonia Reyes Uranga touted the 32,000-gallon fueling station as one more step toward becoming a sustainable city. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12187739 Record Heat Roasts State. When singer Glenn Frey famously proclaimed that "The Heat Is On," he wasn't speaking about a record heat wave. However, the song title was more than appropriate Monday. It read 95 degrees on the thermometer in Vacaville -- 3 degrees hotter than the city's previous record high temperature for an April 20, set back in 1950. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12189568 BLOGS: Gas Station Reprieve Rejected. Sacramento - Barry and Linda O'Brien built their lives around their gas station in Encinitas. But now they fear being driven into bankruptcy if local air district officials impose hefty penalties for not complying with an April 1 deadline to install cleaner dispensing technology. Posted. http://weblog.signonsandiego.com/news/breaking/2009/04/emotional_testimony_but_gas_st.html Boehner: Calling Carbon Dioxide Dangerous Is ‘Almost Comical’. Congressman John Boehner, the Ohio Republican who leads his party in the House, is no fan of the Environmental Protection Agency. Last week, the agency declared that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases pose a danger to public health, paving the way for regulation of their emission. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/21/boehner-calling-carbon-dioxide-dangerous-is-almost-comical/?pagemode=print Atmospheric CO2 and Methane Still Building. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is reporting that the concentrations of carbon dioxide and methane, the two most important greenhouse gases released through human activities, rose in 2008. The agency’s preliminary summary of greenhouse gas trends consolidates data from 60 monitoring stations around the world. Posted. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/21/atmospheric-co2-and-methane-still-building/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 22 Apr 2009 10:45:23 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for April 22, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for April 22, 2009. California Plans To Cut Fuels' Carbon Footprint. If a tree falls in the Amazon, does it have anything to do with California's alternative-fuels policy? This week, the California Air Resources Board is set to adopt a plan that says it does. The low-carbon fuel standard aims to cut the carbon footprint of the state's motor fuels 10 percent by 2020. It will influence what powers your car – from hydrogen to electricity to biofuels – for decades to come. It's likely to drive federal policies. And it will guide billions of dollars of investment in alternatives to petroleum. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/v-print/story/1799227.html http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/22/MN81175SHB.DTL http://www.modbee.com/state/story/674357.html http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/CA_Low_Carbon_Fuels_400450C.shtml http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12195615?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12195615?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com Decision Day Nears For Calif. Carbon Rule On Fuels. California air regulators will vote Thursday on a rule that would reduce the average carbon content of transportation fuels by 10 percent within 11 years, a proposal that the ethanol industry is fiercely opposing. The target of the industry's opposition: the rule's "indirect land-use change" provision aimed at assessing a fuel's "lifecycle" emissions of greenhouse gases. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/04/20/20greenwire-decision-day-nears-for-calif-carbon-rule-10596.html?pagewanted=print A $100-Million Bet On Making Fuel From Trash. As the state moves to reduce the carbon footprint of fuel, an engineer hopes to build a plant in Lancaster that will convert garbage into an alcohol-based mixture. Arnold Klann has a green dream. It began 16 years ago in a sprawling laboratory in Anaheim. This year, he hopes, it will culminate at a Lancaster garbage dump. There, in the high desert of the Antelope Valley, Klann's company, BlueFire Ethanol Fuels, plans to build a $100-million plant to convert raw trash into an alcohol-based fuel that will help power the cars and trucks of the future. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-biofuels22-2009apr22,0,4722252,print.story AE Biofuels To Supply Ethanol For Pearson. AE Biofuels Inc. said Wednesday it signed a strategic agreement to supply cellulosic ethanol to the renewable fuels filling stations developed by Pearson Fuels across the state of California. Cupertino-based AE Biofuels (OTCBB:AEBF) did not disclose financial terms of the deal. San Diego-based Pearson Fuels built the first E85 fuel station in California six years ago and has expanded statewide. Posted. http://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/stories/2009/04/20/daily40.html?t=printable Corn Ethanol Will Not Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions. California regulators may rule that the biofuel is no better--and might be worse--than petroleum for solving climate change. California regulators, trying to assess the true environmental cost of corn ethanol, are poised to declare that the biofuel cannot help the state reduce global warming. As they see it, corn is no better – and might be worse – than petroleum when total greenhouse gas emissions are considered. Posted. http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=ethanol-not-cut-emissions&print=true Valley To Clean Up After Dry Cleaners. Cities around the Valley are wrestling with a legacy of environmental contamination: a chemical used for decades by dry cleaners. Now suspected of causing cancer, the chemical has permeated underground water and soil. Cleanup is necessary, but expensive, and there's no easy way to pay for it. In Visalia, federal and state environmental agencies, alerted by high levels of the chemical in drinking water wells, dug six test wells last month near existing and former dry-cleaning businesses. Posted. http://www.fresnobee.com/local/v-print/story/1347307.html Documentary On Climate Change To Be Shown Today. The public is invited today to three free screenings of a new documentary film explaining how climate change will affect California. The 22-minute film, "A Climate of Change," was produced jointly by the state Department of Water Resources and the nonprofit Water Education Foundation. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/378/v-print/story/1799391.html http://www.modbee.com/2307/story/674942.html Obama Advisers Express Support For Dem Energy Bill. Washington, (AP) -- Top environmental advisers to President Barack Obama expressed general support Wednesday for a House Democratic bill to tackle climate change as the measure's chief sponsor rejected claims that limiting greenhouse gases will be a drag on the economy. "They argue that there is a fundamental conflict between economic growth and clean energy. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/04/21/national/w030200D03.DTL&type=printable http://www.modbee.com/breakingnews/story/675386.html Earth Day In The Region. The first Earth Day, April 22, 1970, drew an estimated 20 million participants. Organizers predict about 1 billion people from 180 nations will celebrate today's event. Among them, of course, will be thousands of people in the Sacramento region. Capitol Earth Day: Home builders, utility companies and green businesses display energy-saving and Earth-friendly gadgets, appliances and products. Displays will include alternative energy presentations by students from 60 high schools. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/378/v-print/story/1799138.html White House Cheat Sheet: The Gore-acle's Influence. Former vice president Al Gore has emerged as a key behind-the-scenes counselor to the White House and Democratic leaders in the House and Senate on a variety of issues including his trademark push to curb global warming. Posted. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/cheat-sheet/042209white-house-cheat-sheet.html?wprss=thefix Resolve To Go A Little Greener. Thirty-nine years after the first Earth Day, going green is getting a lot of attention in personal lifestyles and public policy. Local leaders have been farsighted enough to launch and support the Green Valley Initiative, a coordinated effort to position the Inland Empire as a center for green jobs and sustainable development. Posted. http://www.sbsun.com/editorial/ci_12193767 http://www.sbsun.com/search/ci_12193767?IADID=Search-www.sbsun.com-www.sbsun.com&IADID=Search-www.sbsun.com-www.sbsun.com Editorial: A Critical Day For The Earth. Today is the 40th annual Earth Day celebration. Each observance is special in that it serves to help more and more people understand the importance of protecting our precious planet. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/apr/22/a-critical-day-for-the-earth/ PD EDITORIAL: Earth Talk. What is the world coming to when the Oakland A’s Web site offers an array of “eco-friendly” products including organic cotton tank tops, recycled caps and authentic New York Yankees grass seed? Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090422/OPINION/904219919 Earth Day Events: Bill Clinton Speaks in O.C. Earth Day almost seems to have morphed into Earth month, with a variety of events across Orange County that continue for weeks. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/green-earth-day-2371470-events-event Earth Day: Where Does Your Garbage Go? To get in the mood, curl your lips in a suitable sneer, squint your eyes to fend off foul images, steel your olfactory receptors as best you can, and prepare to utter a protracted "Eeeeew!" Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/news/ci_12193526 Lobbyists See Profit In 'Going Green'. President Obama has promised that passing laws to enhance "green" living would create millions of new jobs. Little did he realize that the growth would start with a surge in federal lobbying. Posted. http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/22/president-obama-has-promised-that-passing-laws-to-/ Grand Green: Where Sustainability And High Style Meet. When the green movement first started, we saw stories about families who lived in underground homes or homes built into the sides of hills - drastic measures that few of us were willing to take. These days, there are all kinds of ways to go greener while maintaining an upscale urban or suburban lifestyle, from tankless water heaters to solar-powered gadgets for charging your cell phone. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/1800292.html Un: Gaza's Postwar Environmental Problems Growing. Ramallah, West Bank (AP) --Environmental hazards in Gaza, such as raw sewage leaks, have been getting worse since Israel's war on Hamas there as even basic repairs are stalled by the ongoing blockade of the territory, a top U.N official said Tuesday. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/04/21/international/i064613D61.DTL&type=printable Valley Air District Starts Lawn Mower-Swap Program. The sound of a gas lawn mower humming along may be associated with spring and summer, but it has dirty consequences for Valley air. Posted. http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/article/20090422/NEWS01/904220316 http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090422/A_NEWS/904220322 EPA Proposes Mercury Cutbacks At Cement Plants. The Obama administration proposed sharp reductions Tuesday in airborne pollution from America's 99 cement plants, including first-ever limits on mercury from older kilns. The rules also would lead to steep cuts in emissions of other toxins, including hydrochloric acid, hydrocarbons, soot and sulfur dioxide, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/business/story/674615.html EPA Restores Stricter Reporting Of Toxic Pollution. The federal government will once again require companies to fully disclose the toxic chemicals they release into the air, onto land and into water. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/21/AR2009042101974.html Unsafe Trucks Targeted By Law Enforcement. Police officers from several agencies were stationed on roads leading to three Orange County landfills this morning as part of a countywide commercial enforcement effort. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/brea-kane-vehicles-2370907-commercial-landfill Opinion: On Earth Day, think Thoreau. Environmental protection can be done more efficiently and for less cost at the local level. Earth Day is upon us, and with it, several "green" events, including the broadcasting of "Walden: The Ballad of Thoreau" on public television and in schools. This is surprising at a time when government involvement in the environment is all the rage. Henry David Thoreau, who wrote that "government is best which governs not at all," is probably writhing in his grave. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-huggins22-2009apr22,0,5527118,print.story House Climate Hearings Put Obama Team On Hot Seat. Top members of President Barack Obama's energy and environmental team are weighing in on a bill that would curb the emissions blamed for global warming and transform how the nation produces and uses energy. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/business/story/673706.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/22/AR2009042200364.html Lawmakers Optimistic About Passing Climate-Change Measures. As Congress began work Tuesday on groundbreaking climate legislation, Washington lawmakers were unusually optimistic on Earth Day 2009 about getting at least some climate-change legislation passed this year. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/674560.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/22/AR2009042201674.html What Color Is Your Car? Thank heavens the "powers that be" backed off and didn't go through with provisions of a bill that would have resulted in more control, overregulation and macro-managing of our lives. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/opinion/letters/x443327679/What-color-is-your-car BLOGS: E.P.A. Releases Analysis of Climate Bill. Just days after declaring that carbon emissions were a threat to human health, the Environmental Protection Agency has given high marks to a wide-ranging energy and climate bill that was recently put forward by the House Energy Committee. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/21/epa-releases-analysis-of-climate-bill/ Cities Mull How to Sell ‘Green’ Agendas. City officials, urban planners, architects and a variety of advocacy groups gathered in Portland, Ore., over the weekend for the National League of Cities’ first conference devoted entirely to sustainability. In addition to providing cities with ideas for sustainable planning, the “Green Cities Conference” has highlighted opportunities for economic development, improved quality of life, urban renewal and historic preservation that can come with sustainable design, public transportation and high-density development. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/22/cities-mull-how-to-sell-green-agendas/?pagemode=print Senate Foes Agree on Dangerous Pollutant. A remarkable news release was issued this morning from Capitol Hill. Senators as varied as John Kerry of Massachusetts and James M. Inhofe of Oklahoma — about as far apart on most environmental issues as it’s possible to be — united in introducing legislation requiring the Environmental Protection Agency to assess options for cleaning up a “dangerous pollutant” that can hurt people and warm the climate. Posted. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/22/senate-foes-agree-on-dangerous-pollutant/ Is Being Overweight a Climate Problem? The study concludes that being overweight or obese “should be recognized as an environmental problem” because of its contribution to climate change from additional food and transport emissions. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/22/is-being-overweight-a-climate-problem/?scp=2&sq=climate%20change&st=cse ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:20:14 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for April 23, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for April 23, 2009. ARB Set To Approve Low Carbon Fuel Standard. California is poised to approve a first-in-the-nation rule to cut carbon emissions from gasoline and diesel fuels, including a crackdown on emissions resulting from the production and distribution of alternative fuels, such as ethanol. The dramatic new regulation would curb greenhouse gases associated with the fuel, from its inception to its combustion. Posted. http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?_c=xxf6sky320hpni&xid=xxebbk3hr61ae0&done=.xxf6sky320zpni# http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/22/EDPB1776BP.DTL http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE53M09E20090423 http://www.kcbs.com/California-to-Reward-Clean-Fuel-Producers/4258150 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andrew-gumbel/time-to-watch-those-carbs_b_190356.html Please Note: There are over 133 articles/opinions and editorials regarding this ruling. To view all articles please go to http://news.google.com/news?pz=1&ned=us&hl=en&q=california+air+resources+board Obama Pushes Clean Energy. Newton, Iowa -- Marking Earth Day with a pitch for his energy plan, President Obama called for a "new era of energy exploration in America" and argued that his proposal would help the economy and the environment at once. "The choice we face is not between saving our environment and saving our economy - it's a choice between prosperity and decline," Obama said Wednesday in his first post-election trip to Iowa, the state that launched him toward the White House. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/23/MNBL177834.DTL&type=printable Newsom Visits San Diego, Touting His Green Credentials. San Diego – San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom took an Earth Day tour of a La Jolla biotech firm Wednesday – donning a green tie for the occasion – on his first full day of campaigning after formally announcing his candidacy this week for the 2010 California governor's race. Newsom visited Sapphire Energy, a company launched in 2007 that is working to convert algae to an environmentally friendly biofuel for use in autos and airliners. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/apr/22/bn22newsom-in-sd/?metro State Pesticide Rules Relaxed. In a victory for farmers, more emissions from fumigants to be allowed. Sacramento -- State regulators this week finalized looser pesticide rules that environmentalists say will slow efforts to clean the Valley's smoggy air. The Department of Pesticide Regulation will allow more emissions from "fumigants" -- pesticides that are injected into soil to kill pests and disease. Posted. http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1350801.html Scientist Points To Environmentally Helpful Oil Production. Oil producers -- including some in Kern -- can play an important role in efforts to reduce greenhouse gases, a Wyoming scientist told students at Cal State Bakersfield Wednesday. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/news/business/economy/x443327779/Scientist-points-to-environmentally-helpful-oil-production Did You See Smoke Today? Don't Worry, It's Under Control. No need to worry about a wildfire if you caught a glimpse of smoke in the morning sky today, officials said. It's all under control. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/training-fire-county-2372021-riverside-department Berkeley Council Says Don't Worry About Climate Plan. Berkeley City Council members attempted to reassure frightened homeowners they won't have to make expensive upgrades for energy efficiency as part of the city's plan to reduce greenhouse gasses. But when time ran out on the City Council meeting at 12:15 a.m. Wednesday, they made no changes to the document that suggests the city require the improvements of homeowners. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_12201864 2009 Earth Day Is Special, Says Green Jobs Czar. A former Oakland activist now serving as President Barack Obama's "green jobs czar" said this week's Earth Day observance is special because of the new administration. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/ci_12192511 Editorial: New Day At The EPA -- It's About Time. SINCE THE BUSH administration departed Washington an interesting shift has taken place at the Environmental Protection Agency. And we are delighted. The latest change in policy came Tuesday. It was a full reversal from the Bush rules concerning the reporting of toxic pollution. Companies will be required, starting in July, to fully disclose the toxic chemicals they release into the air, onto land and into the water; something one would expect a government environmental agency to require all along. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/opinion/ci_12200962 Editorial: Regional Authority Needed To Operate Bay Area Carpool, Toll Lanes. THE WORSENING traffic congestion in the Bay Area is having an increasingly negative impact on the quality of life in the region. The millions of people who commute to work daily lose valuable time, waste gasoline and add to air pollution. Businesses suffer and new enterprises are discouraged from locating in the area, harming the Bay Area economy. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/opinion/ci_12201394 Backyard Refineries Blamed For Fires, Explosions. Edmonds, Wash.—Trying to live green and beat high gasoline prices, some enterprising Americans are turning cooking oil into biodiesel in their garages. Problem is some of these do-it-yourselfers are burning down the house. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12202430 California Farmers To Get Slight Drought Relief. Fresno, Calif.—Farmers in California's drought-stricken agricultural basin finally will get a meager supply of federal water to nurture their crops this summer. Officials with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation said Tuesday that heavy storms in March allowed them to boost the amount of water sent to customers south of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the critical region where most of the nation's fruits and vegetables are grown. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/financialmarkets/ci_12207528 BLOGS: Global Warming and Your Gas Tank. California on Thursday gets down to the nitty-gritty of regulating its contribution to global warming. The state's low-carbon fuel standard would reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of the fuel that goes into your gas tank. It may not sound glamorous, but it is the first such standard in the world, and it is likely to be a model for similar U.S. rules to govern the country's $400-million vehicle fuel market. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/04/global-warming-and-your-gas-tank.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:40:22 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Addendum to Newsclips from 4-23-09 From: sponedal@ARB.CA.GOV Addendum. Yes: It is a national security priority. If we in the United States continue to power our transportation primarily with fossil fuels, a few things are absolutely certain. Our economy will continue to be wrenched by the highly volatile, and inevitably rising, price of oil. Our nation's security will continue to be compromised by our dependence on unfriendly nations. Our oil dollars will continue to help fund those who wish to do us harm. And our country will continue to exhaust unacceptable amounts of pollution into a global atmosphere that is warming at an unsustainable rate. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/apr/23/lz1e23mcginn205440-low-carbon-fuels/?opinion&zIndex=86959 No: Don't rush into bad decision on standards. There is a rising chorus of concerns about the California Air Resources Board's proposed Low Carbon Fuel Standard scheduled to be adopted today. The standard aims to reduce the carbon intensity of gasoline and diesel fuel by 10 percent by 2020. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/apr/23/lz1e23boyd205438-no-dont-rush-bad-decision-standar/?opinion&zIndex=86955 ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:16:59 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for April 24th, 2009 From: sponedal@ARB.CA.GOV . . California to limit greenhouse gas emissions of vehicle fuels. California took aim Thursday at the oil industry and its impact on global warming, adopting the world's first regulation to limit greenhouse gas emissions from the fuel that runs cars and trucks. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-green-fuel24-2009apr24,0,1347527.story http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_12214670 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/23/BABA1782HB.DTL&tsp=1 http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10226803-54.html http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hcpySoMnEsaqHNOy1gED2UjQKF1wD97OI8700 http://www.miamiherald.com/news/environment/story/1015234.html http://www.rushprnews.com/2009/04/24/first-low-carbon-fuel-standard-in-us-brings-cleaner-air-to-california/ http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/apr/24/california-carbon-rules-transportation http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/apr/24/1n24fuel005932-alternate-fuels-focus-states-new-ru/?california&zIndex=87788 http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?_c=xxhpigflvntg7s&xid=xxhinr5o3udm0z&done=.xxhpigflvobg7s http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/04/23/tech/main4965304.shtml http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/politics&id=6777823 http://www.labusinessjournal.com/article.asp?aID=62462928.3502139.1773096.3745712.4806376.252&aID2=136383 http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE53L71L20090424 http://www.todaystrucking.com/news.cfm?intDocID=21626 http://sacbee.com/topstories/story/1806115.html California’s LCFS could hamper growth of advanced biofuels. California’s adoption of a low-carbon fuel standard jeopardizes continued development of the advanced biofuels it is intended to promote. Biotechnology Industry Organization Executive Vice President Brent Erickson issued the following statement regarding the decision today issued by the California Air Resources Board: “The biotechnology industry supports and applauds California’s attempt to mitigate the impact of transportation on climate change through adoption of a low-carbon fuel standard.” Posted. http://www.biomassmagazine.com/article.jsp?article_id=2631 http://domesticfuel.com/2009/04/24/ethanol-groups-disappointed-by-california-ruling/ http://www.businessinsider.com/california-cripples-the-ethanol-industry-2009-4 http://www.agriculture.com/ag/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/ag/story/data/1240578549273.xml http://www.agriculture.com/ag/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/ag/story/data/1240578319679.xml Editorial: Sensible state bill on fuels' greenhouse gases. California should continue to lead the way in the fight against climate change by requiring cleaner-burning fuels in this state. The state Air Resources Board is scheduled to vote today on whether to force refiners and distributors to reduce the "carbon intensity" of the transportation fuels they sell, starting in 2011. The so-called Low Carbon Fuel Standard represents a critical step toward this state's commitment to reduce overall emissions of heat-trapping gases by a third by 2020. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/green/detail?entry_id=38982 Editorial: California air board makes good decision to move away from corn-based ethanol. THE CALIFORNIA Air Resources Board is devising a plan to reduce the carbon content of the state's engine fuels 10 percent by 2020. To reach that goal, the air board is considering greater use of alternative fuels such as electricity, hydrogen and biofuels. What California does is likely to drive federal policy on fuels in the future. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/opinion/ci_12210700 Cali Motorists Fill Up With Cellulosic Ethanol. In what might be one of the first deals of its kind, Pearson Fuels, a company installing “alternative fuels stations” across the state of California, has inked a deal with AE Biofuels, Inc. to supply cellulosic ethanol for its E85 and other ethanol fuel blends. Pearson Fuels, based in San Diego was the first company to build an E85 station for the public in California six years ago and has since begun expanding north. Posted. http://domesticfuel.com/2009/04/24/cali-motorists-fill-up-with-cellulosic-ethanol/ General Wesley Clark goes to battle for ethanol industry. The flag is flying at half mast for America's ethanol business, but that won't stop producers from trying to wrap themselves up in it. This once-hot industry is in the midst of a financial meltdown. It's also facing a regulatory challenge in, of all places, environmentally friendly California. So who can blame it for trying to fan a little patriotic fervor? Posted. http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/columnists/chi-fri-burns-ethanol-columnapr24,0,7548647.column Global Warming Overreach. Congressman Henry Waxman played to the crowds this week with high-profile hearings designed to boost his climate legislation. To listen to the Energy and Commerce committee chair, a House global warming bill is all but in the recyclable bag. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124052841876150301.html Kids exposed to traffic-related air more likely to develop asthma. Southern California children who are exposed to traffic-related air pollution are more likely to develop asthma, according to a study released today by the California Air Resources Board. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12210219 Blogs: CARB Your Enthusiasm: California’s Contentious Quest for Cleaner Fuel. What happens in Vegas might stay there. What happens in California, especially when it comes to energy ideas, tends to get out. Take cleaner fuels. Today, the California Air Resources Board is set to approve its low-carbon fuel standard. That’s the plan to slash the “carbon intensity” of transportation fuels 10% by 2020, part of the state’s wider push to curb greenhouse-gas emissions. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/04/23/carb-your-enthusiasm-californias-contentious-quest-for-cleaner-fuel/ California Fuel Move Angers Ethanol Makers. Ethanol producers reacted with dismay to California’s approval of the nation’s first low-carbon fuel standard, which will require the state’s mix of fuels to be 10 percent lower in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/24/california-fuel-move-angers-ethanol-makers/ Al Gore: Passing the Climate Bill a ‘Moral Imperative’. Al Gore came back to Congress today to warn about the perils of climate change and throw his weight behind draft energy and climate legislation. When it comes to sizing up the scope of the energy and climate challenge, forget pedestrian comparisons such as the Apollo or Manhattan projects—it’s time to think big. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/04/24/al-gore-passing-the-climate-bill-a-moral-imperative/ Opinion: Gore and former Sen. Warner Say Global Warming Could Have National Security Implications. Congress should move decisively this year to take action on global warming legislation to avert festering environmental challenges that could further strain the U.S.military former Vice-President Al Gore and former Sen. John Warner said in testimony before the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Posted. http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/Examiner-Opinion-Zone/Gore-and-former-Sen-Warner-Say-Global-Warming-Could-Have-National-Security-Implications--43621202.html U.S. ethanol fails to block California rules. California officials are billing the state’s new low-carbon fuel standard as a boon for biofuels, but the U.S. ethanol fears it’s going to further discourage investment in the business. California’s Air Resources Board adopted rules yesterday that determine whether various types of fuels and fuel additives will meet the state’s targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks. Posted. http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2009/04/24/us-ethanol-fails-to-block-california-rules/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:18:16 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for April 27, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newclips for April 27, 2009. Kids Exposed To Traffic-Related Air More Likely To Develop Asthma. Southern California children who are exposed to traffic-related air pollution are more likely to develop asthma, according to a study released today by the California Air Resources Board. Posted. http://www.dailynews.com/search/ci_12210219?IADID=Search-www.dailynews.com-www.dailynews.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12210219 http://www.insidebayarea.com/california/ci_12210219 House Dems Discuss Cuts To Tough Climate Rules. Washington - Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee are negotiating among themselves on whether to scale back legislation that would impose a mandatory limit on greenhouse gases, with some conservatives and moderates calling for electric utilities to be given pollution allowances for free and for more modest cuts in the targets for cutting emissions. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/25/MN66178KD1.DTL&type=printable http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/04/27/27climatewire-house-democrats-still-talking-in-quest-to-pa-10678.html Businesses See Employment Upside With Carbon Cap. One question was on everyone's mind during hearings this week on a new U.S. energy policy: What would it do to the country's jobs and the American lifestyle? “It’s about jobs," and whether the new policies would help or hurt the country's economy, said Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt. "It's not just political. It's a legitimate concern." Posted. http://www.modbee.com/business/story/678654.html Study: SE Asia Will Be Hit Hard By Climate Change. Southeast Asia will be hit particularly hard by climate change, causing the region's agriculture-dependent economies to contract by as much as 6.7 percent annually by the end of the century, according to a study released Monday. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2032/story/680859.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/27/AR2009042700653.html http://www.fresnobee.com/640/story/1357980.html Clinton Tells Nations US Acting On Climate Change. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is telling representatives from 16 major world economies that the United States is moving quickly to address global warming. At an international forum on energy and climate change Monday, Clinton said the U.S. is fully engaged and no longer doubts the urgency or magnitude of the climate change problem. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/breakingnews/story/681220.html http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/04/27/27greenwire-us-will-lead-the-way-on-emission-curbs--clinto-10687.html?pagewanted=print http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12236865?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12236865?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/27/AR2009042701109.html http://www.fresnobee.com/news/national-politics/story/1359204.html http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/apr/27/carbon-emissions-us/print Climate Research That Might Not Help. Phil Edwards, a statistician and the head of the Nutrition and Public Health Intervention Research Unit at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, told me last week that he was receiving a lot of hate mail. “I got a lot of nasty stuff from your side of the globe,” he said. The reason for the opprobrium is this: “Population Adiposity and Climate Change.” That’s the title of a paper that Mr. Edwards and a colleague, Ian Roberts, published this month in the International Journal of Epidemiology. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/27/business/energy-environment/27iht-green.html?_r=1&sq=climate%20change&st=cse&scp=2&pagewanted=print Compromise Climate Bill Possible. Moderate House Democrats circulated a watered-down version of a sweeping climate-change-prevention bill Friday as lawmakers moved closer to a compromise on a proposal to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/25/compromise-bill-possible/ Op-Ed Contributor: Don’t Waste Time Cutting Emissions. WE are often told that tackling global warming should be the defining task of our age — that we must cut emissions immediately and drastically. But people are not buying the idea that, unless we act, the planet is doomed. Several recent polls have revealed Americans’ growing skepticism. Solving global warming has become their lowest policy priority, according to a new Pew survey. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/25/opinion/25lomborg.html?em=&pagewanted=print Global Warming Tactics And Strategy. Over at the Washington Post this morning, Robert Samuelson, who has the same job description as I do but a much nicer moustache, opines that it will be difficult to achieve energy reduction goals advanced by the green machine and currently under consideration by the House of Representatives. It would mandate an 83% drop in emissions by 2050. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-9111-SF-Environmental-Policy-Examiner~y2009m4d27-Global-warming-tactics-and-strategy Utilities Upped Spending On Cap-And-Trade Lobbying In '08. Fifty of the nation's biggest electric utilities increased spending on lobbying by 30 percent in the last half of 2008 to make sure their takes on climate change legislation are heard by lawmakers. Companies like Duke Energy, which serves 4 million customers, and regional power giant American Electric Power, spent a total of $51 million in the last six months of 2008, $12 million more than what they spent over the same period in 2007, according to an analysis of lobbying reports by USA Today. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/04/27/10 Study Says Warming Poses Peril to Asia. With diminished rice harvests, seawater seeping into aquifers and islands vanishing into rising oceans, Southeast Asia will be among the regions worst affected by global warming, according to a report scheduled for release on Monday by the Asian Development Bank. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/27/world/asia/27climate.html?_r=1&ref=world&pagewanted=print Power, And Pitfalls, Of An Electrical Smart Grid. The economic stimulus invests $4.5 billion in a digital energy network, which may prevent blackouts. The project to build one is daunting, though, experts say. Reporting from Washington — One warm August afternoon in 2003, a power failure originating in Ohio coursed through the electrical grid in the Northeast, sparking the nation's largest blackout and leaving millions in eight states without air conditioning, traffic lights and cellphone service. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-smartgrid27-2009apr27,0,34781,print.story Environmental Challenges Loom. Judging the state of Orange County's environment demands clear-eyed measurements of air, water and habitat quality. And most of those measurements suggest one word: change. In some cases, a lot of it. Air quality. Posted. http://headlines.ocregister.com/articles/county_23838___article.html/water_orange.html State Eases Rules Regulating Fumigant Pesticides. As temperatures rise and air stagnates in the San Joaquin Valley, state regulators are relaxing pesticide rules in a way that some say will increase the region's air pollution. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/apr/24/state-eases-rules-regulating-fumigant-pesticides/ All-Electric Cars About To Be Resurrected. The all-electric car, which had a brief heyday less than a decade ago and then went the way of the dodo, killed off by the car companies, is about to make a comeback. Charged up with lighter, more sophisticated and efficient batteries, and competitively priced with gasoline-driven and hybrid vehicles, the new offers will be marketed and sold primarily as second cars - for running errands, taking kids to school and the like. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/27/MN0B174G40.DTL&type=printable Navistar First Truck and Bus Maker to Receive Hybrid Certification from California Air Resources Board. Navistar (NYSE: NAV) continues to blaze new trails through the hybrid landscape, becoming the first truck and bus manufacturer to receive total hybrid vehicle certification from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for improving fuel economy and overall emissions. Posted. http://www.fresnobee.com/547/story/1358683.html Automakers Decide Availability Of Diesel Vehicles. Dear EarthTalk: I don't understand why there are many European diesel cars with very high mileage ratings that are not available in the U.S. Can you enlighten? Posted. http://www.sbsun.com/search/ci_12221886?IADID=Search-www.sbsun.com-www.sbsun.com Editorial: CO2 Limits Are Unneeded, Unjust. The California Air Resources Board, seeking to reshape life in California by dictating to private enterprise, has adopted the nation's first regulations to force fuel manufacturers to reduce their carbon footprints. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/government-arb-fuel-2375079-ethanol-co EarthTalk: Why Doesn't U.S. Have High-Mileage Diesel Cars, like Europe? Dear EarthTalk: I don't understand why there are many European diesel cars with very high mileage ratings that are not available in the U.S. Can you enlighten? Different countries do have differing standards in regard to how much pollution gasoline and diesel automobile engines are allowed to emit, but the reason you see so fewer diesel cars in the U.S. is more of a choice by automakers than the product of a decree by regulators on either side of the Atlantic. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/1812493.html Gore Goes 'Back To The Future'. Former Vice President Al Gore returned to a House committee where he began his political career to take lawmakers "Back to the Future" Friday, offering a strong endorsement of a Democratic draft bill to curb greenhouse gases and address global warming. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/24/gore-goes-back-future/ Don't Stifle Wind Power. A recent survey of those who install wind energy systems in California found widespread disdain for the current permitting process. Indeed, eight of nine firms queried were somewhat or very discouraged with the process, citing as obstacles high fees, inconsistencies among jurisdictions and long wait times. Posted. http://www.sbsun.com/search/ci_12233981?IADID=Search-www.sbsun.com-www.sbsun.com Devices Wise Up To Energy Consumption. With “green” becoming a key marketing tool of the 21st century, several Orange County companies have added their own green touch to technology products, which may save the consumer money on their energy bills. Ethernet goes green. Posted. http://headlines.ocregister.com/articles/_23841___article.html/_.html Berkeley's Environment-Friendly Center To Open. In a splash of bamboo, concrete and solar panels, Berkeley will unveil a temple to the environmental movement next week with the opening of the Brower Center. The $28 million state-of-the-art office building, on the site of a former parking lot next to UC Berkeley, will house at least 10 environmental nonprofit groups. Made of 53 percent recycled material, the four-story building has received the highest rating for green construction. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/27/BA3B178IPC.DTL&type=printable A Key Energy Industry Nervously Awaits Its 'Rebirth'. One of the biggest question marks in the nation's energy and climate policy is the future of nuclear power. In the past, the United States has made a major commitment to it. The U.S. nuclear power industry is the world's largest. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/04/27/27climatewire-a-key-energy-industry-nervously-awaits-its-r-10677.html Filming 'Earth' Truly A Wild Card. You know that male polar bear in "Earth," the new Disney nature documentary that follows three struggling animal "families" in far-flung corners of the globe? The one who's off looking for increasingly scarce food on vanishing sea ice while the female stays behind to nurse their two adorable, newborn cubs? The one referred to in the narration (by James Earl Jones) as "Dad"? Yeah, that one. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090424/ENTERTAINMENT/904241036 O.C. Green Businesses Thrive During Recession. The owner of a small, “green” business in Laguna Beach got her start just as the country was settling in for a steep recession. In Santa Ana, a pollution-control equipment-maker is still going strong – though economic woes cut into his revenues and forced some cuts in contract employees. Posted. http://headlines.ocregister.com/articles/_23835___article.html/_.html Eye on the Environment: Mom Had It Right About The Disposal Of Used Cooking Oil. I can hear my mother now: “Don’t pour used cooking oil down the kitchen sink, it’ll clog your drain!” well, I’m sorry to say that I haven’t always followed her advice. It’s just too easy to rinse the used french fry oil down the drain while washing the dishes after dinner. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/apr/26/mom-had-it-right-about-the-disposal-of-used-oil/?printer=1/ Blogs If You Thought You Were Regulated Before, Just Wait… Perhaps the only thing worse than the open-ended, control-every-aspect-of-your life regulatory authority the Obama Administration has given itself by declaring harmless CO2 to be harmful is the open-ended, control-every-aspect-of-your life law that Congress is considering. Posted. http://orangepunch.freedomblogging.com/2009/04/25/if-you-thought-you-were-regulated-before-just-wait/8819/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:44:53 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for April 28, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for April 29, 2009. Regional: Three Bay Area Students Honored As 'Climate Champions' Three Bay Area high school students were honored Monday at the state Capitol for their work to protect the environment, according to the office of Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco/San Mateo. Soraya Okuda of San Francisco's Lowell High School and two students from Aragon High School in San Mateo, Jason Bade and Julia Borden, were among 10 California "Climate Champions" recognized by the state and the British Council for their work to address global climate change. Posted. http://cbs5.com/localwire/22.0.html?type=bcn&item=STUDENTS-HONORED-bagm-# House Democrats 'Moving Ahead' On Climate Bill, Majority Leader Says. House democrats will not abandon plans to pass global warming and energy legislation this year despite concerns that similar proposals may fail to win the 60 votes needed for senate approval, majority leader Steny Hoyer said today. "I think we're moving on parallel tracks," the Maryland democrat told reporters during his weekly briefing in the capitol. "I don't want to imply that we're waiting for the senate to act, because that would not be accurate." Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/04/28/28greenwire-house-dems-moving-ahead-on-emissions-bill--hoy-10706.html?pagewanted=print Clinton Says U.S. Is Ready to Lead on Climate. After eight years largely on the sidelines of the international policy debate on climate change, the United States is prepared to lead negotiations toward a new global warming treaty, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Monday. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/28/science/earth/28climate.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/28/MNOI179SRR.DTL&type=printable Climate Law Poses Trade Risks; Lawmakers Unsure How To Respond. >From the East Coast to the West and across the political spectrum, House lawmakers remain divided over how to protect America from losing a competitive edge to China and other nations under climate change legislation. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/04/28/28climatewire-climate-law-poses-trade-risks-lawmakers-unsu-10705.html Utilities Amp Up Lobbying Over Climate Debate. Fifty of the nation's largest electric utilities amped up spending on lobbyists by 30 percent late last year to influence the debate in Congress just underway on one of the biggest issues facing lawmakers: climate change. From Duke Energy, with 4 million customers, to American Electric Power (AEP), which sells energy in 11 states, the companies spent a total $51 million in the last six months of 2008, $12 million more than the same period in 2007, a USA TODAY review of lobbying reports shows. Posted. http://www.news10.net/news/green/story.aspx?storyid=58496&catid=62 Energy & Environment: Climate Yuks. The prospect of listening to 68 witnesses testify over the course of four daylong congressional hearings can be daunting even for the wonkiest of lawmakers. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/28/energy-environment-climate-yuks/ Obama Seeks Reversal Of Mountaintop Mining Rule. Washington—The Obama administration took steps Monday to reverse a last-minute Bush-era rule that allows mountaintop mining waste to be dumped near streams saying it was bad public policy. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_12237824 Al Gore Calls For Prompt Action On Melting Ice. OSLO—Al Gore said Tuesday the world must act quickly to slow the melting of the world's polar ice packs and glaciers before it reaches a critical rate for global warming. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12245371 Bill Mandating Motorcycle Smog Check In California Senate. Every season of government brings new legislation, some from good intentions, others from personal ambitions and the occasional bill that appears to make no sense to a majority of voters. Currently, the latter category would include California riders as they face the possible effects of a bill introduced into the State Senate in February requiring newer motorcycles to be smog tested biannually. Posted. http://www.clutchandchrome.com/News/0904/News0904107.htm Judge Kills Parts Of Ports' Clean-Truck Program. Los Angeles - A federal judge Monday shot down several controversial measures included in the ports' clean-truck program, ruling that local authorities cannot implement an employee-driver mandate or place parking restrictions on trucks, among other measures, pending the outcome of a trial later this year. Posted. http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_12240887 http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12240887 Another Link To Asthma And Smog. A new study warns that childhood asthma could increase as much as 30 percent in Southern California with higher levels of traffic-generated air pollution. Posted. http://www.inlandnewstoday.com/story.php?s=8089 Environmentalists, Businesses Unite on Emissions Bill. After fighting each other for decades, environmentalists and industrial businesses are working together in Congress to clear the air - literally - through a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. Posted. http://www.news10.net/news/green/story.aspx?storyid=58449&catid=62 EPA Wants To Review Permits For Navajo Nation Power Plant. U.S. EPA wants to reconsider the permits it issued for a major coal-fired power project in New Mexico, a bid that environmentalists say signals a bleak future for coal plant proposals under the Obama administration. EPA's Environmental Appeals Board is weighing an agency request (pdf) to rethink permits for the Desert Rock Energy Facility, a 1,500-megawatt plant planned for Navajo Nation land about 25 miles southwest of Farmington, N.M. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/04/28/28greenwire-epa-wants-to-review-permits-for-navajo-nation-10707.html?pagewanted=print San Francisco Aims To Close Mirant Power Plant. In an apparent effort to shut down the city's remaining large power plant, San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera filed a lawsuit Monday claiming that the plant's owner has failed to comply with laws requiring that brick buildings be retrofitted. The plant, located south of Mission Bay and owned by Atlanta-based Mirant Corp., is at the center of a long-running dispute involving city officials, environmentalists and state regulators over how and when it should be replaced with a cleaner power source. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/28/BAQT179VHE.DTL&type=printable Port of LA solar power project finally gets moving. With more than 300 days of annual sunshine and enough open space to park tens of thousands of unsold cars, the world's largest megaships and more than a few shipping containers, the port seems to be a perfect place for a solar power plant. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12240742 Letters To The Editor: Trucks and L.A.'s pollution, Pakistan and the Taliban, and Martin Luther King's legacy. The road we're on Re “Let’s get truckin’,” editorial, April 24 . Your editorial is on the wrong side of the road. Today, drivers and old trucks remain in the shadows, where sharecropper-style economics cuts corners on maintenance and safety measures. Environmentalists want an overhaul of this dysfunctional system to make sure that owners of trucks are responsible for their upkeep. Without a systemic fix, today's new trucks will be tomorrow's broken-down trucks. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/letters/la-le-letters28-2009apr28,0,7966933,print.story ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:05:33 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for April 29, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for April 29, 2009. Most In U.S. Live With Unhealthy Air Quality. Los Angeles - Sixty percent of Americans live in areas with unhealthy air pollution levels, despite a growing green movement and more stringent laws aimed at improving air quality, the American Lung Association said in a report released Wednesday. The public-health group ranked the pollution levels of U.S. cities and counties based on air-quality measurements that state and local agencies reported to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency between 2005 and 2007. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/29/BAGK17AQ1A.DTL&type=printable http://www.sacbee.com/827/story/1818406.html http://www.mercurynews.com/california/ci_12248015?source=rss http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-air29-2009apr29,0,5019894,print.story http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_12248015 http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_12247609 http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12253211 http://www.dailynews.com/search/ci_12253211?IADID=Search-www.dailynews.com-www.dailynews.com http://www.bakersfield.com/news/local/x http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090429/A_NEWS/904290307 http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/04/29/ap-state-ca/d97rvmsg1.txt http://www.modbee.com/2032/story/683467.html http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12251955?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/29/AR2009042900249.html http://www.fresnobee.com/384/story/1364783.html http://www.sbsun.com/search/ci_12253061?IADID=Search-www.sbsun.com-www.sbsun.com Shipping Lines Fight California Emissions Rule. Pacific Merchant Shipping Association claims state vessel regulation violates federal law. Ocean carriers are seeking a permanent injunction against enforcement of a new state regulation that will require the use of low-sulfur fuel in vessels’ main engines, auxiliary engines and auxiliary boilers within 24 miles of California’s coast. The Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, which represents shipping lines and terminal operators, contends in a lawsuit that the federal government preempts states in regulating vessel operations beyond a three-mile limit. Posted. http://www.joc.com/node/411078 Committee Oks Pro-Environment Bill To Regulate Gas 17,000 Times More Damaging Than Carbon Dioxide. Sacramento - An environmental policy-setting panel today approved Sen. Jenny Oropeza´s plan to reduce the release into the air of a widely used ´greenhouse´ gas previously thought harmless. The Senate Environmental Quality Committee´s approval of Senate Bill 104 came the week following Earth Day. If adopted into law, SB 104 would direct the California Air Resources Board to regulate nitrogen trifluoride, or NF3, and possibly other gases found to be at least as harmful as carbon dioxide. Posted. http://www.californiachronicle.com/articles/view/100311 US More Optimistic About Climate Deal After Talks. The top U.S. negotiator on climate change said Tuesday that he is slightly more optimistic about striking a new international agreement to curb global warming after a two-day meeting with the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2028/story/682918.html GOP On Offense In Fight Against Democrats' Climate Bill. When it comes to climate change, Republicans are all over the map. Some are skeptics about the science and causes of global warming, while others worry about the potential economic costs of a cap-and-trade program. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/04/28/28climatewire-gop-on-offense-in-fight-against-dems-global-10712.html Dueling Dogmas On Global Warming. The hot sun is big, and of course, is the prime source of normal global warming, including the usual approximately 11-year cycle of sun spots. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12211716?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12211716?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com Renewable Energy Emerging Markets Conference. The renewable power boom sweeping much of the world has barely touched Africa, South America and the Caribbean. Windmills are sprouting across the American plains, while solar panels spread over rooftops in China. But they're rare in places like Mozambique and Guatemala, which haven't had the money to afford them or the infrastructure to support them. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/29/BU2T17AQK3.DTL&type=printable New Center To Focus On Algae, Biofuels. S.D. research institutes, biotechs to collaborate on green products. San Diego, known for its sunshine, breathtaking beaches and surfing scientists, now hopes to gain fame for another attribute – algae. Yes, algae, the green stuff that grows rapidly in brackish water or saltwater when exposed to ample amounts of our Southern California sunshine. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/apr/29/1n29biofuels005337-new-center-focus-algae-biofuels/ Big Grant In Berkeley To Study How To Bury CO{-2}. Two Berkeley scientists will get $30 million in federal funding over the next five years to discover cheap, efficient ways to extract and bury the carbon emissions from power plants and natural gas wells, the White House has announced. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/29/MNDT17AQ63.DTL&type=printable Biodiesel Barriers: Why New Diesel Engines Aren't Compatible With B100. Dave Hubbard showed us how to turn grease from restaurants into fuel for his black Jetta TDI, a BMW motorcycle, bulldozers, tractors for five local farms and a tree nursery—all for the low cost of about 50 cents a gallon. Now this engineer and home-grown chemist has a warning for those who may try to follow in his footsteps: Watch what vehicle you buy. Pure biodiesel, once compatible with all diesel engines, now leads to problems in new cars. Posted. http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/how_to/4311498.html Blogs: California's Low-Carbon Fuel Standard Stirs Controversy. Let’s try to make this argument as simple as we can. In 2006, California created an aggressive climate law calling for a cut in greenhouse gas emissions of 25% by 2020, and a 10% overall reduction in fuel emissions. In order to meet the fuel requirement, the makeup of fuel for cars is going to have to change. That’s where the problems start. Posted. http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2009/04/californias-lowcarbon-fuel-standard-stirs-controversy.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:06:28 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for April 30th, 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for April 30, 2009. ARB eyes ‘indirect land use’ in low carbon fuel standard. A critical piece of California’s new law cutting carbon emissions from transportation fuels is getting a another look, with state air-quality regulators likely to vote by December on the issue known as “indirect land use.” Posted. http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?_c=xy0frtv5f39dbr&xid=xxzlg6m8utx405&done=.xy0frtv5f3rdbr CLIMATE: As Calif. aims at carbon, Canada sees itself in bull's-eye. Canadian oil exporters fear that a low-carbon fuel standard adopted by California last week threatens to upset a thriving North American trade in petroleum if the regulation spreads throughout the United States. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/2009/04/30/2/ Marin gets top grade for air quality. Marin received an "A" for its air quality, according to a report card issued by the American Lung Association on Wednesday. San Mateo, Santa Cruz, San Francisco and Monterey counties also received the top grade as part of the association's 10th annual "State of the Air 2009" report. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12256989 L.A. Mayor Villaraigosa touts city's cleaner air. Even with Los Angeles continuing to top the the list of cities with the most pollution, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said Wednesday it is a sign that the city has improved and is on its way to being among the cleanest in America. "I was born here and grew up here and I remember the days when we couldn't go outside," Villaraigosa said at a news conference on the step of City Hall. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12254670 Judge blocks part of ports' clean-truck program. In a victory for independent truckers, a federal judge on Wednesday blocked part of a program to cut diesel emissions by phasing out 17,000 old big rigs at the nation's busiest port complex. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-trucks30-2009apr30,0,5161153.story http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/CA_Port_Pollution_402483C.shtml Home energy Q&A. Q: I know you've written about indoor air quality problems in the past, and I've wondered how real this problem is. My husband and I seem to be sick whenever we're home a lot, like during vacations when we aren't working and we like to just hang around the house. How real is the air quality issue in today's homes? Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2019/story/685321.html To keep warming low, deeper pollution cuts needed. If the world is going to limit global warming to just a few degrees, it has to slash carbon dioxide pollution much more than now being discussed, two new science studies say. Carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels - coal, oil and natural gas - is the chief cause of global warming. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2032/story/684191.html http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/04/29/national/a105121D45.DTL&hw=carbon+emissions&sn=001&sc=1000 http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_12254208?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/apr/29/us-sci-warming-emissions-042909/?science&zIndex=90700 http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_12254208 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/29/AR2009042902769.html >From Smokestacks to Your Tank. IF the government regulates carbon dioxide emissions, power plants and other factories will probably start removing CO2 from their smokestacks and will have to pay to get rid of it. The conventional wisdom is that it will be sequestered underground. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/30/business/energy-environment/30carbon.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse AP NewsBreak: US wants to move on climate change. The Obama administration, in a major environmental policy shift, is leaning toward asking 195 nations that ratified the U.N. ozone treaty to enact mandatory reductions in hydrofluorocarbons, according to U.S. officials and documents obtained by The Associated Press. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5img0WS41_jEs8eUlJRCLYN1f1Q-AD97SDOVO0 http://www.modbee.com/2265/story/684368.html http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/04/29/international/i130314D95.DTL&hw=carbon+emissions&sn=002&sc=665 http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12259941 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/29/AR2009042903178.html Farm groups seek stake in House climate bill. As House Democrats work behind closed doors to shore up support on a major energy and climate bill, agriculture groups are pleading for major changes to make it more palatable in farm states. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/04/30/30climatewire-farm-groups-seek-stake-in-house-climate-bill-12208.html Energy Sec. announces $193M for energy research. The primary U.S. lab for renewable energy will receive $110 million in federal stimulus funds and another $83 million will go toward wind energy and other alternative power and efficiency projects, Energy Secretary Steven Chu said Wednesday. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/financialmarkets/ci_12255953 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/29/AR2009042903679.html http://www.modbee.com/business/story/684551.html Berkeley to get a little more green. Berkeley will plant 1,200 trees along city streets over the next two years, mostly on the west side of town, to help offset pollution from Interstate 80. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_12257371 Blogs Renewable Energy Standards: Much Ado About Not Too Much. For all the fireworks over a national renewable-energy standard, actually putting one in place won’t much change the future energy mix—or the cost of electricity. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/04/30/renewable-energy-standards-much-ado-about-not-too-much/ Global Warming: Those Tipping Points Are Closer Than You Think. If the specter of a global pandemic hasn’t dampened your week yet, how about this: Avoiding catastrophic climate change looks to be even tougher than almost everybody thought. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/04/29/global-warming-those-tipping-points-are-closer-than-you-think/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 1 May 2009 11:38:30 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for May 1, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for May 1, 2009. How California is Breaking the Petroleum Habit. For more than three decades we have tried to break our nation's century-long addition to petroleum -- and failed. When the price of oil rose we suffered, and when it dropped our need for it grew. Last week, we began the first step of an effective long-term cure when California's Air Resources Board adopted a far-reaching regulation requiring cleaner transportation fuels. Posted. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mary-nichols/how-california-is-breakin_b_193936.html Thomas Elias: California Leads The World In Fighting Pollution. Anyone who visits Athens, Greece, or Haifa, Israel, or Barcelona, Spain, or Tokyo, Japan, this year will surely notice that visibility is far greater and the air far cleaner than it was five to 10 years ago. All because of California. As far back as the early 1960s, this state became the first major area in the world to do something about smog, the lung-damaging, eye-stinging combination of air pollutants first linked definitively to automobiles by the Dutch-born Caltech scientist A.J. Haagen-Smit. Posted. http://www.presstelegram.com/opinions/ci_12257730 http://www.appeal-democrat.com/articles/california-76957-new-carbon.html Two Billion Cars: Why We Need a Transportation Revolution Now. It probably won't surprise you to know I drive a Prius. I bought it because when I drive it--I only put about 8,000 miles on it a year since I live in New York City where public transit is readily available--I know that I am doing something to limit the global warming pollution going into the air. Posted. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/frances-beinecke/two-billion-cars-why-we-n_b_194629.html Corn-Based Ethanol Flunks Key Test. A California regulatory agency charged with reducing greenhouse emissions from the state's cars has embraced a controversial approach for determining the true environmental impact of alternative transportation fuels. Its analysis could have broad implications for the future of corn-based ethanol or other fuels grown on U.S. cropland. Posted. http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/324/5927/587 US Sen Reid: Health Bill Easier To Pass Than Climate Change. Washington (Dow Jones)--U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., expressed optimism Friday that the Senate could pass health care legislation, but sounded more cautious notes about writing legislation intended to address global climate change. On health care, Reid predicted that the Senate would pass legislation without using a fast track legislative tactic known as reconciliation, which would let Democrats pass a health bill without threat of a filibuster. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090501-708125.html Climate Catastrophe: Are We That Stupid. Most of us have heard the predictions: the meltdown of Arctic sea ice and mountain-top glaciers; extinction of species ranging from polar bears to coral reefs; catastrophic sea level rise that could eventually force the relocation of millions of coastal residents. Heat waves, malnutrition and famine, and wildfires would also be a greater risk to human communities if carbon dioxide levels in Earth's atmosphere are allowed to rise too high. Posted. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,518464,00.html EPA Rapidly Reversing Bush Policies. The Navajo Nation plans to earn $50 million annually by building a coal-fired power plant on its New Mexico reservation. But its plans hit a snag earlier this week, when the Environmental Protection Agency, citing air pollution concerns, moved to revoke a Bush administration permit and block the project. Posted. http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/may/01/epa-reviewing-bush-policies/ Criticisms of Sperling’s Role in the LCFS Heating Up. Two weeks ago I reviewed, “Two Billion Cars” by Daniel Sperling and Deborah Gordon. I focused on several aspects but I did not tie together this important point: Daniel Sperling vehemently dislikes corn ethanol and he is the lead researcher for the California Air Resources Board (CARB) that just passed the Low Carbon Fuels Standard (LCFS). The LCFS was a huge set-back for the corn-ethanol industry in California, but even more so in light that other states and/or the federal government may adopt similar if not identical standards. Posted. http://domesticfuel.com/2009/04/30/criticisms-of-sperlings-role-in-the-lcfs-heating-up/ LS Suspends Development Of Mich. Coal Power Plant. New York - LS Power suspended the proposed 750-megawatt Mid-Michigan pulverized coal power plant in Midland, Michigan, due to economic and regulatory uncertainties, the company said in a release Friday. The Mid-Michigan project faced many obstacles over the past year causing delays and increasing the cost and risk to continue development efforts, LS said. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSN0132283320090501 House Climate Bill Markup Plans Uncertain As Dems Lack Votes. Prospects of a House subcommittee markup next week on a major energy and global warming bill appear dim as the panel's Democratic leaders head into the weekend without a clear signal that they have enough votes to move the legislation. "I think it's a real open question, don't you?" Rep. Jim Matheson (D-Utah) told reporters yesterday when asked about Democrats' plans to mark up a bill in the House Energy and Environment Subcommittee. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/05/01/01greenwire-house-climate-bill-markup-plans-uncertain-as-d-10572.html?pagewanted=print JPL, Edwards Climate Scientists Head For Arctic. Scientists from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena and Dryden Flight Center at Edwards Air Force Base will depart today on an expedition to measure Arctic ice and determine through the use of new radar systems how it is affected by global warming. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12271451 Island Nations Want Treaty To Cut Greenhouse Gases. United Nations—Two small island nations, worried by rising sea levels, proposed drastic global cuts Thursday in the use of hydrofluorocarbons, a class of powerful greenhouse gases commonly used as coolants in refrigerators and air conditioners. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12265378 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/30/AR2009043003459.html http://www.modbee.com/2033/story/686024.html http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5img0WS41_jEs8eUlJRCLYN1f1Q-AD97T2AQG2 San Francisco's Hybrid Taxis Prove Their Worth. San Francisco — Even here, in the capital of true believers in one thing or another, Paul Gillespie stands out. The veteran cabbie and former president of the San Francisco Taxicab Commission is one of the reasons this city's taxi fleet is vying to be the most environmentally correct in the country. After years of advocating for hybrid taxis, Gillespie, who says he has "the carbon footprint of an Ethiopian child," now has proof that they are green in more ways than one. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/traffic/ci_12265874 Synagogues And Churches Build Green. Evanston, Ill. — When it rained, water filled the basement a foot high, flooding the preschool room at least once a year. The air conditioner wouldn't work in two rooms at the same time. The Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation desperately needed a new synagogue. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12263764 On The Right Path. A business is hatching at Whittier College. And the offspring is an electric/hybrid bicycle that a group of students, faculty and alumni unveiled Saturday. Designed to go 30 miles on a lithium battery's single charge, the bike is the first product out of the school's new business incubator, and the company it spawned - Campus Footprint LLC. Posted. http://www.dailybulletin.com/ci_12266959 It's Getting Less Smoggy. At first glance it seemed to be just another chapter in the Los Angeles area's uphill struggles in fighting air pollution. The American Lung Association's latest study of air quality nationwide rated the L.A.-Long Beach-Riverside area as No. 1 in ozone, or smog, and No. 3 in annual particle pollution - that toxic mix of microscopic soot, diesel exhaust, chemicals, metals and aerosols. Posted. http://www.presstelegram.com/opinions/ci_12267246 An Affordable Salvation. The 2008 election ended the reign of junk science in our nation’s capital, and the chances of meaningful action on climate change, probably through a cap-and-trade system on emissions, have risen sharply. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/01/opinion/01krugman.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=climate%20change&st=cse Big Sky State Makes Play To Be A CO2 Importer. Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D) has some big ideas for the role the Big Sky State could play in helping to create cleaner skies in a carbon-limited future. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/04/30/30climatewire-big-sky-state-makes-play-to-be-a-co2-importe-12208.html Experts Weigh Emissions 'Endangerment' Proposal's Impact On NEPA. U.S. EPA's proposed finding that greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare may strengthen the consideration of such emissions in analyses carried out under the National Environmental Policy Act, experts say. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/04/30/30greenwire-experts-weigh-emissions-endangerment-proposals-10572.html Global Warming Caused The Housing Bubble. Environmental activists have blamed every conceivable ill in society on global warming - from the spread of disease to increased risks of forest fires to environmental despoliation and the retreat of glaciers. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2035/story/686680.html Blogs Gov. Palin on Energy Money: No, Thanks. Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska has decided to accept all federal stimulus money her state is eligible for, with one exception: the nearly $29 million for the state energy office. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/01/gov-palin-on-energy-money-no-thanks/?scp=3&sq=climate%20change&st=cse ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 5 May 2009 11:02:18 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for May 4, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newclips for May 4, 2009 Please note: clips are delayed due to system problems on 5/4/09. Six To Be Honored For Work To Improve Air Quality. Six groups, businesses, government agencies and individuals will be honored as Clean Air Champions on Thursday during an awards luncheon sponsored by Breathe California of Sacramento-Emigrant Trails. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/378/story/1829757.html http://www.modbee.com/2307/story/688551.html Bill Would Ease Gas Stations' Fines Over Vapors. Owners of gas stations in California, who are required to install expensive vapor traps that significantly cut air pollution, could get help from a measure that is up for a vote in the Legislature this week. Assemblyman Martin Garrick, R-Carlsbad (San Diego County), wants to cap potential fines at $1,000 for one year for station owners who haven't installed the trap systems. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/05/03/BATP17D3VH.DTL&type=printable Ethanol Test For Obama On Climate Change, Science. Washington -- President Barack Obama's commitment to take on climate change and put science over politics is about to be tested as his administration faces a politically sensitive question about the widespread use of ethanol: Does it help or hurt the fight against global warming? The Environmental Protection Agency is close to proposing ethanol standards. Posted. http://sacbee.com/838/v-print/story/1829996.html http://hosted2.ap.org/CAVAN/c4b5111471c54b6bbfe2c4d1ff0ae0ab/Article_2009-05-03-US-Ethanol-Climate/id-p3d1aa73e31fa4a4d8d4f1392ad597377 http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/688706.html http://www.dailynews.com/search/ci_12287107?IADID=Search-www.dailynews.com-www.dailynews.com&IADID=Search-www.dailynews.com-www.dailynews.com http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12284048?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12284048?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com Industries Push for Free Pollution Credits. Washington -- A growing number of industries are lobbying for free pollution permits under legislation capping greenhouse-gas emissions, in a potential threat to the funding for President Barack Obama's proposed middle-class tax cut. A range of industries, including electric utilities, auto makers, and oil and natural gas refineries, are making their case to lawmakers ahead of a vote on proposed climate legislation expected this week by the House Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124138869928981331.html#printMode California In Clean-Fuel Drive. State rule says biofuels aren't so green. The state of California has adopted regulations to curb greenhouse-gas emissions from transportation fuels, codifying evidence that biofuels are significantly dirtier than they were once thought to be. Posted. http://www.nature.com/news/2009/290409/full/4581083a.html What Is A Renewable Fuel? EPA Is About To Unveil Its Metrics. With U.S. EPA poised to release its renewable fuels standard, the ethanol industry is banking on a better outcome than the verdict it was recently handed in California. EPA's rule proposal, which the White House finished reviewing last week, will implement a 2007 law for ramping up the use of biofuels to 36 billion gallons by 2022 -- an amount which would supply about a fifth of the nation's current transportation needs. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/05/04/2/ Ag Panel Looks At Land-Use, Biomass Provisions In Fuels Mandate. A House Agriculture subcommittee meets Wednesday to review greenhouse gas limits and biomass harvesting restrictions in the expanded national renewable fuels standard that the committee chairman says could threaten growth of the biofuels industry. "We're trying to keep them from destroying the cellulosic ethanol industry before it starts," said Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.). Posted. http://www.eenews.net/EEDaily/2009/05/04/10/ Bad Allergy News For Children. This weekend's rains may grant brief respite from the sniffling, sneezing and suffering. But springtime allergies will return, and new research shows allergies are significantly worse for children who live in areas with poor air quality, such as the San Joaquin Valley. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090503/A_NEWS/905030311 Valley Times May 4 Letters From Our Readers. Once again, I'm amazed at the arrogance of the California Air Resources Board and its cabal of commie-environmentalist supporters. They blithely passed another law that will increase the cost of our fuel to advance their socialist agenda of forcing us out of our cars. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/opinion/ci_12273754 Dreary Dixieanne Avenue Will Get A Dose Of 'Green'. Sacramento may be the city of trees, but only now is it getting its first "green" street. Work has begun on a North Sacramento street to install an environmentally friendly drainage system, wide sidewalks and greenery. The project, along five blocks of Dixieanne Avenue, is the first of its kind in the city and is modeled after similar streets in Portland, Ore. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/v-print/story/1830905.html Protesters Crash Port Meeting About Air-Quality Plan. Protesters stormed and disrupted a Port of Oakland meeting early Saturday, saying a new plan to manage truck traffic at the port fails to address environmental issues, and does nothing to improve working conditions for drivers. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_12280436?nclick_check=1 http://www.insidebayarea.com/green/ci_12280436 Gas Stations Getting Hosed. Remember not too long ago when unaccountable Sacramento bureaucrats promised to be reasonable when enforcing the Draconian rules they adopted to ever so marginally reduce escaping emissions at the gasoline pump? Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/air-state-government-2387712-gas-stations# Buying Habits Are The Latest Automotive Import. The economy and environment are causing U.S. car buyers to adopt European values: They will buy gas misers and keep them longer. Tighter credit, depleted retirement savings and environmental concerns are among the forces reshaping the U.S. auto market into something that looks more like Europe and the rest of the world -- where people buy smaller, more efficient cars and hold on to them longer. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-auto-outlook4-2009may04,0,1535226,print.story Readers' Forum: Energy Independence And The New Bay Area Green Economy. WE ALL should applaud the California Air Resources Board's plan to increase use of alternative fuels to help solve our energy dependence on the Middle East (Times editorial, April 24). Reducing the use of corn-based ethanol is the right action considering its relatively low yield of fuel compared to other feedstocks. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/columns/ci_12273122 EXCLUSIVE: Lobbyists Help Dems Draft Climate Change Bill. Democratic lawmakers who spent much of the Bush administration blasting officials for letting energy lobbyists write national policy have turned to a coalition of business and environmental groups to help draft their own sweeping climate bill. Posted. http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/may/04/green-lobby-guides-democrats-on-climate-bill/ Help Birds Adapt To Climate Change. Scientist Lori Hargrove knows that even desert birds have difficulty adapting to the hot, dry conditions of our California deserts. Hargrove, an ecology Ph.D. candidate at UC Riverside, remembers taking shelter in a Native American cave on an especially hot day during a bird survey. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/opinion/localviews/stories/PE_OpEd_Opinion_S_op_shteir_03_loc.40c7b38.html County Governments Coordinate Climate-Change Solutions. Former Sebastopol City Manager Dave Brennan has come out of retirement to help coordinate efforts by Sonoma County governments to meet looming deadlines for reducing greenhouse gases. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090504/BUSINESSJOURNAL/905039981 KRUGMAN: Affordable Emissions Policy. The 2008 election ended the reign of junk science in our nation's capital, and the chances of meaningful action on climate change, probably through a cap-and-trade system on emissions, have risen sharply. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090503/OPINION/905031047 http://www.modbee.com/opinion/national/story/688667.html Only Magic Wand Would Slash CO2. Los Angeles Take a deep breath. Now hold it. And hold it. And hold it….The Environmental Protection Agency recently designated carbon dioxide a "pollutant." CO2 is the same gas you and every human being emit when you exhale, talk, laugh, or sing. Plants eat CO2 for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/co-murray-one-2387599-billion-century Driving Into The Future With Biofuels. When the first Model T left the assembly line in 1908, by design it could run on ethanol or gas. Henry Ford, the car's manufacturer, added that flexibility because he envisioned a day when ethanol — made from crops grown on American soil — would provide the bulk of fuel for motor vehicles. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_12280289 http://www.insidebayarea.com/green/ci_12280289 Blogs Motorcycle Smog Check Proposed For California. Cars do it. Trucks do it. And now the state of California may require motorcycles to do it too. Biennial smog checks would be required for motorcycles manufactured in the 2000 model year and later under a bill making its way through the California Legislature. Motorcycles account for 3.6% of registered vehicles in the state, and they make up just eight-tenths of a percent of vehicle-miles traveled, yet they account for 10% of passenger vehicles’ smog-forming emissions, according to the California Air Resources Board, which backs the measure. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/05/motorcycle-smog-check-proposed-for-california.html Lifestyle and the Carbon Cap. Ted Kulongoski, the governor of Oregon, thinks that Americans will need to scale back their consumerism because it is harming the environment. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/04/lifestyle-and-the-carbon-cap/?scp=2&sq=climate%20change&st=cse The Heat’s Coming, And It’s Not Global Warming. Hillary Clinton has blamed the U.S. for the sin of emitting CO2, a natural, harmless gas on which life depends. Posted. http://orangepunch.freedomblogging.com/2009/05/01/the-heats-coming-and-its-not-global-warming/8983/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 5 May 2009 11:04:47 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for May 5, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for May 5, 2009. California Considers Requiring Motorcycle Smog Checks. Proponents say every effort will help in the air pollution and climate change fight. Foes say it would be an infringement on bikers' rights. Cars do it. Trucks do it. And now the state of California may require motorcycles to do it, too. Biennial smog checks would be required for motorcycles manufactured in the 2000 model year and later under a bill making its way through the California Legislature. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-smog-motorcycles5-2009may05,0,3469106,print.story Council Set To Vote On Climate-Action Plan. Berkeley's City Council is headed for a passionate debate tonight on its controversial plans to fight global warming, with some on the council wanting to tone down the city's goals and others insisting the plans do not go far enough. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/05/05/BAR717ECMM.DTL&type=printable EPA: Ethanol Crops Displaces Climate-Friendly Ones. The Environmental Protection Agency says that corn ethanol - as made today - has a worse impact on climate than gasoline when land use changes are considered. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12298508?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12298508?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/690912.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/05/AR2009050501557.html Bill To Limit Potent GHG Would Reinforce Existing Efforts. A bill advancing in the California Senate would require the state to regulate nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), one of the most potent global warming gases ever discovered. It would reinforce existing state regulations. In recent years, manufacturers have been replacing perfluorocarbons with NF3 in manufacturing processes such as plasma etching of silicon wafers, due to PFCs' effect on the ozone layer and climate change. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/05/05/7 Friedman Lays Out Climate Change Reality. Climate change and how to stop it was the topic of a Bay Area leadership summit Monday and the keynote speaker did not mince words about what it will take to turn things around. Posted. http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/east_bay&id=6795962 US Supports Reducing Climate-Warming Gases. The Obama administration called hydrofluorocarbons widely used in refrigerators and air conditioners "a very significant" threat to climate change Monday, and expressed a preference for drastically reducing HFCs that are promoted under the U.N.'s ozone treaty rather than phasing them out entirely. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2033/story/689987.html U.S. House Climate Control Negotiations Intensify. Negotiations in the U.S. House of Representatives on how to cut industrial pollutants that cause global warming reach a critical stage this week as President Barack Obama huddles with key lawmakers on Tuesday and Republicans ready for a fight. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/04/AR2009050402965.html ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT: Whose House? It looks as if the White House is starting to take an active role in pushing climate change legislation after sitting out the early weeks of the House debate on the climate bill. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/may/05/energy-environment-whose-house/ House Dems Narrow Energy, Climate Bill Differences. Washington -- Key lawmakers agreed Tuesday on a strategy for replacing gas-guzzling cars with more fuel-efficient models, but much tougher negotiations lie ahead on knotty issues such as pricing and capping greenhouse gas emissions from large companies. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/690477.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/05/AR2009050500350.html Climate Change Solutions. To the Editor: Re “On Climate Issue, Industry Ignored Its Scientists” (front page, April 24): Regarding the American Petroleum Institute’s views on climate change, we believe that it’s a serious matter, and as the nation debatesaddressing it, A.P.I. and its members have been constructively involved. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/05/opinion/l05climate.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=climate%20change&st=cse Letters: Alternative Energies Can't Fix A False Crisis. To begin I agree with everything Richard Henrikson said about alternative energies ["Reader rebuttal: Carbon emissions," Commentary, May 3]. It makes all kinds of sense to start the changeover to wind and solar energy, period. However, there are a few problems with his article. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/global-warming-ice-2391865-agree-nuclear Oil Execs Seen Rough Path For Alternative Energy. Despite millions in new investments and President Barack Obama's push for clean energy technology, many oil and gas executives say mass production of renewable energy is not likely before at least the middle of the next decade, a new survey showed Monday. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/business/story/689718.html On The Waterfront: Labor, Environmentalists Fighting Trucking Deregulation. Labor leaders and environmentalists are reportedly gearing up for a renewed lobbying effort in Washington to end or amend the nation's 29-year experiment with trucking deregulation. Deregulation is blamed by many for the long, slow decline that led local ports to be dominated by a fleet of run-down, soot-spewing diesel rigs partially responsible for the region's horrible air quality. Posted. http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_12293955 Editorial: San Jose Needs A Stronger Voice On Boards That Control Dollars. San Jose just passed the 1 million mark in population. It's so much larger than San Francisco that if you added the entire population of Sunnyvale to the City by the Bay, it would still be smaller than San Jose by 22,000 residents. But you'd never know this from San Jose's prominence, or lack thereof, on regional boards dealing with transportation, air quality and other issues that cross city and county borders. For these boards, San Jose and Santa Clara County are still suburban backwaters. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_12293923 Could Electric Vehicles Be the New SUVs? Consumer preference often works in unpredictable ways. America’s big vehicle manufacturers switched their efforts to making SUVs when the lumbering, high-priced vehicles became favored by soccer moms and hip-hop culture. Now SUVs are fading out, and hybrid and electric cars are being pushed by the Fed, which is in turn the guiding force behind Chrysler and General Motors. Posted. http://industry.bnet.com/energy/10001185/could-electric-vehicles-be-the-new-suvs/ UPDATE 1-US EPA Says No Need To Waive 2010 Biofuels Mandate. Washington- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on Tuesday it does not see the need to waive the federal law that requires the United States to blend 12.95 billion gallons of ethanol and other biofuels into gasoline during 2010. "We are not aware of the need to waive any other volume mandates for 2010," the EPA said. Posted. http://uk.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idUKN0548118320090505 New Camaro Is Not A Delicate Or Quiet Machine. Despite some published reports, the 2010 Camaro SS is not really what you'd call a sports car, unless you tend to shave with a chain saw or sign your name with a piece of burning timber or make scrambled eggs by dropping a piano on a chicken. The consonant quality of this car, from the moment you turn the key to the moment you gratefully leave it in the chiropractor's parking lot, is a wanton and cheerful disregard for finesse and delicacy. Posted. http://www.dailypress.com/features/dp-life_autoreview_0505may05,0,4713257,print.story Cows Or Cars? Vowing to cut smog in California’s Central Valley, regulators have targeted two reactive chemicals that create ozone when hit by sunlight. Nitrogen oxide (NOx) is produced by combustion when you burn something. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) create smog when combined with NOx emissions. VOCs occur both naturally and man-made, and vary widely by their reactive potential. The most common VOC is methane. Cows, as well as wetlands, supply plenty of that. Posted. http://www.dairyherd.com/directories.asp?pgID=675&ed_id=8515 Blogs A Royal Port Mess. “Today, as the economy has continued its downward slide and the volume of imported containers plummets, the prospects of these already-impoverished drivers repaying their [clean truck] loans are worse than ever.” –Richard Holober, executive director, Consumer Federation of California. Who would’ve thought that the effort to reduce truck exhaust pollution at one of the biggest ports in California could dissolve into such a thicket of recrimination and rhetoric worthy of a low-rent soap opera? Then again, this IS California we’re talking about here. Posted. http://blog.fleetowner.com/trucks_at_work/2009/05/05/a-royal-port-mess/ White House Steps Up Support for Biofuels. The White House made its first major statement on ethanol on Tuesday, mustering three Cabinet members to outline a plan to shield corn ethanol producers from the credit crisis, work with them to cut their use of natural gas and coal in ethanol production, and nudge the auto industry toward production of vehicles that can use ethanol at concentrations up to 85 percent. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/05/white-house-steps-up-support-for-biofuels/ Global Warming Bill Deserted Even By Advocates. For a variety of reasons, even the most left-ward advocates of global warming alarmism are deserting the economy-killing, freedom-limiting, cap-and-tax bill pending in Washington. Posted. http://orangepunch.freedomblogging.com/2009/05/04/global-warming-bill-deserted-even-by-advocates/9017/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 6 May 2009 10:40:31 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for May 6, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for May 6, 2009. New Standards Could Cut Tax Breaks For Corn-Based Ethanol. Rules proposed by Obama administration set the stage for a battle between Midwest grain producers and environmentalists who say the gasoline additive actually worsens global warming. Reporting from Washington — The Obama administration on Tuesday proposed renewable-fuel standards that could reduce the $3 billion a year in federal tax breaks given to producers of corn-based ethanol. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-na-corn-ethanol6-2009may06,0,4944092,print.story Obama Boosts Biofuels, Saying Climate And Economy Will Benefit. Washington -- President Barack Obama on Tuesday announced plans to boost the use of biofuels to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and break the country's dependence on foreign oil. The plan to increase the use of new biofuels would reduce petroleum use by 11 percent in 2022, add jobs and significantly cut climate-damaging emissions, administration officials said. If the country does nothing to curb oil consumption, oil use would increase by 40 percent by 2030 and emissions of heat-trapping gases would rise by a similar amount. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/1836761.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/05/AR2009050503731.html Rules to Limit Emissions in the Making of Ethanol. Washington — The Obama administration on Tuesday proposed rules to limit emissions of climate-changing gases from the manufacture of ethanol, a step that would probably curtail the expansion of corn ethanol production. In its first major policy steps on ethanol, the administration said it would help producers of biofuels who could not get credit to refinance their operations, and assist them in selling their products through a growing network of retail fuel distributors and by encouraging the manufacture of vehicles to burn it. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/06/business/energy-environment/06ethanol.html?_r=1&sq=environment&st=cse&scp=2&pagewanted=print http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/05/06/7/ http://www.mercurynews.com/politics/ci_12302181 Lack Of Money Biggest Block For Biofuels. Technology is no longer the biggest barrier to producing advanced biofuels. Money is. Engineers and entrepreneurs meeting in San Francisco this week for the 31st Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals said the industry stands at a major turning point. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/05/06/BUTB17F9IA.DTL&type=printable Energy Bill To Include Plan Offering Cash For Gas Guzzlers. Obama and House Democrats agree to include payments for drivers who scrap older cars for more fuel-efficient models, but can't reach a deal on softening the impact of limiting greenhouse emissions. Reporting from Washington — President Obama and key House Democrats agreed Tuesday to include a "cash for clunkers" program in the major energy bill being written in Congress, but they ended a White House meeting without reaching agreement on thornier issues -- including how to reduce the economic impact of curbing greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-obama-climate6-2009may06,0,3982926,print.story Obama Policy Could Help Pacific Ethanol. Sacramento's struggling Pacific Ethanol Inc. got some hope from the White House Tuesday. The company's stock jumped 17 cents, or 40 percent, to close at 59 cents, after the Obama administration announced a long-term commitment to alternative fuels and detailed new federal support, including possible financing help for struggling ethanol plants. Stocks of other ethanol makers also rose sharply. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/business/v-print/story/1837019.html US Submits First Plan For New UN Climate Treaty. United Nations -- In a major shift, the United States committed itself to reaching agreement on a new global climate treaty this year and told the U.N. it wants strong targets for cutting greenhouse gases as long as other heavily polluting nations do their part. The document represents President Barack Obama's first move in the complex negotiating process with virtually all the world's nations leading up to final treaty talks in December in Copenhagen, Denmark. Posted. http://sacbee.com/827/v-print/story/1836632.html Obama Urges Dems To Compromise On Warming. Washington - -- President Obama tried to spur action on a broad energy and climate change proposal Tuesday by urging key congressional Democrats to accept political compromises that would soften the potential cost to consumers. Obama issued the directive while huddling with Vice President Joe Biden and more than two dozen Democrats from the House Energy and Commerce Committee in the White House's state dining room. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/05/06/MNGT17F9HP.DTL&type=printable Which Is A Better Tool Against Global Warming? Carbon Tax Or Cap And Trade? The chief of the alarmist scientists is James Hansen, of NASA's Goddard Institute. It was he who stood in front of Congress in 1988 and flat out predicted that global warming would be a catastrophe. So when he comes out so strongly against cap and trade, which President Obama has submitted as part of his energy plan, it's good to take a look. I am a skeptic about global warming catastrophe (not about global warming, not about greenhouse gases, just about catastrophe), and I support cap and trade, but neither Hansen's nor my positions on this issue are typical. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-9111-SF-Environmental-Policy-Examiner~y2009m5d6-Which-is-a-better-tool-against-global-warming-Carbon-tax-or-cap-and-trade Trashing Reform. California government is a model of muddled inefficiency: fragmented, uncoordinated and confusing. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and legislators should embrace restructuring that could streamline bureaucracy, improve results and save money. Instead, the governor offered up a flawed attempt to reorganize state solid waste and recycling efforts, contained in SB 44 and AB 1150. And last week legislators rejected those bills, dismissing the need to streamline state government while protecting a cushy sinecure for ex-legislators: the Integrated Waste Management Board. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/opinion/editorials/stories/PE_OpEd_Opinion_N_op_06_ed_wasteboard1.3f577de.html# Cap And Trade Won't Push Heavy Industries Overseas – Study. The economic impact of a cap on greenhouse gases will be manageable for industries like aluminum and steel that consume massive amounts of energy, according to a report being released today from a nonpartisan research group. Climate legislation similar to what is currently being considered in the House would not cause energy-intensive companies to move overseas en masse or lose major market share to foreign competitors operating in countries without global-warming regulations, the study from the Pew Center on Global Climate Change finds. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/05/06/1 Biodiesel From Wastes Commended By EPA, Not So For Soy-Based Fuel. Life cycle analysis of Greenhouse gas (GHG) for biodiesel is a new part of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS2) and, under the proposed parameters established by U.S. EPA, biodiesel made from waste vegetable oils or yellow grease is among the top performing environmental fuels. The National Biodiesel Board, the American Soybean Association and others, however, think the EPA proposed ruling for the implementation of RFS2 is potentially damaging to soy and virgin vegetable oil-based biodiesel. Posted. http://www.biodieselmagazine.com/article-print.jsp?article_id=3444 World's Largest Container Shipper Cuts Emissions By 9%. Copenhagen -- Danish oil and shipping group A.P. Moller-Maersk said yesterday that it cut its carbon dioxide emissions by 9 percent last year compared to 2007, mainly by slowing its ships down and cutting back on flaring on production platforms. The group, which owns Maersk Line, the world's largest container shipper, said it emitted a total of 48 million tonnes CO2 equivalent in 2008, a decrease of more than 5 million tonnes CO2 equivalent compared to the previous year. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/05/06/6 Biofuel Makers Try to Settle Cars vs Cows. San Francisco — Farmers in America grow two things, mostly: animal feed and corn for ethanol. In fact, Michigan State University agriculture researcher Bryan Bals noted the feed requirements for animals are an order of magnitude larger than Americans’ food requirements. That insight has led an MSU team to propose getting more out of the same amount of American farmland by increasing the amount of animal feed that farmers can get out of an acre, thereby creating more land for biofuel crops. Posted. http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/05/biofuel/ Berkeley Eliminates Homeowner Climate Mandates. Berkeley's City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to eliminate homeowner mandates from its climate action plan, in part because of an uproar from infuriated residents. The plan required owners to upgrade their homes' energy efficiency, based on an independent audit of a home's windows, roof, appliances and insulation. The goal was for all of Berkeley's 23,000 homes and 25,000 duplexes and apartment units to reduce energy use by 35 percent by 2020. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/05/06/BA3J17FA2G.DTL&type=printable Green Campground Planned For Joshua Tree. Plans are underway in Joshua Tree for the development of an approximately 14-acre, eco-friendly campground featuring 22 lodgings shaped like tepees, a 16,000-square-foot reception area and a 300-acre desert tortoise preserve. The two-phase project is expected to be fully completed in eight years, but the first phase of the project should be completed in about three years, said Abel Villarreal, president of JAT Associates, the Los Angeles-based developer of the campground. Posted. http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_12302451?source=rss Owners Worry Smog Check Will Kill Harley Roar. California Lawmakers Target Modified Motorcycles. Rocklin, Calif. -- The sound of rattling Harley-Davidson motorcycles may sound like heaven to local Harley Owners Group chapters, but not to California lawmakers. The state of California wants to start checking all motorcycles biennially with smog checks. Posted. http://www.kcra.com/politics/19378315/detail.html Celebrities Have Discovered DIESEL! The ML 320’s 3.0-liter, V-6 BlueTEC Clean Diesel - - good enough for the stars. Got a little secret for you – I was one of the guys a few years back that tested BluTEC Mercedes Benz vehicles before they hit the American market. It’s a long story; suffice to say I got a rather in-depth perspective on what goes into these vehicles. These are great machines and it's my hope that the diesel will find more fans in the states. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-2102-Denver-Autos-Examiner~y2009m5d6-Celebrities-have-discovered-DIESEL Blogs Cash-For-Clunkers: Lower Your Expectations. What is the point of the “cash-for-clunkers” plan cooked up in the House of Representatives? It took a relatively toothless, much-criticized bill to scrap old, inefficient cars and made it even more toothless. Any environmentalists looking to this first round of congressional horse-trading as a harbinger of things to come on the wider climate debate better head for the hills. The compromise version of “cash-for-clunkers” announced by the House offers prospective car buyers between $3,500 and $4,500 vouchers for trading in old cars to get new ones. But the bar is set really, really low. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/05/06/cash-for-clunkers-lower-your-expectations/tab/print/ Climate Fight: Get With the Cap-and-Trade Program. Much of the best fighting over energy policy takes place between the left and the right—witness Al Gore or Joe Barton versus anybody. Some is internecine—witness the contortions of House Democrats. And some is just fratricidal. Take Joe Romm and James Hansen, two of the biggest names in energy and climate policy. Dr. Hansen, the NASA scientist who warned about global warming 20 years ago and calls coal trains “death trains,” apparently wants to see the House climate-change bill fail. He wants a straight carbon tax instead. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/05/06/climate-fight-get-with-the-cap-and-trade-program/tab/print/ White House Steps Up Support for Biofuels. The White House made its first major statement on ethanol on Tuesday, mustering three Cabinet members to outline a plan to shield corn ethanol producers from the credit crisis, work with them to cut their use of natural gas and coal in ethanol production, and nudge the auto industry toward production of vehicles that can use ethanol at concentrations of up to 85 percent. Posted. http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/05/white-house-steps-up-support-for-biofuels/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 7 May 2009 11:03:17 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for May 7, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for May 7, 2009. White House Swiftly Rolls Out Biofuel Plans. The Obama administration renewed its commitment Tuesday to speed up investments in ethanol and other biofuels while seeking to deflect some environmentalists' claims that huge increases in corn ethanol use will hinder the fight against global warming. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/may/06/white-house-swiftly-rolls-out-biofuel-plans/ Free Trade, Green Trade. PRESIDENT OBAMA and the other leaders at the Group of 20 meeting last month vowed to both pursue a “green” economic recovery, and not turn inward. They can fight protectionism and climate change at the same time by unilaterally eliminating tariffs on clean technology products. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/06/opinion/06price.html?em Solar-Powered Housing Complex Is Stockton First. Ewart Bungo always wanted an electric car. No gas meant more cash. That dream hasn't come true. But when the 23-year-old recent Army recruit heard about a new solar-powered apartment complex in north Stockton, he saw another chance to save money during hard times. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090507/A_NEWS/905070340/-1/A_NEWS14 EPA Nominee Suggests New CO2 Rules May Expose Small Emitters. Washington -- New federal greenhouse gas emission regulation could expose a raft of smaller emitters to litigation, a nominee for a key post in the Environmental Protection Agency told lawmakers Thursday. The potential for smaller emitters to be regulated under the Clean Air Act is one reason why business groups warn that EPA regulation of greenhouse gases could create a cascade of legal and regulatory challenges across a much broader array of sectors. The Obama administration has said that isn't their intent. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124164614659693239.html#printMode Obama Budget Still Plans C02 Permit Sale To Industry. Washington - U.S. President Barack Obama's budget still plans for 100 percent of permits in a future greenhouse gas emissions trading system to be sold to industry, a spokesman for the White House Office of Management and Budget said on Thursday. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSWBT011196 Gas Stations Prime At Pump. More than a month after a new regulation took effect, only a handful of Yuba-Sutter gas stations haven't upgraded their gas pumps to prevent emissions that contribute to air pollution. According to David Valler, air pollution control officer for the Feather River Air Quality Management District, seven stations still haven't installed the equipment necessary to comply with the Enhanced Vapor Recovery Rule, which the state Air Resources Board enacted in 2000. Posted. http://www.appeal-democrat.com/common/printer/view.php?db=marysville&id=77247 Our View: Gas Stations Getting Hosed. Remember not too long ago when unaccountable Sacramento bureaucrats promised to be reasonable when enforcing the Draconian rules they adopted to ever so marginally reduce escaping emissions at the gasoline pump? As we suspected, bureaucrats at the California Air Resources Board rarely have beheld a Draconian rule they don't love to enforce. Posted. http://www.appeal-democrat.com/common/printer/view.php?db=marysville&id=77242 Biodiesel Hits California Rules Snag. In a move they said would reduce the risk of water pollution, but which critics worried could hamper a fledgling green industry, California regulators on Tuesday approved new rules that ban storing certain types of biodiesel in underground fuel tanks. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/localnews/ci_12310021 http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12310021?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com Berkeley Council Votes For Ambitious Climate Plan. The Berkeley City Council has voted to move ahead with an ambitious plan to fight global warming after stripping mandates from most of the proposal. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/state/story/693230.html http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/may/06/berkeley-council-votes-for-ambitious-climate/ http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12313165?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12313165?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com The Cost of Climate Inaction. Robert J. Samuelson's April 27 op-ed, "Selling the Green Economy," was way off the mark on the economics of tackling climate change. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/05/AR2009050503016_pf.html Money From Richer Countries May Be The Key To Copenhagen Climate Talks, Danish Minister Says. New York -- Developed countries must be able to deliver new and innovative financing alternatives for adaptation and greenhouse gas mitigation to the developing world if there's any hope that the conclusion of international climate change negotiations in Copenhagen this year will succeed, Denmark's climate and energy minister said yesterday. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/05/07/07climatewire-money-from-richer-countries-may-be-the-key-t-12208.html?pagewanted=print Elk Grove Schools Lead The Way In Green Cleaning. Custodians in the Elk Grove Unified School District went green before it was trendy. The district started using healthier cleaners 10 years ago. "We were green before green was cool," said Linda T. Lopez, the district's manager of custodial services. These days district custodians use a hydrogen peroxide-based product to clean surfaces, and they strap on vacuum canisters outfitted with multiple high-efficiency particulate filters to suck up dirt and dust. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/378/v-print/story/1840421.html U.N. CO2 Scheme Needs Energy Efficiency Focus: Developer. Beijing - A bigger role must be found for improving energy efficiency in any new U.N. deal aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, a leading China-based project developer said on Thursday. About 200 countries are negotiating on a replacement for the Kyoto Protocol climate pact, whose first phase expires in 2012, and many are pushing for a new emissions trading scheme that will commit Chinese industries to reduce their energy use. Posted. http://uk.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUKTRE5462PS20090507 Letters Eliminate Waste. Regarding the California Air Resources Board's new regulations: This from a self-serving, tax-funded, unnecessary, out-of-control government telling the U.S. that they will punish us if we don't pay their fees and labor under all of their stupid rules and regulations! Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/opinion/letters/x443329090/Eliminate-waste Moronic Environmental Laws. This is about your editorial, "Reducing emissions." You were enamored of an NCAR computer model predicting dire consequences if we do not act now to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12256134?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12256134?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com Blogs Don’t Single Out Ethanol on Land-Use Changes, Says Trade Group Chief. Bob Dinneen, the president of the Renewable Fuels Association, said ethanol is uniquely saddled with measuring the indirect land use changes associated with its production. Bob Dinneen, the president of the Renewable Fuels Association, an ethanol trade group, stopped by our New York offices today to discuss recent moves by the Obama administration that offer both good and bad news for the industry. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/07/dont-single-out-ethanol-on-land-use-changes-says-trade-group-chief/?pagemode=print Obama’s Emissions Plan Needs Tweaking, E.U. Climate Chief Says. Stavros Dimas, the European Union commissioner for the environment, warned on Thursday that President Barack Obama’s goals to cut emissions over the next decade may not be ambitious enough to meet long term targets. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/07/obamas-emissions-plan-needs-tweaking-eu-climate-chief-says/?scp=5&sq=climate%20change&st=cse Green Ink: Climate Compromises and Electric Fords. Crude oil futures are flirting with $58 a barrel amid signs of a gradual recovery in refining, which could signal the beginning of a demand recovery, Bloomberg reports. Big Oil is ready to pile into Iraq at long last, even though the two big concerns—a national oil law and security—have yet to be addressed, in the FT. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/05/07/green-ink-climate-compromises-and-electric-fords/tab/print/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 8 May 2009 11:01:18 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for May 8, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for May 8, 2009. California Air Board Sued Over Fee Tied To Global-Warming Fight. A collection of business and taxpayer groups sued the California Air Resources Board on Thursday for allegedly failing to provide certain documents detailing the administrative costs of waging the state's war on global warming. Air board spokesman Stanley Young said the agency has complied with the groups' Public Records Act requests. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/378/v-print/story/1844003.html Air Board Fines Sierra Pacific $3,000 For Diesel Fumes. The California Air Resources board has fined Sierra Pacific Industries $3,000 for not doing more to stop diesel fumes coming from the timber company’s trucks. State law requires owners of California-registered truck and bus fleets to regularly inspect their vehicles to ensure that their engine emissions meet state air quality standards. Posted. http://www.redding.com/news/2009/may/07/air-board-fines-sierra-pacific-3000-diesel-fumes/ GOP Concerns About Climate Regs Ensnare Air Nominee. A Republican senator blasted President Obama's nominee to lead U.S. EPA's air office yesterday for failing to outline a clear path for protecting small businesses from climate regulations under the Clean Air Act. Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming has placed a "hold" on the nomination of Gina McCarthy to lead EPA's Office of Air and Radiation, saying the agency's proposed finding that greenhouse gases endanger human health and welfare would lead to costly regulations of small sources. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/05/08/2 Study: Electric Cars May Be More Efficient Than Ethanol. Ethanol from plants can fill up drivers' gas tanks, but people could drive 80 percent farther if we converted those crops into electricity, according to a new study by Stanford and University of California researchers. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/localnewsheadlines/ci_12319686?source=rss http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12319686 Do Plug-in Hybrids Fight Global Warming? They do, according to a recent Cal study, but only if you live in a state that doesn't rely on coal power. Many environmentalists believe that plug-in hybrid cars could be an effective tool in the fight against global warming. Plug-ins have the potential to lower greenhouse gas emissions because they run partly on electricity and thus get much better gas mileage than traditional hybrid vehicles. Posted. http://www.eastbayexpress.com/ebx/PrintFriendly?oid=975384 U.S. Drops Research Into Fuel Cells for Cars. Cars powered by hydrogen fuel cells, once hailed by President George W. Bush as a pollution-free solution for reducing the nation’s dependence on foreign oil, will not be practical over the next 10 to 20 years, the energy secretary said Thursday, and the government will cut off funds for the vehicles’ development. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/08/science/earth/08energy.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse L.A. Harbor Commission OK’s Up To $44.2 Million For Clean Trucks. San Pedro, Calif.— The Los Angeles Harbor Commission has approved up to $44.2 million in port funding toward the 2009 Clean Truck Incentive Program at the Port of Los Angeles, according to a news release from the port. Posted. http://www.thetrucker.com/News/Stories/2009/5/8/LAHarborCommissionOKsupto442millionforcleantrucks.aspx Pacific Steel's Emissions Present Very Real Problem. The people of Berkeley deserve to know the truth about the air pollutants they are breathing in every day. Pacific Steel Casting Company is the third largest steel foundry in America. Posted. http://www.dailycal.org/article/105642/pacific_steel_s_emissions_present_very_real_proble Cutting Carbon May Be Costly. Federal proposals to curb carbon emissions will cost American households an average of $1,600 a year, the chief budget analyst for Congress said Thursday. Posted. http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/may/08/cutting-carbon-will-aid-savings/ Blair: US-China Deal Key To Climate Change Accord. Former British Premier Tony Blair says the key to a global climate change agreement will be a deal between the U.S. and China - the world's largest polluters. Blair says the agreement to be concluded in Copenhagen in December must have goals for reducing greenhouse gases by 2020. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/world/story/695138.html http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gQ2DND74EVFG_eUY6rSJerfHVbNAD9824SVO0 The Climate Debate Heats Up. Earlier this week, and not a moment too soon, President Obama put the weight of his office behind a bill that aims to reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign oil, tackle the rise in greenhouse gases and create millions of clean-energy jobs. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/08/opinion/08fri1.html?scp=2&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Waxman Buys Time With Pledge To Produce Climate Bill Next Week. Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) bought himself a little bit more time yesterday to produce a consensus on global warming and energy legislation amid a vocal uprising from within his party's moderate ranks to turn the Energy and Commerce Committee's attention over to health care. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/05/08/08climatewire-waxman-buys-time-with-pledge-to-produce-clim-12208.html Researchers Eye Better Use For Biomass Than Ethanol. Using switchgrass and other biomass to power electric cars is three times more efficient and more environmentally friendly than using ethanol to power traditional gasoline cars, U.S. scientists have found. Posted. http://uk.reuters.com/article/governmentFilingsNews/idUKN0739606420090507 Renewable Industry Cheers Obama Budget While Coal And Nuclear Jeer. It was a tale of two budgets. For many environmentalists and the renewable power sector, President Obama's $3.6 trillion blueprint released yesterday would provide a flush of new cash to spur the development of energy-efficient buildings and carbon-free wind and solar farms. It also would add new money to ready U.S. EPA for the global warming challenges to come. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/05/08/08climatewire-renewable-industry-cheers-obama-budget-while-12208.html Schwarzenegger Touts Solar Technology In San Jose. Calling Silicon Valley "the most innovative place in the world," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday told an audience of solar technology executives and industry representatives that "we need to find ways to reduce our use of fossil fuel and use what we have in abundance in California — the sun." Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/localnewsheadlines/ci_12320401?source=rss http://www.imperialvalleynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5487&Itemid=1 Edison Offers Plan For Safer Practices At Nuclear Plant. U.S. regulators take San Onofre's operator to task for 'performance problems. 'Dana Point – In response to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's stern warnings seeking prompt action to cure persistent systemic problems at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, operators of the plant at a packed public meeting here tonight promised corrective action and sweeping changes to ensure safe performance. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/nrc-plant-nuclear-2398747-performance-problems# Green Cowboy Rides To Rescue. IF skirt lengths can be adjusted frequently to fit changes in tastes and the economy, municipal utilities can change flavors to fit different political realities. Thus, it was not surprising that Mayor Villaraigosa selected the venerable public-sector utility warhorse, S. David Freeman, as his deputy mayor for energy and the environment. Posted. http://www.dailynews.com/editorial/ci_12320556 Gov't Faces Weekend Deadline On Polar Bear Rule. A decision involving the iconic polar bear could determine whether protecting endangered species might also help save the earth from global warming. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/694850.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_12324359 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/08/AR2009050802103.html Bicycling for the Environment? There is nothing altruistic about the relationship I have with my bicycle. I am not bicycling against oil wars or trying to cut carbon emissions by going green. Those are just side effects of a choice that makes the most sense in a city that is forever dwarfed by geographic limits such as the Bay and the Pacific. Muni doesn't stand a chance with an impatient person like me, and the challenges of traffic and parking make driving fare even worse. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/contribute/sn/persona?User=sf_environment&plckController=PersonaBlog&plckScript=personaScript&plckElementId=personaDest&plckPersonaPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog%3asf_environmentPost%3a08c0ad3b-6746-41fb-9963-586ef16b753a&plckCommentSortOrder=TimeStampAscending Tips For Commuting To Work On Two Wheels. Last spring I took up bicycle commuting. Actually, to be more accurate, last spring I tried to take up bicycle commuting. I didn't get very far. Funny how a seemingly short ride can serve as a great reminder how much older you've gotten over the years. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/bay-area-living/ci_12319100 Blogs Do Carbon Offsets Cause Emissions to Rise? Michael Wara, a law professor and energy expert at Stanford’s Program on Energy and Sustainable Development, has cast new doubts on the efficacy of the European Union’s Emissions Trading System, which is the model for a carbon-capping system foreseen in the United States. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/08/do-carbon-offsets-cause-emissions-to-rise/?scp=1&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Ambitious California Program Aids Renewables, Efficiency and Water. In March, my colleague Leslie Kaufman wrote about an innovative solar financing scheme taking root in Palm Desert and other California locales, in which homeowners can avoid the high up-front costs by paying for a solar system gradually, through higher property taxes. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/08/ambitious-california-program-aids-renewables-efficiency-and-water/?scp=4&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Biodiesel Makers Lash Out at E.P.A. Rule. Like their ethanol counterparts, biodiesel producers are chafing at the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed methods of calculating their fuel’s greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/07/biodiesel-group-lashes-out-at-epa-rule/?hp ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 11 May 2009 11:08:28 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for May 11, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for May 11, 2009. Mini E Lease Program Has Electric Vehicle Fans All Charged Up. 450 in a pilot program will use the automobiles as their daily commuters for a year. Experts say it could be a precursor to an explosion of relatively affordable electric cars in the near future. The future of transportation is now available for lease. In the next few weeks, 450 consumers in California, New York and New Jersey will begin picking up fully electric Mini coupes, charging them at home and using them as their daily commuters for the next year. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-electric-cars11-2009may11,0,2799913,print.story Buzzwords: Rephrasing Obama's Lexicon. Scratch 'cap and trade' and 'global warming,' some Democratic pollsters tell Obama. They're ineffective. Republicans are also rethinking how to use words to their advantage. Reporting from Washington — In the debate over his top environmental goals, President Obama is backing away from "cap and trade." Not the policy. It's the phrase itself, deemed confusing by Democratic pollsters, that has all but disappeared from the president's vocabulary of late. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-obama-language11-2009may11,0,2465189,print.story Trucking Businesses Fined For Emissions Violations. Banning — Two Banning trucking companies were slapped with fines totaling $7,500 for failing to ensure their fleets met California's emissions standards, state officials announced Friday. Desert Materials Transportation and Terra Trucking Company Inc. were each assessed $2,750 in penalties for not conducting diesel fleet inspections required by the California Air Resources Board, according to ARB officials. Posted. http://www.mydesert.com/article/20090509/NEWS07/905090310/1026/news12/Trucking+businesses+fined+for+emissions+violations Cutting Greenhouse Gas May Be A Mandate. More efficient and more types of public transportation. More walkable communities. More density and development along major transportation corridors. Posted. http://www.mydesert.com/article/20090509/NEWS07/905090320/-1/newsfront/Cutting+greenhouse+gas+may+be+a+mandate Editorial: Full Speed Ahead On Long Beach Port Improvements. The Middle Harbor project would update old piers to increase cargo capacity while cutting pollution. Posturing by other cities and environmental and labor groups shouldn't be allowed to interfere. Southern California's strict environmental rules and green political culture make it notoriously difficult to build industrial facilities here, especially when they're on the coast and bring pollution with them. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-harbor11-2009may11,0,868319,print.story Carbon Reality, Again. Australia's prime minister discovers how much an emissions trading policy will cost. It's turning out that the biggest problem with carbon taxes is political reality. Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has just announced he will delay implementing his trademark cap-and-trade emissions trading proposal until at least 2011. Mr. Rudd's March proposal would have imposed total carbon permit costs (taxes) of 11.5 billion Australian dollars (US$8.5 billion) in the first two years, starting in 2010. This would have increased consumer prices by about 1.1% and shaved 0.1% off annual GDP growth until at least 2050, according to Australia's Treasury. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124199838807604925.html#printMode The Road to Fuel Independence. Lyle Dennis [letters, May 6], in response to an April 30 op-ed by Charles Lane, said that he supports the Chevy Volt electric vehicle for reasons such as reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and cutting back the use of petroleum. But less than 25 percent of our greenhouse gases comes from cars and trucks. Most emissions come from coal-fired electric power plants. We can reduce our coal use by increasing our wind and nuclear energy. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/10/AR2009051001933.html Obama Won't Fight Global Warming With Bear Rules. The Obama administration, which promised a sharp break from the Bush White House on global warming, declared Friday it would stick with a Bush-era policy against expanding protection for climate-threatened polar bears and ruled out a broad new attack on greenhouse gases. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/696603.html http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090509/NEWS/905091087 http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12333847?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12333847?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/09/AR2009050901909.html EarthTalk: What Does Carbon Neutral' Really Mean? Dear EarthTalk: What does "carbon neutral" really mean? And is it really possible to live in such a manner without just resorting to buying carbon credits? Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2056/story/698165.html LB Gathering Urges OK Of Emission Credit Bill. Lawmakers joined air quality regulators Friday to urge passage of emergency legislation that allows thousands of Southland small businesses and public agencies to bypass what they say are unreasonable new air quality regulations. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12330606 Cap-And-Trade Stumbling In D.C. Democratic dissention, Republican opposition and growing public skepticism may derail Congress' potentially economy-crippling carbon cap-and-trade bill, perhaps saving Americans billions of dollars. Posted. http://headlines.ocregister.com/articles/bill-25958-global-warming.html U.S. Climate Bill Unlikely To Pass This Year: Experts. U.S. climate change legislation is unlikely to pass this year due to concerns about the recession and contention over the implementation of the program, according to energy and carbon market experts. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/08/AR2009050803037.html Cleanup Funds Benefit Energy Giants. Some of the country's wealthiest oil companies and gas-station chains have collected hundreds of millions of dollars from a cleanup fund conceived to help smaller, financially struggling businesses. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_12339610 Students, Faculty Design Green Way To Absorb Power Plant Waste. Move over, Tarzana. As drought dries the Southland, Cal State Northridge has sprouted a new home for the jungle yodeler - a subtropical rain forest. Posted. http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_12340693 ECONOMIST: The Sound Of Silence - In Electric Cars. When cars run on electric power, they not only save fuel and cut emissions but also run more quietly. Ordinarily, people might welcome quieter cars on the roads. However, as the use of hybrid and electric vehicles grows, a new concern is growing too: Pedestrians and cyclists find it hard to hear them coming, especially when the cars are moving slowly through a busy town or maneuvering in a parking lot. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090510/OPINION/905099968 Eye on the Environment: This Is The Week To Try Biking To Work. Put down those keys and go by bike. Trade in your steering wheel for two wheels. Help build a sustainable community with emission-free commuting. The bike is back like never before. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/may/10/this-is-the-week-to-try-biking-to-work/ http://www.dailynews.com/search/ci_12342538?IADID=Search-www.dailynews.com-www.dailynews.com http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/05/11/BA5S17HD6D.DTL&type=printable Cleanup Funding Benefits Energy Giants. The program was established to help mom-and-pop companies repair the environment. But large firms get the money. Reporting from Sacramento — Some of the country's wealthiest oil companies and gas station chains have collected hundreds of millions of dollars from a cleanup fund conceived to help smaller, financially struggling entities. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-bigoil10-2009may10,0,2805545,print.story http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_12339610?nclick_check=1 China Poised To Go All Out With Clean Tech. Beijing -- China is at a crossroads. This nation of 1.3 billion people is faced with the daunting task of building on its 30 years of unprecedented economic development without further damage to its environment. Currently, one-third of China's rivers are polluted; one-fourth of its territory is desert while another one-third suffers from severe soil erosion and drought; more than three-fourths of its forests are gone; urban residents are forced to breathe air containing lead, mercury, sulfur dioxide and other elements of coal-burning and car exhaust. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/05/10/MNPD15IPCB.DTL&type=printable Driving Into The Future With Biofuels. When the first Model T left the assembly line in 1908, it could run on ethanol or gas. Henry Ford, the car's manufacturer, added that flexibility because he envisioned a day when ethanol — made from crops grown on American soil — would provide the bulk of fuel for motor vehicles. Prohibition politics stymied his efforts to make ethanol — a type of alcohol — and like scientists today; he tangled with the technical challenges of mass producing plant-based fuel. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_12328279 Valley Times May 11 Letters From Our Readers. Recent letters question anthropogenic climate change. One agrees that glaciers are melting but insists that there may be causes other than humans. The only plausible alternative I have found is increased solar activity, which is not itself strong enough to raise temperatures but, by deflecting cosmic rays, reduces the formation of low level clouds, thus allowing more sunlight to reach the Earth's surface. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12327939?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12327939?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com Blogs Nader on Energy, CO2 and Sustainability. Ralph Nader, the unflagging corporate gadfly, perennial presidential candidate, and long-time advocate for environmental and consumer protections, was a driving force behind the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as the passage of the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/11/nader-on-energy-co2-and-sustainability/?scp=1&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Is Farming for Electricity More Efficient? According to a study by three California researchers, an acre planted with corn for ethanol will provide far fewer miles of transportation fuel as the same acre growing trees or switchgrass, which are then burned in power plants that provide the power to charge the batteries of electric cars. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/11/is-farming-for-electricity-more-efficient/?scp=3&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Wow, Global Warming Alarmist In-Fighting. We expected the first big confrontations with global warming alarmist regulators to be with those who think differently. You know, people such as reasonable free-market capitalists. Posted. http://orangepunch.freedomblogging.com/2009/05/08/wow-global-warming-alarmist-in-fighting/9159/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 12 May 2009 09:45:10 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for May 12, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for May 12, 2009. Clean Tech Sees Less Venture Capital Funds. Investments in clean-technology companies by U.S. venture capitalists plunged in the first quarter, according to new data released Monday. Compared with the first quarter of 2008, investments dropped 63 percent, to $277 million, and the number of deals was down nearly 50 percent, to 24, according to Ernst & Young. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/05/12/BU2M17IHRU.DTL&type=printable Local Teen Is A Champion For Environmentalism. Placentia Everyone can help the environment, and as one of the state's recently installed 2009 Climate Champions, Andrea White is helping to make people aware of what they can do. Posted. http://headlines.ocregister.com/news/climate-26176-white-champions.html Efforts To Save Salmon May Be Undone By Climate Change. Boise, Idaho -- The Pacific Northwest has spent two decades retooling dams, rebuilding damaged watersheds and restoring stream flows to keep salmon from disappearing. The United States has invested billions in the effort - $350 million in 2004 alone - by far the most money spent on any endangered species. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/1853956.html http://www.modbee.com/2056/story/699676.html http://www.sanluisobispo.com/528/story/715759.html Green, The New Black. Crunchy, but not in a good way. That's how design students at Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles described eco-conscious clothing, said Ian Yolles, vice president of marketing for Nau Inc., a Seattle-based outdoor clothing company guided by sustainability and beauty. In addition to describing the material as scratchy, the students said green apparel is bland and boring, not stylish or fashionable. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/1850671.html Sunrise Ford Fined $175,000 For Improper Gas-Milage Modification. Sunrise Ford, which has dealerships in North Hollywood and Fontana, has been fined $175,000 by the state for improperly modifying vehicles with a device designed to improve gas mileage. The California Air Resources Board imposed the penalty for modifying some 2005 through 2007 vehicles before they were sold in violation of state law, officials said Monday. Discovery of the unapproved parts was made during a routine dealer inspection, according to the board. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12345945 http://www.dailynews.com/search/ci_12345945?IADID=Search-www.dailynews.com-www.dailynews.com THE INFLUENCE GAME: Firms Exact Climate Price. Utilities, steelmakers and oil industry lobbyists have tried to ease the pain of President Barack Obama's push to curb global warming, and they've gotten an early return on the millions of dollars they've spent influencing Congress. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/698673.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/11/AR2009051101853.html House Democrats to Huddle Over Climate Bill. Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) is expected to outline details of a major global warming and energy bill later today during a closed-door meeting with his fellow Democrats on the Energy and Commerce Committee. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/05/12/12climatewire-waxman-to-huddle-with-house-dems-today-in-pr-12208.html ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT: But Is It Dead, Dead? While taking questions last week, Rep. Neil Abercrombie raised the specter of that timeless legislative query: Legislation might look dead, but is it dead, dead? Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/may/12/energy-environment-but-is-it-dead-dead/ Smog Tests For Motorcycles. California has more than 830,000 registered motorcycles, and up to 85 percent of them have modified exhausts that are loud and polluting. Many of those modifications are illegal, too. Which is why two bills making their way through the state Legislature would mandate smog tests, either every year or every other year, for cycles built after 2000. Posted. http://www.sbsun.com/editorial/ci_12346879 Big Questions Linger Around Major Source Of Carbon Emissions. As environmentalists and politicians rally around the inclusion of avoided deforestation projects in an international climate change agreement, some big questions about forest and land ownership loom unanswered. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/05/12/12climatewire-big-questions-linger-around-major-source-of-12208.html http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/05/12/1 Editorial: 'Have I got a deal'. Has Uncle Sam got a deal for you! He’ll give you up to $4,500 toward a new car simply for trading in that hoopdie you’ve been driving for too long. Yes, the dealers at the House Energy Committee have reached agreement on — about the only thing they’ve reached agreement on — a “Cash- for-Clunkers” program. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/may/11/have-i-got-a-deal/ Port Project Would Add Jobs And Reduce Pollution. As members of the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners, my colleagues and I are responsible for managing the Port of Long Beach to support the economy and protect the environment. Posted. http://www.presstelegram.com/opinions/ci_12335055 REGION: $1 Million Experiment Targets County. Less is more. That's the message state officials are pitching in an environmental experiment. And you are the guinea pig. Those "Stand for less" commercials airing on San Diego-area television and radio stations are part of a trial balloon being floated by the state Department of Conservation, in cooperation with area agencies and companies. Posted. http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/05/11/news/sandiego/z6fbf57b299b29f60882575b3005dd74f.txt Some See Energy Bill Helping Money Grow On Trees. Long the bete noir of conservationists, paper and forest companies are using the climate debate to try to recast themselves as environmental champions, caretakers of natural resources capable of sucking large quantities of heat-trapping carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/05/11/11greenwire-some-see-energy-bill-helping-money-grow-on-tre-10572.html Scientists' Group Gives Green Travel Advice. A scientists' group has put together a guide to green travel to help you determine which modes of transportation have the smallest carbon footprint, and the group, the Union of Concerned Scientists, says some of the greenest choices can also save money. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12344394?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12344394?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com NCGA Paper Summarizes Ethanol Regulatory Actions. A new white paper from the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) provides a clear and concise summary of recent regulatory action related to corn ethanol. Two are at the federal level, with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and one was a recent action by the state of California’s Air Resources Board. This is part of an effort to ensure growers and others are aware of recent events, what NCGA’s position is and what action should be taken in support the growers’ interests and the interests of the ethanol industry. Posted. http://cornandsoybeandigest.com/ag-issues/washington-policy/0512-ethanol-regulatory-actions-summary/ Political Habitat: Wrong Turns. This environment business isn't easy. The problems never seem to go away, and neither do the critics. And then, of course, there's the fact that the whole thing is based on predicting the future. There's a compelling case to be made that scientists and environmental advocates have been really good at predicting where we're going. But there's no denying that every once in a while, there's a whopper or a stinker of a mistake, or a bad prediction. Here's a walk through a few of them. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/1850614.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 13 May 2009 12:15:15 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for May 13, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for May 13, 2009. County Wins EPA Award For 'Air' Documentary. It’s not exactly the Oscars, but it is public recognition for achievement in film. Or, more precisely, one little film. A 41-minute documentary that was produced by the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District is being honored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for promoting clean air. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/may/13/county-air-district-wins-epa-award-for-film/ San Bernardino County Sun: Smog Tests For Motorcycles. California has more than 830,000 registered motorcycles, and up to 85 percent of them have modified exhausts that are loud and polluting. Many of those modifications are illegal, too. Posted. http://www.mercedsunstar.com/359/story/842581.html Document Is Critical of E.P.A. on Clean Air. An internal government memorandum that came to light on Tuesday challenged the scientific and economic basis of a proposed Environmental Protection Agency finding that climate-altering gases are a threat to human health and welfare. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/13/science/earth/13epa.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/2009/05/12bn/1/#1 Climate Change Threatens Millions Who Live Off Sea. Around 100 million people risk losing their homes and livelihoods unless drastic steps are taken to protect Southeast Asia's coral reefs, which could be wiped out in coming decades because of climate change, a report said Wednesday. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2032/story/701386.html http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12358501?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12358501?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/13/AR2009051301165.html http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_12358501?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com Highly Destructive Climate Impacts Loom For A Small Number Of Cities And Countries. Fiercer storm surges brought on by climate change will claim the most land in Latin America, uproot the most people in the Middle East and wreak the greatest economic destruction in East Asia, new research finds. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/05/13/13climatewire-highly-destructive-climate-impacts-loom-for-12208.html Waxman Outlines Modified Climate Bill. House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry A. Waxman announced details of a compromise climate-change bill that he says he has the votes to pass through his committee by Memorial Day. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/may/13/waxman-outlines-modified-climate-bill/ Climate Legislation Opponents Up To Same Old Tricks. Thanks to documents recently uncovered by a lawsuit, we now know that a major industry trade group was told by its science advisers in 1995 that it was spreading false information about climate change. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/1857250.html http://www.modbee.com/2056/story/701290.html House Democrats Near Agreement On Climate Bill. Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives neared an agreement on a climate-change bill on Tuesday and said they expected to approve it soon. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/13/AR2009051301256.html Democrats to Relax House Emissions Bill. House Democrats said last night that they would scale back some of the most aggressive provisions of a bill to cut greenhouse gas emissions, a compromise designed to win the votes of fellow Democrats whose states rely on coal or heavy industry. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/12/AR2009051203962.html?hpid=sec-politics EPA's Greenhouse Gas Ruling Criticized Within The Government. In ruling last month that greenhouse gases posed health and safety risks, the Environmental Protection Agency brushed aside warnings from Bush administration holdovers who said the move was "likely to have serious economic consequences" for small businesses and the economy overall, according to documents obtained Tuesday. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-epa-warming13-2009may13,0,5045282.story White House Memo Challenges EPA Finding On Warming. An Environmental Protection Agency proposal that could lead to regulating the gases blamed for global warming will prove costly for factories, small businesses and other institutions, according to a White House document. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12350986?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.modbee.com/business/story/699993.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/12/AR2009051201629.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12350986?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/05/12/national/w091657D45.DTL&hw=air+pollution&sn=001&sc=1000 http://www.mercurynews.com/science/ci_12356118 Better Place Unveils an Electric Car Battery Swap Station. Better Place unveiled its battery swap system today and said the $500,000 gadget can replace a dead battery and get you back on the road in less time than it takes to fill your gas tank. The prototype revealed in Japan is the first of what the Silicon Valley startup promises will be countless automated battery exchange stations that will one day dot our cities. The technology will make it possible to travel long distances in an EV without the hassle of stopping to recharge your battery, company founder and CEO Shai Agassi said. Posted. http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/05/better-place/ Practical Steps to Save the Polar Bear. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has upheld a Bush administration finding that the Endangered Species Act is not a suitable tool for restricting carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases threatening the polar bear and its habitat. We agree, with this codicil: There are steps Mr. Salazar can and must take under the act — steps that the Bush White House would not — to protect the bear. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/13/opinion/13wed3.html?scp=3&sq=greenhouse%20gas&st=cse House Dems Scale Back Plans To Curb Global Warming. House Democratic leaders are scaling back plans to curb global warming and make the transition to cleaner energy in the hopes that they can get a bill passed this year. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12353693?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12353693?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/05/12/national/w164008D92.DTL&hw=global+warming&sn=001&sc=1000 Biodegradable Cups May Not Be as Earth-Friendly as You Think. My fraternity is about to throw a massive party to celebrate the end of finals. Every year, we wind up with trash bags full of Dixie cups, so we've been considering greening up our debauchery by switching to biodegradable ones. What are our options? Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/13/AR2009051301044.html Blogs EPA’s Jackson: Then Again, Maybe We Won’t (Regulate Emissions). The Obama administration has the power to regulate greenhouse-gas emissions. But it really, really wants Congress to do the heavy lifting. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/05/12/epas-jackson-then-again-maybe-we-wont-regulate-emissions/ Long Beach City Council hears appeals to port expansion. The Long Beach City Council on Tuesday heard appeals against a massive port expansion project that the city of Riverside fears will increase freight train trips 15-fold in the already smoggy, congested Inland Empire community. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/05/long-beach-city-council-hears-appeals-to-port-expasion.html White House: No Tweaks in Climate Rhetoric. The Obama administration isn’t planning any changes in the way it talks about climate change, a White House spokeswoman says, despite recent consultations with pollsters who advocate avoiding phrases like “global warming” and “cap-and-trade.” Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/05/12/white-house-no-tweaks-in-climate-rhetoric/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 14 May 2009 11:02:27 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for May 14, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for May 14, 2009. Calif. Firm Unveils New Tech For Electric Cars. A California-based company demonstrated a new battery-swapping technology Wednesday that could overcome a key obstacle to the adoption of electric cars their reliance on frequent, long stops for recharging. Posted. http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/AS_Japan_Electric_Vehicles_406190C.shtml Calif. Reports Long-Term Decline In Smog, Soot. Air quality in some of the most polluted parts of California improved dramatically over the past 20 years, the state reported yesterday. Ozone, the primary component of smog, has declined 10 percent in the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin and 35 percent in the South Coast Air Basin since 1990. Fine soot has declined nearly 35 percent in the South Coast region and 20 percent in the San Joaquin Valley, even as the state's population grew 33 percent and vehicle miles traveled rose 46 percent. The California Air Resources Board says recent regulations for emissions from buses and big-rig trucks will lower pollution levels further. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/05/13/19 It’s TRU: California Truck Reefer Rule Draws Near. Even though the July 17 deadline for the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) Transport Refrigeration Units (TRU) regulation is rapidly approaching, whether everyone will be ready for implementation remains unknown. Having receiving a federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) waiver in January allowing it to regulate refrigeration units, CARB has pushed forward with the July start date. Posted. http://fleetowner.com/trucking_regulations/carb-transport-refrigeration-rules-0513/ Senate Bill Steers Away From the Car. As stimulus spending on highways and bridges ramps up, Senate Democrats are submitting legislation today that suggests the nation's transportation policy is headed for a major overhaul, with a strong emphasis on reducing automobile use and carbon emissions and boosting public transit, inter-city rail and rail freight service. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/13/AR2009051303687.html Republicans Push Changes To U.S. Climate Bill. Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday vowed to push for major changes to a climate change bill that could move through a key committee next week, including a proposal to count nuclear power as a clean energy alternative. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/13/AR2009051302712_pf.html 'Cash For Clunkers' Bill Hits Speed Bump. Legislation that would give car buyers a government voucher up to $4,500 when they trade in gas guzzlers hit a speed bump in the Senate amid concerns that a compromise between the White House and House Democrats doesn't go far enough to protect the environment. Posted. http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/US_Cash_for_Clunkers_406126C.shtml http://www.modbee.com/2033/story/701924.html REGION: CPUC To Air Green Talks On Web. The California Public Utilities Commission, the state body that regulates electric, water, transportation and telecommunications companies, plans to broadcast a pair of talks on the implications of California's move toward a green economy over the Internet in coming weeks. The first talk will run from 1 to 2:30 p.m. May 21, and will feature Mary Nichols, chairwoman of the California Air Resources Board, the commission said in a news release. Nichols will speak on the topic of "Creating California's Clean Energy Future: Challenges, Lessons and Opportunities." Posted. http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/05/13/news/sandiego/z8f4d5f4b7a220aba882575b500830cd7.prt Climate Policy Tracker Tracks Progress in 33 States. The New America Foundation’s Climate Policy Program has launched an online tool that allows state-by-state tracking of hundreds of carbon and energy saving measures. The State Climate Policy Tracker details each state’s climate action plan. It provides data on climate actions across six economic sectors, and reports on the progress of each measure, its cost or cost-saving potential per ton greenhouse gas (GHG) removed, and the estimated annual reduction in carbon emissions. Posted. http://www.environmentalleader.com/2009/05/14/climate-policy-tracker-tracks-progress-in-33-states/ Clearing the Air. Q. What’s the best way to clean the air in my home? A. Air researchers talk about the Rule of 1,000: anything released indoors is about 1,000 times more likely to be breathed in than something released outdoors. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/14/garden/14fix.html?hpw First Hybrid Taxicabs Hit Los Angeles Streets Today. The first hybrid taxicabs hit the streets of Los Angeles today, when Bell Cab introduced two bright green models of the low-polluting vehicles to its fleet. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12359424 http://www.dailynews.com/search/ci_12359424?IADID=Search-www.dailynews.com-www.dailynews.com Climate Conference Urges World To Protect Oceans. Rising sea levels, warming waters and spiraling acidity caused by global warming are threatening the world's oceans and the communities they support, governments warned Thursday, as they sought to include protection for the seas in a new U.N. climate treaty. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/world/story/703013.html http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12368198?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12368198?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com Soaring Electricity Use By New Electronic Devices Imperils Climate Change Efforts. Efforts by countries worldwide to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy security are in trouble if nothing is done to check the energy gobbled by both information and communication technologies and consumer electronics. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/05/14/14climatewire-soaring-electricity-use-by-new-electronic-de-12208.html Planets Can Have Too Much Of A Good Thing. Question: Extreme summer heat raises the question: "Are greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere a good or a bad thing?" Basically, greenhouse gases slow the escape of heat from a planet's surface, causing it to warm up. Posted. http://www.dailynews.com/search/ci_12364830?IADID=Search-www.dailynews.com-www.dailynews.com http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_12364830 http://www.sbsun.com/search/ci_12364830?IADID=Search-www.sbsun.com-www.sbsun.com Is the Globe Warming or Cooling? Every year since 1998 - when the Earth's temperature peaked at a record high - has been cooler than that year. 2008, for example, was the planet's coolest year since 2000. Could this be evidence against global warming? Posted. http://www.news10.net/news/story.aspx?storyid=59256&catid=2 Al Gore's Astounding Hypocrisy. Here's the first thing you shouldn't do in front of Al Gore: Be skeptical about catastrophic, human-caused global warming. He will rip your reputation apart, just as he once did to reputable, honorable scientists in congressional hearings. Posted. http://headlines.ocregister.com/articles/gore-26502-warming-global.html PG&E Signs Solar Deal To Light 530,000 Homes. California utility Pacific Gas and Electric Co. has signed new solar contracts that are expected to produce enough electricity to power about 530,000 homes during peak hours. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/may/13/pge-signs-solar-deal-to-light-530000-homes/ http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/CA_PG_amp_E_Solar_406138C.shtml http://www.modbee.com/business/story/702223.html http://www.insidebayarea.com/green/ci_12360213 http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_12360213 Camarillo-Area Greenhouses Produce 21st Century Crops. High-tech facilities hoard water, generate electricity and produce 20 times more tomatoes per acre than conventional farms. But the seed money needed is also far greater. On a coastal plain near Camarillo not far from a U.S. Navy base and an outlet mall, the future of California farming is taking shape. Rising out of verdant acres of strawberries and artichokes between Highway 101 and the Pacific Ocean in Ventura County are two mammoth, high-tech greenhouses. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-greenhouse14-2009may14,0,1545523,print.story Support Sustainability. It is hard not to feel helpless about global warming, at times. But, take heart; besides carpooling, taking the bus, bicycling, and walking more often, there is something new that local people can do to fight against climate change. Community members can participate in an exciting new regional planning process in response to global warming. Posted. http://www.newtimesslo.com/commentary/2522/support-sustainability/ Glendale City Council Meeting Wrap-Up. Exhaust Filters For Emissions. In an effort to meet state air quality regulations, Public Works officials were authorized to purchase $200,000 worth of exhaust filters for 16 heavy-duty fleet vehicles. The California Air Resources Board recently implemented new rules requiring city agencies to reduce diesel particulate matter emissions from the diesel fleets. In order to keep Glendale on schedule to comply with a state-mandated time frame for compliance, Public Works officials plan to have about 60% of the city’s fleet fitted with the exhaust filters by the end of the year. Posted. http://www.glendalenewspress.com/articles/2009/05/14/politics/gnp-ccwrap14.txt Blogs Prius vs. Insight: Which Is the Best Hybrid Car? With new 2010 models, impressive fuel economy and advanced technology, industry leaders Toyota and Honda square off over hybrids. You'd never get either Honda or Toyota to admit it, but the Insight and Prius are rivals. The Honda Insight is all new, and the Prius was redesigned for 2010. Both are entering an uncertain but brightening hybrid market. In March, U.S. hybrid sales (about two to three percent of the market now) shot up 34% compared to February. Posted. http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/blogs/cars-transportation/prius-insight-hybrid-cars-460509 ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 15 May 2009 10:34:55 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for May 15th, 2008 From: sponedal@ARB.CA.GOV . Newsclips for May 15, 2009 New Emissions Standards Concern Fresh Produce Carriers. Those responsible for the transportation of fresh fruits and vegetables across the U.S. are worried — to say the least — about emissions standards in California set to go into effect later this year. Under the new regulations, created by the California Air Resources Board, most over-the-road trucks will need to be retrofitted with diesel particulate filters. Posted. http://thepacker.com/New-emissions-standards-concern-fresh-produce-carriers/Article.aspx?articleid=366428&authorid=680&feedid=218 Local officials debate new California greenhouse emissions law. Local officials warned that impending state greenhouse emissions rules could raise make local residents power bills as much as 30 percent by 2020. The warning came at a conference Thursday on AB32, the state law that mandates that utilities cut their greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2020, bringing them back to the same level they were at in 1990. Posted. http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_12372073 Empire of Carbon. I have seen the future, and it won’t work. These should be hopeful times for environmentalists. Junk science no longer rules in Washington. President Obama has spoken forcefully about the need to take action on climate change; the people I talk to are increasingly optimistic that Congress will soon establish a cap-and-trade system that limits emissions of greenhouse gases, with the limits growing steadily tighter over time. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/15/opinion/15krugman.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Government Roundup: Senate Oks Ag Burning Limits. A bill by state Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter, to eliminate a double standard that let agriculture burn when the air's so unhealthy that fireplace fires are banned passed the Senate Thursday. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District prohibits lighting fireplace fires on days where air quality has been deemed unhealthy. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/news/local/x443329701/Government-roundup-Senate-OKs-ag-burning-limits Sunny skies forecast for House climate bill. House Democratic leaders claimed an early victory on a revised climate bill Thursday even as they had sizable work ahead to draft the legislation and gain the support of moderate party members to pass one of President Obama's top priorities. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/may/15/sunny-skies-forecast-for-house-climate-bill/ Ads Target Key Votes on Climate-Change Bill. Washington -- Business groups and environmentalists are flooding the airwaves with ads targeting a dozen or so Democrats whose votes are seen as crucial on a controversial climate bill. The outreach is intensifying as House Democratic leaders are gaining confidence they have the votes needed to move the bill through the House Energy and Commerce Committee as early as next week. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124233900613221129.html#printMode House Democrats Retool U.S. Climate Bill. Washington - Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday said they were working out final details of a climate change bill, as they announced new breaks for industry that they said would also minimize the potential impact on consumers' energy bills. "We have reached agreement on most key matters," said Representative Rick Boucher, who represents the coal-producing state of Virginia. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN14366930 AP Interview: Gore, volunteers target Congress. Al Gore and a band of environmental volunteers are taking the congressional fight over climate change legislation to the home districts of undecided lawmakers. The mission to spur congressional action marks a new phase for The Climate Project, Gore said in an interview with The Associated Press on Thursday. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jvk6GR7tXqC_dis2ZddA-cPW7eBQD9868UOG0 http://www.modbee.com/2033/story/703550.html http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_12370648?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12370648 Search for House GOP climate bill votes starts (and ends?) with Bono Mack. In the Democrats' hunt for votes to pass climate change legislation, California Rep. Mary Bono Mack represents something of a political outlier -- a House Republican who doesn't strongly oppose the bill. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/05/15/15climatewire-search-for-house-gop-climate-bill-votes-star-12208.html Murky Reg-Review Process Set Stage For Frenzy Over OMB Climate Memo. The political frenzy sparked by a White House memo that raised questions about U.S. EPA's handling of a proposed "endangerment finding" on greenhouse gas emissions was rooted in what experts say are muddled procedures for reviewing proposed federal regulations. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/05/14/14greenwire-murky-reg-review-process-set-stage-for-frenzy-12208.html?pagewanted=print Climate Change, Water Shortages Conspire To Create 21st Century Dust Bowl. Dust storms accelerated by a warming climate have covered the Rocky Mountains with dirt whose heat-trapping properties have caused snowpacks to melt weeks earlier than normal, worrying officials in Colorado about drastic water shortages by late summer. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/05/14/14greenwire-climate-change-water-shortages-conspire-to-cre-12208.html?pagewanted=print Committee reaches deal on cap-and-trade plan. Congressional leaders who support a new cap on greenhouse-gas emissions reached agreement on a plan Thursday to ease the burden it will impose on refiners, paving the way for a key House panel to vote on the climate-change proposal next week. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/05/15/MNNN17KLN9.DTL&hw=climate+change&sn=002&sc=992 Can 350.org save the world? All around the world, national governments are trying to hammer out their global warming policies, preparing for the United Nations' climate-change conclave in Copenhagen at the end of the year. And in too many places, the effort seems to be going nowhere. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-mckibben15-2009may15,0,123188.story Researchers scale back forecast of sea level rise. WASHINGTON—The global sea level will only rise about 10 feet if the West Antarctic ice sheet collapses. While that may not sound so great to residents of coastal cities like New York or Los Angeles, it's only about half the previously predicted rise. Researchers led by Jonathan L. Bamber of the University of Bristol in Britain report their recalculation of the hazard in Friday's edition of the journal Science. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_12369858 Waves at work. Power generated by Pacific Ocean waves could help pump drinking water to 600,000 North Bay customers without generating any greenhouse gases. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090514/ARTICLES/905149881 Camarillo-area greenhouses produce 21st century crops. On a coastal plain near Camarillo not far from a U.S. Navy base and an outlet mall, the future of California farming is taking shape. Rising out of verdant acres of strawberries and artichokes between Highway 101 and the Pacific Ocean in Ventura County are two mammoth, high-tech greenhouses. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-greenhouse14-2009may14,0,4784175.story Two Local Body Shops Go "Green". Spraying that paint used to mean pumping chemicals into the air, but not anymore. Having a fender bender never makes you feel good. But having your car re-painted in a "greener" way probably will. Now, two local companies make that possible. Nothing looks nicer than a shiny, new car, or a new paint job on the old one. Spraying that paint used to mean pumping chemicals into the air, but not anymore. Posted. http://abclocal.go.com/wtvg/story?section=news/local&id=6813419&pt=print House approves $6.4 billion for green schools. WASHINGTON—The House on Thursday passed a multiyear school construction bill with the ambitious goals of producing hundreds of thousands of jobs, reducing energy consumption and creating healthier, cleaner environments for the nation's schoolchildren. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12369111 http://www.siliconvalley.com/greenenergy/ci_12369146?source=rss http://www.mercurynews.com/greenenergy/ci_12369146?nclick_check=1 http://www.insidebayarea.com/green/ci_12369146 Study: Tech Gadgets Suck Up Too Much Juice. The energy consumption from communications technologies and consumer electronics devices, including computers, mobile phones, and televisions, could be reduced by more than 50 percent through the use of energy-efficient technologies that exist today. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2009/05/14/urnidgns002570F3005978D8002575B5007A5670.DTL FEMA tricks out new trailers for next disaster. EMMITSBURG, Md.—They're clean, shutterless and decorated with a rainbow of beige hues. They're mobile homes built for future disaster victims and, so far, have safe levels of formaldehyde. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12368790 Blogs Air pollution drops dramatically in OC, state says. Air pollution took a sharp drop in Orange County and the rest of the Los Angeles basin over the past two decades, according to a new report. The state Air Resources Board, which tracks a variety of pollutants, says ground-level ozone, a lung-irritant, went down 35 percent in the air basin since 1990. Posted. http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/2009/05/14/air-pollution-drops-dramatically-in-oc-state-says/7311/ Hospitals Vow to Curb Carbon Emissions. Hospitals use a lot of power. The lights in emergency rooms burn around the clock. Outlets in the laboratories are taxed by computers, refrigerators and high-tech medical equipment. The air must be kept fresh and frosty to prevent the spread of germs, leaving air-conditioning and ventilation units on permanent overdrive. All together, New York City hospitals are responsible for about 1.5 percent of the city’s total greenhouse gas emissions, city officials say, pumping them out at more than double the rate for a commercial office building. Posted. http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/14/hospitals-vow-to-curb-carbon-emissions/?pagemode=print Chamber of Commerce Details Opposition to Waxman-Markey Bill. The U.S Chamber of Commerce said Thursday that it isn’t a big fan of the Waxman-Markey energy and climate bill, whatever shape it eventually takes. That illustrates two points. Anyone who thought the specter of Environmental Protection Agency regulation of greenhouse-gas emissions would push the business community into the arms of Congress’ current climate bill appears to have been mistaken. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/05/14/chamber-of-commerce-details-opposition-to-waxman-markey-bill/tab/print/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 18 May 2009 12:13:55 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for May 18, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newclips for May 18, 2009. California Plans No Exit From Hydrogen Highway. Energy Secretary Steven Chu may want to slam the brakes on future hydrogen funding, but California will continue to pay its own way down the Hydrogen Highway, infuriating electric vehicle advocates in particular. Obama’s top energy official cut more than $100 million slated for hydrogen fuel-cell research from next year’s federal budget, arguing that in tough times, tough choices had to be made. Posted. http://www.grist.org/article/2009-05-14-california-hydrogen-fuel-cell http://www.insidebayarea.com/green/ci_12380547 http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_12380547 Fees Loom For Industries' Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Money to cover state's cost to administer law. Sacramento – Call it overhead. The state Air Resources Board plans to collect more fees from industries responsible for large amounts of greenhouse gases to recoup the administrative costs of implementing California's landmark climate change law. The proposed $50 million in annual assessments would nick Californians for about $1.50 a year after the costs are passed down, regulators estimate. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/may/18/1n18airfee233237-fees-loom-industries-greenhouse-g/ Industry Is Warming Up To Obama's Climate Plan. Companies want to help shape global warming legislation in Congress, figuring the right plan could boost profits. Reporting from Washington — Sprawling across about 9,000 acres of rolling farmland in southwestern Indiana is one of the world's biggest aluminum smelters, operated by Alcoa Inc. The maze of rectangular buildings and giant smokestacks consumes enough electricity to supply a city of 200,000 -- power generated by burning more than 2 million tons of coal a year. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-na-climate18-2009may18,0,6994127,print.story What Is 'Cap And Trade'? It's the Obama administration's plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Defining 'cap and trade' It's shorthand for government initiatives designed to cut pollution. The "cap" refers to the limit the government imposes on industrial emissions. Major emitters, such as power plants and factories, obtain permits from the government or from other companies. That's the "trade." It's also the incentive: Companies that reduce emissions by investing in efficiency or renewable power can sell permits to others. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-climatebox18-2009may18,0,243947,print.story http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/05/15/MNNN17KLN9.DTL&type=printable http://www.businessinsider.com/krugman-cap-and-trade-legislation-imperfect-disappointing-but-ill-take-it-2009-5 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/05/16/MN9317LBSS.DTL&type=printable http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/17/us/politics/17cap.html?ref=us&pagewanted=print http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/19/business/global/19renbio.html?pagewanted=print Fontana Dealership Fined For Illegal Modifications. Fontana - The state Air Resources Board has fined Sunrise Ford $175,000 for illegally modifying 2005-07 model year light-and medium-duty vehicles with an aftermarket device before the vehicles were sold. "That's a big no-no," said Karen Caesar, spokeswoman for the board. "The owner (of the vehicle) should be the one who makes the ultimate decision on how to modify their vehicles." Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12379755 Putting U.S. Trucking on a Diet. The backbone of U.S. commerce, given America’s vast distances and reliance upon highway transportation, is the combined fleet of 500,000 U.S. long-haul trucks. And to many Americans, the macho trucking life holds a certain romance. It has, to be sure, its drawbacks, not least the pollution from all those rumbling diesels. But new technologies are emerging that should at least mitigate some of that. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/19/business/global/19rentruck.html Skoreans Designing 'Online' Electric Vehicles. Seoul, South Korea. Urban visionaries in London and Seoul, two of the world's busiest capital cities, foresee buses gliding through their streets with speed, ease and efficiency — without emitting the exhaust fumes that scientists say are contributing to global warming. Under Mayor Boris Johnson's vision, London's iconic red double-decker Routemaster buses would be back on the streets — but powered by electricity, not gasoline. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h8Nd0i22OR6XPRJxUJmpzMwNkxkgD988O5500 http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12395524?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12395524?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/18/AR2009051801151.html Don’t Pay the Rich to Scrap Their Cars. AS someone who drove a clattering old pickup in the slow lane for nine years, I watched with interest earlier this month as House Democrats reached a compromise on “cash for clunkers” legislation that would give people vouchers worth as much as $4,500 to replace their older cars with new ones. But the plan, which would cost $3.5 billion to $4.5 billion, is a huge disappointment; any program that expensive should deliver much better mileage. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/16/opinion/16margonelli.html?em Marin and Sonoma Counties Plan Electric-Car Fueling Network. U.S. automakers are diving belatedly into the hybrid and electric-car market, but what’s the good of an electric car that runs out of juice between San Francisco and the town of Mendocino? Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090518/BUSINESSJOURNAL/905179951 Obama Administration Has Moved Swiftly To Undo Bush Environmental Policy. Obama administration has moved swiftly to undo Bush environmental policy. Washington -- Interior Secretary Ken Salazar was defiant as an aide slipped him a note during his testimony before the House interior appropriations subcommittee. Led by two Republican senators upset by the Obama administration's decision to cancel oil and gas leases near two national parks in southern Utah's Red Rock Canyon region, the Senate had just blocked the White House nominee for the No. 2 slot at the Interior Department. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/1868432.html EPA Urged To Act On Climate, Not Wait For Congress. Arlington, Va. The Environmental Protection Agency should not wait for Congress before taking steps to control the gases blamed for global warming, supporters of federal greenhouse-gas regulation said Monday. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gFfOn9fGm50O9nEQAVTgGHUiK_pwD988OG100 http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/707486.html http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/05/18/ap/politics/d988n6to3.txt http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12394140?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12394140?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/18/AR2009051800280.html Climate Bill Seeks a Broad Coalition. The congressional trek toward climate legislation inched forward yesterday as the House Energy and Commerce Committee released a 932-page bill chock-full of allowances and provisions designed to bring together a coalition of lawmakers, industries and environmental groups behind the regulation of greenhouse gases. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/15/AR2009051503367.html?hpid=topnews Constellation Supports House Climate Change Bill. Constellation Energy says it supports the climate change bill introduced Friday by the House Energy Committee. Constellation Energy Group Inc. Chairman, President and Chief Executive Mayo Shattuck said in a statement Sunday that the bill outlines needed steps to cut greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy security, and usher in new low-emission power generation. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/business/story/707187.html http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12391434?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com Cleaning Green. Visit any store's cleaning aisle and you'll see an array of Green-this and Eco-that bottles. But beware. There are no regulations on what "green" or "eco" means; the terms can be slapped on any label. And, as important, not every environmentally friendly product is a great cleaner. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2056/story/707626.html Plans for Carson `Green' Power Plant Are Dropped. With much fanfare, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger came to Carson in 2006 to announce plans to build a $1 billion "green" power plant. The project would be the "cleanest and greenest" in the United States and would be an early test of carbon-capture technology, in which carbon dioxide emissions are permanently stored underground. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12393417 A Giant Leap Toward Space-Based Solar Power. Pacific Gas & Electric has signed a contract to buy power from an ambitious start-up that plans to launch solar power collectors into orbit to back energy as radio waves. Pie in the sky? Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-fi-space-solar17-2009may17,0,3312600,print.story Pacific Ethanol Units File for Bankruptcy Protection. Pacific Ethanol Inc.'s production-facility units have filed for bankruptcy protection as they look to restructure their debt loads. Pacific Ethanol itself and its marketing units didn't file for bankruptcy protection. Pacific, once a high-flying ethanol producer, enticed Bill Gates and hedge-fund manager Paul Touradji as early investors in 2006. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124265936830530735.html#printMode ARB Verifies Bobtail FTF, Dispels Regulation Rumors. The California Air Resources Board (ARB) has verified the Proventia Group’s Bobtail FTF as a Level 2 Plus flow-through-filter. The Bobtail FTF reduces diesel particulate matter at least 50 percent, plus it complies with the 20 percent nitrogen oxide (NO2) limit. Posted. http://refrigeratedtrans.com/2010-emissions/arb_verifies_bobtail_ftf_dispels_regulation_rumors_0518/ There's Little Agreement Among Policymakers On Solutions To Reducing Fire Risk. A year after wildfire killed 13 people and blackened hundreds of thousands of acres of forestland - costing nearly $170 million to fight - the north state's woods stand primed to burn again. The conflagration that ripped through the region last summer caused weeks of evacuations and disrupted thousands of lives. North state residents inhaled brown air for months, and many say they're still wheezing. Posted. http://www.redding.com/news/2009/may/17/theres-little-agreement-among-policymakers-on/?printer=1/ Speak Your Piece: Still More Funding For A Broken System? Try Again. Is California ungovernable? Polling numbers clearly show the people don't believe leaders are getting the job done. The fates of Propositions 1A through 1F promise to be resounding affirmation of that fact. I was elected in 1978 as a "Proposition 13 Baby" with a passionate intent to help get control of government. Posted. http://www.redding.com/news/2009/may/17/still-more-funding-for-a-broken-system-try-again/?printer=1/ OPINIONS Cash-For-Clunkers Program Crashes Up Against The Environment Getting vouchers to turning in your old guzzler for a new guzzler does nothing to promote more efficient cars. The automakers are filling up again at the Capitol Hill bailout pump. The latest idea is "cash for clunkers." Interested in junking your old gas-guzzling Hummer -- or maybe Lincoln Town Car or Chevy Blazer -- for a new vehicle? Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-gersten17-2009may17,0,129066,print.story The Perfect, the Good, the Planet. In a way, it was easy to take stands during the Bush years: the Bushies and their allies in Congress were so determined to move the nation in the wrong direction that one could, with a clear conscience, oppose all the administration’s initiatives. Now, however, a somewhat uneasy coalition of progressives and centrists rules Washington, and staking out a position has become much trickier. Policy tends to move things in a desirable direction, yet to fall short of what you’d hoped to see. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/18/opinion/18krugman.html?_r=1&hpw=&pagewanted=print Cold Reality. Addressing climate change is a job for Congress, not the Endangered Species Act. INTERIOR SECRETARY Ken Salazar ruffled more than a few feathers this month when he let stand a Bush administration decision to prohibit the use of the Endangered Species Act to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. It was the right call when it was made in 2008, and it is the right call now. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/17/AR2009051701792_pf.html Blogs Wall Streeters Look to Join Carbon Trading. Jobless traders and other Wall Street refugees are looking to carbon trading shops for work. As Congress gears up for a debate on a national “cap-and-trade” program to limit greenhouse gas emissions, resumees from Wall Street — or from ex-Wall Streeters — are flooding into the nation’s few carbon-trading shops.“Right now we’re probably seeing like 10 to 15 résumés a month,” said Evan Ard, a spokesman for the carbon brokerage Evolution Markets.” Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/18/wall-streeters-look-to-join-carbon-trading/ Climate Bill: Lots of Compromises–For What? We really do mean to dive into the 932 pages of the revised Waxman-Markey energy and climate bill, but do you know how long that is? A back-of-the-envelope estimate suggests about 171,000 words—just shy of the New Testament, only with fewer miracles and a longer sermon on the mount. The point is—this is the compromise version of the contentious climate bill. Who has it satisfied? Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/05/18/climate-bill-lots-of-compromises-for-what/tab/print/ Cash-for-Clunkers: More Sniping at Car-Scrappage Plan. In a legislative session with no shortage of contenders, the cash-for-clunkers proposal is becoming the Rodney Dangerfield of new laws. Nobody seems happy with the House’s plan to offer rebates of up to $4,500 for trading in old cars for new ones. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/?s=environment&x=19&y=15 Green Ink: Let the Climate Carping Begin. Crude oil futures rose over $57 a barrel as traders considered Friday’s carnage excessive, Bloomberg reports. We’re seeing the “new geopolitics” of oil. Exhbit A: China’s growing clout, exemplified by the deals it signed with Brazil that the U.S. just can’t match (but which it could benefit from all the same), in the WSJ. Will Cuba and its potentially big oil reserves come into the picture, in the WaPo. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/05/18/green-ink-let-the-climate-carping-begin/tab/print/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 19 May 2009 11:27:10 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for May 19, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for May 19, 2009. Obama To Announce Auto Mileage, Emissions Standards. Washington -- President Barack Obama's new fuel and emission standards for cars and trucks will save billions of barrels of oil but are expected to cost consumers an extra $1,300 per vehicle by the time the plan is complete in 2016. Obama on Tuesday planned to announce the first-ever national emissions limits for vehicles, as well as require an overall or industry average fuel efficiency standard at 35.5 miles per gallon. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/830/story/1871459.html http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/05/19/MNR317MLGU.DTL&type=printable http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-emissions19-2009may19,0,1578831,print.story http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/may/19/1n19arnold002347-governor-be-dc-state-votes-measur/?uniontrib http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/1872671.html http://www.reuters.com/article/mnCarbonEmissions/idUS256433619320090519 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/19/business/19emissions.html?hp http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-emission-qa19-2009may19,0,1020006.story http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_12397069 http://www.mydesert.com/article/20090519/NEWS01/905190307/1006/news01/Car+dealers+fear+price+of+Obama+s+vehicle+plan http://www.imperialvalleynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5637&Itemid=1 http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/may/19/new-policy-merges-fuel-efficiency-tailpipe-limits/ http://www.fox40.com/pages/landing_national/?Obama-taps-consumers-for-emission-mpg-st=1&blockID=291461&feedID=19 http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/05/19/ap/headlines/d989bqko1.txt http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090518/NEWS/905189952 http://headlines.ocregister.com/news/greenhouse-27159-states-standards.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12401468?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12401468?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.sbsun.com/search/ci_12402422?IADID=Search-www.sbsun.com-www.sbsun.com Warming Skeptics Get Heard on the Hill. More GOP Doubts Expressed as House Prepares to Take Up Emissions-Cap Bill. After the decade they've had, Capitol Hill's climate-change skeptics might well feel like polar bears on a shrinking ice floe. Scientists around the globe have rejected their main arguments -- that the climate isn't clearly warming, that humans aren't responsible for it, or that the whole thing doesn't amount to a problem. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/18/AR2009051803022_pf.html China's Edge In The Energy-Efficiency Industry. The sleeping giant is taking the lead in manufacturing components for solar and wind generators and building electric cars, but the U.S. could still catch up. After President Nixon went to China, the United States urged that nation's leaders to forget Marx and Mao and embrace the blessings of capitalism. Unfortunately, it's been wryly said, they took our advice. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-silver19-2009may19,0,92276,print.story California Electric Car Company Tesla Teams With Daimler. The German automaker buys an almost 10% stake in the San Carlos company, which had recently turned to low-cost federal loans for financing. German automaker Daimler said today it had bought an almost 10% stake in Tesla, giving a financial boost to the California-based electric car company. Daimler, which owns Mercedes-Benz, didn't disclose the amount of the investment, saying only that, when priced in euros, the amount was in "eight figures." Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-tesla20-2009may20,0,6191527,print.story Air Districts To Help Gas Stations Unable To Comply With New Rules. Lawmakers have struck a compromise to help gas stations struggling to comply with costly new clean-air regulations at a time of tight credit and declining profits. Under legislative pressure, local air districts have agreed to concessions for stations that couldn't meet the April 1 deadline, including a cap on fines and a refund of most penalties already collected. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/may/19/1n19station002357-air-districts-help-gas-stations-/?california&zIndex=101722 Gas Stations Need A Break On Air Rules. Our nation continues to cope with a deep recession. The state's unemployment rate is at a historic high. The state's budget crisis is in a free fall as tax receipts have plummeted. Yet, bureaucrats at the California Air Resources Board and local air pollution control districts are not recognizing the economic impact and the financial strain of their decisions to enforce new and expensive regulations. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/letters/story/708950.html Truckers Deflated by Clean Air Program. Jackie Mattare has been in the trucking industry for nearly two decades at the giant San Pedro port complex, and he? never been through such tough times. Mattare? Desert Express specializes in transporting extra-heavy cargo for importers such as the Dutch brewer Heineken ?a great business before imports shrunk this year. Posted. http://www.labusinessjournal.com/article.asp?aID=31760371.3925242.1782833.2530116.3292032.565&aID2=137132 Contra Costa Times May 19 Letters from our readers. Ron Kilmartin (Letters, May 7) considers climate change laws "moronic." What's moronic is believing our industrial footprint, with millions of cars and industrial plants, has no significant impact on our environment, and that climate variations follow pre-industrial age historical patterns. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/opinion/ci_12396906 Climate-Bill Foes Likely To Seize On CBO's Scoring. Congress' chief scorekeeper says the global warming bill moving through Congress will either be scored as a major tax increase or a massive expansion of the federal government - and either one could give opponents substantial ammunition to complicate Democrats' efforts to pass a bill. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/may/19/climate-bill-foes-likely-to-seize-on-cbos-scoring/ ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT: Climate Gambit Showdown. This is the week to follow for action on global-warming legislation. While it appears unlikely that any proposals will make it to President Obama's desk this year, House Democrats are charging forward with plans to pass a bill this week. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/may/19/climate-gambit-showdown/ McKIBBEN: World Must Fight This Enemy Fast. All around the world, national governments are trying to hammer out their global warming policies, preparing for the United Nations’ climate-change conclave in Copenhagen, Denmark, at the end of 2009. And in too many places, the effort seems to be going nowhere. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090519/OPINION/905189937 GOP Looks To Expand Renewables Mix, Stress Economy During Climate Bill Fight. The House Energy and Commerce Committee begins the long slog today through hundreds of Republican amendments to change a 946-page energy and global warming bill (pdf) even as Democrats appear to be lining up behind the measure. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/05/19/19climatewire-gop-looks-to-expand-renewables-mix-stress-ec-12208.html Environmental Edge for Concrete Rail Ties Over Wooden Ones. Observant commuters may notice that in some rail systems, traditional wooden ties are being replaced with those made from reinforced concrete. Concrete ties may be stronger and more durable than wooden ones, but are they environmentally friendlier? Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/19/science/19obties.html Sacramento Firm Hopes Efficient Air Conditioner Heats Up Market. Here's a bit of innovation sparked by the bad economy: the ultra-efficient AquaChill air conditioner, which Sacramento's Beutler Corp. is now bringing to market. For the 62-year-old climate-control contractor, it's part of a move to grab a piece of the green-tech market. The sector is getting billions in support from the federal stimulus package. Policies restricting greenhouse-gas emissions should help boost demand as well. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2307/story/708801.html Blogs Obama to Raise Fuel-Economy Standards. President Obama will unveil “tough new standards” for cars and trucks on Tuesday that will reach 39 miles a gallon for cars and 30 for trucks (or a fleetwide average of 35.5 m.p.g.) in 2016, the program’s last year, said a senior administration official. Posted. http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/19/obama-to-raise-fuel-economy-standards/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 20 May 2009 11:31:38 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for May 20, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for May 20, 2009. ROSE GARDEN ANNOUNCEMENTS Behind The Scenes Of The Auto Emissions Deal. The agreement for a strict nationwide standard for U.S.-sold cars by 2016 took a mix of firm demands and major concessions from the government. Obama sees the talks as a 'template for more progress.' Reporting from Washington — It had taken weeks of hardball negotiations, but on Sunday afternoon, White House officials thought everything was falling into place. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-emissions20-2009may20,0,4163552,print.story Vow Of Silence Key To White House-Calif. CAFE Talks. San Francisco -- There was a simple rule for negotiations between the White House and California on vehicle fuel economy: Put nothing in writing. Mary Nichols, the head of the California Air Resources Board, and Carol Browner, President Obama's point person on energy and climate change, were key in crafting a plan to impose the first-ever national carbon limits on cars and trucks. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/05/20/1 As Political Winds Shift, Detroit Charts New Course. Washington — Why, after decades of battling, complaining and maneuvering over fuel economy standards, did carmakers fall in line behind the tough new nationwide mileage standard President Obama announced Tuesday? Because they had no choice. The auto industry is flat on its back, with Chrysler in bankruptcy, General Motors close to it, and both companies taking billions of dollars in federal money. Foreign automakers are getting help from their own governments. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/20/business/energy-environment/20emit.html?_r=1&hp=&pagewanted=print GM: Federal CAFE Standards Good For Nation, Industry. Legislating tougher Corporate Average Fuel Economy requirements will lead auto manufacturers to take a look at their diesel offerings as compression engines have better fuel efficiency and lower carbon dioxide emissions, said Dave Barthmuss, group manager for General Motors Environment and Energy Communications North America. Auto manufacturers won’t necessarily be running out right away, however, to bring more diesel models to the market. Posted. http://www.biodieselmagazine.com/article-print.jsp?article_id=3493 After Long Fight, California's Emission Rules Are Now National Policy. President Barack Obama did most of the talking at Tuesday's launch of the nation's first greenhouse-gas restrictions for cars, but the spotlight was on the Californians sitting in the front row in the White House Rose Garden. After millions in legal costs and years of delays, the state's emissions rules are now national policy, set to drive a nearly 40 percent increase in vehicle fuel efficiency by 2016. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/1876310.html White House Hits The Gas On Environmental Issues. Obama's tailpipe emissions standards and push to cap greenhouse gases has put industry on notice. To listen to the global warming deniers, the Obama administration’s announcement Tuesday that it plans to restrict greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles will hurt the economy, force consumers to buy cars they don't want and endanger the lives of motorists. The opposite is closer to the truth. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-ed-vehicles20-2009may20,0,4762539,print.story The Earth Wins One. The nationwide automobile mileage and emissions standards announced by President Obama on Tuesday represent a huge step forward in the effort to limit greenhouse gases and reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil. They also represent a departure from the Bush administration’s indifference on these issues and an important down payment on Mr. Obama’s pledge to fashion an aggressive and imaginative energy policy. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/20/opinion/20weds1.html?_r=2&ref=todayspaper&pagewanted=print Editorial: Obama's Move On Emissions Is Welcome. YEARS OF FRUSTRATION by many states stonewalled by the auto industry over emission limits and better gasoline mileage requirements appear to be coming to an end. Sometimes change is a good thing. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12404240?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12404240?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com California Plans Next Steps To Cut Car Pollution. San Francisco (Reuters) - California is planning the next stage of clean car standards even as U.S. President Barack Obama announces federal plans based on the state's model, its top climate change official said on Tuesday. Obama on Tuesday set 2016 mileage and carbon emissions goals for U.S. fleets, which will be codified by the federal Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE54J04Q20090520 Obama Announces Compromise On Fuel Efficiency Standards. Washington -- President Barack Obama announced a historic compromise on tough fuel economy rules among automakers, environmentalists and government agencies Tuesday, saying the standards were a "harbinger of a change" for Washington. Detroit and foreign automakers embraced the pact for granting them national targets for the next eight years, rather than setting short-term goals. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/1875928.html http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/05/20/MN4517ND91.DTL&type=printable State's Emission Rules Get Federal Blessing. Washington finally got the memo. We're referring to California's message about the need for tougher tailpipe emission rules for the sake of energy savings and clean air. Since 2002, when this state passed stricter pollution laws, Sacramento has waited for federal blessing to put the plan into effect. Automakers, backed by the previous White House, blocked the change. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/05/20/ED3H17NA7O.DTL&type=printable Pavley Sees Years Of Work Pay Off In Emissions Standards. From her front-row seat, state Sen. Fran Pavley suspected hers was the one face President Barack Obama would not recognize as he stood in the White House Rose Garden and proposed tough new emissions and mileage standards for cars and trucks. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/may/19/obama-announces-strict-new-emissions-standards/ Q&A On New Auto Emissions Standards. Q. What will the rules do, exactly? A. They'll restrict the greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks — essentially forcing them to get better fuel economy. By 2016, vehicles sold in the United States will average 35.5 miles per gallon, up from 25 mpg today. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/may/19/bc-env-auto-emissions-qatb-8212-national-xtop-qa/ New Auto Standards vs. Old U.S. Preferences. The cars of the near future will be lighter, more expensive and maybe smaller. Big engines will shrink. And more and more cars will be hybrids or diesel-powered vehicles like those common in Europe. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/19/AR2009051901683.html Tesla Motors Gets A Financial Boost From Daimler. The German automaker buys nearly a 10% stake in the California electric car maker, which had recently turned to low-cost federal loans. German automaker Daimler has bought nearly 10% of Tesla Motors Inc., giving a financial boost to the California electric car company. Daimler, which owns Mercedes-Benz, didn't disclose the amount of the investment, saying only that, priced in euros, the amount was in "eight figures." Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-tesla20-2009may20,0,6191527,print.story House Panel To Approve Climate Change Bill: Reuters Poll. Washington (Reuters) - Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee have enough votes to approve historic legislation to cap and reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, according to a Reuters survey of specific lawmakers on the panel. The legislation, which Democratic leaders plan to have the committee vote on this week, would slash greenhouse gases that cause global warming by 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/internal_ReutersNewsRoom_BehindTheScenes_MOLT/idUSTRE54J52S20090520 Climate Bill Could Be a $750 Billion Boon for Consumers, Study Finds. Opponents of climate legislation paint efforts to reduce carbon emissions as “cap and tax” policy, but a new analysis of the current House proposal to curb greenhouse gas emissions finds that consumers would receive around $750 billion in direct and indirect handouts and subsidies through 2030 to offset the higher energy costs. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/20/climate-bill-could-be-a-750-billion-boon-for-consumers-study-finds/ House Energy Committee Continues 'Cap and Trade' Hearings. The House Energy and Commerce Committee this morning began its third day of debate on a bill that would cap greenhouse gases, after a bleary-eyed session last night brought it little closer to resolution. Posted. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitol-briefing/2009/05/a_long_week_for_cap_and_trade.html U.N. Draft Treaty Suggests Rich Countries Slash Most CO2. The first draft of a new United Nations treaty aimed at curbing global warming sets goals of nearly eliminating greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century in developed countries including the U.S. and Japan. Under a separate option that would set the first-ever target for developing nations, China, India and other developing economies would have to aim for a 25 percent reduction of greenhouse emissions. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/05/20/17 Air Emissions Study At Fresno State Targets Larger-Sized Particles. A research program originally established to monitor ammonia from fertilizer applications and other gases from dairy operations has grown to focus on particles of “much greater” size – up to 10 microns or more at California State University, Fresno. Posted. http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=12010 The Greening Of Corporate America. Green living has grown fashionable in the recession, with people cutting back on driving and taking up gardening to save money. But sticking with that lifestyle - and getting companies to learn to make products that cater to it - is tough. More than 200 people gathered Tuesday in San Francisco, many representing Fortune 500 companies, to talk about how businesses can do a better job of making green products for their customers and adopting green practices themselves. The two-day conference, called Greener By Design, is being held at the Palace Hotel. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/05/20/BUN117MLME.DTL&type=printable SoCal Port Sets Funds for New Trucks, Retrofits. The Port of Long Beach, Calif., said it is making funds available to truckers who want to retrofit older trucks or buy new trucks. Under a subsidized lease-to-own program, applicants can receive funding for a pre-approved new truck under a 7-year lease agreement that is subsidized up to 80% by the port. Posted. http://www.ttnews.com/articles/printnews.aspx?storyid=21954 “Car Guy” Mike Duvall Drives To Leadership Of Automotive Group. If you want to know what issues are important to Assemblyman Mike Duvall, R-Brea, just look at what he did the other weekend: rode a motorcycle 1,100 miles over three days. "There's been a Harley in my life since I was born," Duvall said. "I built my first Harley when I was 14 on my bedroom floor." On May 1, Duvall was named to a two-year terms as chairman of the State Automotive Enthusiasts Leadership Caucus. Posted. http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?_c=xzpftcefuaxleb&xid=xzoewm022phgyz&done=.xzpftcefubfleb# Vacaville Offers Ethanol Fuel. A cleaner and more efficient fuel has come to Vacaville. Although it's off the beaten path for most drivers, the Pacific Pride fueling station on Cotting Lane is now offering high octane E85, or ethanol fuel, and is easily assessable to truck fleets with flexfuel engines in the area. Posted. http://www.thereporter.com/ci_12401501?source=most_emailed Protect the Polar Bear, but Look for Oil and Gas, Too. To the Editor: Re “Practical Steps to Save the Polar Bear” (editorial, May 13): You should be commended for recognizing that listing the polar bear as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act does not mean that this law is suitable for regulating greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/20/opinion/l20polar.html Aloha, And Start Your Engines! So, you want to open an off-road track in Kern County? You must be stubborn or crazy. Best if you're both. Oh, and a good, strong pair of legs is essential for all the hoop jumping you'll be doing. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/news/local/x339729411/Aloha-and-start-your-engines Obama Task Force Eyes Green Jobs To Boost Economy. A White House task force charged with helping to revive the economy will focus on the creation of a comprehensive U.S. energy plan that will generate millions of clean energy jobs when its meets on Wednesday, the White House said. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/19/AR2009051902061.html Blogs Smog Regulator: New Mileage Standards Will Help Clear O.C., L.A. Air. President Obama’s decision to toughen fuel economy standards for carmakers, announced Tuesday, will have a big effect on Southern California: helping the troubled region meet federal clean-air targets that might otherwise have been difficult to reach. Posted. http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/2009/05/19/smog-regulator-new-mileage-standards-will-help-clear-oc-la-air/7601/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 22 May 2009 10:35:34 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for May 22, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for May 22, 2009. House Committee Oks Climate-Change Bill. Washington -- Democratic leaders' plan to impose the first national limits on greenhouse gases cleared a major congressional hurdle Thursday when a House committee passed sweeping climate-change legislation. The House Energy and Commerce Committee voted 33-25 - mostly along party lines - to approve the far-reaching energy measure. It now goes to the full House for debate later this year. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/05/22/MNEE17OOT2.DTL&type=printable http://www.modbee.com/breakingnews/story/712888.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/21/AR2009052103156.html http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/22/us/politics/22climate.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse http://www.mercurynews.com/greenenergy/ci_12423920 http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/2009/05/21/1/ http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/05/22/2/ Washington Governor Orders Cutbacks In Emissions. Her Legislature refused to impose a cap-and-trade system, so Gov. Chris Gregoire issues an executive order affecting a coal-fired power plant, public transit and other programs. Reporting from Seattle — Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire sidestepped her Legislature's refusal to adopt a cap-and-trade program to limit greenhouse gases, signing an executive order Thursday to achieve similar reductions by ratcheting back coal-fired electricity and automobile emissions. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-global-warming22-2009may22,0,4857852,print.story United Rental Fined $166,800 for Emissions Violations. The California Air Resources Board fined United Rental Inc. $166,800 this month for diesel emissions violations that occurred throughout the state in 2007 and 2008. Posted. http://www.constructionequipment.com/article/CA6660142.html MTA Fined $162K For Diesel Emissions. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority was fined $162,000 today by state regulators for diesel vehicle emission violations at its Los Angeles terminals in 2006 and 2007. According to the California Air Resources Board, Metro failed to meet transit fleet vehicle requirements and did not inspect its heavy-duty diesel vehicle fleet. Posted. http://www.dailybreeze.com/latestnews/ci_12421783 Climate-Change Bill Hits Some of the Right Notes but Botches the Refrain. Something very important has been happening this week -- more important, if you can believe it, than what Nancy Pelosi knew about waterboarding or why Kris Allen scored his upset victory on "American Idol." I refer to the marathon committee markup on Capitol Hill of a monster piece of legislation that promises to reduce by 83 percent over the next 40 years the amount of carbon emitted into the atmosphere from American cars, power plants and factories. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/21/AR2009052104402.html Editorial: California's Solar Push. A bill pushing rooftop solar panels deserves lawmaker support despite opposition by a union and utilities. Homeowners typically don't spend much time thinking about the real estate atop their roofs unless it's time to clean the gutters. But that expanse of shingles could be saving them money -- or, if a bill in the Legislature succeeds, become a way to make money while striking a blow against climate change. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-solar22-2009may22,0,3574845,print.story PD Editorial: Emission Deal. If the new auto emission standards announced this week by President Obama seem familiar to you, they should. California pioneered efforts to require cleaner cars 40 years ago and has been trying for five years to compel automakers to design vehicles that produce even fewer greenhouse gases. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090522/OPINION/905219906?Title=PD-Editorial-Emission-deal Regulated Utilities, Merchant Generators Battle Over Climate Plan's Allowances. Two old foes -- regulated electric utilities and merchant generators -- are at odds again, this time over claims to valuable carbon emission allowances in the House climate bill. The measure, authored by Democrats Henry Waxman of California and Ed Markey of Massachusetts, provides 35 percent of the free allowances or carbon-emission permits created in the cap-and-trade program to the electric power industry. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/05/21/21greenwire-regulated-utilities-merchant-generators-battle-10572.html Cap And Trade Policy A Sensible Compromise. The following editorial appeared in the Kansas City Star on Thursday, May 21: A carbon tax would be the most effective way to change the behavior of industries that belch large amounts of greenhouse gases into America's air. The tax would cause coal-fired power plants and many other large polluters to invest in modern equipment that would reduce emissions. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2035/story/713728.html China: Rich Nations Must Cut Emissions By 40 Pct. Wealthy nations, as history's biggest polluters, should cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent from 1990 levels by 2020, China says in a policy document on climate change. The government also rolled out fresh help for solar power and other "green energy." Posted. http://www.modbee.com/world/story/713516.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/22/AR2009052200200.html Senate Committee Repels Effort To Strike Renewable Provision. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee defeated a bid today to strike a renewable electricity standard from the comprehensive energy bill. The amendment by Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) lost in a 9-13 vote, allowing Chairman Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) to move forward with the title. Bingaman's draft bill would require utilities to supply 15 percent of their electricity from renewable generation by 2021 and allow them to substitute energy efficiency for slightly more than a quarter of the target. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/05/21/21greenwire-senate-committee-repels-effort-to-strike-renew-12208.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 26 May 2009 11:44:05 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for May 26th, 2009 From: sponedal@ARB.CA.GOV . Energy Editorial: A huge boost for cleaner energy. THE OBAMA administration's ambitious goal to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions and wean the nation from dependence on foreign oil is admirable. But there is a wide gap between desire and reality with many alternative energy sources still in the early development stages. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/opinion/ci_12431010 Study says businesses can create clean energy jobs. COPENHAGEN—Business leaders vowed Monday to help world governments set a price on carbon, establishing a market that governments can use to cut greenhouse gases. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12445526 With Billions at Stake, Trying to Expand the Meaning of ‘Renewable Energy’. The definition of renewable energy seems clear cut: The sun continues to shine, so solar energy is renewable. The wind continues to blow, so wind turbines churn out renewable power. But industries are now pushing to have a growing number of other technologies categorized as renewable — or at least as environmentally advantageous. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/25/business/energy-environment/25renew.html?scp=1&sq=greenhouse%20gas&st=cse A new future for the Bay Area comes into focus. There are several well-planned investments in regional infrastructure on the horizon. These projects incorporate California's adopted principles for smart growth, environmental quality and the reduction of greenhouse gases - a new vision that shapes life for tomorrow. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/05/25/ED6917PR9K.DTL Zero net energy a goal for every home and building in California. There was a lot of talk about zero net energy buildings at the Santa Barbara Summit on Energy Efficiency last week. The summit brought together experts to discuss energy efficiency in lighting, energy production and storage, buildings and design, computing and electronics and photonics. The two-day event at UC Santa Barbara attracted around 260 attendees. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/may/26/zero-net-energy-a-goal-for-every-home-and-in/ Climate Change Global CEOs back greenhouse gas cuts, carbon caps. COPENHAGEN—A global summit of business leaders urged governments to order steep and mandatory cuts in greenhouse gases Tuesday, favoring a cap-and-trade system instead of a tax to set a market price for carbon waste. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12450229 Climate talks expose frustration at US position. PARIS—The French host of climate talks among the world's biggest polluters said Tuesday that the United States had backpedaled on promises to slash carbon emissions but China appeared "absolutely determined" to make deep cuts. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12450115 Pelosi calls for US-Chinese climate cooperation. BEIJING—U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a frequent, fierce critic of China, called for U.S.-Chinese cooperation to fight climate change in a speech Tuesday that skirted human rights and other contentious issues. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12449907 Govt to announce billions for green jobs, training. WASHINGTON—Some of the $4 billion from President Barack Obama's $787 billion economic stimulus plan that was budgeted to renovate public housing will be spent to create so-called "green jobs" by making the dwellings more energy efficient. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_12448176 Amazon hit by climate chaos of floods, drought. SAO PAULO—Across the Amazon basin, river dwellers are adding new floors to their stilt houses, trying to stay above rising floodwaters that have killed 48 people and left 405,000 homeless. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12445697 In Ecuador, an Unusual Carbon-Credit Plan to Leave Oil Untapped. QUITO, Ecuador -- Beneath the tropical jungles of northeastern Ecuador lies a vast pool of oil, representing one-fifth of the small Andean country's petroleum reserves and potentially billions of dollars in revenue. Directly above that pool, the Yasuni National Park is home to a diversity of wildlife that is among the richest on the planet, Ecuadoran and U.S. biologists say. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/25/AR2009052502402.html?hpid=sec-world Caps, Trades and Offsets: Can Climate Plan Work? It sounds like alchemy, an act of bureaucratic magic. Under the climate-change bill just approved by a House committee, the U.S. government would literally make a commodity -- as tradable as a Pontiac or a pork belly -- out of thin air. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/25/AR2009052502264.html?hpid=moreheadlines Carbon trading's inconvenient truth. In the face of unwavering Republican opposition, Californian Rep. Henry Waxman last week successfully guided a mammoth energy and climate bill through the House Energy and Commerce Committee that he chairs. This should be a thrilling moment for environmentalists. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/05/25/ED6917PIQR.DTL Gov. Schwarzenegger Sends Letter to AB 32 Economic and Allocation Advisory Committee. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger sent the following letter to the 16 members of the Economic and Allocation Advisory Committee announced today by California Environmental Protection Agency Secretary Linda Adams and Air Resources Board Chairman Mary Nichols. The Committee will advise on the implementation of AB 32 and the associated cap-and-trade system. Among the Committee’s tasks will be considering various options for freely distributing or auctioning allowances. Posted. http://californianewswire.com/2009/05/25/CNW4587_183750.php U.S. business-government relations undergo a climate change. Under bright spring sunshine, the mood at the White House was celebratory last week as President Obama announced an agreement on new rules to force drastic improvements in the fuel efficiency and tailpipe emissions of the nation's cars and trucks. But what made the Rose Garden audience unusual was not the environmentalists and liberal Democrats, who have long supported such requirements. The surprise was the presence of executives from the world's 10 largest automobile makers, most of whom had fought long and hard to avoid tougher standards. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-obama-business26-2009may26,0,1177474.story ECONOMIST: Democrats' climate change efforts a far cry from Europe's. For those who believe that climate change is a serious problem, the decisions that the U.S. makes now are of momentous importance. In Copenhagen, Denmark, in December, the world will decide whether to reinvigorate or abandon its effort to avert serious climate change, and what the U.S. does between now and then will in large part determine the outcome. So the fact that President Barack Obama clearly intends to turn the U.S. from being a laggard into a leader in this task is therefore encouraging. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090524/OPINION/905229826 Firms may help set price of carbon. Business leaders vowed Monday to help world governments set a price on carbon, establishing a market that governments can use to cut greenhouse gases. "I think we can craft some pretty clear direction," said Tony Hayward, the chief executive officer of BP PLC. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/may/26/firms-may-help-set-price-of-carbon/ Companies Face Green Rules. With new regulations coming aimed at reducing greenhouse emissions by 30 percent by 2020 businesses will face new challenges on how they conduct themselves. Some business leaders, however, find that missing from the implementation of those measures is the cost to businesses, particularly small operations that provide much needed jobs in some parts of the state. Posted. http://www.sfvbj.com/industry_article_pay.asp?aID=53145227.3449871.1786265.18630802.773928.547&aID2=137396 Report: Cal EPA cancels Napa Valley symposium. SACRAMENTO -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is reportedly ordering the state Environmental Protection Agency to cancel a four-day symposium in Napa Valley next week. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/state_wire/story/1886184.html Air Quality Bill to rein in Oakland port emissions creates flap. A dispute about reducing diesel emissions from trucks, ships and trains at the Port of Oakland to protect public health is boiling over into the California Legislature. Assemblyman Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, has introduced a bill aimed at pressuring the city-owned port to speed up its efforts to curb diesel emissions, which elevate the cancer risk in parts of western Alameda and Contra Costa counties — especially in West Oakland. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_12446724 Air regulation's effect on Point Mugu Sea Range debated. A new regulation that will help clean up Ventura County’s air has pitted military advocates against the state as they argue over the rule’s impact on Naval Base Ventura County. The dispute is over a California Air Resources Board regulation that takes effect July 1 and mandates all ships that come within 24 miles of the coast use cleaner burning fuel. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/may/22/air-regulations-effect-on-point-mugu-sea-range/ Air District spending on ads to fight smog argued. The valley's smog fight is going public with a bombardment of messages on billboards, at churches, in newspapers, on television -- at a price of more than $850,000 in public money this year. The advertising is successful and necessary, say officials at the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/local/story/716784.html http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1423665.html Air District spending on ads to fight smog argued. The valley's smog fight is going public with a bombardment of messages on billboards, at churches, in newspapers, on television -- at a price of more than $850,000 in public money this year. The advertising is successful and necessary, say officials at the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/local/story/716784.html http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1423665.html Vehicles Company looks to bring air-powered cars to US. NEW YORK—Most car companies are racing to bring electric vehicles to the market. But one startup is skipping the high-tech electronics, making cars whose energy source is pulled literally out of thin air. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/financialmarkets/ci_12446243 Readers' Forum: Tesla electric car and what it promises. CONSIDER FIRST the environment that has to be "saved." The Earth's atmosphere weighs 5.3 billion megatons. The measured amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) is 381 parts per million or approximately 3 million megaton, which varies throughout the year by 6 ppm or 48,000 megaton. Compared with this figure emissions attributed to human activities appear insignificant. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/opinion/ci_12424106 Editorial: Making cars the feds think we should want. The late economist Milton Friedman used to say that the insights offered by the discipline of economics can be summed up in a simple phrase: There ain't no such thing as a free lunch. The eternal desire of politicians is to disprove this simple maxim by trying to offer free lunches through the coercive power of government, but their efforts almost always reinforce its wisdom. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/cars-standards-new-2423838-cafe-government SFO boosts hydrogen highway. In 2004, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger laid out a vision for a “hydrogen highway” — an infrastructure of hydrogen fuel stations to power the thousands of hydrogen-powered vehicles he believed would soon hit the state’s roads. Five years later, the momentum for this hydrogen highway seems to have slowed. California has only 250 hydrogen-powered cars rather than the 2,000 the administration had envisioned by 2010, and just 26 fueling stations have been built. Posted. http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/SFO-boosts-hydrogen-highway-45880207.html Blogs Washington governor aims for tighter emissions standards. Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire sidestepped her Legislature’s refusal to adopt a cap-and-trade program to limit greenhouse gases, signing an executive order Thursday to achieve similar reductions by ratcheting back coal-fired electricity and automobile emissions.“I wanted cap and trade. I didn’t get it,” said Gregoire, whose order directs government agencies to expand public transit and other programs to meet auto emissions goals, and to reach agreement with the state’s only coal-fired power plant to reduce its carbon output at least 50% by 2025. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/05/climate-change-greenhouse-gas.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 27 May 2009 12:02:32 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for May 27, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for May 27, 2009. California Toxic Waste Regulators Target Automobile Recycling 'Fluff'. The leftovers from car shredders have been used to cover trash at landfills, but state officials now say the practice has health risks and should be stopped. Industry officials say fluff is safe. Reporting from Sacramento — At a recycling plant in San Pedro and five other similar operations around California, giant shredding machines annually reduce 1.3 million junk cars, refrigerators and other appliances into fist-sized chunks of metal. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/printedition/la-fi-shredder-toxic27-2009may27,0,1053378.story Vehicles Hit Highway, Powered By Hydrogen. Tour touts government, industry hope for future. Chula Vista — Gentlemen, start your hydrogen-fueled, zero-emission, quiet-as-a-church-mouse engines. Eleven cars and SUVs began a nine-day West Coast road trip in Chula Vista yesterday to showcase what government and auto industry leader’s hope will be the vehicle of the near future. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/may/27/1m27hydrogen234559-vehicles-hit-highway-powered-hy/?metro&zIndex=106038 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars Will Cruise Through Livermore. Livermore — An annual tour of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will make a pit stop in Livermore on Thursday. The event, sponsored by Sandia National Laboratories, the California Fuel Cell Partnership, the California Air Resources Board, the US Fuel Cell Council and other agencies, will give members of the public a chance to learn about hydrogen fuel technology and even ride in one of the 12 prototype vehicles. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_12454456 Air District Has $15M To Replace Old Diesel Trucks. Fresno, Calif.—The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution District has $15 million to help heavy-duty diesel truck owners replace their small fleets with cleaner models. The program is part of the state Air Resources Board's plan to reduce truck and bus emissions and meet federal air-quality standards. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12451858 http://www.modbee.com/state/story/718290.html http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090527/A_NEWS/90526016/-1/A_NEWS14 http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/CA_SJ_Valley_Diesel_Truck_Fund_409317C.shtml http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/may/26/air-district-has-15m-to-replace-old-diesel/ Business Leaders Back Global Pact On Climate. Copenhagen — Global business leaders added momentum to prospects for a new U.N. climate treaty agreeing Tuesday that the world must cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by mid-century by setting specific limits on carbon. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12456073 GE Says It Has Reduced Greenhouse Emissions. Washington—Industrial conglomerate General Electric Co. says it has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions and is making a growing amount of money from its environmentally conscious business plan launched in 2005. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/financialmarkets/ci_12455914 http://www.modbee.com/business/story/718929.html Bay Biz Buzz: Chevron To Track, Report Carbon. San Ramon-based Chevron Corp., the second-biggest U.S. oil company, won't have to face a shareholder resolution on greenhouse gases after agreeing to track and report on the carbon content of its products. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_12451315 It's Getting Hot Up There. If you think summers in the Washington area are hot, you should try the Arctic. Seriously. For the past two summers, a record amount of ice in the Arctic has melted, and it could happen again this year. And just recently, a large ice bridge in Antarctica broke apart. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/26/AR2009052602871.html Lawmaker: Cleaner Air Needed In Oakland Port. A San Mateo assemblyman has introduced legislation intended to clean up air pollution in the Port of Oakland. Assemblyman Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, said the nation's fifth-busiest port has dragged its feet on curbing diesel emissions from trucks, ships and trains. Posted. http://www.kcra.com/news/19569682/detail.html Gov't: Carbon Pollution To Grow By 40 Percent. The amount of heat-trapping carbon dioxide seeping into the atmosphere will increase by nearly 40 percent worldwide by 2030 if ways are not found to require mandatory emission reductions, a government report said Wednesday. The Energy Information Administration said world energy consumption is expected to grow by 44 percent over the next two decades as the global economy recovers and continues to expand. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/719438.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12458543 Carbon Allowances -- The Glue In House Energy Package. A massive climate bill has taken its first step forward in the House, its path paved by the giveaway of allowances -- free greenhouse gas emission permits designed to mute the economic impact of a carbon cap-and-trade program. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/05/26/26greenwire-carbon-allowances----the-glue-in-house-energy-10416.html TV Ads Target 2 Dems -- And 1 Republican -- Who Voted Against Climate Bill. The League of Conservation Voters and its allies this week launched a television campaign attacking two Democrats and one Republican who voted against the climate change bill in committee last week. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/05/26/26greenwire-tv-ads-target-2-dems----and-1-republican----wh-76654.html Big Oil Warms to Ethanol. For decades, the big oil companies and the farm lobby have been fighting about ethanol, with the farmers pushing to produce more of it and the refiners arguing it was a boondoggle that would do little to solve the country’s energy problems. So why are technicians for BP, the giant oil company, now working at an experimental ethanol plant in this old Louisiana oil town, helping to make it more efficient? Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/27/business/energy-environment/27biofuels.html?_r=1&scp=4&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Eliminate The State Air Resource Board. The governor, who thinks he's a Republican, expects to cut the budget by slashing funds that are needed by our schools, fire and police protection. The people just voted 2:1 against more debt, yet the government aristocracy continues to blindly spend for nonessential services, with little care that they are indebting California families and children for generations to come. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/letters/story/718747.html Blogs How Much Will ‘Cap and Trade’ Cost? As part of a public strategy to offset global warming, the president and Congress are considering possible “cap and trade” laws to limit the United States’ carbon dioxide emissions. One question raised in this debate is the amount that such limits would cost United States taxpayers and consumers. Posted. http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/27/how-much-will-cap-and-trade-cost/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 28 May 2009 11:11:27 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newclips for May 28, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for May 28, 2009. Scientists Set 2020 Goal For Reversing Pacific Ocean Degradation. The world faces well-known milestones for reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the coming decades to reduce the dangers of climate change. Now an international consortium is doing the same to demand action against threats to the Pacific Ocean that they say endangers environmental and human well-being in countries rich and poor. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_12462210 Pelosi Appeals For China's Help On Climate Change. Beijing - U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged Beijing on Thursday to cooperate on climate change, calling a safe environment a basic human right. Speaking at Beijing's elite Tsinghua University, Pelosi continued the theme of her five-day China trip—that combating global warming represented a new challenge that both governments must tackle jointly. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12466272 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/28/world/asia/28pelosi.html?ref=world http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601124&sid=aRatsB6aHyVg&refer=home California Fines BP $1 Million For Fuel Violations. Houston - California's Air Resources Board said on Wednesday it issued $1 million in fines against BP Plc (BP.L: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) for violations of the state's stringent rules governing motor fuels. Many of the 17 violations were clerical errors, the board said in a statement announcing the fines. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssEnergyNews/idUSN2727045020090527 Hydrogen-Powered Cars To Visit Redding On Friday. Hydrogen vehicles have yet to show up in north state showrooms, but the public can get a sneak peek - even take a test drive - Friday. The Hydrogen Road Tour pulls up at 1:30 p.m. for a two-hour demonstration near the Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding. Posted. http://www.redding.com/news/2009/may/28/hydrogen-powered-cars-to-visit-redding-on-friday/ US Delegation Mixed On China Climate Change Pact. Beijing (AP) — U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday she remains hopeful of reaching an agreement with China on a common approach to climate change ahead of a conference in December in Copenhagen, despite considerable pessimism among other members of her congressional delegation. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hLcZ2jQ4mu4rd7XlB3hetiVn1qbAD98FBCCG0 Key Senator Calls For 100 New Reactors In 20 Years. Oak Ridge, Tenn. -Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander called Wednesday for doubling the number of nuclear reactors nationwide, a potentially $700 billion proposal that calls for building 100 more over 20 years. "It is an aggressive goal, but with presidential leadership it could happen," the third-ranking Senate Republican told an economic and technology conference at the Y-12 nuclear weapons plant in Oak Ridge. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/financialmarkets/ci_12462854 New Warning Of Rising Sea Levels In Northeast. Washington - Drip, drip, drip come the studies one after another, reinforcing the threat to the Northeast from rising sea levels along the U.S. and Canadian east coast. If Greenland's ice melts at moderate to high rates, ocean circulation by 2100 could shift and cause sea levels off the Northeast coast of North America to rise by about 12 to 20 inches more than other coastal areas, researchers report Wednesday in Geophysical Research Letters. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_12459102 Study Cites 'Slow-Motion' Threat From Permafrost. Washington - Global warming's "slow-motion time bomb" of trapped greenhouse gases in the Arctic's thawing tundra may not go off quite as fast as once feared, a new study found. Even so, it remains a problem that in the long run is still likely to worsen global warming in an uncontrollable way, researchers reported. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_12459287 Readers React To 'Cash for Clunkers' Plan. Should Congress give out cash for fuel-guzzling clunkers or allow owners of fuel-inefficient vehicles to suffer the consequences of their purchase? Last week, I wrote about the proposed congressional "Cash for Clunkers" plan, which would offer owners of gas-guzzling vehicles either a voucher worth thousands of dollars that could be used for the purchase of a more fuel-efficient vehicle, or a voucher to use public transportation. I called it a win-win-win-win situation. Posted. http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_12463415 China Is Said to Plan Strict Gas Mileage Rules. Worried about heavy reliance on imported oil, Chinese officials have drafted automotive fuel economy standards that are even more stringent than those outlined by President Obama last week, Chinese experts with a detailed knowledge of the plans said on Wednesday. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/28/business/energy-environment/28fuel.html?ref=world Our Future Struggle Under Obama. The EPA recently declared that greenhouse gases, namely carbon dioxide, are largely to blame for global warming. Carbon dioxide is the end product in organisms that obtain energy from breaking down sugars, fats and amino acids with oxygen as part of their metabolism. In humans, carbon dioxide travels in the blood from the body's tissues to the lungs, where it is exhaled at approximately 2.3 pounds per day. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/letters/story/720469.html Bakersfield Gets To Check Out Fuel-Cell Vehicles. Fuel cell vehicles powered by hydrogen look like any other car. They perform the same, just more quietly, but produce zero emissions. Although not yet for sale -- only for lease -- they are the future of transportation and set to be on showroom floors in 2015. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/news/local/x34165431/Bakersfield-gets-to-check-out-fuel-cell-vehicles http://www.bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/46257472.html Governor Schwarzenegger Joins Hydrogen Road Tour Highlighting Fuel-Cell Advances. Appearing at a West Los Angeles Shell hydrogen station today, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger joined the 2009 Hydrogen Road Tour to highlight advances in fuel-cell technology. Organized by the California Air Resources Board (ARB), California Fuel Cell Partnership, National Hydrogen Association and U.S. Fuel Cell Council, the annual road rally began on Monday, May 25 in San Diego and ends on Wednesday, June 3 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Posted. http://www.imperialvalleynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5728&Itemid=2 Climate Change: Worse Than Expected? Climate change could be twice as severe as previous estimates indicate, according to a new study published this month in the Journal of Climate, a publication of the American Meteorological Society. The research, conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), predicts a 90% probability that worldwide surface temperatures will rise more than 9 degrees (F) by 2100, compared to a previous 2003 MIT study that forecast a rise of just over 4 degrees. Posted. http://www.news10.net/news/green/story.aspx?storyid=59921&catid=62 Lower Gas Prices Beat Lower Greenhouse Gases In Online Survey. Asked to choose between lower gasoline prices and reduced greenhouse gas emissions from gasoline, 66 percent of Americans in a new online survey chose lower gas prices and the rest said that reducing the emissions that cause climate change was more important. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/720131.html Obama Sets Aside Millions For Solar. President Obama said Wednesday that he will use $467 million in economic-stimulus money for initiatives that in two years will double the country's capacity for clean, renewable energy. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/may/28/obama-sets-aside-millions-for-solar/ Enviro Groups Like What They See In Obama's Justice Pick. Even though environmental issues have not been a major cog in Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor's legal career, environmentalists have joined the chorus of left-leaning advocacy groups that have thrown their support behind President Obama's pick for the high court. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/05/27/27greenwire-enviro-groups-like-what-they-see-in-obamas-just-6076.html Blogs “Local” Continue Attack on S.B. 375 “Sprawl Bill”. In what could seem a companion piece to either this moring’s Streetsblog.net post or last week’s interview with Michael Woo, the California Planning and Development Report outlines some to the excuses local planners are using to attack S.B. 375, the legislation that requires land-use patterns be used to fight sprawl. Posted. http://la.streetsblog.org/2009/05/28/locals-continue-attack-on-sb-375-sprawl-bill/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 29 May 2009 11:01:47 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for May 29th, 2009 From: sponedal@ARB.CA.GOV .. Newsclips for May 29, 2009 CALIFORNIA: Emission reduction 'toolkits' provided for cities and businesses. California wants local governments to help carry out its mandate of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. To that end, it has launched CoolCalifornia.org to implement the part of its plan that depends on voluntary actions by municipalities and businesses. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/05/29/7/ Lawmakers criticiize retrofit of gas pumps. A state-mandated vapor recovery system retrofit at thousands of gas pumps statewide has pitted the California Air Resources Board against some state lawmakers. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/business/story/1900748.html EPA: Miss. companies sold illegal Chinese engines. Three Mississippi companies are accused in a federal lawsuit of illegally importing and selling more than 78,000 small engines made in China. The engines did not meet federal air pollution standards, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Justice said Thursday in a joint news release. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ilodUJaNg0hE-6gWfJAB4zc2yMZgD98FH8UO2 http://www.modbee.com/2033/story/721752.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/28/AR2009052803304.html http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/05/28/national/a154725D34.DTL http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/may/28/us-epa-chinese-engines-052809/%20%20 Hydrogen fueled cars aren't as out there as you may think. It’s a sad and embarrassing admission on my part that, despite being a member of the media, I am frequently the last to find out about things. The truth is that my crazy schedule seldom affords me much time for outside reading and, when I show up to cover assignments like one I faced Thursday — the arrival of the second annual hydrogen fuel cell "road show" in Livermore — I am often as surprised as the rest of the public by what I learn. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/green/ci_12471873 Hydrogen fueling station planned for SFO. A paved plot of land at San Francisco International Airport was dedicated Thursday afternoon as the site of a future hydrogen fueling station. The station-to-be was the only site in the Bay Area to receive a recent $1.7 million grant from the California Air Resources Board. Three station sites in Southern California also won grants. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/sanmateocountytimes/localnews/ci_12472828 Hydrogen Road Tour pauses in W. Sacramento to make case for fuel-cell vehicles. Rather than the expected shot in the arm from the Obama administration, backers of ultra-clean hydrogen vehicles got a punch in the gut earlier this month when the federal government recommended a dramatic cut in funds for fuel-cell research. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/ourregion/story/1900698.html Could Budget Issues Shelve "Hydrogen Highway" Project? Bay Area drivers could soon be pulling up to a new kind of fueling station and pumping hydrogen into their cars instead of gasoline. California is taking a big step forward with plans to build a “hydrogen highway” across the state. The plan calls for creating a network of hydrogen fueling stations for clean-air vehicles. Posted. http://www.ktvu.com/dtv/19596982/detail.html UC Berkeley researcher: Climate change hitting poor in the U.S. hardest. Climate change is disproportionately affecting the poor and minorities in the United States - a "climate gap" that will grow in coming decades unless policymakers intervene, according to a University of California study. Everyone, the researchers say, is already starting to feel the effects of a warming planet, via heat waves, increased air pollution, drought, or more intense storms. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12477192 http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12477192?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com African officials ask for climate change funding. Africa contributes little to global warming but suffers disproportionately from its effects, the continent's environment ministers said Friday, calling for more money and support from rich nations ahead of a landmark climate conference. The ministers, meeting in Nairobi, said they will ask for funding from rich nations at December's U.N. conference in Copenhagen of 190 countries. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/world/story/722504.html http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12476543?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/29/AR2009052900983.html http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/05/29/international/i054934D03.DTL http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_12476543?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com Earth in the emergency room. What if you needed a heart transplant, but you put off surgery until you became so weak an ambulance had to deliver you to the emergency room? By that time, you would be in immediate danger. That's a lot like what's happening with global warming. Unless you're a scientist studying atmospheric chemistry, or you're paying very close attention to the global warming debate, the earth doesn't appear to be in immediate danger. But when scientists go looking for telltale warnings, they find them everywhere. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2056/story/722435.html Obama's National Vehicle Policies Will Cure Many Ills. Robert E. Grady's "Light Cars Are Dangerous Cars" (op-ed, May 22) expresses the fear that President Barack Obama's new national policy to increase fuel economy and reduce greenhouse-gas pollution is too good to be true. Some things are just as good as they appear to be. On May 19, President Obama, for the first time in history, brought together diverse elements from within the federal and state governments, as well as auto manufacturers, labor unions and environmentalists, to set in motion a new national policy to increase vehicle fuel-economy standards and reduce greenhouse-gas pollution. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124355673561864803.html Permafrost melt a climate time bomb, study says. Global warming's "slow-motion time bomb" of trapped greenhouse gases in the Arctic's thawing tundra may not go off quite as fast as once feared, a new study found. Even so, it remains a problem that in the long run is still likely to worsen global warming in an uncontrollable way, researchers reported. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/05/28/MNCB17RV6T.DTL Aviation biofuel proves itself in tests, but is there enough? Initial flight tests have found that jet fuel made partly of camelina, algae or other bio-feed stocks can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from airplanes by more than 50 percent, doesn't affect performance and presents no technical or safety problems, a top Boeing official said Thursday. "It meets all jet fuel requirements and then some," said Billy Glover, who heads Boeing's environmental strategy group. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/721638.html EPA chief: US should take lead on clean energy. The top U.S. environment official says it's time for the United States to shed its energy-wasting image and lead the world race for cleaner power sources instead. After several years with a relatively low profile under President George W. Bush, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency "is back on the job," EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson told The Associated Press on Thursday during a trip to Paris. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jZiLmxA0H7V4kflCsd7DbdWuUAfAD98FFNF00 http://www.modbee.com/world/story/721622.html http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/05/28/international/i140152D41.DTL http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/may/28/eu-france-epa-052809/ A solar plant that's worth its salt. Just past Barstow on Interstate 15, Las Vegas-bound travelers can eye a tower resembling a lighthouse rising out of the desert encircled by more than 1,800 mirrors the size of billboards. The complex is often mistaken for a science fiction movie set, but it is actually a power plant that once used molten salt, water and the sun's heat to produce electricity. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-rocketdyne-solar29-2009may29,0,2533099.story Blogs California Seeks Own Emissions Standards Until 2012. President Obama proposed tougher fuel economy standards on May 19, citing a target of 35.5 miles a gallon (for cars and trucks) by the 2016 model year. And officials from the administration said that California, which has been seeking a waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency to impose its own regulations on greenhouse gas emissions from tailpipes, would voluntarily step aside and abide by federal rules from the 2012 to the 2016 model year. Posted. http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/28/california-seeks-own-emissions-standards-until-2012/ Schwarzenegger's old partner, the macho gas guzzling Hummer, recast as plug-in and green. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger had a date today with an old friend, the Hummer -- GM's macho gaz-guzzling former military vehicle which is now being cast as an enviromentally friendly plug- in hybrid. And that came with little bit of irony: back before he was an environmental steward and advocate for cleaning up greenhouse gasses, action hero Schwarzenegger, as we've reported before, became in 1992 the first private citizen to own a Hummer -- a behemoth car that weighed in at 6,300 lbs. and was an amazing 7 feet wide. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/nov05election/detail?entry_id=40811 ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2009 12:26:38 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for June 1, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for June 1, 2009. Cap-and-Trade: All Cost, No Benefit. The Obama administration and congressional Democrats have proposed a major cap-and-trade system aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Scientists agree that CO2 emissions around the world could lead to rising temperatures with serious long-term environmental consequences. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/31/AR2009053102077_pf.html California Forests Hold One Answer To Climate Change. The state is a leader in setting up a program to offset heat-trapping emissions by investing in woodlands. Reporting from Arcata, Calif. — Silvery light flickers through the redwood canopy of the Van Eck forest down to a fragrant carpet of needles and thimbleberry brush. A brook splashes along polished stones, through thickets of ferns. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-forests-carbon1-2009jun01,0,1612200,print.story UC Berkeley Researcher: Climate Change Hitting Poor In The U.S. Hardest. Climate change is disproportionately affecting the poor and minorities in the United States - a "climate gap" that will grow in coming decades unless policymakers intervene, according to a University of California study. Everyone, the researchers say, is already starting to feel the effects of a warming planet, via heat waves, increased air pollution, drought, or more intense storms. But the impacts - on health, economics, and overall quality of life - are far more acute on society's disadvantaged, the researchers found. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_12477192 Energy From Pig Slurry Helps Fight Climate Change. Sterksel, Netherlands—The 2,700 pigs on the farm that John Horrevorts manages yield more than ham and bacon. A biogas plant makes enough electricity from their waste to run the farm and feeds extra wattage into the Dutch national grid. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_12490222 http://www.modbee.com/2032/story/724896.html Expecting New Tax, Firm Prepares to Track Carbon. If Congress passes legislation that puts a price on carbon emissions, companies will need to track and report the waste from their operations. Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, one of Silicon Valley’s top venture capital firms, is betting that such a cap-and-trade law or carbon tax will open the door for a new kind of software company. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/01/technology/start-ups/01carbon.html?ref=technology Free Carbon Emissions Permits Could Create Added Costs. Those free passes that the House climate bill gives to major greenhouse gas-emitting industries might not be so free for consumers. Lawmakers crafting the House Energy and Commerce Committee's climate legislation added the passes, or free emissions permits, as a means of easing the transition to a greener energy economy. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/05/29/29greenwire-free-carbon-emissions-permits-could-create-add-73326.html Climate And Energy Bill Faces Hurdles When Congress Returns. Congress will return Monday ready to engage in a historic debate on whether the country should shift to cleaner and more efficient use of energy and reduce the heat-trapping gases building up in the atmosphere. Before leaving for Memorial Day, the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved a bill that would set the country's first mandatory limits on greenhouse gases, promote renewable energy and increase the efficiency of buildings, appliances and vehicles. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/724969.html GOP Says Democrats' Climate Proposal Does Little. The climate change proposal developed by congressional Democrats and endorsed by President Barrack Obama does little to reduce global warming and saddles Americans with high energy costs, Republicans said Saturday. Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, in the GOP's weekly radio and Internet address, said the House's climate bill was "a classic example of unwise government." Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2033/story/723684.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_12484500 Carbon Offsets: A Small Price to Pay for Efficiency. ARE carbon offsets a good thing? They are intended to reduce the environmental impact of consumption. Traveling by plane, for example, causes carbon dioxide to be emitted into the atmosphere, so travelers can pay a specialist to offset those emissions some other way — perhaps by planting vegetation or installing renewable-energy technologies. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/31/business/31view.html?ref=business New Solar Plant Project May Prove To Be Worth Its Salt. Just past the city of Barstow on Interstate 15, Las Vegas-bound travelers pass a tower resembling a lighthouse rising out of the desert encircled by more than 1,800 mirrors the size of billboards. The complex is often mistaken for a science fiction movie set, but it is actually a power plant that once used molten salt, water and the sun's heat to produce electricity. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_12486365 Scientists Hunt For Green Building Materials. The plank looks like a polished piece of plywood, and someday people may build coffee tables with it. But this wood was not grown in a forest — it was born from the greenhouse gasses seeping from landfills. The Stanford University researchers who produced this wood alternative are part of a movement to support greener buildings by developing construction materials that are created and disposed of in an environmentally friendly way. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_12486435 World's Largest Fusion Facility Today Celebrates Long, Difficult Road To Official Opening. The challenging pursuit of fusion is nothing new to Lawrence Livermore Laboratory scientists. In the lab's early days in the 1950s, weapons designers successfully developed the fearsome hydrogen — or fusion — bomb, many times more powerful than the atomic bombs dropped on Japan in World War II. In 1952, the lab joined a program called Project Sherwood that attempted to control the force of fusion to create a virtually unlimited source of electrical energy. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_12471753 Agencies Probe Site Cleanup. County and state agencies are investigating whether an illegal dump site containing material from the former US Bank building on Main Street was cleaned up. As part of a 2007 settlement between the Tehama County Air Pollution Control Board, Environmental Health, five subcontractors and contractors agreed to clean up a dump site where debris from the building was illegally dumped, Air Pollution Control Officer Alan Abbs said. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12494070 Burn Ban Declared In Tehama County. A burn ban has been declared in Tehama County as of Monday, June 1, to the end of fire season. This burn ban is in all areas of Tehama County with the exception of the of Mineral, Childs Meadows, Deer Creek and Mill Creek, according to CalFire and Tehama County Fire Department. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12476891 VIP: Three Possibly Sweet Letters To Older Truck Owners. Some things are worth more dead than alive. Old semi trucks may fetch as much as $35,000 if replaced by a newer lower-emission model. Voucher Incentive Program provides grant money for the truck owners to replace their 1993 and older, possibly high-polluting vehicles with 2007 or newer, lower-emission vehicles. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12491491 GOP Says Democrats' Climate Proposal Does Little. Washington -The climate change proposal developed by congressional Democrats and endorsed by President Barrack Obama does little to reduce global warming and saddles Americans with high energy costs, Republicans said Saturday. Posted. Spending Of Port Funds On Long Beach City Council Agenda. In the politically charged atmosphere leading up to the recent approval of a $750million port redevelopment project, harbor authorities made big promises to mitigate air pollution and help residents sickened by industry exhaust. Commitments included $15 million for local health programs, use of low-emission technology and a goal to slash diesel exhaust in half by 2020 - bold initiatives not forgotten by city leaders. Posted. http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_12491963 Scientists Set 2020 Goal For Improving Pacific Ocean's Health. The world faces well-known milestones for reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the coming decades to reduce the dangers of climate change. Now an international consortium is doing the same to demand action against threats to the Pacific Ocean that they say endangers environmental and human well-being in countries rich and poor. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2056/story/725721.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2009 12:50:15 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for June 2, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for June 2, 2009. My View: Hazard Assessment Agency Has A Vital Role. Maybe it's because they're small and obscure that they are a target. Or maybe it's because as good scientists they tell it like it is, a message that people don't always want to hear. An important group of state scientists who evaluate chemicals and their hazard to human health, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, or OEHHA, is on the chopping block, even though its elimination is unlikely to save the state any money. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/story/1910162.html http://www.latimes.com/features/health/medicine/la-oe-solomon2-2009jun02,0,2529654.story SoCal Cement Company Fined For Emissions Violation. State environmental officials fined Robertson's Ready Mix for violating diesel emission standards at its Southern California facilities during the past two years. The California Air Resources Board announced Monday that the Corona-based company was fined $65,700 in May after an investigation revealed Robertson's failed to properly inspect its heavy-duty vehicle fleet. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12497039 http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_12497039 http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_12497039 Jets, Giants New Stadium To Be Greener Than Most. East Rutherford, N.J.—The New York Jets and Giants signed a memorandum of understanding with the Environmental Protection Agency that will make their new $1.6 billion football stadium in the New Jersey Meadowlands one of the greenest in professional sports. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/sports/ci_12496315 10 Designers On A Mission To Save The Planet. New York—Imagine a forest of bamboo poles in your living room, hollowed out and drilled to allow for stereo speakers, lighting, even bottles of wine. The totemlike stalks—elegant yet ruggedly unrefined—are part of a design show commissioned by the Nature Conservancy to show how beautiful, fashionable objects can be produced in ways that don't harm the environment. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/celebrities/ci_12500857 Climate Talks Move Into Next Phase. Bonn, Germany—Negotiators from 181 countries began work on the first draft of a new global warming treaty Monday, calling it a good beginning despite complaints it was unbalanced and incomplete. Delegates have been brainstorming and arguing over principles for 18 months. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12495446 Electric Utilities To Bear Greatest Burden Of Carbon Regulation. Carbon costs would amount to less than 1 percent of earnings for 203 companies listed on the S&P 500 if the United States adopts a tax or cap-and-trade system for carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases, according to a study published today by the nonprofit Investor Responsibility Research Center Institute. Seventy-one S&P 500 companies would see their earnings fall by 10 percent or more, with companies within the electric utility and oil and gas sectors bearing the greatest financial burden, notes the report, which was prepared by the environmental consultant group Trucost PLC. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/06/02/18 What's Hot In Clean-Burning Fireplaces? Dear EarthTalk: I'm eager to try out the fireplace in our new home, but we don't want to create health or environmental problems. Are there materials that would be more eco-friendly to burn in a fireplace than regular firewood? Posted. http://www.presstelegram.com/lifestyle/ci_12481283 Science Academies Urge CO2 Cuts To Protect Oceans, Reefs. Carbon dioxide emissions are turning the world's oceans more acidic, endangering coral reefs and fisheries, the science academies of 70 nations warned today in a joint statement. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/06/01/01greenwire-science-academies-urge-co2-cuts-to-protect-oce-74403.html http://www.modbee.com/2056/story/725721.html Climate Talks Move Into Next Phase. Negotiators from 181 countries began work on the first draft of a new global warming treaty Monday, calling it a good beginning despite complaints it was unbalanced and incomplete. Delegates have been brainstorming and arguing over principles for 18 months. The draft includes conflicting proposals pointing to tough negotiations ahead. Among dozens of unresolved issues was whether developing economies must commit to control their greenhouse gas emissions and whether their commitments would be legally binding or voluntary. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/world/story/726166.html Dems Weigh Climate Floor Debate Before July 4. Seeking to maintain momentum from last month's markup, House Democrats are considering an aggressive push this month for floor passage of energy and global warming legislation. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/06/02/02climatewire-dems-weigh-climate-floor-debate-before-july-17063.html 'Mystery' Climate Case Might Become Issue In Sotomayor Confirmation. A complex climate lawsuit dating to former President George W. Bush's first term remains among the unfinished business on the docket of Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor. At issue is a lawsuit filed by eight states, New York City and environmental groups against the nation's five largest electric utilities in 2004, alleging that the companies had created a public nuisance with greenhouse gas emissions that must be reduced to counteract the effects of global warming. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/06/01/01greenwire-mystery-climate-case-might-become-issue-in-sot-93946.html Rooftop Solar Just A Small Part Of Energy Solution, Experts Say. On hot California summer days, it makes all the sense in the world: Harness the power of the sun to cool your home, run your refrigerator and charge your gizmos. After three years in his Placerville home, Brian Veerkamp decided to join the energy revolution. He had a 6 kilowatt solar array mounted on his roof. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/ourregion/v-print/story/1910379.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 3 Jun 2009 11:16:42 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for June 3, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for June 3, 2009. Proposed Ban On Dirty Diesel Trucks At Port Of Oakland Fails. A proposed ban on pollutant-spewing trucks at the Port of Oakland failed to gain approval at a Port Commission meeting Tuesday. The board rejected a ban on truck models older than 1994 that would have taken effect starting Jan. 1, as well as a ban on models from 1994 to 2006 not equipped with filters, as part of its comprehensive truck management program. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/green/ci_12506304 http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_12506304 State Helps Truckers While Industry Sags. The state is attempting to help trucking companies and those who depend on trucks with loans to upgrade vehicles to meet stricter diesel emission requirements, but the industry is in such bad shape now, some truckers say they likely won't last long enough to get the loans. California State Treasurer Bill Lockyer announced last week the kickoff of a $48 million loan guarantee program to help California truckers comply with new diesel emission regulations. Posted. http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/localnews/ci_12499514 http://www.constructionequipment.com/article/CA6662226.html Air Board Fines Two Companies With O.C. Ties. Two companies with O.C. connections have been fined for air-pollution violations, the state Air Resources Board announced this week. Posted. http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/2009/06/02/air-board-fines-two-companies-with-oc-ties/8193/ Cap-And-Trade Plan Puts A Price Tag On Pollution. Look at pollution as pork belly futures. Or try thinking of "cap and trade" as a game of musical chairs, where the granddaddies of greenhouse gases scramble for dwindling seats. Another analogy: That AT&T commercial with the mother who doles out tokens of unused cell-phone minutes to her sons? If each token were a permit to pump a ton of carbon dioxide into the air, and the sons were coal-fired power plants ... Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2056/story/728607.html Groups Ask EPA To Ban Lead Tire Weights. The federal government should ban the use of lead weights, those fingertip-size chunks of metal that balance the tires of cars and trucks, says a petition filed with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last week. While the federal government has banned lead in paint, gasoline and plumbing, among other products, the EPA has ignored an estimated 3.5 million pounds of lead weights that drop off tire rims and onto U.S. roads every year, according to a coalition of environmental groups that filed the petition. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/01/BAJB17TLD7.DTL&type=printable California Bill Backs Down From Motorcycle Emissions. Under pressure, bill's sponsors waters down language in mandatory emission tests for motorcycles. A California bill that perplexed many environmentalists, angered riders and moved advocacy groups to action has been watered down from mandating smog checks for motorcycles. The bills sponsor, Senator Fran Pavley agreed on Monday to scale back a bill that would have required smog checks every two years for all motorcycles model year 2000-and-newer with engine displacements of more than 280cc. Posted. http://www.clutchandchrome.com/News/MotorcycleNews0906013.htm Strange Political Bedfellows Unite On Black Carbon. Barbara Boxer of California and Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts are two of the Senate's greenest members, consistent champions of efforts to fight global warming. James Inhofe of Oklahoma is the Senate's chief global warming skeptic. But on Earth Day, this unlikely trio, along with Tom Carper of Delaware, introduced a bill directing the Environmental Protection Agency to study a dangerous pollutant that kills millions worldwide and accelerates global warming, particularly in the Arctic. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2056/story/728606.html Editorial: Cooling Down With Global-Warming Data. If fighting global warming may cost the economy $9.6 trillion and more than 1 million lost jobs by 2035, as the Heritage Foundation forecasts, it'd be a good idea to be sure there's a sound basis before making such a massive sacrifice. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/temperature-stations-global-2433763-heat-watts Hara Unveils Software To Help With Energy Management. At a time when businesses and local governments are trying to reduce their carbon footprints, there are plenty of companies they can hire to measure their greenhouse gas emissions. Few, however, offer information about carbon, energy, water, waste and other resources, then advise organizations on how to reduce the use of each one and track the results. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/green/ci_12479944 http://www.modbee.com/2056/story/728604.html Blogs Bigger Role for Concentrating Solar Power? Solar advocates have increased their forecasts for the amount of electricity a technology known as concentrating solar power could supply, saying that C.S.P. may be able to deliver up to 7 percent electricity demand worldwide by 2030 and up to a quarter of those needs by mid-century. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/03/bigger-role-for-concentrating-solar-power/?scp=3&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse E.U. Looks to U.S. for Climate Leadership. European policy-makers are increasingly looking to the United States for leadership on climate change, according to Anthony Giddens, the prominent British sociologist whose centrist “third way” political philosophy counts Tony Blair and Bill Clinton among its followers. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/03/eu-looks-to-us-for-climate-leadership/?scp=1&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 4 Jun 2009 11:42:58 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for June 4, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for June 4, 2009. Revisiting California's Plan to Reduce Carbon-Dioxide Emissions, Improve Fuel Economy. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) said I misled you in my column about the state's plans to increase car window and paint reflectivity. CARB's public information department said the state never wanted to ban a dark color. Rather, it wanted to require carmakers and paint shops to develop and use more reflective paint. Posted. http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=2&aid=164531&view=print Port Of Long Beach Takes 'Giant Step' Toward Pollution Reduction. Port officials unveil what is billed as the world's first electrical shore-side power system for tankers, which are notorious fuel guzzlers and air polluters. Docked in Long Beach on Wednesday with a fresh load of oil from Valdez, the Alaskan Navigator didn't look like much of a trailblazer. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-green-ports4-2009jun04,0,3577160,print.story Guest Commentary By Rob Kleinbaum, Managing Director, Rak & Co.; Former GM Employee And Consultant. Quoting a report I had written in January, New York Times columnist David Brooks wrote this week about the importance of culture in GM’s turnaround effort. First, I applaud him for speaking so lucidly about culture, which heretofore has been ignored in almost all the mainstream media. Posted. http://www.autonewsservice.org/newsletter/ Council Weighs In On Port Pollution Plan. The City Council on Tuesday requested port authorities include pollution mitigation funding for local homeowners and community groups affected by a recently approved $750-million harbor redevelopment project. The nonbinding directive expands a port-sponsored plan providing $10 million for local schools, senior centers and healthcare facilities affected by toxic diesel pollution generated by harbor industry. Port officials have also allocated an additional $5 million toward efforts reducing greenhouse gases in and around the port. Posted. http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_12510857 Navistar Challenges EPA Diesel Regulations . Truck and engine manufacturer Navistar Inc. is challenging U.S. EPA rules aimed at curbing diesel emissions. Illinois-based Navistar has asked the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to review EPA's 2001 pollution standard for new motor vehicles' emissions as well as guidance issued in February allowing manufacturers to meet the standard using selective catalyst reduction (SCR) technology. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/06/03/03greenwire-navistar-challenges-epa-diesel-regulations-18792.html Learning About The Carbon Cycle. Congratulations to those Bee readers and congressmen who have finally discovered the carbon cycle. Although it may be new information to some, scientists have been measuring and modeling it for decades. It is true that the current consumption of carbon by humans and livestock (in the form of plant matter) and the subsequent release of CO2 (exhaled after cellular respiration) is balanced, and is not contributing to global warming. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/letters/story/729697.html US Role In New Climate Treaty Hinges On China. The United States is not likely to enter into a new international treaty to reduce the emissions blamed for global warming without China and other major greenhouse-gas emitters on board, the Obama administration's chief climate negotiator said Wednesday. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/breakingnews/story/729236.html Groups Seek More SEC Climate Disclosure. Federal regulators have not done enough to ensure that shareholders are aware of material risks to companies from greenhouse gas emissions, according to a pair of studies released Wednesday by environmental and investor groups. Congress is now debating legislation that would require a 17 percent reduction in greenhouse gases by 2020 and 83 percent reduction by mid-century. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/business/story/729257.html PG&E Buys Dairy's Biogas to Offset Its Own Pollution: A Green Deal for Customers? I'm a big proponent of green power programs with utilities as an easy way for people to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, provided that the program actually buys electricity that is fed into the grid. That's not what's going on with a new biogas purchase by PG&E as part of its ClimateSmart program, which Cleantech is highlighting: PG&E touts the move its first greenhouse gas emission reduction purchase from a dairy farm. Posted. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/06/pge-buys-dairy-biogas-offset-its-own-pollution.php San Francisco Unveils First Solar-Powered Bus Shelter. The first of 1,100 planned solar-powered bus shelters has been unveiled in San Francisco. The other 1,099 will be installed across the city over the next four years. The roof of the bus shelter is made up of thin-film solar panels embedded in a 40 percent post-industrial recycled polycarbonate material in a rolling wave shape. The structure of the shelter is made of recycled steel and other materials. Posted. http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/2781/83/ Feinstein, Carmakers Clash On Cash For Clunkers. Desperate to prop up U.S. car sales, Congress is moving closer to passing a cash-for-clunkers bill that is less about greening the environment and more about greening the auto industry. The cash-for-clunkers concept involves paying people, with public funds, to scrap gas guzzlers and buy more fuel-efficient vehicles. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/04/BU9O1808JK.DTL&type=business Legislation To Ban BPA. "Six major baby-care companies have announced that they'll no longer sell baby products made with bisphenol A in the United States. BPA is a common industrial chemical that's been linked to a wide variety of health problems, and it's believed that babies and infants face heightened risks because it affects behavioral and hormonal development. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/04/EDBI180EGA.DTL Looking For A Green Job? San Francisco -- Environmental Defense Fund yesterday launched an online tool meant to direct Californians to green careers throughout the state. The site comes with an interactive map that lets users search for so-called green jobs by city, congressional district or county. The companies are also separated by sector, to include: buildings, energy generation, energy efficiency and transportation. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/06/04/6/ A Nation Green With Guilt. There once was an Indianapolis concert featuring 50 pianos. Splendid instruments, pianos. Still, 50 might have been excessive. As is today’s chorus summoning us to save the planet. In the history of developed democracies with literate publics served by mass media, there is no precedent for today’s media enlistment in the crusade to promote global-warming “awareness.” Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jun/04/a-nation-green-with-guilt/ Oil Tanker At Port Of Long Beach Is A Green First. The giant cable reeled into position, an engineer pulled the handle, and like that, pollution equivalent to 187,000 passenger cars was lifted from local skies. A 941-foot BP oil tanker that just arrived from the Alaskan frontier became the globe's first such vessel to plug into a dockside electrical outlet Wednesday - an engineering feat expected to cut at least 30 tons of emissions in the coming year. Posted. http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_12514080 Eco-Friendly Energies Like Solar And Wind Need More Federal Help To Battle Oil, Coal. Climate change is perhaps the greatest environmental and economic challenge of the 21st century. Scientific debate about its reality is now over, even if skepticism continues in some quarters. Remaining questions largely concern the magnitude, timing and location of the effects of planetary warming, not whether it will occur. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2056/story/730276.html Toyota: Hybrids Best 'Green' Car For Some Time. A Toyota executive overseeing research said Thursday a battery breakthrough is needed for electric vehicles to become mainstream, and hybrids will remain the best "green" car choice for some time. Posted. http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/06/04/ap/business/d98jq4q80.txt Blogs Geothermal Energy's Future Is Bright. It may not be as shiny as solar or as obvious as wind, but no matter how you slice it - geothermal energy is a powerhouse when it comes to renewable energy generation. Posted. http://www.triplepundit.com/pages/obama-loves-geothermal.php Nancy Sutley: Obama To Stake Political Prestige On Passing US Climate Bill. Barack Obama is prepared to stake his own political prestige on getting climate change legislation through Congress, and would be willing to intervene directly to ensure passage of America’s first law to reduce the carbon emissions that cause global warming. Posted. http://www.celsias.com/article/nancy-sutley-obama-stake-political-prestige-passin/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 5 Jun 2009 11:43:28 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for June 5, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for June 5, 2009. New Device Can Make Ethanol At Home. Company will deliver raw material as needed. Sacramento – California motorists may soon be able to fill up their gas tanks without leaving the driveway. In a ceremony on the Capitol steps yesterday, E-Fuel Corp. of Los Gatos unveiled its answer to high gasoline prices: the “microfueler,” which turns liquid waste into ethanol right at home. Two San Diego companies are playing a crucial role in bringing the new technology to the market. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jun/05/1b5homegas205410-new-device-can-make-ethanol-home/?uniontrib Side Effects Of 'Greenie' Alarmism. Eternal vigilance – that's the only answer I can think of in the fight against a certain style of extreme environmentalism that, first off, would mendaciously fill you with fear to win your support for a cause, and then turn around and do something worse. It would deny the enormous human costs of causes it endorses. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/ddt-human-people-2445412-use-malaria Driving The Real Hydrogen Highway. It’s a bright, warm Southern California afternoon and I’m driving north on the I-405 from Irvine to Torrance, in the carpool lane at 80-plus miles per hour, in an electric car which makes its own electricity. Let that sink in for a second. Last Tuesday I was given the opportunity to pilot a Honda FCX Clarity hydrogen-fueled fuel cell EV, which the company is leasing to a few select SoCal drivers. Posted. http://www.smdp.com/Articles-c-2009-06-04-59848.113116_Driving_the_real_hydrogen_highway.html#print http://www.smdp.com/Articles-c-2009-06-04-59848.113116_Driving_the_real_hydrogen_highway.html Toyota Said to Face $1 Billion California Rules Costs. Toyota Motor Corp., ranked as the U.S. market’s most fuel-efficient automaker, may have to spend more than $1 billion to meet California’s requirement for zero- emission cars, said a person familiar with the matter. Toyota and Honda Motor Co. have the biggest market share in the state and starting with 2012 models must sell the most vehicles that don’t pollute, according to California law. The rule requires 3 percent of unit sales over a three-year period to be non-polluting models. Posted. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601080&sid=aR0InohFjUDk&refer=asia High-Stakes Quest for Permission to Pollute. Interest Groups Press Congress for Cap-and-Trade Allowances in Climate-Change Legislation. During the final days of the drafting of a 946-page climate bill, Rep. Gene Green (D-Tex.) won support for an amendment that deleted a single word and inserted two others. The words could be worth millions of dollars to U.S. oil refiners. The Green amendment deleted the word "sources" and inserted "emission points." Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/04/AR2009060404435_pf.html Texas Suing BP For Pollution Violations. Houston—BP Products North America Inc. is being sued by Texas authorities who accuse the petrochemical giant of 46 pollution violations at its Texas City refinery—including one tied to an explosion that killed 15 workers and injured 170 others four years ago. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_12520018 TVA To Build $820M Natural Gas Plant In Tenn. Knoxville, Tenn.—The Tennessee Valley Authority on Thursday decided to build an $820 million natural gas power plant in northeastern Tennessee to comply with a North Carolina lawsuit over air quality. The 880-megawatt combined-cycle gas plant would be as large as the 1950s-era, coal-fired John Sevier plant in Rogersville that a federal judge has targeted for new pollution controls on North Carolina's behalf. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_12521051 UN Report: Nature Best Controls Climate Gases. Amsterdam—Nature's way is best for controlling the gases responsible for climate change, the U.N. Environment Program said in a report Friday. The report said better management of forests, more careful agricultural practices and the restoration of peatlands could soak up significant amounts of carbon dioxide, the most common of the gases blamed for global warming. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12527080 http://www.modbee.com/world/story/731954.html Study Finds Potential Profits In Conservation. Bangkok—Selling credits for the billions of tons of carbon that are locked in Indonesia's tropical rain forests could be as profitable as converting these areas into palm oil plantations, a study released Friday found. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/science/ci_12524541 Environmentalists Plan Suit To Protect Ice Seals. Anchorage, Alaska—An environmental group plans to sue the federal government to force a decision on additional protections for Arctic seals. The Center for Biological Diversity said in a notice of intent to sue sent this week to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that it missed a deadline required by law for an endangered species listing decision on ringed, bearded and spotted seals. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12521022 Governors Vow To Jointly Fight Atlantic Pollution. Albany, N.Y.—Governors of five states promised Thursday to work together to protect the Atlantic coast and collaborate on developing offshore wind farms for renewable energy. The agreement established the Governors Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on Oceans with New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12519874 China: Will Ensure Stimulus Protects Environment. Beijing—China said Friday it will strictly monitor the government's economic stimulus package for projects that cause pollution, addressing worries that officials would ignore the environment in an effort to maintain China's high economic growth rates. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12526281 http://www.modbee.com/world/story/731734.html Studies Predict Rapid Rise in Sea Levels Along U.S. East Coast. Sea levels could rise faster along the U.S. East Coast than in any other densely populated part of the world, new research shows, as changes in ice caps and ocean currents push water toward a shoreline inlaid with cities, resort boardwalks and gem-rare habitats. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/05/AR2009060501342.html Mitsubishi Unveils $47,000 Electric Car. Tokyo -- Mitsubishi Motors Corp.'s electric vehicle is twice as expensive as popular hybrid cars by rivals Toyota and Honda, but Japan's No. 4 automaker said Friday the i-MiEV will help it survive increasingly intense global competition. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/05/AR2009060500623.html http://www.modbee.com/business/story/731793.html Nuclear Power The Way To Go. In regard to "Should U.S. up nuclear power use" (Opinions, May 24) on the pros and cons of nuclear power, I would like to add a few arguments or conditions to the opinions voiced. By using atomic power to generate electricity, the use of oil, natural gas and coal will help reduce some of the air pollution problems. This is generally caused by the use of non-replenishible fuels. We can also readily use the saved natural gas by liquidizing it for automobile fuel, which will be greatly reduced. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/letters/story/731417.html Study Finds Potential Profits In Conservation. Selling credits for the billions of tons of carbon that are locked in Indonesia's tropical rain forests could be as profitable as converting these areas into palm oil plantations, a study released Friday found. The study, in the current issue of the peer-reviewed journal Conservation Letters, also found that conserving the 3.3 million hectares (8.2 million acres) that are slated to become plantations on Kalimantan, on the island of Borneo, would boost the region's biodiversity. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2032/story/731518.html It Is 'Naive' To Believe A System For Storing Carbon In Forests Will Be Easy, Study Concludes .Plans to cut global emissions by paying tropical nations cash in exchange for saving trees could backfire without localized protections, cautions a new report commissioned by Norway. Greenhouse gas emissions from forest destruction and degradation make up nearly one-fifth the global total. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/06/05/05climatewire-it-is-naive-to-believe-a-system-for-storing-85296.html Greening the Herds: A New Diet to Cap Gas. Chewing her cud on a recent sunny morning, Libby, a 1,400-pound Holstein, paused to do her part in the battle against global warming, emitting a fragrant burp. Libby, age 6, and the 74 other dairy cows on Guy Choiniere’s farm here are at the heart of an experiment to determine whether a change in diet will help them belch less methane, a potent heat-trapping gas that has been linked to climate change. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/05/us/05cows.html?scp=2&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Obama Weighing Appearance At Copenhagen Climate Talks, Hoyer Says. President Obama may attend world climate talks in Copenhagen this December, marking the first visit to the annual U.N. conference by a sitting U.S. president since George H.W. Bush's 1992 trip to Rio de Janeiro. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer told reporters yesterday that Obama is considering a visit to the global warming negotiations, where diplomats hope to reach agreement on a successor to the Kyoto Protocol. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/06/04/04greenwire-obama-weighing-appearance-at-copenhagen-climat-94106.html U.S., Canadian Groups Gear Up To Halt Oil Sands Development. The Sierra Club, Greenpeace and 28 other North American environmental groups are calling on the United States and Canada to boost investments in clean energy, halt industrial fishing in the Arctic and freeze expansion of the Alberta's oil sands -- a key source of U.S. petroleum imports and greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/06/04/04greenwire-us-canadian-groups-gear-up-to-halt-oil-sands-d-53217.html LULAC Leader To Head National Environmental Panel. David Rodriguez, local leader of the League of United Latin American Citizens, has been named the head of a national task force examining environmental issues. The group, Panel on the Environmental Impact, will get LULAC chapters throughout the U.S. to engage Latinos to look at global warming and other environmental issues. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jun/05/lulac-leader-head-national-environmental-panel/ Blogs How Carbon Markets Can Make Both Economic and Ecological Sense. Preserving forests might make economic sense for governments and forest dwellers, and it could also help preserve the habitats of endangered mammals such as orangutans and elephants, according to a study released this week. Posted. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/05/how-carbon-markets-can-make-both-economic-and-ecological-sense/?hp Big News: Investment in Renewables Beats Out Fossil Fuel Interest. In a new report issued by the UN today, June 4, figures show renewable energy technologies beating out fossil fuels in terms of attracting investors in 2008. Solar, wind and other clean energy technologies took the lion's share of the investment portfolio, attracting $140 billion (£85 billion), or $30 billion more than fossil-fuel generation, with more than a third of the largesse headed for the UK and the rest of Europe. Posted. http://www.celsias.com/article/investment-renewables-beats-out-fossil-fuel-intere/ The Climate Post: Waxman-Markey, Bonn, And Carbon Counting. The U.S. Congress fast-tracks climate legislation, international negotiators hash through the first “negotiating text” for year-end global talks in Germany, and big businesses start counting their carbon. The pile of climate stories this week climbed faster than predicted New England sea levels. The American Clean Energy and Security Act—aka Waxman-Markey, aka ACES, aka H.R. 2454—may reach the House floor by the July 4th recess, if Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s new legislative push proceeds as she intends. Posted. http://www.grist.org/article/2009-waxman-markey-bonn-and-carbon-counting/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2009 11:51:09 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for June 8, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for June 8, 2009. Gas Station Vapor Battle In California Dissipates. A fight raged for months over a mandate for vapor recovery systems. In the end, the regulation stands and businesses have a reasonable amount of time to comply. No doubt it will come as a relief to all concerned that the controversy over the state's -- P-II EVR, for short -- has been mostly resolved. About 90% of the GDFs in the state -- that's "gasoline dispensing facilities" or "gas stations" to you -- have installed their P-II EVRs or are on track to do so by the end of this year. The storm passed without too much disruption in the supply of gasoline to drivers across the state. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-hiltzik8-2009jun08,0,2291661,print.column EPA Sued Over Claims Of Air Pollution In West. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was sued Friday by an environmental group that claims the agency has failed to safeguard public health in the West by not limiting the transmission of air pollution across state lines. The EPA requires states to have plans aimed at addressing the interstate transport of ozone pollution, the primary component of smog, and fine particles or soot, but WildEarth Guardians claims New Mexico, California and a handful of other Western states do not have such plans. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2033/story/732664.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12530441 Calif. Law Linking Land Use, Emissions Passes Court. San Francisco -- A California law aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions from land-use changes has survived its first court challenge. Contra Costa County Superior Court Judge Barbara Zuniga tossed out an environmental impact report Friday for a proposed Chevron Corp. refinery expansion in Richmond, Calif., saying the analysis failed to account for the project's greenhouse gas emissions as is required by the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/06/08/2 Clean-Air Lawsuit Against WA Dairy Dropped. A citizens group has dropped its federal court lawsuit against a Washington state dairy that sought to limit methanol pollution. According to the lawsuit filed in April in U.S. District Court in Spokane, the methanol is emitted into the air by animal waste and silage. The suit was filed by the group Community Association for Restoration of the Environment, based in Granger, Wash., and also known as CARE, against DeRuyter Brothers Dairy of Outlook, Wash. It contended the dairy should be required to obtain permits under the Clean Air Act. Posted. http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/WA_Dairy_Lawsuit_412514C.shtml http://www.modbee.com/state/story/734430.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12540964 Sacramento Area Drivers Take The 'Car-Free Challenge'. Joan Edelstein of West Sacramento made a public vow last week. She will drive her car no more than 200 miles this month. The go-green pledge puts her among a handful of Sacramentans who've announced similar intentions at the new "Car-Free Challenge" Web site – not for pocketbook reasons, they say, but because it's the right thing to do. Just days in, however, Edelstein is learning an inconvenient truth about the movement to reduce driving. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2307/story/733974.html 1,000 Units, Near Car-Free, Planned In Hayward. Hayward, an East Bay suburb not known for pushing progressive ideals, quietly has laid the groundwork for a radical experiment in environmentally conscious living - a nearly car-free housing development. Quarry Village is a proposed 1,000-unit neighborhood that would fill a former quarry near Cal State East Bay and 1 1/2 miles from the Hayward BART Station. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/08/BA2D17THSA.DTL&type=printable SEMA Opposes California Scrappage Amendment. The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has spoken out in opposition to a measure in California that would augment voluntary vehicle scrappage. The association opposes a California Air Resources Board (CARB) proposal to spend roughly $30 million annually for an Enhanced Fleet Modernization Program (EFMP), which would supplement the state's existing voluntary accelerated vehicle retirement program. Posted. http://aftermarketbusiness.search-autoparts.com/aftermarketbusiness/Distribution/SEMA-opposes-California-scrappage-amendment/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/601932?contextCategoryId=43145 Oakland Commission Deadlocks Over Proposed Truck Ban. The Port of Oakland commission failed to approve a long-awaited Comprehensive Truck Management Plan last week after two commissioners questioned the legal ramifications of a proposed truck ban that was recently added to the plan. After a long and sometimes contentious debate, board members had the item put on the June 16 agenda so that the plan could be reconsidered after the port's legal department has time to address concerns about the truck ban. Posted. http://www.cunninghamreport.com/news_item.php?id=886 House Climate Bill Would Trim Budget Deficit, CBO say. The House global warming bill slated for floor debate this summer is projected to trim the federal budget deficit over the next decade, the Congressional Budget Office states in a report released Friday. CBO's (pdf) of H.R. 2454 projects the bill's requirement that companies reduce their emissions or purchase allowances on an open market would bring in federal revenue of about $845.6 billion during the first decade of its operation. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/06/08/08climatewire-house-climate-bill-would-trim-budget-deficit-83573.html http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/08/cbo-house-climate-bill-raise-973b/%20%20 China and U.S. Seek a Truce on Greenhouse Gases. For months the United States and China, by far the world’s two biggest emitters of greenhouse gases, have been warily circling each other in hopes of breaking a long impasse on global warming policy. They are, as President Obama’s chief climate negotiator puts it, “the two gorillas in the room,” and if they do not reach some sort of truce, there is no chance of forging a meaningful international treaty in Copenhagen later this year to restrict emissions. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/08/world/08treaty.html?ref=science Climate Change Game-Changer For China Relations. Climate change is an economic issue, a national security issue, an environmental health issue and a moral issue. It is also an opportunity for the United States and China to make progress together on behalf of both of our citizens and, indeed, the entire world.I recently had the opportunity to lead a bipartisan delegation to China with members from the House Select Committee on Global Warming and Energy Independence. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/08/ED82181N6S.DTL&type=printable Health, Climate Change Vie For Boost In US Congress. Washington - Barack Obama may be pressuring Congress as no U.S. president has for decades as he aims to get two big domestic goals passed this year -- reforming health care and fighting global warming. "It's not impossible to do both, but that would be more than a Congress has ever given a president, maybe since the first First 100 Days," said Brookings Institution senior fellow Stephen Hess, referring to the start of Franklin Roosevelt's "New Deal" presidency in 1933. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN07268220 Why Does The Much-Touted Climate Bill Look Like It Was Stolen >From The Republican Playbook? “Command and control” is a military term the Republicans long ago appropriated to caricature and condemn Democratic programs. Republicans like to contrast the Democrats’ embrace of a command and control, regulation-based you-will-do-as-I-say-or-else strategy with their own, presumably, more effective market-based we-will-make-it-worthwhile-for-you-to-do-what-we-want approach. Nowhere is the phrase “command and control” used more often and with more passion than when Republicans attack environmental regulation. Posted. http://www.grist.org/article/2009-06-08-climate-bill-republican/ Making Your School Greener. Jenn Savedge, Mother Nature Network's family blogger, has just published her third book — "The Green Teen" (New Society Publishers, $14.95). Here is an excerpt: When you add up all of the students, teachers, administrators and custodians in schools across the country, the numbers may surprise you. Fifty-five million Americans (one in five) spend their day in a K-12 school. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/bay-area-living/ci_12529445 American Flight Will Test Fuel-Saving Tricks. Dallas—American Airlines will test fuel-saving technology and tactics on a Paris-to-Miami flight this week that the carrier and federal officials hope will help make the case for a new navigation system. The plane on Thursday's flight will take a direct route guided by global-positioning technology instead of staying within the usual jetliner highways. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_12544947 Letters: Our Duty to Lead on Climate Change. I disagree with Martin Feldstein ["Cap and Trade: All Cost, No Benefit," op-ed, June 1] that "the U.S. should wait until there is a global agreement on CO2 that includes China and India before committing to costly reductions in the United States." While the Waxman-Markey bill's goals for curbing greenhouse gases are not as ambitious as many environmentalists would like, domestic action on climate change by the United States would have tremendous political benefits, such as garnering broader international support for a new global climate regime at an international conference in Copenhagen in December. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/06/AR2009060601823_pf.html Letters: Ease Regulations. High taxes are not the only enemy to a healthy state economy. Burdensome regulations, their associated fees and fines subtly add to California's anti-business climate. California must become a more business friendly state. We should make fewer new laws and roll back laws that provide little public benefit but suck the life out of business. California Air Resources Board recently fined Robertson's Ready Mix $65,700. Surely a fine is appropriate, but $65,700? Posted. http://www.sbsun.com/letters/ci_12541703 Letters: Regardless of Motivation, We Need to Go Green. Talk about smugness: George F. Will, with whom I've sometimes agreed, has done himself and the rest of us a disservice by mocking the media and citizens who recognize the peril of climate change and are trying to do something about it ["Green With Guilt," op-ed, June 4]. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/07/AR2009060702020.html Blogs How Much Should Poor Countries Be Paid To Fight Climate Change? What will it take to get developing nations to sign up to a global climate agreement? A critical part of the answer, it seems, is cold, hard cash. Countries in poorer parts of the world like China and India are demanding that wealthier regions like the European Union and North America fund their efforts at developing clean energy technologies and help them adapt to the effects of climate change caused largely by accumulated emissions from the industrialized West. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/08/how-much-should-poor-countries-be-paid-to-fight-climate-change/?scp=2&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Peak Coal: What Do Tighter Coal Supplies Mean for ‘Clean Coal’? Because worries about peak oil, peak uranium, and peak lithium just aren’t enough, get ready for peak coal. The WSJ reports today that U.S. energy officials have scaled back their estimates of U.S. coal reserves. Recent government surveys of coal resources suggest that coal isn’t so abundant after all—with plenty of implications for a country heavily dependent on coal for generating its electricity. From the paper: Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/06/08/peak-coal-what-do-tighter-coal-supplies-mean-for-clean-coal/tab/print/ More Ways 2 Be Green. Lately, I’ve been thinking about new ways to be green. I’ve come up with a few, so I thought I would share those, as well as a few we already practice here that others may not be doing yet. Posted. http://www.got2begreen.com/green-lifestyles/more-ways-2-be-green/#more-6236 Todd Stern on China Climate Deal: “Let’s Get This Damn Thing Started!” U.S. Climate Envoy and former Center for American Progress Senior Fellow Todd Stern spoke at CAP Tuesday. If you want to know where US-China negotiations are headed on climate, I highly recommend watching the video of his talk here (a PDF of his prepared remarks are here ). He is a blunt guy for someone who is the lead State Department climate negotiator, as made clear by the headline quote about the need for the United States to get off its butt and lead the way with domestic climate action. Posted. http://www.celsias.com/article/todd-stern-china-climate-deal-lets-get-damn-thing/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 9 Jun 2009 09:51:38 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for June 9th, 2009 From: sponedal@ARB.CA.GOV .. VEHICLES Gasoline lawn mower recycling launched. The Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center and Ventura County Air Pollution Control District have teamed up to make it easier for residents of Simi Valley, Thousands Oaks and Moorpark to recycle gas-powered lawn mowers and qualify for discounts on environmentally friendly electric mowers. The Pollution Control District’s voucher program offers $129 off a standard corded electric mower or $200 off a cordless electric mower at Lowe’s stores in Ventura or Simi Valley or through an online vendor, Neuton. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jun/09/gasoline-lawn-mower-recycling-launched/ Fixing polluting vehicles is a win-win. The Tune In and Tune Up program operated by the nonprofit organization Valley Clean Air Now does a lot more for Kern County and the San Joaquin Valley than just fixing polluting vehicles. The program also contributes significantly to the region's economy. As the owner of Rosedale Automotive in Bakersfield, I have worked with Valley CAN since 2008 to help implement Tune In and Tune Up in our area. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/opinion/forum/x820007666/Fixing-polluting-vehicles-is-a-win-win Analysis: Europe car scrapping seen failing green test. European car scrapping schemes are aiding a shift to small, less polluting cars but environmental campaigners say they fall short of pledges to create a greener economy during the recession. "It's definitely a missed opportunity. This is just doling out cash to the car industry," said Jos Dings, director of the European Federation for Transport and Environment, which campaigns for greener transport. "The first goal is to help the economy," German Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel said of a "cash for clunkers" subsidy that helped boost German car sales by 40 percent in May from the same 2008 month. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jun/09/100754075720/ Editorial: Port of Oakland should adopt truck rules. AN ESTIMATED 2,000 trucks pass through the Port of Oakland every day. Many of them are older diesel vehicles or newer trucks without proper filters to reduce air pollution. As a result, the air quality in and around the port is a health threat for thousands of Oakland residents. A 2008 report by the California Air Resources Board determined that 20 percent of the children in West Oakland had asthma. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/opinion/ci_12529732 Congress to consider 'cash for clunkers' plan. WASHINGTON—Consumers could receive rebates of up to $4,500 for turning in their gas-guzzling cars and trucks for more fuel-efficient vehicles under a House proposal. President Barack Obama has urged Congress to approve consumer incentives for new car purchases as part of the government's efforts to reorganize General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC through the bankruptcy courts. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_12551136 GREENHOUSE GAS Calif. law linking land use, greenhouse gas emissions passes court test. A California law aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions from land-use changes has survived its first court challenge from a major oil company. Contra Costa County Superior Court Judge Barbara Zuniga tossed out an environmental impact report Friday for a proposed Chevron Corp. refinery expansion in Richmond, Calif., saying the analysis failed to account for the project's greenhouse gas emissions as is required by the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/06/08/08greenwire-calif-law-linking-land-use-greenhouse-gas-emis-87964.html Airline industry eyes emissions standards. A group of foreign airlines will propose a plan today to curb the aviation industry's emissions, hoping to help negotiators reach agreement on one of many friction points in global climate change talks. The plan suggests a cap-and-trade scheme for the airline sector, requiring airlines from all countries to have permits that cover their emissions. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/06/09/09climatewire-airline-industry-eyes-emissions-standards-76445.html CLIMATE CHANGE Study: Cap and trade would hurt economy. The Brookings Institution on Monday said cap-and-trade legislation to reduce carbon dioxide emissions would lower the nation's gross domestic product in 2050 by 2.5 percent, compared with levels it would reach if the legislation is not implemented. A report issued by the left-leaning research organization said that if Congress passes something similar to President Obama's or the House's proposed plan, the economy would take the biggest hit around 2025. Posted. http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/09/gdp-hit-found-with-cap-trade/ Plan to combat global warming? Pie in the sky. Whenever you hear a politician start a sentence with, "If we can put a man on the moon ... ," grab your wallet. For years, Democrats, enthralled by the cargo cult of the Kennedy presidency, have used the moon landing as proof that no big government ambition is beyond our reach. The latest example of anthropogenic-lunar empowerment is global warming. Al Gore and Barack Obama routinely cite the Apollo program as proof that we can make good on the president's messianic campaign pledge to stem the rising ocean tides and hasten the healing of the planet. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-goldberg9-2009jun09,0,3402413,print.column China response to Obama climate envoy positive. China said Tuesday that it was committed to making this year's Copenhagen climate change conference a success, sounding a positive note at the close of a two-day visit to Beijing by President Barack Obama's global warming envoy. Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang gave few details and reasserted China's insistence on "common but differentiated responsibilities" under which developed countries such as the U.S. would bear most of the responsibility for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/world/story/736582.html Protecting Federal Lands. To the Editor: Re “A Roadless Law” (editorial, June 4): Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has begun reaffirming federally mandated conservation of national forest roadless areas. But this issue must involve more than resuscitating the 2001 roadless rule and submitting legislation to Congress. Creation of our national forest system ensured wise use benefiting the entire country instead of unfettered exploitation enriching only local interests. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/09/opinion/lweb09roadless.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=climate%20change&st=cse Earth advocate, a T.O. native, sees green future. A solid presence at tree plantings, beach cleanups and campus energy conservation competitions, Jessica Wall has spent her college years going green all over UC San Diego. “I just want to make the world a better place, as best I can,” said the 22-year-old Thousand Oaks native, who graduates this month. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jun/08/earth-advocate-a-to-native-sees-green-future/ Climate change expert to speak at GOP meeting. An expert on climate change will speak June 16 at the monthly meeting of the Novato Republican Women Federated. James Kelly, an oceanographer and a former science dean at San Francisco State University, will speak on "Global Climate Change: Separating the Science from the Fiction," at 11:30 a.m. The talk will be followed by a lunch and a business meeting. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12549971 Climate bill to pay hundreds of dollars in rebates. WASHINGTON—Low-income families will receive hundreds of dollars a year to help pay higher energy bills if Congress enacts the first-ever limits on the gases blamed for global warming, according to a new analysis. But it is unclear just how much more those families will have to pay for energy. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12546456 At Odds on Emissions, U.S., China Open Talks. BEIJING, June 8 -- Senior U.S. and Chinese officials began three days of talks here Monday in hopes of making a breakthrough on climate change, but they remain far apart on the basic issue of who is to blame for carbon emissions and should shoulder the biggest burden for reducing them. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/08/AR2009060803938.html Greens make big gains in EU parliament vote. LONDON -- Polar bears have taken over screen savers. Two of the last five Nobel Peace Prizes have gone to eco-campaigners. Climate change has crept onto government agendas. And now the European Parliament itself has gone a bit more green. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/08/AR2009060801811.html ENERGY Aerojet, Solar Power unveil $20 million energy project. Aerojet and Roseville-based Solar Power Inc. on Monday formally announced a nearly $20 million deal to build a 3.5-megawatt array of solar panels at the rocket maker's campus near Rancho Cordova. By November, more than 18,000 panels are scheduled to cover about 20 acres of now- vacant land near White Rock Road, making the project among the largest of its kind in the nation. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/378/story/1930280.html Eugene Robinson: Clean coal or dry hole? PRESIDENT OBAMA should be applauded for taking climate change seriously, recognizing that the phenomenon can be traced to the burning of fossil fuels and intensifying the search for viable solutions. In one of its centerpiece initiatives, however, the administration may be digging a very expensive dry hole. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/opinion/ci_12529742 Governors warn energy plan could stifle growth. BILOXI, Miss.—The price of electricity and fuel could rise sharply and economic growth could be stifled in the Southeast and elsewhere in the country under tax proposals being considered in Washington, several southern governors said Monday. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_12546129 Blogs Green Groups Offer a Mock Climate Treaty. Environmental groups this week unveiled a mock “Copenhagen Climate Treaty” and told governments to “cut and paste” from the document when they meet in December in the Danish capital to draft the real version. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/09/green-groups-offer-a-mock-climate-treaty/?scp=3&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Should Michigan Dump Cars for Wind Energy? By now you’ve heard about the bankruptcy filing by General Motors. The Michigan-based automaker, once the largest company in the world, will soon be a shadow of its former self. Maybe that’s a good thing. Some experts say GM will emerge leaner and meaner after the bankruptcy process. Posted. http://www.got2begreen.com/green-infrastructure/should-michigan-dump-cars-for-wind-energy/ Expanded Coalitions Support US Climate Bill. In an effort to broaden support for sweeping climate legislation, environmentalists are forming atypical alliances with other progressive social organizations. Groups such as the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN), MoveOn, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) are part of a growing coalition of social welfare, labor, religious, and healthcare organizations joining forces with the traditional environmental lobby. Posted. http://www.celsias.com/article/expanded-coalitions-support-us-climate-bill/ Clean Tech in China: Duke Energy Aims for Clean-Energy Cooperation. When it comes to tackling climate change, one of the few things the U.S. and China can agree on is that it would be nice to cooperate on clean-energy technology. Duke Energy is trying to turn those talking points into projects on the ground. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/06/09/clean-tech-in-china-duke-energy-aims-for-clean-energy-cooperation/ New Comprehensive Lifecycle Energy and Emissions Inventory Includes Non-Operational Components; Large Aircraft Can Perform Better than Light Rail. A new comprehensive lifecycle energy, greenhouse gas emissions, and selected criteria air pollutant emissions inventory by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley that includes vehicles, infrastructure, fuel production, and supply chains found that find that total life-cycle energy inputs and greenhouse gas emissions contribute an additional 63% for onroad, 155% for rail, and 31% for air systems over vehicle tailpipe operation. Posted. http://www.greencarcongress.com/2009/06/chester-20090609.html#more ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:23:58 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for June 10, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for June 10, 2009. Study: Effort To Curb Greenhouse Gas Emissions Will Hurt Jobs. A new study says California’s move to reduce greenhouse gas emissions could negatively impact three-million jobs statewide. The report is being released as the California Air Resources Board launches a series of efforts to curb global warming linked to exhaust from vehicles and some industries. Carol Zabin is with UC Berkeley’s Center for Labor Research and Education which did the study. Posted. http://www.kpbs.org/news/2009/jun/09/study-effort-curb-greenhouse-gas-emissions-will-hu/ CBO Puts Hefty Price Tag On Emissions Plan. When the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved a climate bill last month to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, Republicans - and a few Democrats - predicted that it would impose huge costs on the American economy. According to the Congressional Budget Office, they were right. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/09/cbo-puts-hefty-price-tag-on-emissions-plan/ Japan Sets New Emission Targets. Japan, a major emitter of greenhouse gases and a key player in the global warming debate, set a new target Wednesday that would reduce its emissions 15 percent by 2020 from 2005 — a goal quickly slammed as inadequate by environmentalists and international officials. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/11/business/energy-environment/11emit.html?ref=business Assemblymembers, Labor Coalition Call on ARB to Examine Potential California Job Loss in AB 32. Sacramento, California - Assemblymember Sandre Swanson (D-Alameda), Assemblymember Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) and Coalition for Green Jobs representative, Scott Wetch, today announced the introduction of ACR 77 which calls on the California Air Resources Board (ARB) to include a detailed analysis of the employment impacts in relation to the AB 32 Scoping Plan and the potential for “green collar” jobs to be located in California or outside of California. Posted. http://www.imperialvalleynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5834&Itemid=1 House Approves 'Cash-For-Clunkers' To Boost Auto Sales, Fuel Efficiency. Washington -- The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a "cash for clunkers" bill that aims to boost new auto sales by allowing consumers to turn in their gas-guzzling cars and trucks for vouchers worth up to $4,500 toward more fuel-efficient vehicles. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12556225 http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_12553939 Sacramento-Area Auto Dealers See Merit In Voucher Plan. Sacramento-area dealers say a bill approved by the House on Tuesday that would provide vouchers up to $4,500 for owners who trade older vehicles for more fuel-efficient ones is not perfect but shows promise. "It probably isn't a silver bullet. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/business/v-print/story/1933578.html Report Argues For GHG Emissions Cuts As A Way Out Of Fiscal Mess. San Francisco -- California's far-reaching climate change goals could help reverse the state's downward spiral into unemployment and fiscal insolvency, argues a new report from the University of California, Berkeley, and the policy group Next 10. The study by David Roland-Holst and Fredrich Kahrl, professors at UC Berkeley, examines the economic implications of California's implementing its emissions package, A.B. 32, even as the global economic crisis and state budget woes continue. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/06/10/2/ Scientists: Global Warming Has Already Changed Oceans. In Washington State, oysters in some areas haven't reproduced for four years, and preliminary evidence suggests that the increasing acidity of the ocean could be the cause. In the Gulf of Mexico, falling oxygen levels in the water have forced shrimp to migrate elsewhere.. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/737353.html Mining Industry Wants NV To Postpone Mercury Regs. Las Vegas—The Nevada Mining Association wants the state to postpone ordering the industry to install additional mercury emissions control equipment until the federal government reveals its plans for gold mining pollution this summer. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12553970 Govt. Urges People To Make Homes Healthy. Washington—The government is urging parents and homebuilders to make their homes more healthy by getting rid of lead paint, mold, and other hazards. Acting Surgeon General Steven Galson and Housing Deputy Secretary Ron Sims launched a coordinated federal effort Tuesday to prevent diseases and injuries from potential health dangers in the home. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_12553390 Farallon Islands Seen As Climate-Change Bellwether. Scientists are closely monitoring the Farallon Islands, sometimes called the "California Galapagos," for early signs of climate change. The islands teem with seabirds and marine mammals, sustained by an abundance of life in the waters around them. In the spring, an upwelling of water begins from deep in the ocean, replenishing the shallower waters with a fresh dose of nutrients. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/science/ci_12554815 Bleak Outlook For Planet's Oceans. Washington — In Washington state, oysters in some areas haven't reproduced for four years, and preliminary evidence suggests that the increasing acidity of the ocean could be the cause. In the Gulf of Mexico, falling oxygen levels in the water have forced shrimp to migrate elsewhere. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12556866 Pollution Experts: Save Fish From Drugs In Water. Pollution experts on Tuesday pressed a congressional panel for stronger action to keep pharmaceuticals and other contaminants out of the water, saying they are hurting fish and may threaten human health. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12553178 Russia Presses Claim To Arctic Energy Riches. Moscow -- Russia will rebuild its Soviet-era network of polar stations and use its icebreaker fleet to help support its claim to the vast resources of the Arctic, the man who led a mission to plant a Russian flag on the Arctic seabed said Wednesday. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/10/AR2009061001098.html A Brighter Future At Thomas Jefferson. With a hot sun beating down onto Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology yesterday, the brand-new solar panels perched on its roof had already cranked out $7.60 worth of power. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/09/AR2009060903200.html Cattle and Warming. To the Editor: Re “Greening the Herds: A New Diet to Cap Gas” (news article, June 5): Your article about reducing methane emissions from dairy cows is welcome because of the attention it draws toward the substantial contribution that both beef and dairy cattle make to global warming. In stating that the heat-trapping ability of methane is 20 times that of carbon dioxide, however, your report significantly understates the size of the problem. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/10/opinion/lweb10climate.html?_r=1&scp=4&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Report: Climate Change Adding To Migration. A report says climate change is becoming a major driver in the migration of tens of millions of people battered by storms, droughts and the inundation of their lands by sea water. Estimates of the number of climate migrants are difficult to assess, but the new report by CARE International and the U.N. University cites estimates by the International Organization for Migration that 200 million people will be driven from their homes by mid-century for environmental reasons, including climate change. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12559679 http://www.modbee.com/world/story/738086.html http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSLA1045416 http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jojz-avq9oguzdC74uv4NyRup6rgD98NOPQO1 Not So Windy: Research Suggests Winds Dying Down. The wind, a favorite power source of the green energy movement, seems to be dying down across the United States. And the cause, ironically, may be global warming - the very problem wind power seeks to address. The idea that winds may be slowing is still a speculative one, and scientists disagree whether that is happening. But a first-of-its-kind study suggests that average and peak wind speeds have been noticeably slowing since 1973, especially in the Midwest and the East. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_12559560 http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/06/10/ap/headlines/d98npikg0.txt http://www.modbee.com/business/story/738057.html House Republicans Draft Energy Bill With Heavy Focus on Nuclear Power. Badly outnumbered and months behind in the debate on energy and climate change, House Republicans plan to introduce an energy bill on Wednesday as an alternative to the Democratic plan barreling toward a House vote this month. The Republican proposal, drafted by a group led by Representative Mike Pence of Indiana, leans heavily on nuclear power, setting a goal of building 100 reactors over the next 20 years. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/10/us/politics/10energy.html?scp=5&sq=climate%20change&st=cse World CO2-Emissions Growth Keeps Focus on Coal, China (Update3). World carbon-dioxide emissions from energy use rose 1.8 percent last year as China, India and Russia burned more coal, the most polluting fuel for generating power, data compiled by BP Plc indicate. Fossil-fuel combustion in electricity plants, vehicles and heaters across the planet released 31.5 billion metric tons of the greenhouse gas, 570 million tons more than in 2007, the figures show. Posted. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601124&sid=agE13.cJXhCc# Going Green - Is It Action Or Just A Trend? Does anyone really understand what the true meaning of “going green” is anymore? In more recent years, doing one’s part to help the environment seems to be buying a fuel efficient car, like the 40-mile per gallon Toyota Prius. California has advertisements, community awareness programs and organizations to encourage people to understand and effectively use different methods to assist the environment. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090609/NEWS/906099975/1033?Title=Going-green-is-it-action-or-just-a-trend- Blogs The Sky is Falling, But We Can Fix It. When it comes to environmental news, doom and gloom often rules the day. And it’s easy to get discouraged. But scientists from Yale University say most polluted ecosystems can recover in as little as 5 or 10 years. the study means it’s not too late to turn things around if societies commit to cleanup, restoration and sustainability, according to Yale’s analysis of 240 independent studies. Posted. http://www.celsias.com/article/sky-falling-we-can-fix-it/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:33:30 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for June 11, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for June 11, 2009. California Leading Growth In Nation's Green Jobs Economy, Study Finds. In 2007 alone, clean energy spurred the opening of 10,209 businesses with 125,390 jobs in the Golden State, according to a report by the Pew Charitable Trusts. Reporting from Sacramento — New green jobs sprouted faster than the overall workforce expanded in California and across the nation from 1998 to 2007, according to a study released Wednesday by the Pew Charitable Trusts. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-green-jobs11-2009jun11,0,818831,print.story UC Berkeley Releases Pollution Study. UC Berkeley has just released the first study on how much greenhouse pollution is produced by passenger transportation in the U.S. It is the most comprehensive study of its kind and has yielded some surprising results. Until now, U.S. studies of how much pollution cars and buses produce have been limited to tailpipe emissions and the equivalent, for other ways of getting around. Posted. http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/assignment_7&id=6858897&pt=print CEOs Of Chevron, Sierra Club Debate Energy. Two men on opposite sides of the energy debate - Chevron Corp.'s David O'Reilly and the Sierra Club's Carl Pope - searched for common ground Wednesday night during a public discussion at the Commonwealth Club. And they found some. Meeting for the first time, Pope and O'Reilly agreed on the need for renewable power and the threat posed by global warming, which both said was likely caused by man. They both criticized the climate-change bill wending its way through Congress, saying it was too complex and far too generous to coal companies. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/11/BAVI184VUP.DTL&type=printable Will Poor Take The Brunt Of Global Warming Fight? A collection of environmental justice groups has sued the state Air Resources Board for allegedly failing to ensure that the state's war on global warming won't disproportionately hurt poor people. The complaint mainly targets the emissions-trading framework – known as cap and trade – adopted by the board in December. The system, the plaintiffs argue, would tend to concentrate air pollutants in low-income communities and would be ineffective and unenforceable. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/business/v-print/story/1936931.html Criticism Ramps Up Against Cap-And-Trade Systems. Several organizations are joining the ranks of growing criticism of cap-and-trade programs around the globe, saying carbon offset programs do more harm than good and could result in significantly higher costs for some industries. Recent criticism comes from the American Trucking Association (ATA), which told a Congressional Committee that a cap-and-trade program could result in significantly higher costs in the trucking industry and for American consumers. Posted. http://www.environmentalleader.com/2009/06/11/criticism-ramps-up-against-cap-and-trade-systems/ World's Largest Fossil Bed Linked To Ancient Climate Change. Even after visiting Sharktooth Hill Bone Bed for 50 years, Jere Lipps still speaks with a sense of wonder when describing the land. It's a 110-square-mile region northeast of Bakersfield harboring hundreds of millions of fossils left from the time when the Central Valley was covered by an ocean and warmed by a subtropical climate. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_12562210 UN Climate Chief: Rich Nations Short On CO2 Goals. BONN, Germany—Japan unveiled a new target Wednesday for reducing greenhouse gas emissions 15 percent by 2020, but the plan was slammed by environmentalists and the U.N. climate chief as leaving the industrial world dangerously short of its pollution goals. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12561095 Edison To Decommission Coal-Fired Nev. Power Plant. FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.—The owners of the shuttered Mohave Generating Station in Laughlin, Nev., said Wednesday that they will decommission the coal-fired power plant that once supplied electricity to 1.5 million homes. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12561177 Environmental Program Helps Companies Save Energy. The first time Sarah Shapiro walked into a Cisco Systems lab filled with racks of blinking routers and miles of multicolored electrical wires, she felt like she was on a movie set. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/technology/ci_12563384 Smart Growth Urged Along SMART Rail Line In Marin. San Francisco - Growth in Marin over the next 25 years should be funneled into areas along the planned Sonoma-Marin Rail Transit corridor to curb sprawl and cut greenhouse gases, according a plan released Wednesday by the Greenbelt Alliance. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12563663 Congress Abandoning Obama Clean Energy Goals. Washington—Congress is all but abandoning President Barack Obama's goal of producing fully one-quarter of the nation's electricity from renewable sources—wind, solar and the like—by 2025, though a push for at least some increase is making headway. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_12561407 RI Lawmakers Debate New Plan For Funding Wind Farm. Providence, R.I.—The state's dominant electricity distributor would be forced to buy power from renewable energy producers under a deal struck Wednesday that could remove a major financial obstacle to building a windfarm off Rhode Island. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_12564210 Study: Clean Energy Will Stimulate Calif. Economy. San Francisco—A more aggressive use of clean energy would help California emerge from its multibillion dollar budget deficit by creating jobs and lowering energy costs, according to a University of California study released Wednesday. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12561726 Study: Jobs In Fledgling Green-Energy Sector Growing. New York (AP) — The fledgling renewable-energy industry has grown steadily over much of the past decade, adding jobs at more than twice the national rate, according to a Pew Charitable Trusts study released Wednesday. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/technology/ci_12565163 House GOP Offers Nuclear-Loaded Energy Bill. Washington—House Republicans are calling for a hundred new nuclear power plants to be built in the next two decades as part of an energy plan they say is a better alternative than one championed by Democrats. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_12560848 FEMA Launches Effort to Measure Impact of Climate Change on Flood Insurance. Federal officials are struggling to calculate the fiscal impact that climate change could have on the nation's troubled public flood insurance program, amid predictions of intensifying downpours and more potent hurricanes. The mission is proving extremely difficult, according to one researcher, who said the effort so far has failed to reveal even "squishy assumptions." Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/06/11/11climatewire-fema-launches-effort-to-measure-impact-of-cli-7828.html With Highway Bill on the Distant Horizon, Reformers Eye Climate Measure to Make a Splash. Transportation advocates, environmentalists and like-minded lawmakers see the upcoming highway and transit reauthorization bill as a vehicle to deliver Washington's promise to overhaul the nation's transportation system, complete with a focus on curbing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing fuel consumption. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/06/11/11greenwire-with-highway-bill-on-the-distant-horizon-reform-2123.html UN Climate Chief: Rich Nations Short On CO2 Goals. Japan unveiled a new target Wednesday for reducing greenhouse gas emissions 15 percent by 2020, but the plan was slammed by environmentalists and the U.N. climate chief as leaving the industrial world dangerously short of its pollution goals. Prime Minister Taro Aso said in Tokyo the plan was ambitious and in line with efforts by the United States and Europe to trim carbon emissions over the next decade. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/world/story/738549.html Study: Clean Energy Will Stimulate Calif. Economy. A more aggressive use of clean energy would help California emerge from its multibillion dollar budget deficit by creating jobs and lowering energy costs, according to a University of California study released Wednesday. The study determined that moving half of California's electric power needs to renewable energy sources such as wind, solar or biomass would help create half-a-million jobs over the next 40 years. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/state/story/738767.html http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/CA_Clean_Energy_Calif_413523C.shtml http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jun/10/study-clean-energy-will-stimulate-calif-economy/ SF Mandatory Compost Law Is Food For Thought. Calling all compost cops. Tossing coffee in the trash would be grounds for a warning and maybe even a fine in this green-thinking city under a new mandatory composting law. The ordinance, expected to take effect this fall, requires residents to keep food scraps and other compostable materials out of their regular trash - along with regular recyclables such as paper and glass - to reduce waste sent to landfills. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/state/story/739214.html http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/CA_Trash_Talk_413482C.shtml http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jun/10/sf-mandatory-compost-law-is-food-for-thought/ http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/06/11/ap-state-ca/d98o5ig01.txt San Francisco to Toughen a Strict Recycling Law. San Francisco, which already boasts one of the most aggressive recycling programs in the country, has raised the ante, vowing to levy fines of up to $1,000 on those unwilling to separate their Kung Pao chicken leftovers from their newspapers. The Board of Supervisors passed new recycling and mandatory composting rules on Tuesday in a 9-to-2 vote. The city already diverts 72 percent of the 2.1 million tons of waste its residents produce each year away from landfills and into recycling and composting programs. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/11/us/11recycle.html?em Make Me Greener, Please. George Bryson and Alina Sanchez flunked the test on water consumption. hey had hired a consultant to tell them how they could do better at home in helping the environment, and although they did very well on energy use, water was another matter. “I do a lot of thinking in the shower,” Ms. Sanchez offered as a possible explanation. (The culprit turned out to be the sprinklers.) Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/11/garden/11consult.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Editorial: Mountaintop Letdown. During The campaign and after his election, President Obama left environmentalists in coal country with the distinct impression that he was going to do away with mountaintop removal mining in the Appalachians. That's where coal companies expose coal seams by stripping the dirt and rock covering them or blasting the tops of mountains to bits with dynamite and then, under legally defined conditions, dump the debris into valleys. It's a particularly destructive practice, but it's legal. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/10/AR2009061003409.html Blogs Company Expands Waste-to-Energy Efforts. EnerTech Environmental, which plans to cut the ribbon on its first commercial waste-to-energy plant in Rialto, Calif. Thursday, says it is developing plans to open a similar plant in New York City. Both plants would employ what the company calls its SlurryCarb process for turning municipal sewage sludge into carbon pellets that can be incinerated as fuel. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/11/company-expands-waste-to-energy-efforts/?scp=2&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse What's A Peapod? Governor Promotes Unique Green Vehicle. Sacramento - After touting a hybrid Hummer recently, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Wednesday downsized his seemingly weekly promotions of green transportation. This time, he embraced the "Peapod," a rather unique neighborhood electric vehicle a little larger than a golf cart brought to market as a division of Chrysler. Coincidentally, it was also the first day of Chrysler's new lease thanks to Fiat. Posted. http://weblog.signonsandiego.com/news/breaking/2009/06/whats_a_peapod_governor_promot.html America And China Talk Climate Change. Heating up or cooling down? The big two emitters try to stop finger-pointing and save the planet. THOUSANDS of officials from all over the world this week neared the end of two weeks of difficult talks in Bonn under the United Nations’ climate convention. But they were conscious that even more difficult and probably more important negotiations were under way in Beijing. America’s most senior climate-change officials were meeting their Chinese counterparts. The two countries are by far the world’s biggest emitters of greenhouse gases. Posted. http://www.economist.com/world/asia/PrinterFriendly.cfm?story_id=13832227 The Triumph Of Energy Efficiency: Waxman-Markey Could Save $3,900 Per Household And Create 650,000 Jobs By 2030.The energy efficiency provisions in the House energy and climate bill (H.R. 2454) could save $750 per household by 2020 and $3,900 per household by 2030, according to an analysis by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). An ACEEE news release notes that not only will efficiency reduce the costs to consumers and businesses of cutting carbon pollution: ACEEE estimates that approximately 250,000 jobs will be created by the energy efficiency provisions in H.R. 2454 by 2020, with a total of 650,000 jobs generated by 2030. Posted. http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/009981.html There’s Another Kind of Clean Coal Plant. My little clean coal plant is doing pretty well. I planted it outside my house earlier this spring. I thought it was dead. But after some watering and sun, it has bounced back. There are little green needles on this clean coal plant. It’s technically called a Black Hills Spruce. But trees may do more to combat climate change than more expensive investments in so-called clean coal technology and carbon sequestration, according to the United Nations Environment Programme. Posted. http://www.got2begreen.com/green-lifestyles/theres-another-kind-of-clean-coal-plant/ New Research Shows Strong Correlation Between Carbon, Climate Change. In a paper released today in the journal Nature , a study conducted by H. Damon Matthews - a professor at Montreal's Concordia University's Department of Geography, Planning and the Environment - attempts to correlate global warming to carbon emissions. Matthews, along with fellow researchers Nathan P. Gillett, Peter A. Stott and Kirsten Zickfield, used a combination of global climate models and historical climate data to demonstrate what appears to be a simple linear relationship between total CO2 emissions and global temperature change. Posted. http://www.celsias.com/article/measuring-global-warming-from-carbon-emissions/ Climate Change: Big Issue, Many Solutions. Recently, we featured a thought piece by Adam Siegel called "Beware Silver Bullet Thinking". For those who haven't read the piece yet, I'd highly recommend you check it out. What Adam gets through in the crux of his piece is that there is a tendency as humans to try and take a simplistic view of big issues like climate. There is no one fuel, one technology, or one fix that is going to get us out of this one. The good news is: there are lots of solutions that can get us out of this mess, and many of them readily available today. Posted. http://www.celsias.com/article/climate-change-big-issue-many-solutions/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:35:16 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for June 12th , 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for June 12th, 2009. Newsclips for June 12, 2009 Tutorial for truck owners: CARB wants to reach out. The California Air Resources Board, which has hit trucking with many regulations in the past few years, now wants to help truckers become aware of the regs as well as ways they can obtain grants and loans for truck equipment. The Board is scheduled to conduct its next monthly public meeting in Sacramento at 9 a.m. on June 25, 2009. Posted. http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2009/June09/060809/061109-06.htm Agricultural panel jeopardizes climate bill. Democratic lawmakers on the House Agriculture Committee on Thursday threatened to derail controversial legislation to combat climate change unless it does more to support forestry and farming interests. "As this bill stands today, I can't vote for it," said Rep. Leonard Boswell, D-Iowa. "I don't know anyone else here who can. We've got a lineup of people ... who are very uneasy." Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/12/MNP0185SB3.DTL http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/06/12/12climatewire-agriculture-offsets----a-savior-or-a-boondog-33517.html UC Davis Begins $2.8 Million in Studies of Agricultural Nitrogen's Impacts. UC Davis researchers will receive $2.8 million in new grants to study the use and impacts of nitrogen, a hero of the agricultural revolution that is increasingly viewed as a worrisome source of water and air pollution and potent greenhouse gases. "This is one of the most important and least publicized environmental issues we face: Escaped nitrogen from agricultural production affects the quality of our air, water, and soil and has huge potential to contribute to climate change," said Tom Tomich, director of the Agricultural Sustainability Institute at UC Davis. Posted. http://www.news.ucdavis.edu/search/news_detail.lasso?id=9136 http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=12236 Fred Krupp and Peter Darbee: Carbon cap bill's good, and time is short. Congress took an important step in the right direction on global warming recently with the approval of a carbon cap bill by a key committee. With the stage now set for a battle in the rest of the House, opponents will no doubt be sharpening their chief attack – the claim that our economy and American consumers can't afford to take real action against climate change. We strongly disagree. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/story/1940193.html US climate envoy: China seeks top US technology. China wants the United States to deliver top of the line technology as part of a new global warming agreement, the chief U.S. climate negotiator said Thursday. Jonathan Pershing, who was part of a U.S. delegation that returned this week from Beijing, said the Chinese are looking to the U.S. for ideas and technology to retool its high-carbon industry. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/11/AR2009061102110.html PD Editorial: Car talk. Everyone has seen one — a gas-guzzling, smoke-belching car that should have been junked years ago. Getting some of these tired old vehicles off the street would improve air quality and reduce the demand for fuel, helping meet two important goals. A “cash for clunkers” program could be an incentive to meet those goals, while also boosting sales for the ailing auto industry. Or “cash for clunkers” could become another give away of public money. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090612/OPINION/906119881/1042?Title=PD-Editorial-Car-talk EPA chemical database rules a political hazard, critics say. The Obama administration promised to end political meddling in scientific decisions, but some critics say the White House botched an early test on a key question of public health: how to assess the danger of industrial chemicals. At issue is a government catalog of toxic substances that guides regulators, industries and the public on the dangers posed by certain chemicals. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-toxics12-2009jun12,0,6941235.story As Wind Power Grows, a Push to Tear Down Dams. For decades, most of the nation’s renewable power has come from dams, which supplied cheap electricity without requiring fossil fuels. But the federal agencies running the dams often compiled woeful track records on other environmental issues. Now, with the focus in Washington on clean power, some dam agencies are starting to go green, embracing wind power and energy conservation. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/12/business/energy-environment/12bonneville.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse US: Stalled clean coal plant moving ahead in Ill. The Department of Energy is moving forward on a futuristic coal-burning power plant in Illinois that the Bush administration had declared dead. Energy Secretary Steven Chu said Friday that reviving the FutureGen plant is an important step that shows the administration's commitment to carbon-capture technology. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/06/12/financial/f071856D24.DTL http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/06/12/ap/us/d98p6a8o4.txt http://www.modbee.com/business/story/741424.html http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hhSZX2220iNRNGkItsP5Qo6y0tiwD98P67J82 http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12576858?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12576858?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com Feds toughen mountaintop mining rules, let it continue. The Obama administration said Thursday that it would toughen standards for mountaintop-removal coal mining but would not end the practice, as some environmental groups had hoped. Officials from four agencies said they had agreed to order a more rigorous legal and environmental review of pending and future applications for mountaintop mining in Appalachia. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/12/MNB3185O8F.DTL Atlanta-based energy company shows off renewable energy plant at former Rialto landfill. Another green project made its debut Thursday as Atlanta-based EnerTech Environmental hosted a tour of a new facility that transforms biosolids into renewable energy. Officials for the company said the privately-funded $160 million plant at full capacity can process more than 270,000 wet tons of processed sewage per year, generating more than 60,000 tons of a coal substitute that will offset more than 80,000 tons of greenhouse emissions. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12572150 http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_12572150 Filling up the green bins. Nay on plastic bags, and yea on solar subsidies and biofuel buses: Anyone see a pattern here? San Francisco is cleaning up its environmental act. A further effort to compost garbage makes sense. The city already has one of the highest rates of recycling and composting in the country, diverting 72 percent of its garbage from dumps. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/12/EDBL184NH9.DTL Joining the green commute. When Don Brazelton's wife asked whether he enjoyed riding his bike to work, "I looked at her like she was crazy." And not the good crazy."There's nothing enjoyable about riding with cars," Brazelton told her not long after he started commuting by bike in 2007. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/1927816.html Blogs Japan’s CO2 Goal: Not So Shabby After All? An offer by Prime Minister Taro Aso of Japan this week to cut emissions by 15 percent compared with 2005 levels by the end of the next decade prompted an immediate outpouring of dismay from United Nations climate officials, European Union policymakers and environmentalists. On its face, the Japanese offer did appear to fall far short of what the United States and the E.U. are offering ahead of negotiations in December to reach an agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/12/japans-co2-goal-not-so-shabby-after-all/?scp=3&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Are Discount Airlines Greener? EasyJet, the Luton, England-based purveyor of low-cost, short-haul air travel, has inspired passionate criticism over its environmental impact. Air travel is one of the fastest-rising sources of carbon emissions, and detractors believe that weekend jaunts across Europe are unnecessarily wasteful. Despite these accusations, easyJet’s founder, Stelios Haji-Ioannou, says that his company is a climate hero, not a villain. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/12/are-discount-airlines-greener/ Eight Reasons Why Farmers Should Support Climate Change Action. Agriculture, energy, and global warming are inextricably linked, which is why America’s farmers must be a part of the solution to global warming. Today the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture conducts a hearing on the American Clean Energy and Security Act, H.R. 2454 . A close review of the legislation reveals that it provides a significant opportunity for U.S. farmers to increase their income while safeguarding their livelihoods and the nation’s food and energy supplies. Posted. http://www.celsias.com/article/eight-reasons-why-farmers-should-support-climate-c/ Farm State Wish List Could Hold Key to Waxman-Markey Bill. Will farmers wind up with a huge payday from climate legislation making its way through the House of Representatives? They will if House Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson, a Minnesota Democrat, gets his way. Mr. Peterson bluntly warned the Obama administration Thursday that climate legislation doesn’t stand a chance of passing Congress unless it’s amended to assuage the worries of Farm Belt lawmakers. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/06/11/farm-state-wish-list-could-hold-key-to-waxman-markey-bill/ Going Nuclear: GOP Energy Plan Draws Heavy Flak. The GOP energy plan predictably has drawn a lot of criticism. What’s really interesting is that the critiques aren’t aimed so much at the fact that Republicans presented a big energy plan right as they lost the ability to implement one, but rather on the plan’s emphasis on nuclear power. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/06/12/going-nuclear-gop-energy-plan-draws-heavy-flak/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:48:09 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for June 15th, 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for June 15, 2009. Help to Pay For Cleaner-Running Trucks In Tulare County. The California Air Resources Board is offering grants to help cover the costs of replacing old trucks or engines. The state also has a low-interest loan program, backing loans from private lenders to truck owners. The programs: Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Attainment Program Provides vouchers of $20,000 to $35,000 to replace 1993-model or older trucks with newer, lower-emission vehicles. Not all truck dealers will accept the vouchers. Posted. http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/article/20090613/NEWS01/906130306 New Air Rules May Require Changes For Tulare County School Buses. Pending regulations on diesel emissions targeted mostly at big-rig trucks ' also would affect some buses, including school buses, across the state. While diesel buses would not have to be replaced, they would have to have particulate-matter filters installed. Shuttle buses also are affected, but city and county transit buses are subject to pollution-reducing regulations that took effect years ago. In addition to reducing emissions, the changes are intended to reduce school children's exposure to cancer-causing soot, said Erik White, chief of the California Air Resources Board's Heavy-duty Diesel In-use Strategies branch. Posted. http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/article/20090613/NEWS01/906130310 San Joaquin Valley Air Rules Could Put Brakes on Trucking. Ron Faulkner is all for improving California’s air quality. He just doesn’t want to be run out of business in the process. And that’s what might happen if new regulations on diesel-truck emissions go into effect in 2011, says Faulkner, president of Faulkner Trucking in Tulare. Others who own and operate big-rig trucks in the state are similarly worried. “We’re not against the clean air, by no means,” Faulkner said. “[The proposed emissions-rule change] just doesn’t make good business sense.” Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2032/story/743872.html http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/article/20090613/NEWS01/906130307 Union Pacific Has Greener Produce Delivery On Track. Union Pacific Railroad’s refrigerated boxcar fleet has been known for its ability to deliver fresh produce. The railroad now is delivering “greener” produce, too. The railroad’s entire fleet of 4,950 refrigerated railcars is more environmentally friendly than ever and is compliant with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards that take effect July 17. In addition, the company has invested approximately $18 million in its refrigerated boxcars the past two years so these cars will continue to meet CARB compliance standards. Posted. http://refrigeratedtrans.com/carriers-shippers/union_pacific_delivers_greener_produce_0615/ Polluting Vehicles Still in State's Cross Hairs. California plans to accelerate its ongoing campaign to sweep more dirty cars off the streets while Congress duels over high-profile “cash for clunkers” legislation. In Sacramento, the Air Resources Board this month is expected to approve a $30 million expansion of a program that pays motorists $1,000 to turn over their heavy-polluting vehicles for dismantling. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jun/15/1n15clunkers234016-polluting-vehicles-still-states/ Ventilation Helps Home Air Quality. I know you've written about indoor air quality problems in the past, and I've wondered how real this problem is. My husband and I seem to be sick whenever we're home a lot, like during vacations when we aren't working and we like to just hang around the house. How real is the air quality issue in today's homes? Unfortunately, this is a real problem for many people. Posted. http://headlines.ocregister.com/articles/air-30239-home-indoor.html Critics Say 'Cash For Clunkers' Bill Is A Lemon. Congress is about to approve a new federal program to pay car owners up to $4,500 for trading in gas-guzzling automobiles for more fuel-efficient cars, to the applause of the struggling auto industry. But the program is drawing heavy criticism from an unlikely quarter: environmentalists who are sworn enemies of big, old clunkers that get poor mileage. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-clunkers13-2009jun13,0,942989.story Lobbyists Battle Over Climate Bill's Escape Hatch on Carbon Penalties. A provision in the House climate bill that offers a controversial hedge against high costs for curbing carbon is a top target for lobbyists -- with one pack fighting to expand it and another to strip it out. The focus is on emission offsets. Added to the bill at the behest of industry and large environmental groups, offsets let polluters avoid some fines by investing in projects that draw carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/06/12/12greenwire-lobbyists-battle-over-climate-bills-escape-hat-38448.html GOP Says Democrats' Climate Bill Is Another Tax. Republicans on Saturday slammed a Democratic bill before the House that seeks to address climate change, arguing that it amounts to an energy tax on consumers. In the GOP's weekly radio and Internet address, Indiana Rep. Mike Pence said Congress should instead open the way for more domestic oil and natural gas production and ease regulatory barriers for building new nuclear power plants. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_12584154 http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/742677.html Democrats Struggling For Consensus On Climate Bills. Democratic allies remain at odds over provisions of a House climate bill and a Senate energy bill, even as congressional leaders and Obama administration officials are pressing to complete work on the legislation. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/14/AR2009061402266.html Water Supply Shifts As Global Climate Changes. Many of the world's great rivers are becoming less so. Yet in the Midwest, the wet is getting wetter. So says a study that finds global climate change shifting weather and water patterns around the planet"In terms of water, the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer," said Kevin Trenberth, head of climate analysis at the National Center for Atmospheric Research. And, he said, the poverty of precipitation is more dramatic than the wealth of water around the world. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2056/story/744721.html http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/1947335.html Hodges Says Cap-and-Trade Plan Threatens Trucking’s Viability. A House cap-and-trade energy bill would “add another layer of volatility” to the already erratic price of diesel fuel that could jeopardize the economic viability of trucking companies, Tommy Hodges, first vice chairman of American Trucking Associations, said last week. Hodges testified on behalf of ATA before a House energy subcommittee on June 9. Posted. http://www.ttnews.com/articles/basetemplate.aspx?storyid=22123 Obama Launches Ocean Protection Plan. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama launched a plan on Friday to protect the oceans, U.S. coasts and Great Lakes from the threats of climate change, pollution and overfishing. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/12/AR2009061203437.html Argentine Glacier Advances Despite Global Warming. Argentina's Perito Moreno glacier is one of only a few ice fields worldwide that have withstood rising global temperatures. Nourished by Andean snowmelt, the glacier constantly grows even as it spawns icebergs the size of apartment buildings into a frigid lake, maintaining a nearly perfect equilibrium since measurements began more than a century ago. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/science/ci_12592535 http://www.modbee.com/2032/story/743872.html White Rooftops May Help Slow Warming. Could climate change be staved off by making the United States look like a scene from "Mamma Mia!"? Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2009/06/14/ST2009061400127.html http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/14/MN8L186R3F.DTL It’s Time To Cool The Planet. If we’re going to avoid climate disaster, we’re going to have start getting a lot more direct. We’re going to have to think about cooling the planet. The concept is called geoengineering, and in the past few years, it has gone from being dismissed as a fringe idea to the subject of intense debates in the halls of power. Many of us who have been watching this subject closely have gone from being skeptics to advocates. Very reluctant advocates, to be sure, but advocates nonetheless. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204771304574181522575503150.html On Pasadena's Streets: Solar-Powered Trash Cans. There's nothing cheap about the new trash cans on the streets of Pasadena. The city recently installed the $3,500 bins featuring solar panels on top and a compactor inside. Whenever garbage is tossed in, the compactors automatically crush the material, allowing the so-called "Big Belly" bins to hold up to 200 gallons of waste. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jun/13/on-pasadenas-streets-solar-powered-trash-cans/ http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/CA_Green_Trash_Cans_414237C.shtml http://www.modbee.com/state/story/742939.html Renewable Power Will Cost Consumers More. California's push for renewable power could prove costly to consumers. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's plan to get one-third of the state's electricity from renewable sources by 2020 could cost $115 billion in new infrastructure, according to a report released Friday by the California Public Utilities Commission. Last year, a similar report from the commission estimated the cost at $60 billion. That money would come from Californians' utility bills. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/13/BAN7186F51.DTL A Federal Role In Energy-Saving Buildings. The June 7 editorial "Buried Code" questioned the wisdom of a federal requirement for higher energy efficiency standards for new buildings, one of the efficiency measures in the Waxman-Markey climate-change bill before Congress. It shouldn't have. As the lead member for energy and the environment on the Montgomery County Council, I think this is one "matter of local concern," as the editorial put it, that should be federalized. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/13/AR2009061301867.html Environmental Program Helps Companies Save Energy. The first time Sarah Shapiro walked into a Cisco Systems lab filled with racks of blinking routers and miles of multicolored electrical wires, she felt like she was on a movie set. The labs - 1,500 worldwide - are where Cisco tests its hardware and software and where Shapiro will spend much of the next two months figuring out ways the San Jose networking company can reduce energy and save money. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2056/story/744930.html U.S. To Restart Plans For A Coal Plant To Capture Greenhouse Gases. Federal officials announced an agreement Friday to restart plans to build an experimental coal plant that seeks to collect greenhouse gas emissions before they enter the atmosphere. If completed, the project would be the first commercial-scale effort in the country to test such technology. The agreement will at least temporarily resurrect the so-called FutureGen project, which the Bush administration had discontinued in 2008, citing rising cost estimates. The plant, which would be built in Mattoon, Ill., is expected to cost more than $1.5 billion. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-coal-plant13-2009jun13,0,2124900.story HOUSING: 'Green' Home To Meld Environmentalism, Comfort. On a two-acre parcel overlooking Lake Hodges, Rhonda and Nigel Farrar are building their dream home. To be constructed over the next year, the 3,000-square-foot, 4-bedroom home is being designed to be open, airy and comfortable. It's also intended be a model of environmental efficiency. Posted. http://www.northcountytimes.com/articles/2009/06/14/business/z55f7c7d8a20c1d5c882575c4006c9646.txt Green Your Pet. As Bay Area residents, we pride ourselves on being environmentally conscious. We recycle and compost, eat locally grown produce and get around by bicycle or public transportation. But when it comes to pets, most of us haven't thought of how our four-legged pals' lifestyles impact the environment. Lighten up your pet's carbon paw print with these earth-friendly tips. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/14/HOLE18333A.DTL Fremont School To Be Named Nation's 'Greenest,' Title Earns Hybrid Bus. Long before Al Gore made global warming a universal topic in the 2006 documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth," staff and students at Irvington High were implementing programs to reduce waste and make the campus more green. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12576701 Blogs A Climate (Communication) Crisis? As debates over national and global climate and energy policy continue to drag out, there’s been an intensifying exploration of climate miscommunication among those seeking concrete actions that will make a noticeable difference in the atmosphere someday. If the science pointing to a rising risk of dangerous human interference with climate is settled, the thinking goes, then why aren’t people and the world’s nations galvanized. Posted. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/15/a-climate-communication-crisis/?scp=3&sq=climate%20change&st=cse Open Forum: A Choice On Climate Change. Glaciers melting. Seas rising. Deserts drifting. It's time the world paid attention to an equally powerful but often-overlooked sign of climate change: people migrating. Consider the Vietnamese rice farmer forced to resettle in another part of the Mekong Delta because "flooding sometimes threatened our lives." Or the migrant in Niger who fears he'll have to uproot his family again from farmland turned to dust. And the man who moved to New Zealand from the low-lying island nation of Tuvalu because "I don't want to wake up one morning with the island washed away." Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/opinionshop/detail?&entry_id=41723 Study: U.S. Winds Are Slowing. A new study holds potentially unwelcome news for wind power developers: wind speeds in the United States have dropped 15 to 30 percent over the course of about 30 years. And one possible cause, according to the authors, is climate change. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/15/study-us-winds-are-slowing/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:58:17 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for June 16th, 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for June, 16, 2009. Government Study Warns Of Climate Change Effects. Washington — the impact of a changing climate is already being felt across the united states, like shifting migration patterns of butterflies in the west and heavier downpours in the midwest and east, according to a government study to be released on tuesday. Even if the nation takes significant steps to slow emissions of heat-trapping gases, the impact of global warming is expected to become more severe in coming years, the report says, affecting farms and forests, coastlines and floodplains, water and energy supplies, transportation and human health. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/16/science/earth/16climate.html?_r=1&ref=earth&pagewanted=print The Opportunity Cost Of Global Warming. Of all the criticisms of global warmng 'skeptics' (in quotes because very few of them are skeptical of global warming per se, but are just skeptical that the world is ending because of it), only one seems serious to me. I saw it first regarding Bjorn Lomborg's book The Skeptical Environmentalist, and I've seen it ever since. That criticism is that skeptics arguing that money used to fight global warming could be more effectively used to combat disease and poverty are in effect a 'do nothing' group, as the money not used for global warming is not used against poverty and disease either. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-9111-SF-Environmental-Policy-Examiner~y2009m6d16-The-opportunity-cost-of-global-warming You Couldn't See The Orchards Because Of The Smudge In The Winter Of 1937. The air for three weeks was so thick with smoke that sometimes you couldn't see across the street. One motorist, unable to see more than a few feet ahead of him, died when his car smashed into a train at a crossing. Schools were closed for days, city meetings were postponed and high school basketball games by the score were put off. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12594195 Asia Set To Become Biggest Climate Change Driver. Manila, Philippines—Asia's share of global greenhouse gas emissions could rise to more than 40 percent by 2030, making it the world's main driver of climate change, experts warned Tuesday. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12599063 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/16/AR2009061600322.html http://www.modbee.com/world/story/745857.html Germany’s 'Cash-For-Clunkers’ Scheme Fuels Sales Of Foreign-Made Cars. More Germans are bypassing the BMW and Mercedes dealers in favor of using their subsidies on Skodas, Hyundais and other fuel-efficient rides. Reporting from Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic — Gloom permeates the U.S. auto industry, but happier days are here again for workers at the Skoda factory in the western Czech Republic. Orders are up, their assembly lines are humming once more, and they owe it all to the government. Posted.http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-czech-cars16-2009jun16,0,2330761,print.story UAW Urges Support For 'Cash For Clunkers' Bill. Washington—The United Auto Workers union urged senators on Monday to reject any attempt to block a "cash for clunkers" proposal designed to generate new auto sales. The Senate is expected to consider the proposal this week to provide vouchers to consumers who turn in their gas-guzzling cars and trucks for the purchase of more fuel-efficient vehicles. Lawmakers secured $1 billion for the proposal in the $106 billion war-funding plan, a large down-payment on the $4 billion program. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12594896 Climate Trap. Officials from the Obama administration have been beating a steady path to China’s door to talk about climate change. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton was there in February. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Congressional leaders visited last month, followed by experts from the Energy Department and the White House. There also has been regular contact at a series of “major economies” meetings that began during the Bush administration and include the 17 biggest emitters of greenhouse gases. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/16/opinion/16tue2.html Rep. Waxman Gives Himself Another Day to Finish Climate Talks With Farm State Democrats. House Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) wants to reach agreement by tomorrow with farm state Democrats who have raised concerns about the comprehensive energy and global warming bill headed for a floor debate as early as next week. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/06/16/16climatewire-rep-waxman-gives-himself-another-day-to-fini-56404.html St. Joseph's Earns Green Award. For the fourth consecutive year, St. Joseph's Medical Center has been named a member of the Environmental Leadership Circle, the highest achievement award presented by Practice Greenhealth, a national membership organization for health care facilities committed to environmentally responsible operations. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090616/A_NEWS/90615016/-1/A_NEWS14 Berlusconi Eyes Concrete Results For G8 Summit. Washington (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, meeting with President Barack Obama on Monday, called for concrete results on financial regulation, climate change and trade at next month's G8 summit of world leaders. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/15/AR2009061503283.html Western States Promised Aid On Renewable Energy. Park City, Utah -- Cabinet leaders in the Obama administration promised Monday to help Western states, including California, develop a robust system for delivering renewable energy. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said the West has vast untapped potential for harnessing wind, the sun and geothermal energy to create electricity. But "it doesn't do any good to generate energy if you can't get it to market," Salazar said during the annual meeting of the Western Governors' Association. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/16/MNPH187M95.DTL&type=printable BLOGS California Will Benefit Big Time From New Energy. Energy Pathways for the California Economy, by David Roland-Holst and Friedrich Kahrl, University of California, Berkeley, Professors of Economics, reports that California’s commitment to New Energy and Energy Efficiency is the state's best way out of its current budget crisis. Due to the worldwide economic downturn and a state legislature in gridlock, the California budget deficit has become enormous, in the many billions of dollars. Posted. http://www.solarfeeds.com/nen/7528-california-will-benefit-big-time-from-new-energy.html Using Biofuels As A Green Energy Resource. Biofuels are also a green energy source. It has been around for a very long time and lately, people are beginning to take notice. Liquid biofuel which is the one used in cars is a natural and renewable domestic fuel that can only be used for diesel engines. This can be made from vegetable oils mostly soy and corn. The nice thing about it is that it contains no petroleum, is nontoxic and biodegradable. Posted. http://blog.everydaygogreen.com/?p=108 The Electric Car: Plug-in to the Discussion. The modern electric car, or “electric vehicle” (EV), and its zero emissions tag sounds like a dreamy utopian vision. In fact, it’s easy to overlook that the first small electric vehicles actually originated in the 1830s, predating the diesel and gasoline engines as one of the automobile’s oldest designs. An EV is essentially an alternative fuel car powered by an electric motor instead of a gasoline engine. Posted. http://www.thegreenrocket.com/2009/06/15/the-electric-car-plug-in-to-the-discussion/ Stimulus Packages a Boon for Efficiency. Energy efficiency and energy management companies and projects have benefited the most from the global effort to stimulate economies over the past eight months, according to the banking giant HSBC. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/16/stimulus-packages-a-boon-for-efficiency/?scp=4&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Climate Debate Overlooks Small Businesses. As the United States debates how it should tackle climate change, "Big Business" has generally received the most political attention. Small companies are mostly disengaged from the climate debate, businesses advocates say, yet environmentally conscious, small enterprises could become influential supporters of climate legislation. Posted. http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/009994.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:51:54 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for June 17, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for June 17, 2009. Port Of Oakland Votes To Ban Dirty Diesel Trucks. People living near the Port of Oakland may soon breathe easier after the Port Commission on Tuesday voted to ban trucks that burn dirty diesel fuel. The ban, part of a $15.2 million comprehensive truck management program for the port that takes effect Jan. 1, 2010, restricts truck models older than 1994, as well as models from 1994 to 2006 not equipped with soot filters. Later-model trucks have much cleaner emissions technology than those of previous years. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_12604910?source=rss http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_12607427 http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jun/17/port-of-oakland-bans-trucks-that-burn-dirty-fuel/ New US Climate Report Dire, But Offers Hope. Washington - Rising sea levels, sweltering temperatures, deeper droughts, and heavier downpours—global warming's serious effects are already here and getting worse, the Obama administration warned on Tuesday in the grimmest, most urgent language on climate change ever to come out of any White House. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12600696 http://www.modbee.com/breakingnews/story/746316.html http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/17/MNNP188DSH.DTL&type=printable EPA Targets Cement Industry Emissions. The federal agency has proposed regulations that could cut mercury emissions 81% to 93% annually. Industry representatives warn the rules would increase costs and could lead to outsourcing. Environmentalists and industry representatives pleaded their case with federal regulators Tuesday over rules that would slash toxic emissions from cement kilns, the top source of mercury emissions in California. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-mercury17-2009jun17,0,7308055,print.story Greenhouse Gas Fight Raises Questions Of Impact On Jobs, Economy. California's landmark legislation targeting carbon emissions will cut greenhouse gases but will it also cut jobs? Nobody is really sure, but the Democratic leaders of the Black and Latino caucuses and their allies want to find out, and they've urging California air-quality regulators at the Air Resources Board to do more research. Posted. http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?_c=y21kkos3hxth7b&xid=y1zia1tf62px4o&done=.y21kkos3hyeh7b# U.S. Study Projects How 'Unequivocal Warming' Will Change Americans' Lives. Climate change is already reshaping the United States, according to a new federal report that predicts global warming could have serious consequences for how Americans live and work. Hotter temperatures, an increase in heavy downpours, and rising sea levels are among the effects of "unequivocal" warming, concludes the report by the U.S. Global Change Research Program. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/06/17/17climatewire-us-study-projects-how-unequivocal-warming-wi-29186.html?pagewanted=print Air Board Member Says He 'Tunes Out' Activists. Merced, Calif.—A Merced County supervisor is being criticized by Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez and clean air activists for saying he sometimes "tunes out" environmentalists at air quality meetings. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12601820 http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jun/16/air-board-member-says-he-tunes-out-activists/ http://www.modbee.com/state/v-print/story/746612.html Feds To Drop Clean Trucks Lawsuit Against Ports. The federal agency that oversees maritime trade laws announced Tuesday that it intends to drop a lawsuit that would block several disputed provisions of the Clean Trucks Program enacted by the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12604238 Energy Bill Advances In Senate. Washington—Legislation that would require greater use of renewable energy and make it easier to build power lines is advancing in the Senate. The Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted 11-8 on Wednesday to advance the bill although Democrats and Republicans—for different reasons—said they had concerns about the bill and hoped to make changes on the Senate floor. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_12607720 Enviro Groups Fault Scaled-Back FutureGen Carbon Goal. The Energy Department's scaled-back goal for capturing carbon at the proposed FutureGen coal-fired power project is getting poor reviews from environmentalists. DOE last week reversed a Bush-era decision by unveiling tentative plans to proceed with the federal-industry project to build a prototype coal plant in Mattoon, Ill., that would trap and store carbon dioxide emissions. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/06/16/16greenwire-enviro-groups-fault-scaled-back-futuregen-carb-42499.html Report: Drier South, Warmer North, And More Bugs. The new climate change science report by the federal government looks at effects of global warming on specific U.S. regions and forecasts what's to come: NORTHEAST Already: Winter temperatures have increased by 4 degrees since 1970. Future: Even warmer winters, harm to the ski industry, extreme heat and polluted air in the summer. The maple syrup industry may move north. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2032/story/746702.html New Research Center To Be Founded At Caltech Will Explore Renewable Energy. California Institute of Technology will be better able to heed President Obama's call for stepped up research into renewable energy with the creation of a new $90-million institute, officials said. The new Resnick Sustainability Institute, which initially will open on one floor of an existing building on the Caltech campus, will be dedicated to researching new ways of generating energy from the sun and other sustainable sources, said Harry Gray, Caltech's Arnold O. Beckman professor of chemistry and founding director of the Beckman Institute. Posted. http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_12602599 Report on Warming Offers New Details. Man-made climate change could bring parching droughts to the Southwest and pounding rainstorms to Washington, put Vermont maple sugar farms out of business and Key West underwater over the next century, according to a federal report released yesterday. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/16/AR2009061601641.html?hpid=moreheadlines Lazy Environmentalist Says Don't Feel Bad. New York (Reuters) - Self-described lazy environmentalist Josh Dorfman has a plan to save the planet that is a little unorthodox -- he tells people to stop feeling bad about taking long showers and driving fast cars. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/16/AR2009061603384.html Climate Change Will Displace 200 Million People By 2050. Aggressive measures to halt global warming are needed or human migration and displacement will exceed anything that has occurred in history a new report from CARE, U.N University, and Columbia University has found. The report, “In Search of Shelter: Mapping the Effects of Climate Change on Human Migration and Displacement”, establishes that most displaced people seek shelter in their own country while others cross borders. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-1109-Dallas-Environmental-Policy-Examiner~y2009m6d16-Climate-change-will-displace-200-million-people-by-2050 Renewable Power Rules, Drilling Backed by U.S. Senate Panel. A Senate energy panel approved legislation that would require utilities to get as much as 15 percent of their power from renewable sources and open more of the eastern Gulf of Mexico to oil and gas drilling. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted 15- 8 today for the measure, which would also expand oversight of oil, natural gas and power markets. Posted. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=a3RNMWPhmUKM# Burlingame Establishes Climate Action Plan. Burlingame — The City Council unanimously passed an action plan to guide the city and community in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Burlingame's Climate Action Plan, which the council approved Monday night, will enable the city to comply with a state bill that requires a 15 percent reduction in emissions by 2020 and an 80 percent reduction by 2050. The legislation, AB 32, requires cities to meet those goals based on 2005 emissions. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/sanmateocountytimes/localnews/ci_12603160 Breathing Better: New York Is Taking Steps To Clean Up The Air This Week. “Commit to Cleaner Air” Week kicked off this week concurrently with the start of summer. The awareness week seeks to motivate New York metro area residents to consider their travel choices in light of the community’s health. The reason behind "Commity to Cleaner Air" Week: The American Lung Association’s tenth annual State of the Air report showed that New York’s air quality is sub-par. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-9536-NY-Environmental-Health-Examiner~y2009m6d17-Breathing-better-New-York-is-taking-steps-to-clean-up-the-air-this-week FEW: Incentives, Funding For Ethanol Producers To Use Biogas, Biomass. With The U.S. EPA updating renewable fuel standard regulations and with the State of California having adopted a low-carbon fuel standard, incentives for ethanol producers to replace natural gas or coal with biogas are on the rise and government programs are available to assist with financing, according to speakers June 16 at the 25th annual International Fuel Ethanol Workshop and Expo, a BBI International event, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. Posted. http://ethanolproducer.com/article-print.jsp?article_id=5776 Editorial: Critical Biomass. ADVOCATES of the energy bill making its way through the House say that it will help America make the transition to a new, green economy. But first it must get past the powerful agriculture bloc. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/16/AR2009061602796.html BLOGS Senate Panel Approves Energy Bill. A Senate panel approved an energy bill on Wednesday that opens large tracts of the Gulf of Mexico to oil and gas drilling and provides federal loan guarantees for a gas pipeline project in Alaska. The measure, which cleared the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on a 15-8 vote, also requires utilities to produce up to 15 percent of electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar power by 2021. Posted. Posted. http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/17/senate-panel-approves-energy-bill/?pagemode=print The Energy Potential of Chicken Droppings. A growing number of environmentally-minded poultry farmers in the United States, Canada and Australia are looking to peck away at their greenhouse gas emissions by transforming chicken dung into biochar fertilizer, as well as biogas and a form of bio-oil that can be used to run farm operations. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/17/the-energy-potential-of-chicken-droppings/?scp=1&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Cows on Diet Less Farty? It’s a well-know fact that methane given off by farm animals , especially cows and other ruminants, is a huge contributor to greenhouse-gas levels. The digestive bacteria in cows’ rumens, or stomachs, cause them to belch methane, the second-worst heat-trapping emission associated with global warming. Posted. http://www.celsias.com/article/cows-diet-less-farty/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 10:03:03 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for June 18th, 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for June 18, 2009. Ethanol Fuel Arrives In Sacramento Area. Sacramento is now a revolutionary outpost in the fight for cleaner fuels. With the arrival of 25 bright-green and yellow ethanol fuel pumps at gas stations region wide in recent weeks, Sacramento lays official claim to being the nation's ethanol epicenter, at least west of the Mississippi, air quality officials said. California Air Resources Board Chairwoman Mary Nichols, who unveiled one of the pumps at a Madison Avenue Valero station Tuesday, acknowledged the fuel known as E85 isn't as green as state officials would like. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/1956428.html http://www.modbee.com/2307/story/748825.html http://www.modbee.com/2307/story/748143.html Air District Opens 23 E-85 Stations. The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District on Wednesday celebrated the opening of 23 retail fueling stations in the Sacramento region for vehicles powered by clean-burning E-85, a fuel made up of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Posted. http://sacramento.bizjournals.com/sacramento/stories/2009/06/15/daily26.html Fixit: Ozone Air Cleaner Is Hazardous to Lungs. What's wrong with having an ozone air cleaner in our home? We have one and visitors told us it's dangerous. Is it? A: Yes. Health experts do not recommend the use of ozone air cleaners in homes. Ozone is a known irritant to the lungs and respiratory system. Federal and state health and safety experts are concerned about the use of ozone because when inhaled alone or mixed with other chemicals, it can damage the lungs. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2019/story/749155.html Company Gets ARB’s First Total Hybrid-Vehicle Truck Certification. The Air Resources Board has awarded its first total hybrid vehicle certification for trucks and buses to a national school bus and truck manufacturing firm, Navistar. The move comes on the heels of CARB’s new promotion of hybrid vehicles, which includes a $25 million program to provide vouchers to purchasers of hybrid vehicles. Posted. http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?_c=y2691bpkrm9i11&xid=y25ujz18ed5al5&done=.y2691bpkrmui11# CARB to Meet About Trucker Outreach. The California Air Resources Board will discuss outreach and funding assistance to truckers at a June 26 meeting in Sacramento. Board members will meet June 25-26 to talk about plans for CARB and local air district outreach to truckers on rule requirements and incentive funding. This update will cover development of a comprehensive web portal for truck owners on CARB rules affecting trucks and on-board equipment and incentives. Posted. http://www.etrucker.com/apps/news/article.asp?id=79485 Supervisors raise vehicle emission fee from $2 to $4. Supervisors voted to double the clean-air fee Tuesday for owners of registered vehicles in the county. Beginning in October, the emissions-reduction fee will jump from $2 to $4, generating an extra $5 million a year in revenue for the county's Air Pollution Control District. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jun/18/supervisors-raise-vehicle-emission-fee-2-4/ Lawmakers Want ARB To Study Economic Impact Of AB 32. California’s landmark legislation targeting carbon emissions will cut greenhouse gases but will it also cut jobs? Nobody is really sure, but the Democratic leaders of the Black and Latino caucuses and their allies want to find out, and they’ve urging California air-quality regulators at the Air Resources Board to do more research. Posted. http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?_c=y2691bpkrm9i11&xid=y25seh2sr3l2oo&done=.y2691bpkrmui11 Low-Carbon European Economy Will Require System Overhaul. The European Union acknowledged yesterday that its transport policy is not keeping up with the fight against global warming and that it will have to be reconfigured to make the transition toward a low-carbon economy a reality. But the European Union did not say how it intends to reach that goal. Noting that European transport still relies overwhelmingly on fossil fuels, Antonio Tajani, E.U. commissioner in charge of transport policy, said that greenhouse gas emissions pose a "major challenge" for the European transport sector. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/06/18/18climatewire-low-carbon-european-economy-will-require-sys-64011.html New Report Stresses Immediacy of Global Warming. Top government scientists on Tuesday warned that climate change already is wreaking devastating changes on the United States, threatening the Southwest with blistering heat, the Atlantic Coast with dangerous hurricanes and the Midwest with flooding. The alarms were delivered in a nearly 200-page report, begun by the Bush administration, that documents how the changing climate is reshaping U.S. coastlines and could affect American agriculture. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/17/MNNP188DSH.DTL NYC Billboard Monitors Rising Greenhouse Gases. New Yorkers have long been able to keep tabs on the national debt, but they now have a highly visible counter to track greenhouse gas emissions. A 70-foot-high billboard outside Madison Square Garden and Pennsylvania Station, not far from the Empire State Building, features a carbon counter. Digital numbers help viewers track the amount of greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere. As of Thursday morning, it stood at more than 3.6 trillion metric tons. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12618283?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.modbee.com/2033/story/749251.html http://www.mercedsunstar.com/Nation/story/907041.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_12618283?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com Advocate Against Greenhouse Gases. The League of Women Voters of the United States has studied the deleterious effect of greenhouse gases on the environment. After study and consensus, we believe that we must " preserve the physical, chemical and biological integrity of the ecosystem, with maximum protection of public health and environment." In addition, we believe that we should " promote public understanding and participation in decision making as essential elements of responsible and responsive management of our natural resources." Posted. http://www.sbsun.com/search/ci_12615165?IADID=Search-www.sbsun.com-www.sbsun.com Fertilizer Industry Finds Its Alternative Energy: Corncobs. American agriculture has become increasingly dependent on foreign sources of natural gas, a key ingredient in the nitrogen fertilizer that farmers use to get high yields of crops such as corn and wheat. Now, a California start-up company is preparing to open a plant that will make fertilizer in the U.S. and reduce fossil fuel emissions from agriculture. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/1957126.html http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/749164.html Senate Panel Approves Energy Bill. A Senate committee on Wednesday approved an energy bill that would open large tracts of the Gulf of Mexico to oil and gas drilling and provide federal loan guarantees for a gas pipeline project in Alaska. The measure, which cleared the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on a 15-to-8 vote, would also require utilities to produce up to 15 percent of electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar power by 2021. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/18/MN1U1893NQ.DTL http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/18/us/politics/18energy.html?scp=6&sq=climate%20change&st=cse http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/18/energy-panel-oks-bill-to-drill-offshore/ Estimate Places Natural Gas Reserves 35% Higher. Thanks to new drilling technologies that are unlocking substantial amounts of natural gas from shale rocks, the nation’s estimated gas reserves have surged by 35 percent, according to a study due for release on Thursday. The report by the Potential Gas Committee, the authority on gas supplies, shows the United States holds far larger reserves than previously thought. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/18/business/energy-environment/18gas.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse San Mateo Applies For $900,000 In Federal Funds For "Green" Projects. The federal government has set aside nearly $900,000 for energy-saving projects in San Mateo as part of the economic stimulus package. To claim the money, however, city officials must submit an application outlining specific projects before June 25. On Monday night, the City Council unanimously approved three proposals, which will be forwarded to the U.S. Department of Energy for approval. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12611608?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com Dry or Canned: Which Is the Greener Bean Choice? Now that it's picnic season, I'm back to making my famous three-bean salad. But every time I'm at the grocery store, I feel torn between the canned kidney beans and the dried ones in bags. Transporting the canned ones must produce more emissions, because they're heavier, but how does that compare with the carbon footprint of boiling dried beans for hours on a stove top? Until you pick them off the shelf, there's no question: Dried, bagged beans are greener than the canned variety. The real X factor here is what you plan to do with those beans once you get them home. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/17/AR2009061701136_pf.html Blogs Doing Business in the Energy-Climate Era. In Thomas Friedman’s 2005 book, “The World is Flat,” he argues that globalization has created a new global economic era, fundamentally different than the business world of even a decade earlier. Just a few years later, in his newest book, “Hot, Flat and Crowded” Friedman describes another era: the Energy-Climate Era. Posted. http://www.triplepundit.com/pages/doing-business-in-the-energyclimate-era.php ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:47:30 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for June 19, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for June 19, 2009. S.D. Transit Agency Fined For Emissions Violations. San Diego's mass-transit agency, which prides itself on operating “green” buses, and three of its contractors have been fined $47,750 for vehicle emissions violations, California regulators said yesterday. An investigation by the state Air Resources Board showed that the Metropolitan Transit System failed to meet pollution standards and didn't properly inspect its heavy-duty diesel vehicles, including buses. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jun/19/1m19b2briefs234644-short-takes/ Pro Or Corn? Grants Enable More E85 Pumps In Calif., But IS Corn Ethanol The Answer? Sacramento, Calif. -- The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District SMAQMD) has completed the rollout of the largest concentration of E85 fueling locations west of the Mississippi. The infrastructure development was funded by a $3.5 million grant from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and administered by the air district. Local fuel suppliers applied for grants to partially fund the installation. This partnership has enabled installation of 23 retail, four cardlock and two fleet stations. Posted. http://www.cspnet.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=7DF2DBCAF986490CBDA6AB5FD74A1CAA&AudID=CBA745B91AFB44FA923476ACBBD040A5 Carb To Sniff Out Air Pollution With Electric Cars. The California Air Resources Board has equipped two battery powered electric vehicles to take ground level readings of greenhouse gases throughout the state. The two vehicles, working together to gather upwind and downwind readings of sources, will monitor for methane, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, halocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride, carbon monoxide, ozone and particulate elemental carbon, CARB says. Posted. http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=12286 Air District Member Apologizes Amid Protest. About 100 protesters called for a member of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to step down for comments he made about tuning out speakers who he's found to be not credible. Mike Nelson, a Merced County supervisor who's been on the board seven years, said at the May 21 meeting that everyone should listen to one another and work together. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/news/local/x1216780968/Air-district-member-apologizes-amid-protest L.A., Long Beach Ports Steam Toward Cleaner Air. Despite legal challenges and resistance to increased fees, the Southern California ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are on a record pace to reduce air pollution, but the improvements are at the expense of fresh produce service. As part of the ports’ Clean Air Action Plan, fleet operators have replaced in just nine months more than 4,000 older diesel tractors with new, cleaner rigs, said Marcel Van Dijk, marketing manager for the Port of Los Angeles. Posted. http://thepacker.com/L-A---Long-Beach-ports-steam-toward-cleaner-air/Article.aspx?articleid=367532&authorid=676&feedid=218 New Diesel Trucks and Buses Cut Soot and Smog More Than 90%. For decades, diesel trucks and buses have spewed large amounts of soot, smog-causing gases and carcinogens into the air. But new diesel engines are more than 90 percent cleaner than a few years ago, far exceeding the emission reductions required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, according to a new study released Thursday. Posted. http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/cleaner-trucks-and-buses 'Cash For Clunkers' Plan Passed By Congress. Look at a plan passed by Congress to provide consumers with rebates of up to $4,500 to turn in their gas-guzzling cars and trucks for more fuel-efficient vehicles.—The $1 billion program is authorized from July through November. It is expected to be implemented by early August. Passenger car owners could receive a voucher worth $3,500 if they traded in a passenger car getting 18 miles per gallon or less for a new car getting at least 22 mpg. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_12621549 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/18/AR2009061804060.html New Heavy-Duty Diesel Engines Have Drastically Lower Emissions – Study. Manufacturers of heavy-duty diesel engines have slashed emissions from new engines by more than 90 percent for most pollutants, according to a study released yesterday. New pollution control technologies that were developed in response to U.S. EPA regulations have led to the steep declines in pollution, according to the study. For several major pollutants, emissions were reduced even more steeply than federal law required. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/06/19/3 Study Calls For Billions In Coal Plant Retrofits. As the Energy Department renews its search for the coal plant of tomorrow -- one that can snag carbon dioxide and stuff it underground -- a report out today draws attention to coal plants already standing, already spouting emissions, and far from shutting down soon. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology study says half of U.S. electricity, and about a third of the country's CO2 emissions, comes from coal plants that average 35 years of age. Posted http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/06/19/2/ Gazprom and Dow Chemical Expand Emissions Alliance. Gazprom, the energy company, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Dow Chemical Company to expand trading in carbon dioxide emission credits intended to slow climate change, a business that is a growing sideline for the Russian company. Best known for its sales of natural gas and crude oil, which produce heat-trapping carbon dioxide, Gazprom is an emerging player in the market for credits that companies can buy or trade to comply with national or international rules on greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/19/business/energy-environment/19ruble.html?ref=global Study: US Technology Key to China and Climate. Finding an economical way to capture carbon dioxide from existing coal burning power plants is key to getting China to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions as well as for U.S. efforts to combat global warming, says a study being released Friday. The report by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology concludes that the United States cannot meet its targets for stabilizing greenhouse gases unless it finds a way to economically capture carbon dioxide emissions coming from existing coal-burning power plants. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2033/story/750527.html Farm Interests Use EPA Spending Bill to Fight Climate Regs. House appropriators approved a $10.6 billion spending bill for U.S. EPA last night, tucking in several amendments aimed at insulating agricultural interests from the reach of federal climate regulations. The House Appropriations Committee cleared the fiscal 2010 Interior and Environment spending bill after adding provisions to block EPA regulations requiring factory farms to report their greenhouse gas emissions and exempt livestock operations from possible carbon regulations. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/06/19/19greenwire-farm-interests-use-epa-spending-bill-to-fight-85048.html?pagewanted=print Rural Electric Co-ops Threaten Climate Deal . Some say Glenn English, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, could play a role in killing climate legislation. Others call him just a blip in the current political radar. English, for his part, says he may not be able to support the federal global warming legislation now pending in the House until it reaches the Senate -- or as he calls it, "the fourth inning." Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/06/19/19climatewire-rural-electric-co-ops-threaten-climate-deal-98492.html House GOP Decries Speed Of Cap-And-Trade Plan. Senior House Republicans complained today that Democrats are sidestepping key committees as they try to cobble together the votes for floor passage of a comprehensive energy and global warming bill. Eight GOP committee ranking members insisted today that their panels should be given the chance to conduct oversight or markup on H.R. 2454, the nearly 1,000-page climate legislation that Democratic leaders are considering passing through the House by next week. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/06/19/1 Democrats Should Dump 'Cap and Trade' Message – Pollster. The American public is eager for dramatic change in U.S. energy policy, but Democratic efforts to sell their agenda on energy and climate change aren't reaching voters, a prominent Democratic Party polling firm is warning. The strategy memo from Greenberg Quinlan Rosner and the think tank Third Way also warns that while few voters expect a national energy overhaul to be inexpensive, Democrats are susceptible to Republican arguments that energy proposals will be overly burdensome. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/06/18/18greenwire-democrats-should-dump-cap-and-trade-message---69695.html Democrats Urged To Play Down 'Global Warming'. House Democrats neared a deal Thursday on a bill to combat global warming, but a top party strategist warned that to sell any plan to voters they'll need to change the way they pitch it -- including curbing the use of the term "green" jobs and even talk of "global warming." Posted. http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/19/party-memo-urges-democrats-to-fix-pitch-on-climate/?feat=home_headlines Reps. Waxman, Peterson Inch Closer to Consensus on Climate Bill. House Democrats are within sight of agreement on a comprehensive energy and global warming bill, but it is still unclear if they have satisfied enough rural and fiscal conservative lawmakers to guarantee the votes for floor passage by next week. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/06/19/19climatewire-reps-waxman-peterson-inch-closer-to-consensu-32658.html PG&E Opposes Two Solar-Power Bills. After casting itself as a champion of solar power, Pacific Gas & Electric has angered green-energy advocates by opposing two state bills that would ramp up the benefits for those who go solar. Put simply, PG&E's objection is that the two measures would make solar too popular. The utility says that would be unfair to its non-solar customers, who under existing law must subsidize rebates and credits paid to solar-power users. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/localnewsheadlines/ci_12620166?source=rss Bankers Erect A Carbon Counter To 'Foster A Sense Of Urgency' New York -- Not too far from the infamous National Debt Clock, visitors to New York can now walk a few blocks to see a similar billboard, only this newest one is a tally of humanity's constant release of heat-trapping gases. It racks up massive numbers that are expected to increase 24 hours a day. Yesterday, in a rain-drenched ceremony, officials with Deutsche Asset Management unveiled what they call the world's first "Carbon Counter," a 70-foot-tall electronic banner just steps away from Madison Square Garden. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/06/19/7 Take Of That Mask. Paints Have Gone Green. Adding paint color inside your home can provide vibrancy, enhance your mood and create a sense of personality in an otherwise drab room. It can also give you cancer. Yes, those wonderful color palettes that have you swooning over the warm gold in your new living room, the pastel blues or pinks you're planning for your nursery, and the glossy peach tones in your bathroom contain something called volatile organic compounds — and they're deadly. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/bay-area-living/ci_12620227 Study: US Technology Key To China And Climate. Washington—Finding an economical way to capture carbon dioxide from existing coal burning power plants is key to getting China to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions as well as for U.S. efforts to combat global warming, says a study being released Friday. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12627761 Climate Talks Ease Concern in Farm Belt. Washington -- House Democrats are on the verge of a deal with rebelling Farm Belt legislators on a climate-change bill, a move that could pave the way for a full House vote on legislation as soon as next week. Dozens of Democrats -- mostly from Midwest agricultural states -- are concerned that the bill, which aims to cut greenhouse-gas emissions, could disproportionately raise energy prices for residents and businesses in their states. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB124537051280829707-lMyQjAxMDI5NDE1OTMxNzkwWj.html Oil Companies Shop For Discounted Ethanol Plants. Fulton, N.Y.—When Sunoco closed this week on the acquisition of a bankrupt ethanol plant for pennies on the dollar; it became just the latest oil refiner to step into the alternative fuels market. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_12619971 BLOGS Reframing The Climate Debate? What if we stopped talking about environmental issues altogether and started talking about national security? We might end up pursuing an environmental agenda by another name. A new report written by a respected board of retired military brass concludes that overreliance on petroleum poses "a serious and urgent threat to national security," and that our rickety power grid is a disaster waiting to happen. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/green/detail?&entry_id=41903 ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:50:44 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for June 20-22, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for June 20-22, 2009. Newsclips for June 20-22, 2009 Under House Energy Bill, Coal Won't Be Going Away. A proposal to limit greenhouse gas emissions makes concessions to the industry in effort to attract support from congressional Democrats who represent coal-dependent areas. Reporting from Washington — Coal-fired power plants are the largest source of heat-trapping gases that cause global warming, but President Obama's plan to fight climate change would result in the nation burning more coal a decade from now than it does today. The administration's plan, the centerpiece of a 700-page legislative package, proposes strict limits on emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-coal22-2009jun22,0,3650714,print.story State Upping Mandates For Green Building. Most rigorous code requirements for energy-efficiency take effect Aug. 1. California — and the Coachella Valley in particular — could have some of the most energy-efficient buildings in the nation come Aug. 1. The state is upping the ante on green building codes by raising its own requirements for energy-efficient construction, known as Title 24, which is already recognized as the most rigorous in the United States. Posted. http://www.mydesert.com/article/20090621/NEWS07/906210311/-1/rss Critics Fault Climate-Change Legislation. Washington - At the Joseph Farms dairy in Atwater (Merced County), farmers aren't just transforming milk into cheese. They've also figured out how to turn manure into fuel - and a paycheck. By storing waste from the dairy's 5,000 cows in a covered 7-acre lagoon and removing methane from it using sophisticated equipment, the farm is generating power that keeps refrigerators, lights and pumps running at its cheese plant. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/22/MNCE18AEOP.DTL&type=printable State Drops Warming Suit Against Carmakers. State Attorney General Jerry Brown agreed Friday to drop a global warming lawsuit that accused the six largest automakers of damaging California's resources by selling vehicles that emit large amounts of heat-trapping gases. Brown's predecessor, Bill Lockyer, filed the suit in 2006 against General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, and the North American outlets of Toyota, Honda and Nissan. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/20/BAL118AM61.DTL&type=printable S.D. To Sell Sewage Facility's Excess Gas. Project would capture methane from Point Loma. You can hardly see the flames from three stacks on a Point Loma Cliffside, but you know they're there by the way their heat distorts the view of the nearby hills. It would be a romantic spot with a view of the Pacific – but for the giant sewage plant below. That's where countless bacteria eat away at everything San Diegans flush down the toilet, in the process producing 1.1 million cubic feet of methane gas that has to be burned off every day. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jun/22/1n22methane00942-sd-sell-sewage-facilitys-excess-g/?metro&zIndex=120574 Our Air Is Clean And Getting Cleaner. This summer, let's build on the momentum of cleaner air. Let's commit to making one change in our daily routines for air-quality improvement. During the winter of 2008-09, the Central Valley's air quality was among the cleanest in decades, and most of the credit goes to valley residents for doing their part. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/opinion/community/x1216781230/Our-air-is-clean-and-getting-cleaner Motorcycle Noise Faces A Legislative Muffler. That rumble rolling up roads on warm summer evenings is sweet music to some — and a buzz-kill for others. It's the roar of motorcycles, revving at stoplights and thundering up and down the street, bouncing shock waves off buildings like the soundtrack of a 1960s biker movie. For some motorcyclists, the noise is as much a part of the riding experience as fresh air. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/localnews/ci_12655554 http://www.modbee.com/featured/story/753385.html Ethanol Pumps Debut At Sacramento-Area Stations. Sacramento — Air quality officials have unveiled 23 ethanol fuel pumps at gas stations around the Sacramento region, giving the California capital the highest concentration of ethanol-blend pumps west of the Mississippi. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/traffic/ci_12655434 Vt. Farmers Cut Cows' Emissions By Altering Diets. Vermont dairy farmers Tim Maikshilo and Kristen Dellert, mindful of shrinking their carbon footprint, have changed their cows' diet to reduce the amount of gas the animals burp — dairy cows' contribution to global warming. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12663478 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/21/AR2009062100518.html Can Diesel Cars Make A Comeback? As domestic auto companies plan their next move in the post-bailout world, some foreign automakers are betting on a technology that has long needed an image makeover in the United States: diesel engines. Chemically, diesel fuel offers more energy than gasoline, which means it offers more miles per gallon and a potential reduction in fossil fuel use. Nevertheless, even as diesel sales have soared in Europe, gasoline has remained the dominant car fuel in the United States, thanks in part to a bad memory from the 1980s. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/06/22/3/ PG&E Opposes Two Solar-Power Bills. San Jose — After casting itself as a champion of solar power, Pacific Gas & Electric has angered green-energy advocates by opposing two state bills that would ramp up the benefits for those who go solar. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12656014 Study: Weather Helped To Clean Air For Olympics. Beijing—Beijing's notoriously dirty air got cleaner during last summer's Olympic Games, but the weather played a larger role than the government's massive pollution control measures, a new report says. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12652557 Drawn by the Glow of Greener Streets. One of the latest hot spots in Washington's fight against global warming hangs 25 feet above the speed humps and manses of the little town of Somerset in Montgomery County -- 174 streetlights bolted to wooden telephone poles, a prosaic government service tucked under the tree canopy. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/21/AR2009062101945.html Clean-Air Sarcasm Alert. Shame on the charbroiler food industry for emitting toxins into the air and trying to ruin our environment -- and our lives as we know them. Those restaurants that release that deadly PM 2.5 are killing us. It's about time these criminals are exposed and the real truth comes out. In order to mitigate the issue I propose an excise tax of 62 cents per burger ($1 for a double) to pay for clean-up, research, and children's health care. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/opinion/letters/x1216781226/Clean-air-sarcasm-alert If We Were Serious About Global Warming... I have seen estimates (but no figures) that up to $50 billion have been spent worldwide on the study of global warming. Whatever the real number, it does not seem that we have received a lot for our money. All of the models predicting global warming--all of them--say that we should be seeing fairly dramatic temperature increases in the atmosphere in the tropics, between six and ten miles up. It should be greater heating than that experienced at the surface. This is universally accepted as primary evidence of global warming caused by greenhouse gases caused by humans. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-9111-SF-Environmental-Policy-Examiner~y2009m6d22-If-we-were-serious-about-global-warming A Sea Change in China's Attitude Toward Carbon Capture. When European and Chinese scientists first agreed to collaborate on capturing carbon dioxide from power plants and storing it underground, China's entire carbon capture and sequestration "team" was composed of two Tsinghua University graduate students. Less than five years later, the landscape is markedly different. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/06/22/22climatewire-a-sea-change-in-chinas-attitude-toward-carbo-94519.html Australian Emissions Trading Plan in Trouble. On the windswept streets of Newcastle, the world’s largest coal port and a hub of Australian heavy industry, people get nervous when asked to give their opinions on climate change. Australia is the world’s largest exporter of coal, which pumps billions of dollars into the economy, supplies more than 80 percent of the country’s electricity and keeps tens of thousands of people in their jobs — particularly in and around Newcastle. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/22/science/earth/22iht-climate.html?ref=world House Climate Bill Remains in Holding Pattern. House Democrats still lack agreement on key details of a comprehensive global warming and energy bill despite intervention from several top Obama administration officials, diminishing the chances that the measure will pass off the floor this week before the start of the Fourth of July recess. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/06/22/22climatewire-house-climate-bill-remains-in-holding-patter-56278.html Global Warming, Hallelujah. And happy Sunday to you all. This week has seen once again the triumph of passion and belief over science and evidence. It marks a retreat from discovery and part of a slow march towards misplaced trust. It has not been a good week for science. I am trying to comfort myself with the thought that the relationship between science and its enemies works like a pendulum, and this has just been a bad week. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-9111-SF-Environmental-Policy-Examiner~y2009m6d21-Global-warming-hallelujah Public Officials Benefitting From College Programs On Sustainability. The city of San Rafael has launched a Climate Change Action Plan with the goal of reducing greenhouse emissions 25 percent by the year 2020, and a leader of that program tapped a local university to learn how to create it. City of San Rafael Community Development Director Bob Brown went through Dominican University’s new Sustainable Practices Certificate program, which offers participants the opportunity to train in sustainability in less time than it takes to get a bachelor’s degree. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090622/BUSINESSJOURNAL/906219939 THE INFLUENCE GAME: Excuse Me! Lobby Wins on Burps. One contributor to global warming - bigger than coal mines, landfills and sewage treatment plants - is being left out of efforts by the Obama administration and House Democrats to limit greenhouse gas emissions. Cow burps. Belching from the nation's 170 million cattle, sheep and pigs produces about one-quarter of the methane released in the U.S. each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/business/story/751961.html http://www.modbee.com/2033/story/752724.html Going, Going Green. Steve and Beth Griffith and their family thought they were well on their way to living an energy-saving green lifestyle. Almost all of the light bulbs in their South San Jose, Calif., home are compact fluorescents. They do laundry in the evenings to take advantage of non-peak electricity rates. They keep the thermostat down in the winter and use passive-cooling techniques to stay comfortable in the summer. The household has two hybrid vehicles. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/1966157.html Ask Vanessa: Diesel By Any Other Name. Dear Vanessa, Do you have to modify a diesel engine in order to run it on vegetable oil, and is that the same thing as biodiesel?- Randy Berinhout. Dear Randy, Greetings from the base of Tungurahua volcano, nestled between the Andes and the Amazon. Great question! You're certainly not alone in asking for clarification. I've spent many hours in parking lots explaining the vanity plate on my '84 diesel ("BIODSEL"), and the differences in the various fuels that can be used to power a diesel engine. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/1965810.html Checkpoint Targets Commercial Vehicles. Escondido -Authorities issued 29 citations Thursday during commercial vehicle checkpoints held in three spots, according to Escondido police. >From 7 a.m. until 1 p.m., Escondido police, California Highway Patrol officers and California Air Resources Board personnel stopped commercial drivers in the 600 block of North Tulip Street, the 900 block of West Washington Avenue and East Valley Parkway at Bevin Drive, police said. Posted. http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/06/20/news/inland/escondido/z0d79dffe881cfa0d882575da005fe077.prt Roadshow: Forget Prius, Insight; Ford Fusion Is The Hybrid Many Like. Q Can you do an evaluation of the Prius vs. Insight vs. Ford Fusion Hybrid? I think Ford may now have the best hybrid technology, using electric power longer and for higher speeds without burning gas. Ford says it runs up to 47 mph in electric mode. If buying a hybrid, should I go with Ford or a Japanese model? Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/columns/ci_12643009 Commentary: Consequences Of The Clean Air Act. Most small business owners dedicate a great deal of time and resources to risk management. Especially in these economic times, this kind of planning is crucial since just one unfavorable event could have catastrophic results on a company's bottom line. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is within days of making a landmark regulatory decision that would drastically change the way all sectors of the U.S. economy--from industries to individuals--think about risk management. Posted. http://www.forbes.com/2009/06/19/clean-air-act-carbon-dioxide-greenhouse-gas-opinions-contributors-small-business_print.html Letters: More Global Warming Propaganda. Here again the Left (The Associated Press) puts out another hysterical report that summer is hotter than winter and then makes it into a catastrophe, "Report predicts a drier, hotter California" [June 17]. First notice that it is not "global warming" it is climate change, because for the last five years the globe has been cooling or static in temperature. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/right-oil-one-2469504-government-believe BLOGS California Air Resources Board Wants Fuel Cell Funding. The Obama Administration’s 2010 Department of Energy budget put forward a cut in the federal hydrogen fuel cell research and deployment by more than two thirds ($130million). However, California Air Resources Board Chairman Mary Nichols wants that funding back. She met with US Energy Secretary Steven Chu and followed that meeting with a letter urging the continuation of funding to support research, development and deployment of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Posted. http://www.thegreencarwebsite.co.uk/blog/index.php/2009/06/21/california-air-resources-board-wants-fuel-cell-funding/ Diesel Engines Clean Up Their Act. Some good news for a change. A new study shows that 2007 diesel engines are belching out 90% less pollution than 2004 models when it comes to many toxic emissions. The report by the Coordinating Research Council, a nonprofit research group, found that emissions of fine particulate matter, a dangerous pollutant that can get into people's lungs, has decreased by 99%. That's 89% lower than 2007 EPA standards. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/06/diesel-pollution-smog.html Climate Change Fantasies. A while back I wrote about anti-green economics — the insistence, by opponents of policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that the economic cost of cap-and-trade would be immense and unsupportable. I cited Robert Samuelson, who ridiculed the Environmental Defense Fund for suggesting that major action on greenhouse gases would only cost a dime a day per person. Posted. http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/22/climate-change-fantasies/?scp=3&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Beijing Olympics Were Smoggier Than We Thought. It turns out the Beijing Olympics were smoggier than we thought. Even Los Angeles on a bad day couldn't compete. Chinese environmental experts under-reported levels of particle pollution by about 30%, according to scientists at Oregon State and Peking universities. New research shows that levels of particle pollution, which enters the lungs and can cause serious health problems, consistently surpassed what the World Health Organization would call "excessive." Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/06/olympics-pollution-beijing.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:13:55 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for June 23, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for June 23, 2009. Cool-Paint Plan For Cars Loses Its Luster. Goal was to reflect heat, save energy. Sacramento — Cool paints simply grew too hot for California's air-quality regulators. Before retreating, the state Air Resources Board was busily drafting requirements for heat-reflective paints and windows that would help keep cars from baking in the sun. Now, only windows are targets when the air board meets Thursday. The plans for cooler colors and windows were modeled after architectural standards that incorporate reflective paints and glass to save energy in buildings. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jun/23/cool-paint-plan-cars-loses-its-luster/?uniontrib Waxman-Markey Bill House Dems Release 1,201-Page Cap-And-Trade Bill; Floor Debate Friday. House Democratic leaders late last night released a revamped, 1,201-page energy and global warming bill, clearing the way for floor debate Friday even though it remains uncertain if they will have the votes to pass it. The House bill posted on the Rules Committee Web site has grown from the 946-page version adopted last month in the Energy and Commerce Committee. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/EEDaily/print/2009/06/23/1 Obama Calls On House To Pass Climate Bill. Washington (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday called on the House of Representatives to pass a comprehensive climate change bill, which Democrats hope to debate and pass on Friday. "The nation that leads in the creation of a clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the 21st century global economy," Obama told reporters at a White House press conference. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE55M4SS20090623 House Aims For Friday Vote On Climate Bill. Washington (Reuters) - Democratic leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives hope to debate and pass a climate change bill on Friday, although negotiations were continuing with farm-state lawmakers who have concerns, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said on Tuesday. "It is quite possible and maybe even probable that we will go to the energy bill on Friday and complete the energy bill on late Friday," Hoyer told reporters. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE55M3XV20090623 House Negotiators Close to U.S. Energy Plan Agreement (Update1)-- U.S. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said Democratic negotiators are “close to an agreement” on climate-change legislation and the measure may come to a vote on June 26. “It is quite possible and maybe even probable we will go” to the floor with the measure at the end of this week “and complete the energy legislation,” Hoyer, a Maryland Democrat, told reporters in Washington today. Posted. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=ahK_BBBVGKsY# Congress: Climate Change, Health Care. In a surprising development, House Democrats have reached an agreement to bring a sweeping climate change bill to the floor by the end of the week, Democratic aides announced late Monday night," The Hill says. Democrats said "they are confident that they will resolve all outstanding issues [related to the 1,201-page energy package] in time for a vote Friday," Roll Call adds. Posted. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/06/23/1974172.aspx Pelosi Takes A Gamble On Climate Change Bill. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has scheduled a floor vote for a controversial climate change bill for this week, even though some key Democrats may not yet be on board with the significant changes the legislation would make. Other Democratic leaders are still working out compromises in the bill, but Pelosi filed the legislation with the House Rules Committee Monday night, Politico reported, meaning the full House of Representatives will vote on the matter. Posted. http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/06/23/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry5106372.shtml CBO: Climate Bill Costs To Be Modest. Washington—A nonpartisan congressional study projects only modest household cost increases as a result of a Democratic proposal to limit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, contradicting claims by many Republican lawmakers that the climate legislation amounts to a huge energy tax on average Americans. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_12666453 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/22/AR2009062202836.html?hpid=sec-business http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/754273.html In the House, It's Peterson vs. Climate Bill. Washington -- The fate of the leading proposal to curb U.S. greenhouse-gas emissions is in the hands of Rep. Collin Peterson, a Marlboro-smoking free spirit who scoffs at warnings about climate change and says the Environmental Protection Agency is "in bed with" corporations opposed to the ethanol industry. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124562888789635773.html#printMode Markey Presses State Department To Join Renewable Agency. Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), one of the top House Democrats on renewable energy policy, wants the State Department to make the United States part of a recently launched international body aimed at speeding the deployment of renewable sources in its member states. The International Renewable Energy Agency, or IRENA, has 104 signatory states but the United States is not among them, something Markey hopes will change before the group meets in Egypt next week." Posted. http://www.eenews.net/EEDaily/print/2009/06/23/4 President of Mexico Urges Action on Emissions. President Felipe Calderón warned governments on Monday not to let the economic crisis derail efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Speaking at a meeting of representatives of the world’s biggest economies on how to tackle climate change, Mr. Calderón said the world was running out of time to take serious action to address global warming. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/23/world/americas/23climate.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=climate%20change&st=cse Kofi Annan Urges Rich Nations To Lead On Climate. Geneva (AFP) — Former United Nations chief Kofi Annan on Tuesday urged the world's richest nations to take the lead in tackling the impact of global warming on developing countries. Annan said attempts to forge a global agreement on climate change by the end of the year should focus on the "overwhelming destruction that climate change is causing and will continue to cause" on the world's 50 poorest nations. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iJw5p0SAsKLU3ald79yKMMEkbrPA San Diego Scientists Urge Action On Climate Change. San Diego — Twenty leading U.S. climate experts, including two scientists from San Diego, released an open letter to President Barack Obama and Congress yesterday. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jun/23/san-diego-scientists-urge-action-climate-change/?metro&zIndex=121234 UPDATE 1-Car Makers Fight EU Ban On Climate Change Chemicals. Brussels - Car makers are lobbying the European Union to delay an agreed 2011 ban on climate-damaging chemicals in car air conditioners, a letter from auto industry group ACEA shows. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssConsumerGoodsAndRetailNews/idUSLN24261420090623 Climate Changing? Uncle Sam Wants Your Observations. John Latimer is waiting for the monarch butterflies. They are a marker of late spring for the 60-year-old Minnesota mail carrier, who travels 100 miles each day on rural roads near Grand Rapids, Minn. Over the last 25 years, in between delivering letters and packages, Latimer has recorded a bounty of data on the changing seasons along his route, from the blooming of yellow lady's slipper each spring to the onset of lake ice in the winter. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/06/23/23climatewire-climate-changing-uncle-sam-wants-your-observ-64119.html Startup's Prefab Homes Aim For Zero Energy Bills. Prefabricated housing seems an unlikely ally in the fight against climate change, but a new San Francisco company is setting out to construct factory-built homes that create as much energy as they use - reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with operating buildings. Zeta Communities, which is headquartered in South of Market and owns a manufacturing plant in San Leandro, is close to completing its first "zero energy" townhome in Oakland and is working with a developer on a proposed 30-unit studio apartment building in Berkeley. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/23/MNRR187SSG.DTL&type=printable Smoky Mystery Marks Natural Gases Discovery Near Landfill. Irvine – There's smoke, but no fire, at Bowerman Landfill these days, as authorities try to unravel the mystery behind a newly-uncovered natural gases vent that is steadily releasing small plumes from the hills overseeing the facility. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/vents-bowerman-gas-2471630-area-landfill Parks Aim To Reduce Visitor Emissions, Their Own. Mount Rainier National Park, Wash.—Karen Lasch and her family recently pulled over their car near a glacier-fed creek in Mount Rainier National Park, piling out for a glimpse of the snowcapped peak in the distance. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/travel/ci_12670938 http://www.modbee.com/2033/story/754858.html Mexico: 'Green Fund' Better Than Carbon Credits. Mexico City—Mexican President Felipe Calderon made a push Monday for his proposal for a $10 billion "green fund" as a more efficient way to fight climate change than carbon credits. Calderon spoke at the opening of the latest session of the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate, which brings together representatives of 19 countries and the European Union that together account for 80 percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12668402 http://www.modbee.com/world/story/754591.html Judge Strikes Down NYC's Green-Cab Incentive. New York—A judge on Monday rejected the city's latest maneuver to force taxicab owners to buy fuel-efficient hybrids, the second time in eight months he deemed such rules to be pre-empted by federal laws. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12665840 Refrigerants Set To Spur Climate Change: Study. Oslo (Reuters) - Greenhouse gases from chemicals used in refrigerants and air conditioning are set to be a bigger than expected spur of climate change by 2050, scientists said. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE55L62H20090622 Nissan To Mass Produce Electric Cars In 2012. Yokohama, Japan—Nissan Motor Co. said Tuesday its electric vehicles will be affordable, setting sights on the potentially lucrative market with a plan to mass produce zero-emission cars globally from 2012. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_12670518 On The Waterfront: Comment Sought On Pollution Plan. Long Beach - Anyone visiting local fishing spots has seen the signs: "Do Not Eat White Croaker" or "No Coma 'White Croakers."' If the big red X through an image of the forbidden bottom-feeding fish isn't enough, there's the sobering explanation that consuming it may damage the liver, shock the central nervous system and cause cancer. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12667458 Eco-Consultants Help Navigate Green Minefield. When Craig Bridwell bought a 1909 Bernal Heights flat, he wanted to emphasize the home's rustic feel - turning an old park bench into a table and decorating with artifacts from junkyards - but he also wanted it to be green, conserving as much water and electricity as possible. While Bridwell, 34, had heard about a lot of strategies for making homes more environmentally sustainable, as a busy lawyer, he believed he had neither the time nor the expertise to conduct his own green home makeover. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/23/BUTR18A1KA.DTL&type=printable Valley's Air Quality's Getting Better -- Let's Keep It Up. This summer, let's build on the momentum of cleaner air. Let's commit to making one change in our daily routines for air-quality improvement. During winter 2008-09, the valley's air quality was among the cleanest in decades, and most of the credit goes to valley residents for doing their part. In response to educational messages from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, residents from San Joaquin to Kern counties heeded calls from community leaders to cut back the use of residential fireplaces. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/community/story/754790.html Energy Dept. To Lend $8B To Ford, Nissan, Tesla. The Energy Department said Tuesday it would lend $5.9 billion to Ford Motor Co. and provide about $2.1 billion in loans to Nissan Motor Co. and Tesla Motors Inc., making the three automakers the first beneficiaries of a $25 billion fund to develop fuel-efficient vehicles. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced the loan recipients at Ford's Research and Innovation Center in Dearborn. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/state/story/755144.html http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/US_Ford_Energy_416693C.shtml Blogs Ozone Solution Poses a Growing Climate Threat. A group of chemicals called hydrofluorocarbons, long hailed as a substitute for gases that can destroy the ozone layer, are now seen as a growing greenhouse threat given their outsize ability to warm the atmosphere. Posted. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/22/ozone-solution-is-growing-climate-threat/?hp Coming Up to Copenhagen: An Update on Climate Science. The synthesis report from the Copenhagen climate congress of scientists held in March has been released. Its purpose is to offer updates on the science prior to the coming UN conference in December, also at Copenhagen, when new international agreements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will be sought. Posted. http://www.celsias.com/article/coming-copenhagen-update-climate-science/ Raytheon Tests Carbon Sequestration. Raytheon says it is testing a leak-proof method of keeping sequestered carbon dioxide buried deep in the ground — using some of the same technology it developed to increase production of oil from shale. The latest sequestration method involves encasing the gas in gel, pumping it underground, and then heating it with microwaves until the gel solidifies. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/23/raytheon-tests-carbon-sequestration/?pagemode=print Re: ARB Website Content Survey The ARB is asking regular website users to take a few minutes to complete a brief survey about their experiences with our site. Your participation will help us improve our website to serve you better. Thank you. Link to Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2298ML2JK9E ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:07:34 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for June 24, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newclips for June 24, 2009. 'Cool' Auto Glass Is Hot Idea. The state Air Resources Board wants your car to stay a little cooler in the summer sun. Thursday, the air board is scheduled to vote on its "cool" car rules, which call for newfangled windows to be installed on new passenger vehicles starting with 2012 models. Compared with today's standard windows, the technology would cut the inside temperature of a car parked in the sun by about 12 degrees, federal studies suggest. Set to roll out in stages, the plan would be another small advance in the state's war on global warming. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/1971691.html?mi_rss=Top%20Stories Air Has Elevated Cancer Risk In 600 Neighborhoods. Millions of people living in nearly 600 neighborhoods across the country are breathing concentrations of toxic air pollutants that put them at a much greater risk of contracting cancer, according to new data from the Environmental Protection Agency. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/756191.html Fed Loans Give Efficient Vehicles A Big Push. Tesla Motors, the Bay Area's luxury electric carmaker, won $465 million in federal loans Tuesday to build two plants in California, as the Obama administration started doling out funds for fuel-efficient vehicles. Tesla joined Ford Motor Co. and Nissan North America in receiving the first round of loans under a $25 billion U.S. Department of Energy program to develop cars that use substantially less gasoline - or none at all. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/24/MND218CGR1.DTL&type=printable Ford Gets Billions for Green Vehicles. Ford’s focus on fuel efficiency paid big dividends Tuesday when the Energy Department said it would lend $5.9 billion to the company to develop more green cars. Ford Motor Co. and two other automakers became the first beneficiaries of the Department of Energy's $25 billion fund, established last year, to promote fuel efficiency. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/24/ford-gets-billions-for-green-vehicles/ All-Electric Car-Sharing Debuts In Baltimore. Baltimore — The nation's first all-electric car-sharing program debuted Tuesday at Baltimore's Inner Harbor, with manufacturer Electrovaya hoping urban residents seeking to go green and curious tourists will take the concept for a spin. Electrovaya is offering its Maya 300 for rent at the Maryland Science Center. The car can go up to 120 miles on one charge of its lithium-ion battery system, and it gets its juice from a regular 110-volt outlet. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/technology/ci_12676261 Web Has Unofficial "Cash For Clunkers" Sites. Washington—The government is warning consumers to be wary of unofficial "cash for clunkers" Web sites that seek personal information or direct consumers to pre-register for the program. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12679152 Deal Could Lead To Passage Of Greenhouse Gas Bill. Key Democrats reach agreement that could result in House passage of an environmental bill aimed at slowing the heating of the planet. Washington — Key Democrats reached a deal Tuesday that its supporters hope will lead to House passage of the biggest environmental bill in decades, one aimed at slowing the heating of the planet. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-na-climate24-2009jun24,0,4039284.story?track=rss Martinez Adopts "Climate Action Plan". Martinez — The City Council has adopted a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve energy. The city developed the "climate action plan" with three goals in mind — reducing greenhouse gas emissions, shifting to renewable resources and preparing for a changing climate. The plan sets out a number of strategies relating to transportation, energy, solid waste and water. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/top-stories/ci_12673244 US Nixes 40 Percent Cuts At Climate Change Talks. Mexico City—President Barack Obama's climate envoy dismissed recommendations that the United States and other developed countries reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases 40 percent by 2020. "The 40 percent below 1990 (levels) is something which in our judgment is not necessary, and not feasible given where we're starting from, so it's not in the cards," Todd Stern said Tuesday at a conference on global warming. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12674639 http://www.modbee.com/world/story/755955.html http://www.sanluisobispo.com/world/story/761796.html Key Farm-State Lawmaker Supports Climate Bill. Washington—The chairman of the House Agriculture Committee says farmers can support a proposed Democratic bill to limit greenhouse gases and combat global warming. Democratic Rep. Collin Peterson of Minnesota urged support Wednesday for the climate bill after a series of concessions aimed at easing the impact higher energy costs will have on farmers and rural areas of the country. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_12679216 http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/06/24/ap/politics/d9914g7o2.txt Vote Set on House Climate Bill. Democratic leaders in the House have scheduled a Friday vote on a climate change bill that would establish a complex cap-and-trade system to limit the nation's greenhouse gas emissions, a priority for President Obama. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/23/AR2009062303456.html Possible Plan for Tariffs on Imports From China Remains Alive in House Climate Bill. A House committee working on sweeping energy legislation seems determined to make sure that the United States will tax China and other carbon polluters, potentially disrupting an already-sensitive climate change debate in Congress. The Ways and Means Committee's proposed bill language (pdf) would virtually require that the president impose an import tariff on any country that fails to clamp down on greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/06/24/24climatewire-possible-plan-for-tariffs-on-imports-from-ch-25103.html Debate Rages Over Climate Bill's Cost, But Will It Actually Work? How much will it cost the average American household to reduce the U.S. share of global warming pollution and shift to cleaner sources of energy produced at home? If Congress passes a law that puts the country on a path to that outcome, the answer on costs will depend on what kind of consumer protections are part of the new policy. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/756521.html Wind Energy Infrastructure Would Raise Price 20%, Study Says. Harnessing and delivering enough wind power to make it a significant source of energy in the U.S. may raise its cost by 20 percent, according to the Pew Center for Climate Change. Building transmission lines would cost as much as $4 billion a year, and managing its variability would add further to its price, the Pew Center said in a report today. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-fi-windpower24-2009jun24,0,2167508.story?track=rss Jatropha Tree Examined As A Biofuel Alternative. Fort Myers, Fla.—What some see as the biofuel of the future starts out as short, thick stems with a few leaves sticking out at sharp angles. But in just a few years, they will be tall, leafy trees with bright green spherical pods spilling their seeds all over the ground. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/financialmarkets/ci_12678016 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/24/AR2009062400322.html http://www.modbee.com/business/story/756400.html Meltdown 101: Where Are The Renewable Energy Jobs? Everywhere you turn there is talk of a shift to renewable energy, of building wind farms and solar plants, of making buildings more efficient, of developing biofuels. And of billions in federal funding to help make it all happen. This should mean a whole lot of new energy jobs. So where are they—and how do you get one? Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/financialmarkets/ci_12672376 Methane Controls Before Risky Geoengineering, Please. WHEN the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change came into force in 1994, climate change's impacts seemed distant. Not any more. With daily reports of changes to glaciers, ice sheets, oceans and ecological systems, climate change seems upon us. As a result, the debate over what to do is changing. Posted. http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20227146.000-methane-controls-before-risky-geoengineering-please.html?full=true&print=true State to Monitor Air Pollution From Old Plants. Chester, Va.-- Virginia officials announced Tuesday a groundbreaking initiative to monitor pollution spewed from power plants and other facilities built before passage of the 1970 Clean Air Act. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/23/AR2009062303410.html Energy Bill Unfinished, but Vote Nears. The House is moving toward a vote Friday on energy and climate change legislation, with several significant issues still unresolved but with Democratic leader expressing confidence that they will muster the votes to pass it. President Obama endorsed the measure on Tuesday at a White House news conference, calling it “extraordinarily important.” Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/24/science/earth/24energy.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse Senate Panel Trims Interior-EPA Budget From House Levels. Legislation approved this morning by a Senate panel would slash environmental agencies' spending by $200 million from the levels approved by House appropriators. The measure approved unanimously today by the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee requests $32.1 billion to fund the Interior Department, U.S. EPA and U.S. Forest Service for fiscal 2010, compared with the $32.3 billion requested in the measure approved by the House Appropriations Committee last week. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/06/23/23greenwire-senate-panel-trims-interior-epa-budget-from-ho-14536.html EPA Plan Targets Vast DDT Deposit Off Calif. Coast. A plan to cap a vast, long-neglected deposit of the pesticide DDT on the ocean floor off Southern California got its first public airing Tuesday nearly four decades after the poison was banned from use. The estimated $36 million proposal by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency calls for a cover of sand and silt to be placed over the most contaminated part of the estimated 17-square-mile area declared a Superfund site in 1996. Posted. http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/US_Ocean_DDT_416817C.shtml http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/06/24/ap-state-ca/d990hq981.txt Re: ARB Website Content Survey The ARB is asking regular website users to take a few minutes to complete a brief survey about their experiences with our site. Your participation will help us improve our website to serve you better. Thank you. Link to Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2298ML2JK9E ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:52:27 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for June 25, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for June 25, 2009. Air Quality Board To Consider Fee On Emissions. Many California businesses could soon face the nation's first state fee for emitting greenhouse gases, under a proposal state air quality regulators will discuss today. The fee - about 12 cents per metric ton of carbon dioxide - is not designed to penalize emissions. Instead, it would pay for creating and enforcing the state's global warming regulations, the result of California's landmark 2006 law to fight climate change. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/25/BAM218DB9F.DTL&type=printable http://www.sacbee.com/827/v-print/story/1976398.html http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D991O5980.htm http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jQZ0cv3hyN9eJBtkogASogrHJVTgD991OEPG4 http://www.modbee.com/2033/story/758350.html http://www.modbee.com/state/story/757304.html http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/06/25/ap-state-ca/d991na1o1.txt http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12687178 Air Resources Board Considers Requiring Sun-Reflecting Glass. The California Air Resources Board today considers whether to require auto manufacturers to include sun-reflecting glass on all vehicles sold in the state. KPCC’s Steve Julian says automakers aren’t necessarily opposed. Despite its financial troubles, the auto industry hasn’t objected to the potential cost of the proposed regulation. But automakers say they need more time to comply than California wants. The state is working to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. Posted. http://www.scpr.org/news/2009/06/25/cooler-cars-californians/ http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-calcars26-2009jun26,0,7391702.story http://www.modbee.com/state/story/758302.html http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/06/25/ap-state-ca/d991nce82.txt http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12687059 Limits on Emissions Have Wide Support. Three-quarters of Americans think the federal government should regulate the release into the atmosphere of greenhouse gases from power plants, cars and factories to reduce global warming, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll, with substantial majority support from Democrats, Republicans and independents. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/24/AR2009062403648_pf.html Obama Defends Climate Bill's Cap-And-Trade Plan. Washington -The climate-change legislation likely to win House approval Friday will produce "millions of jobs" in renewable energy technologies while slowing down global warming, President Obama said Wednesday. "A long-term benefit is we're leaving a planet to our children that isn't four or five degrees hotter," Obama said in an interview with Hearst Newspapers and five other news outlets. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/25/MNF518DBGI.DTL&type=printable Obama Promotes Climate-Change Bill In Face Of Conflicting Figures. He says a House measure, along with his auto-efficiency plan, would save as much as the U.S. imports from the Persian Gulf. Some government projections suggest that's an overstatement. Reporting from Washington — President Obama on Wednesday defended his assertion that a climate-change measure making its way through Congress would greatly reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil, even as government figures raised questions about whether he was overstating its effect. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-obama-energy25-2009jun25,0,3018261,print.story Climate Bill Will Pass House On Friday, Lawmaker Predicts. Washington -- A Democrat who helped draft the sweeping climate bill that limits greenhouse gases and improves the nation's energy efficiency predicted Wednesday that the legislation would be approved by the House on Friday. Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., said the measure would lead to a "green revolution," reduce global warming pollution, reduce oil imports, create jobs in clean energy companies and protect consumers from higher prices and industries from the effects of competition from overseas. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/1974675.html Pelosi Pushes To Pass Climate-Change Bill This Week. Washington — With last-minute deals and some old-fashioned political muscle, Speaker Nancy Pelosi is pushing hard to get a comprehensive energy and climate change bill through the House by the end of the week. To get the bill passed, Pelosi and Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Los Angeles, have made concessions to agriculture, the biofuel industry and oil refineries on emissions controls and rules. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/greenenergy/ci_12682220?nclick_check=1 http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12682220 Obama to Discuss Climate Bill Ahead of Friday's Vote. Washington -- President Barack Obama will deliver brief remarks on energy legislation Thursday afternoon ahead of a House vote Friday on a bill to curb greenhouse-gas emissions. Mr. Obama will speak at 1:45 p.m. ET and discuss "the importance of passing a historic energy bill that will create new jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil," the administration said in a statement. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124593698904453525.html#printMode Climate Bill Is Expected to Reverberate in 2010 Vote. The climate-change bill headed for a House vote Friday is likely to be a defining issue of the 2010 midterm election. Republican leaders see the measure, one of President Barack Obama's top priorities, as a perfect illustration of their broader case that Democrats are the party of high taxes and intrusive big government. In a memo circulated to House Republicans, Minority Leader John Boehner (R., Ohio) said the pending climate vote would have significant electoral consequences. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124588658099650561.html Democratic Leaders In A Race To Lasso Fence. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democratic leaders are racing to round up votes needed to pass a comprehensive energy and global warming bill, including meetings today with the party's freshmen and sophomore classes and a sit-down with moderate Republicans. "We're right on the mark, and by Friday we should have the 218 that we need," Rep. G.K. Butterfield of North Carolina, a member of the Democratic whip team, told reporters during a brief break from his talks with lawmakers on the House floor. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/06/24/1 http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/06/25/25climatewire-house-democrats-obama-lobby-last-batch-of-cl-65200.html?pagewanted=print Opinion: Global Warming Bill Still Contains Some Smoke And Mirrors. The European-style 'cap and trade' provisions on emissions will fuel only failure and should be replaced by a carbon tax. George W. Bush fought global warming policy all the way to the Supreme Court. And he lost. Despite this judicial rebuke, he opposed climate-change legislation to the end. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-0e-darling25-2009jun25,0,5272987,print.story How Climate Change Policies Impact The Lives Of European. Brussels -- Climate change and the related regulations have strongly influenced the life of some major European companies. Energy efficiency measures are usually the main options pursued and new hires are avoided by retraining or "greening" existing employees, a new study has found. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/06/25/1 http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/06/25/25climatewire-how-climate-change-policies-impact-the-lives-6402.html Obama Administration Studies Need For A Climate 'Guardrail' In closed sessions with international negotiators, the United States has resisted proposals for new climate treaty measures that would stabilize global temperatures below a 2-degree Celsius rise (equivalent to 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), negotiating documents show. The European Union and other countries consider a global temperature rise of more than 2 degrees Celsius by 2100 as potentially catastrophic, leading to the melting of the Greenland ice sheet and other dangerous risks. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/06/25/3 AGs Write To Encourage EPA. Washington - Fourteen states submitted comments with the federal Environmental Protection Agency Wednesday, commending its recently proposed determination that greenhouse gas emissions endanger public health. Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley's office wrote the supportive comments in response to the EPA's April 24 decision, which would implement nationwide the stringent emissions requirements for which California Attorney General Jerry Brown has been fighting. Posted. http://www.legalnewsline.com/news/221648-ags-write-to-encourage-epa Will GM Abandon Hydrogen Cars? As the automaker emerges from bankruptcy, it will have to decide whether it's still worth betting on hydrogen cars. Hydrogen car advocates have little love for electric cars: "EV people are killing our technologies." Advocates of hydrogen fuel cell cars are a bit miffed about the attention and money the federal government is showering on companies making plug-in hybrid electric or all-electric cars. It's not hard to understand why. The government is giving out billions of dollars to carmakers for build different types of electric vehicles. Consumers can get rebates for buying them. Posted. http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/print/will-gm-abandon-hydrogen-cars/ TRU ATCM Compliance Documents In Spanish. The California Air Resources Board (ARB) now has Spanish language versions of compliance assistance documents for the Transport Refrigeration Unit (TRU) Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM). Spanish language documents are posted on the TRU website and advisory webpage at:�www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/tru.htm�www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/tru/advisories.htm Posted. http://refrigeratedtrans.com/2010-emissions/tru_atcm_compliance_documents_in_spanish_0625/ Study: EPA ’07 Engines Far Exceeded Emission Expectations. A new study, released by a group of government and industry organizations including the Dept. of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, the California Air Resources Board and the Engine Manufacturers Assn., indicates that “clean diesel technologies” used in engines manufactured beginning in 2007 not only reduced certain emissions by 90% over 2004 engines, but “exceeded substantially even those levels required by law. Posted. http://fleetowner.com/green/clean-diesel-study-engine-emissions-0624/ http://www.todaystrucking.com/news.cfm?intDocID=22012 EU To Help China Test Carbon Capture. The European Union said Thursday it will give China up to euro50 million ($70 million) to build a carbon capture and storage plant that will test a technology aimed at limiting climate change. The EU's executive commission says the money will help China develop coal-burning power stations that could capture carbon dioxide and bury it underground. That would allow China to use its most plentiful energy source, coal, without releasing more of the greenhouse gas linked to climate change. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/world/story/758345.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12687170 Cruising Around Town on Two Wheels. There’s no question that bicycling is an Earth-friendly form of transportation, but for avid bicyclists, there is more to pedal power than just feeling good about helping the planet. Local cyclists will tell you that bicycling is relaxing, fun and provides you with the opportunity to enjoy the scenery in a way you just can’t do from a vehicle — and it’s great exercise. Posted.http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090624/COMMUNITY/906249949?Title=Cruising-around-town-on-two-wheels Draft Permit Issued For Proposed Calpine Plant In Hayward. Hayward — Greenhouse gas reductions are key to the approval of plans for a 600-watt power plant near the Hayward shoreline, according to a draft permit released by the air district charged with giving it the go-ahead. In an 80-page document released Wednesday, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District revised its permit conditions to include a requirement that the proposed Russell City Energy plant use only technology that would release the least amount of greenhouse emissions possible. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/business/ci_12680091 EPA: LA County Among High-Risk Areas For Pollution-Caused Cancer. Los Angeles County residents face nearly twice the risk of cancer from air pollution compared to the rest of the nation, according to a federal study released Wednesday. The Environmental Protection Agency reported that county residents face a 63-in-1 million cancer risk from 80 toxic chemicals released by cars, factories and similar polluters. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12683476 Study: Cerritos Neighborhood Has Nation's Worst Air Quality. Cerritos - A federal study released Wednesday shows a Cerritos neighborhood bordering the Santa Ana (5) Freeway suffering from the nation's worst air quality. The Environmental Protection Agency lists the area, which borders an industrial zone between Alondra and Artesia boulevards, as having a cancer risk of 1,200 in a million. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12683199 Blogs ACES High: Waxman-Markey Heads To A Vote. Let there be Waxman-Markey. A deal has been struck between House Democrats from states with strong agricultural interests (led by Minnesotan Collin Peterson, chair of the Agricultural Committee) and a certain House Democrat from a state with a history of trying to lead the nation on environmental policy. The result: There will be a vote on the Waxman-Markey climate and energy bill on Friday. As we noted in March, the “American Clean Energy and Security Act is compromise bill out of the gate.” Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/06/24/aces-high-waxman-markey-heads-to-a-vote/tab/print/ How Much Cap-and-Trade Bill Would Cost Families. The House is expected to vote this week on the Waxman-Markey cap-and-trade bill. What would such a law — intended to combat climate change — mean for American families? The Congressional Budget Office, a nonpartisan research group, last week estimated the costs of such a bill in 2020. (Officials chose that year because they figured the economy would have had time to adjust to the regulations by then). Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/24/how-much-cap-and-trade-bill-would-cost-families/ Roadmap for Reducing Emissions Unveiled. As lawmakers gear up to vote this week on the Waxman-Markey climate change bill, a new study has identified eight clean energy technologies that could be dramatically scaled-up in the coming decade to deliver large carbon reductions as well as some 4.5 million new jobs globally. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/25/roadmap-for-reducing-emissions-unveiled/?scp=2&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Re: ARB Website Content Survey The ARB is asking regular website users to take a few minutes to complete a brief survey about their experiences with our site. Your participation will help us improve our website to serve you better. Thank you. Link to Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2298ML2JK9E ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:45:40 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for June 26, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for June 26, 2009. California Wants Autos To Have Reflecting Windows. Sacramento - California air regulators voted unanimously today for a mandate requiring auto manufacturers to include sun-reflecting glass on all vehicles sold within the state by 2014. The move by the California Air Resources Board was intended to keep cars, pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles cooler during hot weather, reducing the use of air conditioning. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/california/ci_12691043?source=rss http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12690726 State Demands More Energy-Efficient Windshields. California is the first state in the nation to require car manufacturers to install windshields that block the sun as a way to cut greenhouse gases. The state Air Resources Control Board voted unanimously Thursday to require all new cars sold in California by 2012 to prevent 45 percent of the sun's total heat-producing energy from entering the car with the windshield rejecting at least half of the sun's energy. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/26/BAAB18E6JE.DTL&type=printable Car-Cooling Glass Ok'd, But Pollution Fee Is Put Off. Sacramento – The state Air Resources Board yesterday unanimously ordered automakers to gradually install sunlight-reflecting glass designed to keep cars cooler, improve gas mileage and help battle global warming. By lowering interior temperatures, regulators said, motorists would not be as tempted to crank up their gas-gobbling air conditioners. In turn, that would save fuel and cut greenhouse-gas emissions. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jun/26/1n26air235114-ok-given-new-glass-cars-pollution-fe/?california&zIndex=122945 Want To Get Rid Of That Old Car? How About $1,000 To Crush It? Tired of your old jalopy? Need a little extra cash? Bay Area air pollution officials have a deal for you. And it doesn't even involve undercoating or new-car smell. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is sweetening its offer to buy old, smog-belching cars as part of a long-standing program to scrap the region's dirtiest vehicles to help clean up the air. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/politics/ci_12691207?source=rss http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12691207 Calif. Board Postpones Decision On Pollution Tax. Sacramento - California regulators have delayed a decision on whether to implement the nation's first statewide carbon fee on utilities, oil refineries and other polluting industries. The move came Thursday evening after several electricity providers expressed concerns that California might inadvertently level a charge on energy that is moved through but not used in the state. That would violate federal energy laws. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jQZ0cv3hyN9eJBtkogASogrHJVTgD9922E2O1 http://www.environmentalleader.com/2009/06/26/california-delays-carbon-fee-decision/ http://www.modbee.com/state/story/759272.html California Mandates Use of Fuel-Saving, Emissions-Reducing Infrared (IR) Reflective Glass on All New Cars & Trucks. Southwall’s Heat Reflective XIR® Film Provides an Immediate and Cost-Effective Solution for Manufacturers to Meet New Requirements. As a result of yesterday’s unanimous vote by the California Air Resources Board to enact California Assembly bill AB-32’s Cool Car Standards and Test Procedures, auto manufacturers will increase the use of IR reflective glass to improve fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions for vehicles sold in California starting in model year 2012. Posted. http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20090626005121&newsLang=en UPDATE 1-Obama, Merkel To Air Differences At Meeting. Washington - U.S. President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will debate how to fix the economy and fight climate change on Friday in a White House meeting that is likely to highlight a range of differences between the two leaders. Unrest in Iran after the Islamic republic's disputed presidential poll, the war in Afghanistan and a U.S. request that Germany take prisoners from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, are also issues likely to be on the agenda. Posted. http://in.reuters.com/article/marketsNewsUS/idINN2633007220090626 Shell Game. It's a shell game, folks. We're talking about the arrogant ramrod by the Left to impose vast new regulations and costs on the American economy in a foolish, costly and doomed attempt to prevent the world's climate from changing. As if. What's politically hilarious about this, of course, is that the Party of Change - President Obama's mantra - wants to keep something from changing that can't be prevented, seeing as how the earth's climate is driven not by humans but by the sun. Posted. http://www.vvdailypress.com/common/printer/view.php?db=vvdailypress&id=13042 Obama: Now Is Time To Pass Climate Change Bill. President Barack Obama is pressing again for passage of U.S. legislation that would confront the problem of global warming head-on. Speaking in the Rose Garden of the White House, Obama said Washington must not miss the opportunity to work on cleaning the air and at the same time creating new "green" energy jobs. He called the measure "a jobs bill" and said the U.S. for far too long has been too reliant on energy from fossil fuels. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090625/NEWS/906259961 Tree Owners Could Reap Climate Bill Windfall. For years, landowners have gotten paid for not farming. Now they may get paid for not cutting down trees. While U.S. families could see their annual energy bills rise hundreds of dollars under a massive climate bill that President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats are trying to push through the House, owners of large swaths of forestland - timber companies, large farms, even foreign countries - could reap billions of dollars. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/758904.html http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/25/climate-bill-gives-billions-to-foreign-foliage/ Questions and Answers about The US Climate Bill. Cap-and-trade? Offsets? Pollution credits? The climate bill under consideration in the U.S. House of Representatives tackles global warming with new limits on pollution and a market-based approach to encourage more environmentally friendly business practices. But what exactly do the proposed rules mean, and how would they work? Posted. http://www.modbee.com/business/story/758878.html House Democrats Win Key Test Vote on Climate Bill. House Democrats have narrowly won an important test vote on legislation to combat global warming and usher in a new era of cleaner energy. The vote on Friday was 217-205 to advance the White House-backed legislation to the full House. Thirty Democrats defected. Republicans say the bill includes the largest tax increase in history. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/breakingnews/story/759704.html http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/06/26/ap/politics/d992eot80.txt EU: We Want US Climate Bill To Succeed. The Europe Union wants a U.S. climate change bill to succeed so the United States can move swiftly to curb greenhouse gas emissions, EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said Friday. Barroso said Europe was closely watching U.S. lawmakers as they discuss the Waxman-Markey bill that would set up a cap-and-trade program to limit how much carbon dioxide power plants and other major polluters could release. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/world/story/759803.html EPA Points Finger In Bad Cerritos Air Quality. Cerritos - The Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday identified a Santa Fe Springs factory that may have emitted the high levels of a toxic chemical that caused a small section of Cerritos to rank as having the nation's worst air quality in 2002. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12692141 Fireplace Restriction Process Moves Forward. Chico — Smoke plumes puffing out of chimneys may spark not only nostalgia, but fines during no-burn days in Chico if a new air quality rule is implemented in November. The Butte County Air Quality Management District board of directors voted 9-1 to move forward with workshops on Rule 208, which would restrict Chico sphere-of-influence residents from using fireplaces or wood-burning stoves during days with moderate or worse air quality. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12694921 Climate Bill Showdown: Obama, Dems Pressing Hard. Washington—President Barack Obama pushed urgently Thursday for passage of legislation to confront global warming, billing it as a job-creating machine rather than the costly "job killer" Republicans denounced. He telephoned wavering Democrats on the eve of what could be a historic House vote. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12686087 Swiss Team Unveils Prototype For Sun-Powered Plane. Duebendorf Airfield, Switzerland—It has the wingspan of a Boeing 747 but weighs less than a small car. And it is powered entirely by the sun. Adventurer Bertrand Piccard on Friday unveiled the Solar Impulse, which, with its sleek white wings and pink trimming, aims to make history as the prototype for a solar-powered flight around the world. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12695872 Obama: US Lags Behind Europe On Climate Change. Washington—President Barack Obama says European nations have moved faster than the United States on global warming and that he'd like to see America play a greater leadership role. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12696410 Climate Bill Targets Hot Tubs and Light Bulbs. The Democrat-led House pressed Thursday for enough votes to pass landmark legislation that would combat global warming by forcing U.S. companies to reduce their carbon-dioxide emissions, expanding expensive renewable-energy sources and trimming consumers' choices on new light bulbs and hot tubs. Posted. http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/26/house-democrats-push-massive-energy-bill/?feat=home_top5_read The House and Global Warming. American politicians, from both parties, insist that they want to combat global warming and reduce this country’s dependence on fossil fuels. Members of the House will soon have a chance to show they mean it. Voters should watch carefully to see what they do. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/26/opinion/26fri1.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Democrats Trade Gore for Obama. With House Democrats rushing to a vote on their global warming bill this week, President Obama ratcheted up the pressure, calling the vote of paramount importance and demanding support from wavering Republicans and Democrats. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/25/democrats-trade-gore-obama/ Blogs New EPA Analysis of Waxman-Markey: Consumer Electric Bills 7% Lower in 2020 Thanks To Efficiency. The main argument conservatives and big oil and coal companies use against the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454) is that it would cripple American households with a crushing energy tax. To make that claim, they have distorted cost estimates from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and conducted their own biased studies. Posted. http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/010038.html Polluters Won't Pay Yet: Air Resources Board Will Wait To Decide On Carbon Fee. Californians will have to wait until next month to see whether the state will approve the nation's first statewide carbon fee. In a meeting Thursday, the California Air Resources Board determined that more time was needed to iron out the details of the new regulations, which would be used to generate revenue for AB 32, California's groundbreaking climate legislation. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/06/carbon-fee-ab-32.html Re: ARB Website Content Survey The ARB is asking regular website users to take a few minutes to complete a brief survey about their experiences with our site. Your participation will help us improve our website to serve you better. Thank you. Link to Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2298ML2JK9E ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:44:49 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for June 27-29, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for June 27-29,2009. State Leads The Way In Climate-Change Rules. When California passed sweeping laws to fight global warming nearly three years ago, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and other state politicians hoped the move would force a reluctant federal government to act. They got their wish. The landmark climate-change bill approved Friday by the House of Representatives copies whole chapters from California's global warming playbook. Its limits on greenhouse gas emissions are similar to those in the state. So is the method for cutting emissions, a complex system called cap and trade. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/28/MNMI18EHU9.DTL&type=printable Obama Champions Energy Bill But Not Its Tariffs. The president calls the measure 'an extraordinary first step' toward a halt to global warming but sounds a cautionary note about its provision to penalize countries that don't similarly crack down. Reporting from Washington — President Obama on Sunday called a House-passed energy bill "an extraordinary first step" toward halting global warming and reducing the use of fossil fuels, but he expressed reservations about a controversial provision that would slap tariffs on imports from countries that did not similarly crack down on greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-obama-energy29-2009jun29,0,785444,print.story Climate Bill Shaped By Compromise. Facing a mood unfriendly to sweeping changes in energy policy, House Democratic leaders and Obama had one thing that made interest groups more receptive: They were willing to negotiate. Reporting from Washington — In mid-spring, when the prospect of a global warming bill passing Congress seemed like an Al Gore pipe dream, President Obama invited Rep. Henry A. Waxman (D-Beverly Hills) down to the Oval Office. "He realized that this was a very tough bill to get through," Waxman remembers. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-energy28-2009jun28,0,5339746,print.story House Passes Bill to Address Threat of Climate Change. Washington — Overcoming deep divisions within its Democratic majority, the House passed legislation on Friday intended to address the threat of global warming and transform the way the United States produces and uses energy. The vote was 219 to 212. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/27/us/politics/27climate.html?_r=1&ref=global-home&pagewanted=print http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aUCv0t2jRH3E# http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-climate27-2009jun27,0,5568426.story http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/26/climate-change-bill-may-h_n_221564.html http://www.examiner.com/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner~y2009m6d29-Cap-and-tax-passes-quietly-in-Congress Climate Bill Would Tighten U.S. Derivatives Rules. Washington - The climate-change bill passed by the U.S. House on Friday would expand federal regulations by banning "naked" credit default swaps and requiring over-the-counter derivatives to go through central clearinghouses. It also directs the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to set position limits on energy traders across all markets and brings energy swaps under CFTC oversight. The CFTC is the futures market regulator. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSN2635217720090626 What You Need To Know About The US Climate Bill. Cap-and-trade? Offsets? Pollution credits? The climate bill passed Friday by the House tackles global warming with new limits on pollution and a market-based approach to encourage more environmentally friendly business practices. But what exactly do the proposed rules mean, and how would they work? Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_12703200 Cap-And Trade System Rewards Special Interests. "Cap-and-trade" sounds fabulous: those who emit carbon dioxide will have to obtain permits for their emissions. If they are able to reduce emissions cheaply, they will cut their emissions, enabling them to sell the permits they don't need to those who can't cut emissions as cheaply. Thus, the efficient are rewarded, the environment saved. But once you read the fine print, cap-and-trade doesn't look as good. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/national/story/762171.html Winners And Losers Emerge In Climate Bill. New York—In addition to raising energy prices, the climate legislation that's winding through Congress would create a parallel financial system with a carbon-based currency. The House on Friday narrowly passed landmark legislation meant to curb greenhouse gas emissions and create an energy-efficient economy, voting 219-212. President Barack Obama on Saturday urged senators to follow suit. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/financialmarkets/ci_12703924 http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_12703182 The Dirty War Against Clean Coal. WHILE President Obama’s cap-and-trade proposal to reduce greenhouse gases has been the big topic of recent environmental debate, the White House has also been pushing a futuristic federal project to build a power plant that burns coal without any greenhouse gases. Sounds great, right? Except the idea is a rehash of a proposal that went bust the first time around. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/29/opinion/29easterbrook.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Energy Secretary Chu Warns Of Climate Change. U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu warned an audience of 800 at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park on Friday morning that "business as usual" would lead to a dramatically changed world in the coming decades. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/top-stories/ci_12699236 Obama Opposes Energy Bill Trade Penalties: Reports. Washington (Reuters) - President Barack Obama on Sunday called a House-passed climate change bill "an extraordinary first step," but spoke out against a provision that would impose trade penalties on countries that fail to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/28/AR2009062802531.html Cap-And-Trade Will Allow Us To Lead The Clean Energy Industry. The current clean-energy dividend legislation will not make U.S. businesses less competitive in the global market; on the contrary, it will secure America's place as a leader of the future of the industry. Few pieces of legislation can have a more profound effect on the U.S. economy than the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/national/story/762151.html PRUDEN: The Hot One From the Democrats. You can’t blame the Democrats fro hurrying to enact their hot-air legislation. The public is finally paying attention, recognizing the global warming crisis for what it is, a giant scam that will cost every American plenty. The globe isn’t warming – it’s actually cooling, in fact – and there’s not crisis. Posted. http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/26/heres-the-hot-one-from-the-democrats/?feat= top5 shared Analysis: Obama Scores Major Victory on Climate. Facing a rare defeat, President Barack Obama put a big dose of political capital on the line and scored a major victory just when he needed one. In private telephone conversations and last-minute public appeals, Obama leaned heavily on House Democratic holdouts to support the first energy legislation ever designed to curb global warming. The measure ended up passing in dramatic fashion. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/763137.html http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/29/us/politics/29climate.html?scp=3&sq=climate%20change&st=cse http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/761186.html http://www.modbee.com/business/story/761339.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_12711879 State Will Pay People To Turn In Gas Guzzlers. Sacramento - California regulators expanded a state car-scrapping program Friday to provide incentives of as much as $4,000 to motorists who surrender high-polluting vehicles and replace them with cleaner cars. California Air Resources Board Chairwoman Mary Nichols said the program would help get some of the oldest, dirtiest cars, trucks and sport utility vehicles off state roads. Posted. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/27/BA4818EK0U.DTL&type=printable Calif. To Pay Owners to Scrap High-Pollution Cars. California regulators expanded a state car-scrapping program Friday to provide incentives of as much as $4,000 to motorists who surrender high-polluting vehicles and replace them with cleaner cars. California Air Resources Board Chairwoman Mary Nichols said the program would help get some of the oldest, dirtiest cars, trucks and sport utility vehicles off state roads. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/state/story/760199.html http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090626/NEWS/906269961 http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12696817 California Offers Trucker Help. The California Air Resources Board has created electronic and telephone aids for truckers to encourage compliance with the state’s latest clean air regulations. Posted. http://www.etrucker.com/apps/news/article.asp?id=79749 Third Spare the Air Day In A Row Called For Monday. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has issued its third Spare the Air advisory in a row for Monday. People are advised to minimize driving and limit strenuous exercise to early in the morning, according to the public health alert. High temperatures combined with light winds will combine are expected to produce poor air quality, including unhealthy concentrations of ground-level ozone pollution. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_12710535 http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12710535 Garbage Truck? Conn. Vehicle Runs On Wood, Waste. Killingly, Conn.—A Connecticut man has outfitted a pickup truck to run on wood, leaves and compost and has traveled as far as 600 miles on a truckload of the burnable fuel. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_12703903 http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12703674 Ideas Floated To Fight Port Pollution. Long Beach - The ideas ranged from simple to labyrinthine. Asthma inhalers for elementary kids sickened by soot-spewing trucks clogging the highway outside their playground. Air filtration systems for homes and senior centers bordering the busy port complex. A massive earth berm covered in exhaust-minifying trees and vegetation serving as a buffer between homes and heavy industry. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12710036 San Rafael Leading Effort To Unify Green-Building Standards Countywide. San Rafael is leading a countywide effort among all cities and the county to adopt similar green-building regulations for new construction and remodeling. Known as the Marin Green Building, Energy Retrofit and Solar Transformation Collaborative, or BERST, the effort among Marin's 11 cities and the county aims to unify green building standards for both new construction and remodeling, assist in energy-efficient retrofitting and promote solar programs. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12706665 White House Announces New Lighting Standards. WASHINGTON -- Aiming to keep the focus on climate change legislation, President Barack Obama is ready to talk about making lamps and lighting equipment use less energy. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/29/AR2009062901857.html Rising Sea Prompts Concern About Sand Replenishment. With global warming threatening to raise sea levels, environmental groups are challenging the wisdom of spending millions of dollars to put sand on area beaches ---- especially if it is only going to wash back out to sea. Posted. http://www.northcountytimes.com/articles/2009/06/28/news/sandiego/z5cc715a56ee577e9882575df00609e91.txt Steamy Temperatures Again Today, Cooler By Mid-Week. The forecast: Steamy again today, relief perhaps coming tonight. Temperatures will reach into the 90s today before a cooling trend rolls into the South Bay tonight, one that should gradually extend through the week. Today is another Spare the Air day, the third straight for the Bay Area. Spare the Air days are issued when the air quality could be hazardous, especially for children or people with respiratory problems. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_12712443 Survey: Area Solar Fees Are Too High. Sierra Club says permit costs in some cities aren't in line with the law. A large number of Southland cities are charging high fees for solar panel permits, ignoring a state mandate designed to promote the energy system, according to a survey by the Sierra Club. The Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club said it has launched a campaign to reverse the trend, asking several dozen agencies with reported permit fees of $750 or more to review their solar-permit fee methodologies that are higher than cost-recovery levels. Posted. http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_12710031?source=rss Less Is The New More: Environmental Movement Right All Along. A funny thing happened on the way to the economic downturn. As our iPods were getting smaller and smaller (along with our home values and 401Ks), people began to worry about all they’ve been consuming. Somewhere along the way, people actually started to recognize that less can indeed mean more. It’s something I’ve practiced for many years — and I couldn’t be happier that the nation seems to be joining in. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jun/28/less-is-the-new-more-environmental-movement-all/?printer=1/ Blogs Climate, Trade, Obama. I think the president has this wrong: President Obama on Sunday praised the energy bill passed by the House late last week as an “extraordinary first step,” but he spoke out against a provision that would impose trade penalties on countries that do not accept limits on global warming pollution. And I also think the report gives a false impression of what this is about, making it seem as if it’s nothing but dirty politics: Posted. http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/29/climate-trade-obama/?scp=3&sq=global%20warming&st=cse Re: ARB Website Content Survey The ARB is asking regular website users to take a few minutes to complete a brief survey about their experiences with our site. Your participation will help us improve our website to serve you better. Thank you. Link to Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2298ML2JK9E ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:25:18 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for June 30, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for June 30, 2009. EPA Gives California Emissions Waiver. The state can develop its own standards on greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks, though it agrees not to toughen the standards before 2017. Automakers agree to drop lawsuits. Reporting from Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency will announce today that it is granting California's request to impose tough restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks -- reversing the Bush administration's position and opening the way for the state to take the lead on global-warming policy. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-california-waiver30-2009jun30,0,1820176,print.story http://www.sacbee.com/830/v-print/story/1989161.html http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/06/30/national/w081619D61.DTL http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE55T4PR20090630 http://washingtonindependent.com/49214/obama-epa-grants-california-emissions-waiver http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=adS0U29pppL0 http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/764158.html http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/US_California_Pollution_419041C.shtml http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_12720673 Court Order To Limit Emissions At BP Plant. Austin, Texas—BP Products North America Inc. has agreed to a court order forcing the petrochemical giant to end what state officials say are illegal emissions at its Texas City refinery. The temporary injunction filed in district court in Austin on Monday ensures BP will follow environmental laws while the state's pollution lawsuit plays out in court. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_12713351 Analysis: Obama scores major victory on climate. Washington - Facing a rare defeat, President Barack Obama put a big dose of political capital on the line and scored a major victory just when he needed one. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12713780 Obama Puts Spotlight On Lamps. President Obama, aiming to keep the focus on climate change legislation, Monday plugged his administration's efforts to make lamps and lighting equipment use less energy. "I know light bulbs may not seem sexy, but this simple action holds enormous promise because 7 percent of all the energy consumed in America is used to light our homes and businesses," the president said, standing alongside Energy Secretary Steven Chu at the White House. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/30/MNTU18G7FK.DTL&type=printable http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/763735.html Obama Says He'll Get Prime Initiatives Into Law. President Barack Obama is vowing to sign climate change legislation and overhauls in health care and financial regulations this year and is dismissing his critics as naysayers. Obama warned more than 400 of the Democratic Party's top fundraisers Monday evening that winning policy fights will become more difficult. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/764243.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12716408 Sacramento Air-Quality Concerns Heat Up. Splashing, shrieking, laughing children frolicked in the American River on Monday, escaping the first heat wave of the summer as public health officials warned residents to stay cool and clear of the dirty air. Isaiah Gary, 10, and his friends were having too much fun crafting a wet sand dome at the river's edge to notice the heat. They said their structure would last for decades. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2307/story/764441.html Heat Creates Problems; Some Old, Others New. High temperatures caused some problems around the Sacramento area Monday, some of them familiar and others new. The heat was blamed for troubles in light-rail wire connections, and the region's air quality sank as temperatures rose. Posted. http://www.kcra.com/news/19897580/detail.html Independent Gas Station Owners Say Economy, Regulations Squeezing Too Hard. Independent Service Stations Are In A Fight For Their Lives. Not only are gasoline sales down 8 to 10 percent in California over the past year, the sour economy is making many people think twice about that spur-of-the-moment snack purchase that is the lifeblood of the convenience stores attached to those gas stations. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090630/A_NEWS/906300320/-1/NEWSMAP Coyne: A Personal Response To Climate Change. As our world slowly and belatedly makes the complex transition from fossil fuels to renewable-energy sources, leading climate-change scientists give us a mere five years to radically change how we power our industrial civilization without causing runaway global warning. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jun/28/a-personal-response-to-climate-change/ And Now, Climate Bill's Supporters Try Counting to 60 in Senate. Over the eight years of George W. Bush's presidency, proponents of major global-warming legislation tried to spark action in Congress by focusing on the Senate. There, heavyweights like Republican John McCain of Arizona and Democrat-turned-independent Joe Lieberman of Connecticut helped raise awareness of the climate issue even though they never approached the 60 votes needed to pass a bill capping greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/06/29/29greenwire-and-now-climate-bills-supporters-try-counting-85672.html Wind Power Company to Open Production Center In Santa Paula. Continental Wind Power, based in Santa Barbara, plans to build its first U.S. wind turbine manufacturing and production center in Santa Paula. The company and city are having a joint news conference to announce the facility on Tuesday. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jun/29/no-headline---nxxfcwind30/ U.S. Tries To Put Solar On Fast Track. The federal government's top land steward said Monday that the United States will fast-track efforts to build solar power generating facilities on public space in six western states. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said he has signed an order setting aside more than 1,000 square miles of public land for two years of study and environmental reviews to determine where solar power stations should be built. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/30/us-tries-to-put-solar-on-fast-track/ Our View: Little Things Will Help Us Reach Goals. Reflective Car Windows May Not Seem Like Much, But It's The First Step In Climate Cultural Shift. No one at the Air Resources Board is claiming that its new regulation requiring auto windows to do a better job reflecting and absorbing the sun's rays will dramatically slash California's greenhouse gas emissions, the historic goal that Assembly Bill 32 mandated when it became law in 2006. Posted. http://www.mercedsunstar.com/181/v-print/story/926680.html EPA Outlines Stricter Nitrogen Dioxide Regulations 30th June 2009. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed yesterday (29th June) that it is set to crack down on the amount of nitrogen dioxide emitted in the country. Under the terms of the new proposals, states would be required to limit the concentration of the gas to a maximum of 80 to 100 parts per billion over any one-hour period. Posted. http://www.platinum.matthey.com/media_room/epa_outlines_stricter_nitrogen_dioxide_regulations_19242931.html U.S. Works To Speed Solar Energy Development In The West. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar signs an order that sets aside some 676,000 acres of federal land -- more than half in California -- for study and environmental reviews. The Obama administration on Monday announced that it would put solar energy development in the West on a fast track, with Interior Secretary Ken Salazar signing an order that sets aside more than 1,000 square miles of public land for two years of study and environmental reviews. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-desert-solar30-2009jun30,0,5913261.story Scientists Find Windblown Dust Hastens Mountain Snowmelt. Washington. Dust in the wind is rewriting the cycle of life in the mountains. Throughout memory, the warmth of spring has begun the mountain snowmelt, bringing life-giving water to greening plants so they can blossom and renew their species. But now, scientists say, the timing is being thrown off by desert dust stirred as global warming dries larger areas and human activity increases in those regions. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/30/MNC718FNMT.DTL&type=green BLOGS Clean Energy and Climate Protection Bill Accelerates Electric Vehicles and Renewable Energy, For the first time, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation regulating greenhouse gases. Due to intense lobbying by industries that would incur added cost, such as coal powered utilities, HR 2454 barely was approved by a vote of 219 to 212. New battles are ahead in the Senate for the Waxman-Markey Bill. Posted. http://www.cleantechblog.com/2009/06/clean-energy-and-climate-protection.html Does Free Trade Help or Hurt the Climate? Making trade more free could lead to a rise in carbon dioxide emissions as a result of greater economic activity. But more trade could also help to staunch climate change by increasing the availability of climate-friendly technologies and products. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/26/does-free-trade-help-or-hurt-the-climate/ China Recruits Algae to Combat Climate Change. The garish gunk coursing through a greenhouse filled with transparent pipes appears to belong on the set of a particularly slimy episode of Star Trek. Multiplying rapidly as it flows through tubes, stacked 14 high in four long rows, the organism thickens and darkens like the bio-weapon of a deranged scientist. But this is not a science fiction horror story; it is one of humankind's most ambitious attempts to recruit algae in the fight against climate change. Posted. http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/010075.html Re: ARB Website Content Survey The ARB is asking regular website users to take a few minutes to complete a brief survey about their experiences with our site. Your participation will help us improve our website to serve you better. Thank you. Link to Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2298ML2JK9E ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 10:38:30 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for July 1, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for July 1, 2009. EPA Affirms California’s Right To Set Tougher Automobile Emissions Standards. The Environmental Protection Agency announced on Tuesday that it will grant a waiver for California and 13 other states to set automobile emission standards that are higher than national ones—at least for the next two years. “The waiver affirms California’s authority to set the standards for the cleanest cars in the nation and recognizes the ability of forward-thinking states to continue to adopt them,” said California Air Resources Board Chair Mary Nichols in a statement celebrating the announcement. Posted. http://www.grist.org/article/2009-06-30-california-waiver-granted/ EPA Gives Green Light To California's Pollution Rules. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday granted California the right to enforce a 2002 law that mandates deep cuts to automotive greenhouse-gas emissions through 2016, marking an official truce in a long struggle among automakers, the state and the federal government. The ruling follows a settlement on the issue brokered by the Obama administration in May. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/ourregion/v-print/story/1991082.html http://www.environmentalleader.com/2009/07/01/epa-approves-california-emissions-waiver/ http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/01/MN0T18GI3P.DTL&type=printable http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/1990924.html http://www.modbee.com/2307/story/765925.html http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/01/business/energy-environment/01webwaiver.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/US_California_Pollution_419154C.shtml http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jul/01/epa-finally-gives-state-authority-over-car/ http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090630/NEWS/906309975 http://www.insidebayarea.com/green/ci_12726036 http://www.insidebayarea.com/green/ci_12721578 http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_12726036?nclick_check=1 http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_12721578 http://www.sbsun.com/search/ci_12723551?IADID=Search-www.sbsun.com-www.sbsun.com http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/30/AR2009063001527.html EPA Takes The Clean-Air Route. What we said: "The Environmental Protection Agency has rejected California's plan to institute higher emissions standards for cars and light trucks. The excuse offered by EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson was that 'the Bush administration is moving forward with a clear national solution' that to his mind is better than a 'confusing patchwork of state rules.' The ruling is revolting but doesn't come as a shock. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/01/EDHQ18GHK9.DTL&type=printable Climate in the Senate. The House’s approval last week of a bill capping greenhouse gases was a remarkable achievement, almost unthinkable six months ago. Yet all of the hard work — the hearings, the negotiating, the arm-twisting — will add up to zero if the Senate cannot be persuaded to do the same, and preferably better. The country would be left with an outdated energy policy and the planet would be stuck with steadily rising emissions. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/01/opinion/01wed2.html?scp=5&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Climate Bill A Political Sucker Punch. The recently passed House bill on global warming is a 1,500-page political sucker punch that could give family finances a bloody nose and ultimately flatten the economy while proponents pretend it will save the planet. In and of itself, it won't do an inch of good. Assume if you want that all the talk of unperturbed greenhouse gases finally frying us is true and that the bill would slowly reduce carbon emissions in the United States to roughly the level of 100 years ago. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/trade-warming-cap-2480047-one-pass With Something for Everyone, Climate Bill Passed. As the most ambitious energy and climate-change legislation ever introduced in Congress made its way to a floor vote last Friday, it grew fat with compromises, carve-outs, concessions and out-and-out gifts intended to win the votes of wavering lawmakers and the support of powerful industries. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/01/us/politics/01climate.html?scp=3&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Rep. Kaptur Gets $3.5 Billion Sweetener In Climate Bill. When House Democratic leaders were rounding up votes Friday for the massive climate-change bill, they paid special attention to their colleagues from Ohio who remained stubbornly undecided. They finally secured the vote of one Ohioan, veteran Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur of Toledo, the old-fashioned way. Posted. http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jul/01/sweetener-helped-sway-vote-on-house-climate-bill/?feat=home_top5_shared GOP: EPA Hid Global Warming Memo. Republican lawmakers, coming off a loss Friday in their attempt to block passage of a massive climate bill, have seized on a global warming memo they say was suppressed by the Obama administration. The memo, drafted by two environmental economists, is highly critical of the science behind an Environmental Protection Agency memo that found carbon dioxide to be a greenhouse gas. Posted. http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jul/01/gop-says-epa-official-buried-critical-global-warmi/?feat=home_headlines Editorial: Give The Cold Shoulder To Climate Bill. Cap-and trade is a huge energy tax increase unlikely to have any effect on global climate. After narrow approval in the House, the so-called cap-and-trade bill to curb global warming deserves to die in the U.S. Senate. The Waxman-Markey legislation is a huge energy tax in a thin disguise, designed to force Americans to switch to more expensive renewable energy sources. Despite its goal to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, there's scant reason to believe its harsh economic penalties will affect global climate at all. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/government-jobs-bill-2480041-green-job# Reversing Bush, Obama Allows California To Set Own Greenhouse Gas Rules. San Jose - In a major victory for environmentalists and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Obama administration on Tuesday granted California permission to set the nation's first rules requiring automakers to reduce global warming emissions from new automobiles. The permission, known as a "waiver" from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, had been denied by the Bush administration, and until recently, staunchly opposed by the auto industry. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_12726036 EPA Suppresses Report Calling Into Question Global Warming Science. The Environmental Protection Agency, keen to advance President Barack Obama’s climate change initiatives, apparently suppressed a report from leading experts calling into question the science behind the theory of manmade climate change. The 98-page report, submitted to agency leaders just prior to it recommending regulation of carbon dioxide emissions, continues to call into question the ‘consensus’ many have said the scientific community has about the theory. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-219-Denver-Weather-Examiner~y2009m6d30-EPA-suppresses-report-calling-into-question-global-warming-science Own a Clunker? It’s Time To Do the Math for the Cash. Wondering what to do with that banged up 1999 Ford Explorer stashed at the vacation house, or the 1992 Buick Park Avenue inherited from your aunt in Florida? Uncle Sam is almost ready to help you turn that into a down payment on a new car. The much-anticipated federal “cash for clunkers” program signed by President Barack Obama last week won’t last long, and it won’t directly sell that many vehicles—about a week’s worth, at recent sales levels. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB20001424052970203872404574258561750901386.html#mod=todays_us_personal_journal Could BMW's Mini E Go The Way Of The EV1 And RAV 4 EV? The similarities are starting to look eerily similar. Consider this: BMW’s one-year pilot program consists of just 500 converted electric Mini Coopers leased for an exhorbitant $850 per month. Sound familiar? GM never offered the EV1 for public sale. It was only available to consumers under a lease program that had a "no purchase" clause, disallowing the vehicle's re-purchase at the conclusion of the lease. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-7102-LA-Alternative-Transportation-Examiner~y2009m7d1-Could-BMWs-Mini-E-go-the-way-of-the-EV1 Oropeza Bill Would Curb Idling School Buses. A legislative committee this week approved a bill that would require idling school buses to turn off their engines the moment they arrive at campuses and start them just before they leave. Senate Bill 124 by Sen. Jenny Oropeza, D-Long Beach, cleared the Transportation Committee, according to her spokesman, Ray Sotero. The bill would require school bus drivers to turn off their engines after arriving within 100 feet of a school and forbid them from restarting engines more than 30 seconds before departure. Posted. http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_12725788 Civics Lesson For Detroit. There’s not much to savor in a victory when your opponent has already been pretty much vanquished before the game has ended. So when Sen. Fran Pavley learned Tuesday that her eight-year mission to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions from the tailpipes of California’s cars had at last cleared its final obstacle, she reacted with satisfaction but not elation. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jul/01/civics-lesson-for-detroit/ Federal Court Upholds Calif Ship Regulations. A federal court judge in Sacramento has upheld California regulations that require ocean-going ships using the state's ports to use cleaner fuel in order to reduce harmful emissions. Judge Morrison England Jr. Tuesday denied a motion by the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association to prevent the rules from going into effect. The association claimed they went against a federal law that limited California's control of the seas to just three nautical miles off its coast. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/state/story/766014.html http://www.modbee.com/business/story/766096.html One Small, Green Rail Line Makes Peace At The Ports Of L.A. And Long Beach Pacific Harbor Line coordinates the movements of cargo into and out of the harbor. Just 11 years old, it was created to be a problem solver. The heavy-metal clash as rail cars slam together is like a symphony to Andrew Fox, and he can hear just how well each note is played as trains assemble on the railroad he runs. On a recent morning, Fox winced only once. "It can be too hard or too soft. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-rail1-2009jul01,0,4131137,print.story Report Issued On Success Of California's Solar Program. Despite the worst economic downturn in decades, California's multibillion-dollar program to expand solar power production — the country's largest — remains on track to install as much new energy this year as last, according to a report issued Tuesday by the California Public Utilities Commission. Driven by federal and state tax credits, businesses and homes are expected to install 156 megawatts of solar energy — enough to power about 78,000 homes — this year. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/greenenergy/ci_12726846 BLOGS MINI Leases Not Good Enough For Some Electric Car Champions. Sometimes, even electric vehicles aren’t good enough for the die-hard green car set. An electric car advocacy group on Tuesday criticized California’s influential air quality regulator, the California Air Resources Board, for allowing BMW’s one-year pilot program of electric Mini Coopers to earn the same credit towards the state’s clean vehicle program as standard production cars. Posted. http://blogs.reuters.com/environment/2009/07/01/mini-leases-not-good-enough-for-some-electric-car-champions/ EPA Targets Nitrogen Dioxide Emissions Near Freeways. The rest of the country may be catching up to California when it comes to limiting emissions of the air toxin nitrogen dioxide. The EPA last Friday proposed to strengthen the limits on nitrogen dioxide (NO2), an air toxin that the agency says can lead to respiratory illnesses. Nitrogen dioxide is found in emissions from traffic and industrial facilities such as power plants. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/06/no2-asthma-air-toxics-.html California's Fossil Fuel Use Slated To Grow. California will spend up to $2,911.1 billion on fossil fuels such as oil and coal between 2010 and 2030, according to a new study released Tuesday by the advocacy group Environment California. Using Department of Energy projections, the group found that the total amount spent on fossil fuel between 2010 and 2030 will amount to almost three times the total earnings of all California workers in 2007. California has no coal plants within its borders, but utilities such as Los Angeles' Department of Water and Power purchase electricity from coal-fired power plants outside the state. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/ Re: ARB Website Content Survey The ARB is asking regular website users to take a few minutes to complete a brief survey about their experiences with our site. Your participation will help us improve our website to serve you better. Thank you. Link to Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2298ML2JK9E ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 13:01:22 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for July 2, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for July 2, 2009. U.S., California Programs To Reduce Ship Emissions. The mandatory use of cleaner fuels will improve the air quality of coastal cities, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says. Targeting one of the biggest sources of air pollution, federal and state regulators moved forward Wednesday with plans to slash emissions from big diesel-powered ships entering U.S. coastal areas. Under rules that took effect Wednesday, the roughly 2,000 ocean-going vessels that enter California ports each year must switch to fuel with lower sulfur content before coming within 24 nautical miles of the state's coast. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-na-clean-ships2-2009jul02,0,2078906,print.story http://www.reuters.com/article/mnCarbonEmissions/idUS373722065520090701 California's Greenhouse Gas Rules Can Take Effect with Obama Reversal of Bush. In a major victory for environmentalists and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Obama administration on Tuesday granted California permission to set the nation's first rules requiring automakers to reduce global warming emissions from new cars, minivans, pickups and SUVs. The permission -- which had been denied by the Bush administration -- means California can immediately enact tougher vehicle standards. Posted. http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/news/news_print.asp?id=158928 Solar Energy Helps To Power Huge Ship At Port Of Long Beach. The solar array, which provides 10% of the energy used by the M/V Auriga Leader while she is docked, is part of a demonstration project to reduce diesel emissions. The huge car carrier ship called the M/V Auriga Leader idled at the Port of Long Beach, burning through enough electricity to power 100 homes as workers loaded and unloaded a fleet of Toyotas. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-solar-ship2-2009jul02,0,7440296,print.story Garbage Gas Will Light Up Thousands Of Homes. Half Moon Bay -- Methane gas seeping from a landfill in Half Moon Bay will supply power for thousands of homes in Alameda and Palo Alto, using a new system that began operation on Wednesday. A new "gas-to-energy" power plant at the Ox Mountain Landfill will collect methane from rotting garbage and burn the gas to generate electricity. Two local utility companies - Alameda Municipal Power and City of Palo Alto Utilities - have agreed to buy the electricity. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/02/BAHM18HMD7.DTL&type=printable http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_12735376 http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_12735376 EU: China, India Must Make Emissions Cuts. The chances of concluding a new global climate change pact remain dim unless China, India and Brazil make significant cuts in carbon dioxide emissions as well a senior Swedish climate change official said Thursday. Lars-Erik Liljelund, special climate change adviser to the Swedish government, said cuts from richer countries in the 27-nation bloc or planned cuts in the United States will not be enough to meet aims to cut at least 25 percent of emission from 1990 levels. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/world/story/767918.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/02/AR2009070201564.html http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12740728?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com Cap-and-Trade Prognosis. This sounds like another Proposition 65, Clean Water or Clean Air Act. The EPA got so powerful and made it hard for businesses, big and small, to comply with regulations. Some big businesses moved out of California. A lot of small businesses could not move; they were forced to close because of the outrageous fines. Now it's global warming, with a new name, cap and trade. Businesses have to buy a permit to release gases. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/letters/story/767544.html American Chestnut's Revival May Combat Climate Change. The American chestnut tree, which towered over eastern U.S. forests before succumbing to a deadly fungus in the early 20th century, appears to be an excellent sponge for greenhouse gases, according to a new study. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/07/01/01greenwire-american-chestnuts-revival-may-combat-climate-45112.html Just Do It. here is much in the House cap-and-trade energy bill that just passed that I absolutely hate. It is too weak in key areas and way too complicated in others. A simple, straightforward carbon tax would have made much more sense than this Rube Goldberg contraption. It is pathetic that we couldn’t do better. It is appalling that so much had to be given away to polluters. It stinks. It’s a mess. I detest it. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/01/opinion/01friedman.html?ref=opinion Many Doubt The Climate Bill's Need And Effectiveness. Here are a few inconvenient facts regarding alleged global warming: 1. The world's temperature has not increased in the last 10 years. 2. A glacier in Argentina is growing. 3. Polar bears are the poster child for global warming alarmists. There are almost twice as many polar bears today as there were in the 1980s. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/letters/story/767542.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12736365 Young Environmentalists Tackle West Oakland Pollution. It started two years ago with a simple walk around the neighborhood. It then morphed into a project to collect and test soot and dust for lead, and now it has evolved into a full-fledged scientific experiment conducted by high school students in West Oakland to identify airborne toxic source emissions that foul the air they breathe. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_11810857?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com Your Help Required! If this week is any indication, the triple-digit days of summer have arrived! What better time for SN&R’s annual reminder (brought to you by the good folk at the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District) of how you—yes, you!—can help in the effort to keep air pollution and smog to a bare minimum in the Sacramento region this summer. Posted. http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/content?oid=1024418 Thawing Permafrost Could Emit Massive Amounts of Greenhouse Gases. While politicians around the world debate how to reduce human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, scientists are making some unsettling discoveries about another developing greenhouse gas problem: nature’s own emissions. A study published this week shows that the amount of carbon locked in the Arctic permafrost is more than double previous estimates. Additionally, other research shows that the permafrost is thawing, meaning this enormous amount of carbon could be released into the atmosphere as the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide and methane. Posted. http://solveclimate.com/blog/20090702/thawing-permafrost-could-emit-massive-amounts-greenhouse-gases Rebound Expected In California's Solar Power Sector. The bad economy slowed the growth of California's solar-power sector in the first half of the year, but the industry appears to be rebounding, according to a report released this week by the California Public Utilities Commission. New solar-power capacity nearly doubled from 2007 to 2008, with 156 megawatts installed last year in areas served by the state's largest utilities. But after peaking in January, the monthly rate of installations dropped sharply, according to PUC figures. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/business/v-print/story/1994476.html Environmentalists Want Judge To Stop Construction At Chevron Refinery In Richmond. Environmental groups are asking a Contra Costa Superior Court judge to halt construction on Chevron's retrofit of its Richmond plant to refine a wider range of crude. The groups secured a victory in June when Judge Barbara Zuniga ruled that the project's environmental impact report was vague and inconsistent. The ruling did not specify if construction must stop. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_12734815 http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_12734815 No Offsite Impacts From Chemical Leak At Richmond Refinery, Chevron Says. Richmond - A leak of about 30 barrels' worth of refinery byproducts at Chevron's Richmond refinery Tuesday afternoon was quickly contained and posed no hazard to the site or surrounding area, the corporation said Wednesday. A flange leak was reported on a feedstock line about 3:45 p.m. as it was being taken down for repairs, said Chevron spokesman Brent Tippen. The feedstock, consisting of propylene tetramer, a chemical produced during the oil refinery process whose uses include plastic production, was ushered into a pipeline containment area. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_12733823 Thomas L. Friedman: Cap-And-Trade Bill Is Flawed, But Let's Pass It. There is much in the House cap-and-trade energy bill that just passed that I absolutely hate. It is too weak in key areas and way too complicated in others. A simple, straightforward carbon tax would have made much more sense than this Rube Goldberg contraption. It is pathetic that we couldn't do better. It is appalling that so much had to be given away to polluters. I detest it. Now let's get it passed in the Senate and make it law. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_12735563 http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jul/02/terrible-bill-senate-should-pass/?&zIndex=125609 Opinion: US Climate Policy: Critics Fail To See The Bigger Picture. Waxman-Markey is not perfect, but it is a significant step forward, says the Climate Group. Many have criticized the US climate policy that passed the House of Representatives last Friday. What they fail to realize is that the only alternative to the climate policy that passed was no climate policy at all. Groups on both the right and the left of the climate debate have attacked the bill. Greenpeace called it “a tremendous loss for the American people and for the world.” Posted. http://www.climatechangecorp.com/content_print.asp?ContentID=6208 Wesley Clark: Ethanol's Field General. Triumphant just a few years ago, the ethanol industry now finds itself embattled. Enter Wesley Clark to rally the troops. (Fortune Magazine) -- If ever there were an industry in need of a general, it's the ethanol industry. Already under siege from food companies blaming biofuels for rising grocery prices, ethanol companies are now seeing their profit margins crushed by falling prices for their product. Compounding the problem, many environmentalists -- who five minutes ago seemed to be in ethanol's corner -- have turned against the corn-based fuel. Posted. http://money.cnn.com/2009/06/23/news/economy/wesley_clark_fights_for_ethanol.fortune/?postversion=2009070209 Re: ARB Website Content Survey The ARB is asking regular website users to take a few minutes to complete a brief survey about their experiences with our site. Your participation will help us improve our website to serve you better. Thank you. Link to Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2298ML2JK9E ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 11:35:46 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for July 3rd, 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for July 3, 2009. Newsclips for July 3, 2009 California's Tough New Smog Rules Take Effect For Ships. The roughly 2,000 large ships that enter San Francisco Bay and other ports in California every year, from oil tankers to cruise liners, will be required to dramatically reduce the amount of smog they emit, under tough new state regulations taking effect this week. The rules, which were fought by the shipping industry in court, are being hailed by public health and environmental groups as a key step in reducing soot and other pollutants that exacerbate asthma, increase cancer risk and contribute to heart disease. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12744198 http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingne/ci_12744198?nclick_check=1 http://www.modbee.com/business/story/766096.html What Better Way To Declare America's Independence Than By Declaring Energy Independence. On Independence Day, 2009, America finds its economic future tied to the whims of unstable, and sometimes, hostile foreign powers who control our energy supply. Although we consume 25 percent of the world's oil, we possess only three percent of the world's reserves. In April alone, we imported 375 million barrels of oil, at a cost of $18.6 billion. This 4th of July, what better way to celebrate America's birthday than to declare energy independence and seize control of our economic destiny? The Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, just passed by the House of Representatives, offers America an unprecedented path forward. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/1996122.html Transit Chief Backs Waterways For Moving Cargo. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood made a brief stop at the Oakland waterfront Thursday to talk up support for "marine highways" - a program to move more cargo over the nation's waterways to reduce truck traffic and air pollution. The idea has particular resonance in Oakland, where the diesel trucks that move goods to and from the Port of Oakland foul the air and add to health risks of nearby residents. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/03/BAJE18IDUN.DTL Indoor Air Cleaners May Release Ozone; Some Certified As Safe. Ozone can produce breathing problems and lead to smog production. One thing it doesn't do is clean up people's houses. Despite the known health risks of ozone, manufacturers of indoor "air cleaners" have intentionally marketed devices that produce high levels of ozone, saying they will improve air quality, according to the California Air Resources Board. These manufacturers are the "snake-oil salesmen of the new millennium," Dimitri Stanich, a spokesman for the board, said today. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/07/ozone-air-purifiers.html SPECIAL REPORT: CARB Delays Reefer Enforcement Until 2010. The California Air Resources Board has delayed enforcement of its rule restricting reefer units hauled by commercial trucks in the state. Trucks that haul reefers in California now have until Dec. 31, 2009 to meet the state’s “In-Use Performance Standards” for 2001 and older reefers, rather than the July 16 enforcement date the state had been planning since January. Posted. http://www.landlinemag.com/Special_Reports/2009/July09/070209-02.htm http://www.etrucker.com/apps/news/article.asp?id=79882 Moorpark To Use Federal Grants For New Buses. The Moorpark City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved replacing the city’s diesel engine buses with three new lower emission buses. The cost of the three new compressed natural gas transit buses is $1.26 million. The city’s cost will be reimbursed by federal grant funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jul/02/moorpark-to-use-federal-grants-for-new-buses/ Editorial: Energy Bill, While Imperfect, Is An Important First Step. So much for the theory that Republicans and Democrats in Washington never see eye to eye: Conservatives and liberals, ranging from Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., to Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, are saying the energy bill their house of Congress passed last week will need a lot of work in the Senate before they'll support it. And President Barack Obama will need all the clout he can muster to win improvements in the bill — the nation's first real initiative for energy independence and its first statement to the world that the U.S. even recognizes the threat of global warming. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_12743310 Green-Energy Tax Cuts Instead Of Cap-And-Trade. You cannot fight something with nothing. This fact should be chiseled in stone above the House and Senate Republican cloakrooms. House Republicans debated the cap-and-trade bill’s myriad shortcomings. Alas, they never presented a riveting alternative that would have rallied free-marketeers and further split Democrats, who lost 44 members as the House considered this $864 billion monstrosity last week. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jul/03/green-energy-tax-cuts-instead-of-cap-and-trade Sheep Getting Smaller In Scotland Due To Climate Change, Study Says. Along with polar icecaps and sandy beaches, sheep on a remote Scottish island are gradually shrinking as a result of global warming, according to a study published today in the journal Science. The finding offers unusual proof that large animals are already evolving to adapt to changes wrought by climate change, experts said. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-sci-small-sheep3-2009jul03,0,4671661.story http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/03/MNL918IAPI.DTL http://www.celsias.com/article/climate-change-causes-sheep-shrinkage/ http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jul/02/us-sci-shrinking-sheep-070209/ http://www.modbee.com/2032/story/768117.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_12741709 The EPA Silences a Climate Skeptic. Wherever Jim Hansen is right now -- whatever speech the "censored" NASA scientist is giving -- perhaps he'll find time to mention the plight of Alan Carlin. Though don't count on it. Mr. Hansen, as everyone in this solar system knows, is the director of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies. Starting in 2004, he launched a campaign against the Bush administration, claiming it was censoring his global-warming thoughts and fiddling with the science. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124657655235589119.html Climate Declaration To Get Global Boost. The U.S., European Union and 12 of the world's largest nations plan to embrace "an aspirational goal" of reducing emissions of global-warming gases by 50% by 2050, according to a draft declaration by world leaders set for release next week in Italy. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124656785956688323.html Another View: Now's Time To Assess Costs Of Fighting Global Warming. For the first time, someone has put a price on what Americans are willing to pay to protect their children and grandchildren from the effects of global warming: $18.75 a month. The effort began with a Washington Post/ABC News poll last week that found that 62 percent of Americans think the government should regulate greenhouse gases even if regulation raises the costs of things they buy. The pollsters then briefly described the cap-and-trade legislation that passed the House last Friday. Posted. http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_12744014 DIONNE: The 'New Politics' Of Global Warming. Hours before the House passed its cap-and-trade bill last week, freshman Democrats Tom Perriello and Frank Kratovil were pondering the political fallout of the votes they were about to cast in favor of a plan Republicans were denouncing as “cap-and-tax.” Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090703/OPINION/907029907/1042?Title=DIONNE-The-new-politics-of-global-warming In Drive for Wind Power, Man Who Led Coal Plant Seeks Atonement. A guilty conscience turned Min Deqing into northwestern China’s unlikely prophet of wind and solar energy. For more than three decades, Mr. Min worked at the main coal-fired power plant in Lanzhou, the capital of impoverished Gansu province. After an education interrupted by the Cultural Revolution, he started in 1973 as a laborer maintaining the turbines and pushed himself up the ranks to operations director by 1996, partly by inventing new industrial techniques that caught on elsewhere in the Chinese power and steel industries. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/03/business/energy-environment/03renewside.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/03/business/energy-environment/03renew.html?ref=business Traders in Clean-Energy Certificates Fear House Climate Bill Will Upset Market. Brokers in renewable-energy certificates have reservations about provisions in the House-passed climate and energy bill that would set a national renewable electricity standard. While most clean technology analysts assume the bill sponsored by Democrats Henry Waxman of California and Ed Markey of Massachusetts would expand the market for the green certificates -- tradable commodities known commonly as RECs -- veterans in the REC trade fear federal mandates will crush a voluntary market for green energy. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/07/02/02greenwire-traders-in-clean-energy-certificates-fear-hous-23008.html Project Pullout Leaves SMUD Scrambling To Fill Power Needs. The Sacramento Municipal Utility District's withdrawal this week from a major Northern California power-transmission project complicates its transition to renewable energy. SMUD planners foresaw using the new high-voltage lines to carry power to Sacramento from new wind, solar and geothermal energy projects envisioned for Lassen County and northwestern Nevada. SMUD cited financial uncertainties for the pullout. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/378/story/1997525.html Uncle Sam To Pond Scum: I Want You! LOGAN, Utah -- Researchers at Utah State University and around the country are trying to identify strains of algae that could someday provide fuel for the United States military. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/03/AR2009070301190.html Seven New Members Join The East Bay Green Corridor Partnership. OAKLAND — The green corridor project has seven new partners who are working on doing for the East Bay what high tech did for Silicon Valley. The idea of the East Bay Green Corridor Partnership, which was founded in December 2007, is to create green and clean jobs and to generate revenue. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_12742683 Nightlife Goes Green. Peter Shapiro was bounding around Brooklyn Bowl, showing off all that his new music club/bowling alley would have to offer. By the entryway was a full kitchen and dining area. At one end of the cavernous main room, bathed in cool blue light, was the stage. Next to it were 16 bowling lanes, and on the wall above them a concert film by the Who played on eight huge, high-definition screens. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/bay-area-living/ci_12741305 Taking Steps to Fight Global Warming. Re “Climate in the Senate” (editorial, July 1): While it’s encouraging to see Congress taking steps to reduce global warming, the approach championed at the moment — cap and trade — is fraught with perils and ineffectiveness. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/03/opinion/l03climate.html Re: ARB Website Content Survey The ARB is asking regular website users to take a few minutes to complete a brief survey about their experiences with our site. Your participation will help us improve our website to serve you better. Thank you. Link to Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2298ML2JK9E ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 6 Jul 2009 11:41:56 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for July 6, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for July 6, 2009. Newsclips for July 6, 2009 Can White Paints, Reflective Windows and Closed Doors Save the Planet? The fight against climate change has taken a rather low-tech turn lately. Obama's Energy Secretary Stephen Chu wants to fight climate change by whitewashing the world's roofs roads and pavements. California's air regulators are requiring automakers, beginning in 2012, to install sun-reflecting glass in the windows of new cars sold in the state to help cut cooling needs. Posted. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kirsten-dirksen/can-white-paints-reflecti_b_226010.html Climate Registry Releases New Emission Reporting Protocols. The Los Angeles-based Climate Registry has released new protocols that local governments can use to measure and report their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to the Registry. The Registry assists local governments in creating emissions inventories that can be compared with other communities' emissions inventories. http://americancityandcounty.com/topics/green/lgo-emission-reporting-protocol-20090706/ Editorial: California Rules. We knew it was coming, but the event is still worth celebrating as further evidence of the strides this country has taken, since the Bush administration left town, to confront the problems of oil dependency and global warming. On Tuesday, the Environmental Protection Agency formally granted California the permission it had been seeking for seven years to enforce its own landmark rules aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/05/opinion/05sun3.html?_r=1&ref=opinion EPA Approves Calif.’s Waiver Request to Regulate Greenhouse Gas Emissions. This story appears in the July 6 print edition of Transport Topics. The Environmental Protection Agency last week approved California’s request for a federal waiver, allowing the state to immediately implement restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions from new cars and light trucks and reversing a Bush administration decision. Posted. http://www.ttnews.com/articles/printnews.aspx?storyid=22249 Editorial: Cap-and-Pay-Off. PRESIDENT OBAMA has been about as enthusiastic as one can be supporting the leviathan Waxman-Markey energy bill, which the House just passed, despite the bill's web of mandates, subsidies and regulations. But following the squeaker of a House vote, there was one provision that even Mr. Obama couldn't stomach: a requirement added shortly before the vote that, in 2020, the president begin slapping tariffs on goods from countries that do not limit or price their carbon emissions. He's right to be skeptical. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/04/AR2009070402021.html Climate Battle Moves To The Senate. Obama Faces Calls For More Concessions, Including Offshore Drilling, In Global Warming Legislation. Reporting from Washington — President Obama's landmark energy and global warming bill squeaked through the House only after the White House made dozens of concessions to coal, manufacturing and other interests. Now, as the battle moves to the Senate, Obama faces demands for even more concessions -- including pressure to open the nation's coastlines to offshore oil and gas drilling. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-climate6-2009jul06,0,4993689,print.story Mark Steyn: Global Warming Is So Last Century. President Barack Obama was supposed to be "cool." But he isn't. He's square. Not just mildly so, but embarrassingly square. He's squaresville squared. It's like you're having a party with your friends, and he's the cringe-making middle-age parent who wants to show he digs where the young people are at by grooving around in the middle of the dance floor all night long. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/percent-obama-government-2483574-spending-warming Mayor Wants DWP To Switch From Cheap Coal. Even with the prospects of higher rates, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is pushing to speed the conversion of the Department of Water and Power from cheap coal power to expanded use of renewable energy. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12751309?nclick_check=1 Oxfam to G-8: Climate Change Will Spread Hunger. AMSTERDAM—Chronic hunger may be "the defining human tragedy of this century," as climate change causes growing seasons to shift, crops to fail, and storms and droughts to ravage fields, an advocacy group said. Oxfam International released a report Monday as leaders of the Group of Eight wealthiest nations prepare to meet in Italy this week, with an agenda to include both food security and climate change. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12758696 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/05/AR2009070502387.html House Climate Bill Wouldn't Cut U.S. Oil Dependence Much. Despite its title as the "American Clean Energy and Security Act," the energy and climate bill that the House of Representatives passed recently takes only a modest step toward reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil. Two studies project that the legislation would cut oil use in the future, but not enough to make much of a dent in dependence on oil from unstable or unfriendly foreign suppliers. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/769293.html Q and A on the Climate Bill. The climate bill approved by the House last month started out as an idea -- fight global warming -- and wound up looking like an unabridged dictionary. It runs to more than 1,400 pages, swollen with loopholes and giveaways meant to win over un-green industries and wary legislators. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/05/AR2009070502287.html Global Gases. We knew that cow burps were a major source of the greenhouse gas methane in the atmosphere. Now add belches of methane gas from vents on the bottom of the ocean to the list of significant methane sources. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/05/AR2009070502412.html Golden State Postpones Controversial Reefer Regs. Sacramento, Calif. -- Cross-border reefer carriers sweating over costly new truck refrigeration unit rules in California have been given a short compliance reprieve. Although Christmas time might get to be more expensive than usual for Cali-bound truckers, the California Air Resources Board has pushed back its deadline for the state's strict new emissions rules for reefer units, from July 16, 2009 to December 31. Posted. http://www.todaystrucking.com/news.cfm?intDocID=22069 Older Cars Fouling Region's Air Quality. The recession is contributing to higher levels of air pollution in the Washington area as new car sales plummet and older, dirtier vehicles remain on the road longer, according to a recent study by regional planners. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/03/AR2009070302451.html Eye On The Environment: County APCD's 'Air' Film To Get Online Guide. The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District’s film, “Air — The Search for One Clean Breath,” has been out and about in the county since September, but there’s something new. The film, created to show viewers they have a personal choice to help clean our air and that personal action is an ongoing responsibility of everyone who breathes, has recently won an award and an online guide is on the way. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jul/05/county-apcds-air-film-to-get-online-guide/ Power Plant's Conversion A Positive For Calaveras County. Over the next year, the former coal-fired electrical power plant at Buena Vista will be converted to burn a much cleaner fuel - wood waste. Not only will the plant provide electricity for about 16,000 homes, but it will also solve some environmental problems in Calaveras County and the Mother Lode by providing a market for wood waste from thinning overgrown forests and removal of orchards in San Joaquin County, and even wood scraps that would otherwise end up in landfills. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090704/A_NEWS/907040305/-1/NEWSMAP Clean Coal, and the Alternatives. Gregg Easterbrook extols cleaner coal through the “integrated gasification combined cycle” process (“The Dirty War Against Clean Coal,” Op-Ed, June 29). The process, he claims, would reduce greenhouse emissions by two-thirds if used along with carbon sequestration. That’s still a lot of CO2. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/06/opinion/l06coal.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Fresno Ranked Greenest In Valley. Out of 100 Central Valley cities, Fresno has the greenest ideas for growth over the next three decades, says a groundbreaking study by the University of California at Davis. But Fresno still may not be able to protect land, water and air from explosive growth, says lead author Mark Lubell. He doubts other cities will have much luck either. Green policies still could be pushed aside for pollution-causing sprawl that earns more money for city treasuries. Posted. http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1515043.html Author Unplugged Fridge And Sold Car In The Name Of Green'. What does your typical morning routine look like a blurry-eyed stop at Starbucks for a banana and takeout latte before hopping on the freeway? You are not alone. What if, instead of the stressful gridlock and disposable cup, you tried biking to your office and treating yourself to a freshly-brewed mug of coffee once you arrived? For Vanessa Farquharson, it is all in a day's greening. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/life/books/story/771631.html California Solar-Power Subsidy Program Approaches its Limit. California solar-power subsidy program approaches its limit. A bill seeks to quadruple the amount of electricity consumers with roof panels may sell. The solar industry pushes to pass it. PG & E, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric oppose. Reporting from Sacramento — Lis Sines of Hermosa Beach loves watching her electric meter run backward. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/printedition/la-fi-solar6-2009jul06,0,4035886.story Re: ARB Website Content Survey The ARB is asking regular website users to take a few minutes to complete a brief survey about their experiences with our site. Your participation will help us improve our website to serve you better. Thank you. Link to Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2298ML2JK9E ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 7 Jul 2009 11:57:19 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for July 7, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV . Critique of U.S. Action On Climate Expected at Summits. At a pair of international summits dealing with climate change this week, President Obama will be able to point to something no previous president has: a House-approved bill that would cap U.S. greenhouse-gas emissions. But he'll still hear the same criticism lobbed at his predecessors -- that America isn't doing enough. In L'Aquila, Italy, where the Group of Eight powers and a wider circle of 17 heavy-polluting nations will both meet, both environmental groups and European countries are likely to call the U.S. legislation insufficient. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/07/AR2009070701207_pf.html http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124698120257506383.html?mod=googlenews_wsj http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/07/07/07greenwire-obama-admin-urges-senate-to-pass-energy-climat-32730.html http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/07/07/07climatewire-senators-prep-for-climate-debate-with-hearin-65799.html http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ikDdeQAFXXOzwm6Fp5UeSjZuUc6wD999N4N83 Small Businesses Irate Over Climate Change Bill. A growing number of business owners and taxpayers are mobilizing nationwide against the House-approved cap-and-trade energy bill, which would reduce energy consumption but could raise energy prices and harm small businesses. The revolution will not be televised: it's been blinking along on a giant bakery sign in St. Louis, Mo., instead. Fed up with his congressman's vote on a sweeping climate-change bill that passed the House of Representatives on Saturday, the proprietor of McArthur's Bakery took to his street sign and posted a clear message to all passersby: "Russ Carnahan voted to ... close us and other ... small business." Posted. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/07/07/small-businesses-irate-climate-change/ Scientists: Rich Should Pay More for Global Warming. They already pay the most when it comes to taxes, and if a group of scientists have their way, the wealthy could soon be on the hook for their greenhouse emissions, too. It's a plan that's being floated in an article in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, which suggests an easy way around the ongoing debate between rich and poor nations about who should bear the brunt of having to reduce carbon dioxide emissions is to shift the focus to the number of rich people a country has. Posted. http://www.foxnews.com/printer_friendly_story/0,3566,530375,00.html Hydrogen Firm Joins State's Fuel Cell Group. A large hydrogen company has joined the West Sacramento-based California Fuel Cell Partnership. CaFCP said its new associate member, Linde North America, based in Murray Hill, N.J., is a leader in designing hydrogen-delivery systems, including technology to fuel hydrogen vehicles. The North American Linde operation is part of The Linde Group, one of the world's largest hydrogen producers and suppliers, based in Munich, Germany. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/business/v-print/story/2005064.html S.J. Air District Drafts Emissions Mandate. A proposed rule to limit emissions would require employers to take steps to reduce the number of miles driven by their employees on the way to and from work. In draft form, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District rule would mandate that businesses employing 100 or more workers adopt strategies to cut down on vehicle trips. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090707/A_NEWS14/907070313 UPS Vows to Slash Air Fleet's Fuel Use, Emissions. United Parcel Service Inc. aims to cut its airline fleet's greenhouse gas emissions 42 percent from 1990 levels during the next decade by using less fossil fuel in its jets. UPS currently operates the world's ninth-largest private airline fleet, with 228 jumbo jets in service and 314 more chartered aircraft. The Atlanta-based company said in a sustainability report today that it plans to invest in more fuel-efficient aircraft models, introduce biofuels, reduce runway idling and optimize flight routes, among other things, to slash its fuel costs and emissions of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/07/07/07greenwire-ups-vows-to-slash-air-fleets-fuel-use-emission-87059.html Obama Officials Urge Senate To Act On Climate. Saying global warming poses unprecedented threats to Americans' way of life, four of President Barack Obama's top environmental and energy officials urged the Senate on Tuesday to pass legislation to reduce the pollution linked to the planet's rising temperature. The heads of the Energy Department, Agriculture Department, Interior Department and Environmental Protection Agency told a Senate panel it should pass a bill similar to one the House narrowly cleared late last month. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/breakingnews/story/773023.html http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/07/07/07greenwire-obama-admin-urges-senate-to-pass-energy-climat-32730.html Push and Pull in Senate May Recast Climate Bill. President Obama's climate-change legislation begins a daunting march through the Senate this week, with supporters acknowledging they are as many as 15 votes shy of victory and well aware that deals to attract more votes could erode the bill's environment-friendly objectives. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/06/AR2009070603514.html?hpid=moreheadlines The Big Four of Accounting Will Be Among the Big Winners if U.S. Adopts Climate Law. Having helped companies explore the labyrinth of greenhouse gas regulation in Europe, the Big Four auditing and accounting firms are now moving quickly to build climate and carbon shops in the United States. Their goal is to stake claim to a business that could one day rival tax compliance and financial disclosure in size and scope. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/07/07/07climatewire-the-big-four-of-accounting-will-be-among-the-77758.html Major Economies To Seek Break On Climate Talks. Developing countries with big polluting industries are joining the world's wealthiest nations at the G-8 summit this week, trying to unblock troubled climate negotiations just five months before a deadline on limiting global carbon emissions. The presidents and prime ministers gathering in Italy are expected to consider committing to a firm goal of halving the world's greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century, although disagreement persists on how that should be measured. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/world/story/772983.html Debating Climate Change. To the Editor: In “Betraying the Planet” (column, June 29), Paul Krugman asserts that those of us who oppose government regulation to deal with climate change are committing “treason against the planet.” I think Mr. Krugman is committing treason against reasoned debate. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/07/opinion/lweb07climate.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=climate%20change&st=cse GRAY: Climate bill should be free of political baggage. The White House and the sponsors of the Waxman-Markey legislation recently passed by the House have prominently asserted that their proposals are based on the hugely successful acid rain cap-and-trade program established in the Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) of 1990. Posted. http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jul/07/climate-bill-should-be-free-of-political-baggage/?feat=home_columns Dealers Optimistic About Cash for Clunkers Program, But Want Details. Just about every car dealership in town is excited about a federal cash for clunkers program designed to get older, smoggy gas hogs off the streets, but as they say, the devil's in the details. Even though financial incentives to trade in less fuel efficient cars for cleaner ones technically kicked off July 1, the California New Car Dealers Association is advising members to hold off on finalizing deals for another two or three weeks. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/news/business/economy/x1216782465/Dealers-optimistic-about-cash-for-clunkers-program-but-want-details San Mateo County Students Earn Green With Green-Collar Jobs. They were hot and sweaty from the morning's labor, but the pride on the faces of the teenagers constructing a nature trail at Huddart County Park spoke volumes about what they've come to think of as the best summer job ever. Clutching wheelbarrows filled with base rock and wearing matching T-shirts with the motto "Conservation Begins Here," the high school crew paused under a stand of redwoods to describe the rewards of their paid summer internship with the Student Conservation Association, billed as some of the first federally funded "green-collar" jobs for youths in the Bay Area. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/green/ci_12763631 http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_12763631?nclick_check=1 China May Clean Our Green Clock. Over the past decade, whenever I went to China and engaged Chinese on their pollution and energy problems, inevitably some young Chinese would say: "Hey, you Americans got to grow dirty for 150 years, using cheap coal and oil. Now it is our turn.” It’s a hard argument to refute. Eventually, I decided the only way to respond was with some variation of the following: "You're right. It's your turn. Grow as dirty as you want. Take your time. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/national/story/772721.html Making A Cash Cow Out Of Manure Isn't Easy. Atwater, Calif. -- The gurgling is loudest near the edges as Carl Morris jumps on a tarp covering a lagoon of decomposing manure. "It's the world's largest waterbed," said Morris, chief operating officer of Joseph Gallo Dairy Farms in California's Central Valley. The moonbounce-like, 60-millimeter-thick tarp covers the farm's 24-foot-deep pond. It's a holding tank for manure from 5,000 Holstein and Jersey cows, and the decomposing waste produces 400,000 cubic feet of methane gas per day. That, in turn, powers a generator and provides steam to run a cheese-making plant. It's also very stinky. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/07/07/1 Formaldehyde: Saratoga Homeowner Refuses New Kitchen Cabinets. Jeff Grant waited two months for his new kitchen cabinets. Yesterday, he tested his cabinets for formaldehyde, and he demanded his money back. Jeff and Barbara are building their “dream house” in Saratoga. Their kids are nearly out of college, and they are eager to enjoy the benefits of successful careers. They will not accept cabinets that could make their new home a “sick house”. Meeting Jeff at the cabinetmaker’s shop, we tested each box for formaldehyde. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-5101-San-Jose-Environmental-Health-Examiner~y2009m7d7-Formaldehyde--Saratoga-homeowner-refuses-new-kitchen-cabinets BLOGS When Cap-and-Trade Meets M.&A. As a bill aiming to cap carbon emissions makes its way through Congress, some are speculating that the measure could help deal-making as well as the environment. The heart of the bill is a cap-and-trade system for limiting greenhouse gases. In Europe, where a cap-and-trade system is already in place, many big polluters have already sought to offset their costs by acquiring smaller, cleaner companies with plenty of carbon credits. Posted. http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/07/cap-and-trade-meets-ma/?pagemode=print Pickens Drops Plan for Largest Wind Farm. T. Boone Pickens, the legendary oilman, has abandoned his plan to build the world’s largest wind farm, according to a report in the Dallas Morning News that was confirmed by a spokesman for Mr. Pickens. The report states that Mr. Pickens will instead build a handful of smaller wind farms around the Midwest. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/07/pickens-drops-plan-for-largest-wind-farm/?scp=8&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Water for Energy, the Bad Bet for Biofuels. In the ongoing debate about rethinking America’s energy future, there has been far too little discussion about water. It takes a tremendous amount of water to produce our energy, no matter how you measure it. According to the USGS assessment of water use in the United States (done every five years), about half of all freshwater and saline-water withdrawals for 2000 were used for thermoelectric power. Posted. http://www.celsias.com/article/water-energy-bad-bet-biofuels/ Re: ARB Website Content Survey The ARB is asking regular website users to take a few minutes to complete a brief survey about their experiences with our site. Your participation will help us improve our website to serve you better. Thank you. Link to Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2298ML2JK9E ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 8 Jul 2009 16:05:01 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for July 8, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for July 8, 2009. G-8 Nations Fail to Agree on Climate Change Plan. L’AQUILA, Italy — The world’s major industrial nations and emerging powers failed to agree Wednesday on significant cuts in heat-trapping gases by 2050, unraveling an effort to build a global consensus to fight climate change, according to people following the talks. As President Obama arrived for three days of meetings with other international leaders, negotiators dropped a proposal that would have committed the world to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by midcentury and industrialized countries to slashing their emissions by 80 percent. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/09/world/europe/09prexy.html?_r=1&hp=&pagewanted123=print http://www.modbee.com/world/story/774452.html http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090708/NEWS/907089993 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/08/science/earth/08climate.html?ref=science http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12775863?nclick_check=1 http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jd7k_fE2R4LuS8q9w0fglmjvKlBgD99ABT980 Bill To Regulate Greenhouse Gas Passes Assembly Committee. Long Beach - A bill by state Sen. Jenny Oropeza that would curb a greenhouse gas previously thought safe for the environment has cleared the state Assembly's Natural Resources Committee. Senate Bill 104 would give the California Air Resources Board, or CARB, the authority to regulate nitrogen trifluoride, or NF3, which is considered more harmful to the environment than carbon dioxide. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12772727 Calif. Air Chief Still Fighting For Changes To Waxman-Markey Bill. San Francisco -- California's reluctance to see its carbon-reduction effort pre-empted by federal legislation appears to have softened as many lawmakers, academics and environmentalists in the Golden State opted to get behind the bill that cleared the U.S. House last month. Posted. -http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/2009/07/08/6/ Satellite Shows Big Thinning Of Old Arctic Sea Ice. Washington—New NASA satellite measurements show that sea ice in the Arctic is more than just shrinking in area, it is dramatically thinning. The volume of older crucial sea ice in the Arctic has shrunk by 57 percent from the winter of 2004 to 2008. That's losing more volume of ice than water in Lake Michigan. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_12770607 Cash Incentives for Carpooling to Get a Trial Run in D.C. Area. Die-hard solo drivers in the Washington area will soon have a new reason to consider carpooling -- cold hard cash. In a three-month test program starting this fall, commuters along three congested corridors will be eligible to earn $2 a day by sharing rides to work. If that short-term reward leads to a long-term shift in habits, the offer could be extended to other parts of the region to ease gridlock. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/07/AR2009070702520_pf.html Cabinet Members Push Climate Bill on the Hill. A quartet of Obama administration officials launched a new effort to sell landmark climate change legislation on Capitol Hill, telling a Senate committee today that the goal was not limited to simply curbing greenhouse gases but also to creating a boom in alternative energy jobs. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/07/AR2009070702069.html?hpid=topnews Sen Barbara Boxer Leading Energy Bill's Senate Push. Washington - Sen. Barbara Boxer on Tuesday launched the Senate push for legislation to combat global warming, as she convened the first in a series of hearings on the contentious plan. Members of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works clashed at the hearing, signaling a tough road forward for legislation that represents a cornerstone of President Barack Obama's agenda. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/politics/stories/PE_News_Local_S_climate08.464771d.html# Climate Change Bill Faces Long Odds In Senate. Washington -The Senate took up sweeping climate change legislation Tuesday, with four Obama administration officials insisting that the measure is urgently needed to combat global warming, wean the United States off imported oil and revitalize the nation's economy. Energy Secretary Steven Chu told the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee that the United States "has the opportunity to lead a new industrial revolution of creating sustainable, clean energy." Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/08/MNTO18KILI.DTL&type=printable Utilities Drive Down Carbon With Alternative Fuel Fleet. Not only are natural gas and electricity among the cleanest commercially available transportation fuels — providing a 15-percent to 60-percent reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions — fuel prices are very competitive relative to gasoline, Snyder said. For example, natural gas priced today at $9 per million British thermal units (Btu) is equivalent to about $2.65-per-gallon gasoline. Posted. http://ngvglobal.com/es/utilities-drive-down-carbon-with-alternative-fuel-fleets-0708 Gov. Barbour Dives, Once More, Into the Climate Fray. Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour jumped back into the climate debate yesterday, seemingly eager to face the wrath of environmentalists. The longtime Republican leader and possible 2012 presidential candidate starred as the key GOP witness at the first Senate hearing on the issue since the House narrowly passed a major global warming bill last month. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/07/08/08climatewire-gov-barbour-dives-once-more-into-the-climate-87134.html Financial Incentives Offered for Diesel Engines. Air quality regulators in the Bay Area have announced funding incentives to diesel engine operators. $9 million in grants is available to upgrade older equipment. The grants are available on a first-come, firs-served basis. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is targeting trucks, locomotives and marine vessels polluting the air with smog-forming emissions. " Posted. http://www.kcbs.com/Financial-Incentives-Offered-for-Diesel-Engines/4752562 Blogs Can Obama Keep Pledge to Lead on Climate? Throughout his run for the White House and after his election, President Obama pledged to restore the United States to a position of leadership in global talks aimed at a new treaty cutting emissions of greenhouse gases. But can he do that considering the constraints on any president, which include a requirement that two-thirds of the Senate must consent to United States participation in an international treaty? Posted. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/08/can-obama-fulfill-pledge-to-lead-on-climate/?scp=3&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse Are E.U. Climate Ambitions Being Sidelined? As John Broder and I write today in today’s New York Times and International Herald Tribune, the Europeans may be yielding their global leadership on climate policy as the United States and China – the world’s two largest carbon dioxide polluters – display signs of seeking a bilateral deal the rest of the world might be obliged to accept. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/08/are-eu-climate-ambitions-being-sidelined/ Gore Picked The Wrong War For Global Warming. Al Gore spoke out again against global warming in London yesterday: "Winston Churchill aroused this nation in heroic fashion to save civilization in World War II... We have everything we need except political will but political will is a renewable resource." I guess it pretty clearly shows how he views himself and his followers, and also what he thinks of his opposition. I have to wonder why AGW proponents need to find political will. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-9111-SF-Environmental-Policy-Examiner~y2009m7d8-Gore-picked-the-wrong-war-for-global-warming China Sets 15% Renewable Energy Target, Ups Ante on U.S. As the United States Congress battles over the costs, benefits, and especially, definitions of its own national renewable energy standard, coal-giant China announced a plan to get 15 percent of its energy capacity from wind, solar and other renewable energy sources by 2020, the state-run China Daily reports. Posted. http://www.celsias.com/article/china-15-renewable-energy-target-ups-ante-us/ Summer Sports with Lighter Carbon Footprint. Summer is a time for playing tennis, surfing, skateboarding, riding a bike, hiking and generally enjoying the great outdoors in it’s natural splendor (what’s left of it anyhow.) Regrettably fun in the sun isn’t always so kind to Mother Earth. Equipment and careless behavior can often leave a heavy footprint. With the health of the planet in mind here are some ways you can have fun and keep your global impact in check. Posted. http://www.celsias.com/article/summer-sports-lighter-carbon-footprints/ Re: ARB Website Content Survey The ARB is asking regular website users to take a few minutes to complete a brief survey about their experiences with our site. Your participation will help us improve our website to serve you better. Thank you. Link to Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2298ML2JK9E ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2009 13:35:21 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for July 9th, 2009 From: sponedal@ARB.CA.GOV .. EPA awards $25M to Calif to clean air projects. SAN FRANCISCO—More than $25 million in federal grants are being awarded to help reduce diesel pollution in California by school buses, trucks and industrial machinery. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Wednesday it chose to fund eight projects in California that would have the most dramatic effect on reducing harmful diesel emissions. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_12786357?nclick_check=1 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/07/08/state/n135716D62.DTL&type=newsbayarea http://smdailyjournal.com/article_preview.php?type=wnews&id=113006 http://fwix.com/share/1_9703ea9dbb http://www.kolotv.com/californianews/headlines/50311382.html http://www.fresnobee.com/state/story/1523335.html http://www.modbee.com/state/story/774949.html http://www.sacbee.com/state_wire/story/2010732.html?mi_rss=AP%2520State%2520News http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/CA_Clean_Air_Grants_421654C.shtml http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jul/08/ca-clean-air-grants-070809/ http://content.usatoday.com/topics/article/Places,+Geography/Towns,+Cities,+Counties/Long+Beach/07IVbSx8uA3na/1 http://m.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jul/08/epa-awards-25m-to-calif-to-clean-air-projects/ Fresno furniture store fined by state. The California Air Resources Board has fined Home Design/Lifestyle Furniture of Fresno $5,500 for diesel truck emission violations that occurred in 2007 and 2008. A fleet audit found that the company had not been annually inspecting its heavy-duty diesel vehicles, as required by California law, CARB says. Posted. http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=12475 http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=998:fresno-business-fined-for-air-violations&catid=103:transportation&Itemid=785 If Valley wants air pollution levels significantly lowered, air ‘refresher’ course de rigueur. On October 25, ’08, I attended the Transportation Energy and Fuels Forum (TEFF). The TEFF, put on by the Latino Environmental Advancement and Policy (LEAP) and Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies (CEERT) groups, was held at Fresno City College. As the forum name implied, transportation was one of the day’s topics which, to me, was of particular interest, especially the part having to do with Valley transportation’s contribution to air pollution. There were some sobering statistics. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-11410-Fresno-Green-Transportation-Examiner~y2009m7d8-If-Valley-wants-air-pollution-levels-significantly-lowered-air-refresher-course-de-rigueur Ethanol will play a lead role in a cleaner, greener California. At the end of April, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) adopted the nation’s first Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). The state’s energy policy now calls for replacing 20 percent of the state’s petroleum with alternative fuels, including ethanol, and a 10 percent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. Posted. http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?_c=y3yk6kg0sl936u&xid=y3yj2rcplut10y&done=.y3yk6kg0sls36u Central Valley gets $6 million in recovery funds. Federal stimulus funding of $6 million has been allocated to the Central Valley for air-pollution-control measures, the regional air district announced Wednesday. Posted. http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/article/20090709/NEWS01/907090316/1002 U.S. Ships Need to Make Ready for Air Standards. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a rule under the Clean Air Act that sets tough engine and fuel standards for U.S. flagged ships, according to a July 1 press release. "These emissions are contributing to health, environmental, and economic challenges for port communities and others that are miles inland," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "Lowering emissions from American ships will help safeguard our port communities, and demonstrate American leadership in protecting our health and the environment around the globe." Posted. http://www.eponline.com/articles/72740/ North state air quality better than most areas. New federal maps show that the north state's air is less likely to cause cancer and other ailments than air in much of the state and across the country. "Shasta County has very clean air compared to the rest of the state," said Kathleen Stewart, a risk assessor in the Environmental Protection Agency's San Francisco office. Posted. http://www.redding.com/news/2009/jul/09/north-state-air-quality-better-thab-most-areas/ Cough, splutter. Responding to what it says is some of the worst air quality in the country, the EPA has come up with approximately $25 million to help California breathe a little easier. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District will receive $2 million to retrofit and replace diesel-spewing trucks at the Port of Oakland. Caltrans gets $951,431 to reduce diesel emissions - by at least 85 percent - from its construction equipment. The rest is Southern California-bound to combat the especially noxious emissions emanating from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and the South Coast Air Basin. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/08/BUK518KLG6.DTL&type=business Stimulus Dollars Will Put Cleaner Engines in School Buses - San Diego 6 News. SAN DIEGO - The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District was awarded $1.56 million in federal economic stimulus dollars Wednesday to retrofit school buses with cleaner engines. Posted. http://www.sandiego6.com/news/local/story/Stimulus-Dollars-Will-Put-Cleaner-Engines-in/Y2AzYv7hyk22dTJdtWEBmw.cspx http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jul/09/1m9b2briefs013040-short-takes/?metro Report shows the power of US cities to mitigate climate change and steps they need to take to adapt. By Carbon Disclosure Project, [RxPG] U.S. municipal governments are showing leadership by voluntarily accounting for and reducing greenhouse gas emissions resulting from their operations. They also recognize the huge potential to influence long-term reductions from the residents and businesses in their communities, according to a new report. Posted. http://www.rxpgnews.com/research/Report-shows-the-power-of-US-cities-to-mitigate-climate-change-and-steps-they-need-to-take-to-adapt_175066.shtml G-8 leaders focus on global warming. L'AQUILA, Italy (CNN) -- Leaders of the world's leading industrialized nations are meeting with representatives of up-and-coming economies to tackle global warming at an economic summit Thursday in Italy. U.S. President Barack Obama will lead the Major Economies Forum at the Group of Eight meetings in L'Aquila. Posted. http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/07/09/g8.summit/ http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ir4lcMjAk62Q3tsvShEeOF8igrlQD99AHI700 Climate targets around the world. Climate change is high on the agenda at the G8 summit in L'Aquila. Leaders of the major industrial countries are discussing targets for reducing global warming with counterparts from developing countries. Here are the promises that countries and supra-national bodies have already made. Posted. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8142342.stm UN chief rebukes G8 for lack of climate action. L'AQUILA, Italy — The U.N. secretary general has rebuked the Group of Eight leaders for failing to make more commitments to reducing climate change in the near future. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon also says the G-8 must come forward with financing for poorer nations to change their polluting growth pattern and adapt to the effects of global warming. He said today the G-8 must do both if developing countries are to cut their own emissions. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_12792467 BLOGS Al Gore likens global warming to Nazi threat. Al Gore is now comparing the battle against global warming to the fight against Adolf Hitler in World War II. In a speech to students at Oxford on Tuesday, the former vice president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate conceded that there is still work to do to convince political leaders that the threat of climate change is as urgent as that from the Nazis. The Senate is beginning debate on a cap-and-trade bill to curb emissions, predicted to be an even tougher fight than in the House, where Speaker Nancy Pelosi had to twist arms and trade votes to win a narrow victory. Gore seemed to acknowledge the difficulty of converting grassroots passion into political will. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/07/al-gore-likens-global-warming-to-nazi-threat.html G8 climate goals a distant mirage. So the planet is saved after all. The leaders of the world’s eight biggest industrialised nations have embraced the goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2050, and the need for developed countries to cut their own emissions by 80 percent by the same date from their 1990 levels. Posted. http://blogs.reuters.com/commentaries/2009/07/09/g8-climate-goals-a-distant-mirage/#respond Daily Environment Report™ California Wins More Than $25 Million In Stimulus Funds to Cut Diesel Pollution LOS ANGELES—California has scored more than $25 million in American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 grants to help finance eight diesel emissions-reduction projects, the Environmental Protection Agency announced July 8. EPA awarded the California Air Resources Board $8,888,888 to re-power eight “switch yard” locomotives Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Sante Fe operate in Southern California. “Thanks to President Obama, we now have a significant influx of cash to help clean up the state's locomotives and railyards,” CARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols said in a written statement. “This money will reduce particulate matter and greenhouse gas emissions in railyard communities while also providing a much-needed shot in the arm to our burgeoning green jobs industry.” Other projects that won federal stimulus funds targeted diesel emissions at cargo ports, from school buses, and construction and agricultural equipment. The Port of Long Beach won a $4 million grant to retrofit or replace diesel engines for 112 pieces of cargo handling equipment, including two harbor craft. Port of Los Angeles officials received $1,991,750 also to repower port equipment and harbor craft. Officials at the Bay Area Air Quality Management District won $2 million to retrofit 81 trucks with particulate filters and replace 22 old, high-emitting trucks that service the Port of Oakland. Diesel Buses, Engines The San Diego Air Pollution Control District and the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District received grants of $1,563,652 and $4 million to retrofit and/or replace older diesel school buses. The San Joaquin Valley air district also won a separate $2 million to replace and/or repower 30 diesel engines in agricultural equipment. Finally, the California Department of Transportation won a $951,431 grant to install diesel particulate traps and/or buy new construction equipment used in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties and in the San Francisco Bay Area. Laura Yoshi, acting administrator at EPA Region 9, said the clean diesel projects will improve air quality in areas of the state with the worst air pollution problems and create or preserve more than 3,000 jobs. EPA awarded the grants through the Recovery Act's National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program. The agency selected the eight projects from the more than 100 applications seeking $500 million to fight diesel pollution that were submitted from Region 9. By Carolyn Whetzel Re: ARB Website Content Survey The ARB is asking regular website users to take a few minutes to complete a brief survey about their experiences with our site. Your participation will help us improve our website to serve you better. Thank you. Link to Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2298ML2JK9E ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:26:09 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for July 13, 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for July 13, 2009. Court Orders EPA to Redo Bush-Era Ozone Plan. A federal appeals court rejected several Bush-era air pollution measures today that would have made it easier for industries in areas already struggling with high levels of ozone pollution. In a 53-page opinion (pdf), the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ordered U.S. EPA to redo two key pieces of its 2005 rule that outlined pollution-reduction requirements for areas not in compliance with the federal eight-hour ozone standard. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/07/10/10greenwire-court-orders-epa-to-redo-bush-era-ozone-plan-37448.html Deadly Pollutants Lurk In Coachella Valley Skies. The blue, cloudless skies over the Coachella Valley most days hide a darker truth: The area has serious, chronic air pollution challenges. For up to three months of the year, valley residents and visitors breathe air with pollutant levels considered unhealthy, harmful — even deadly for some. “(The pollutants) are killing people. Thousands of people die each year as a result of bad air,” said Riverside County Supervisor Roy Wilson, vice chairman of the South Coast Air Quality Management District governing board. Posted. http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009907120338 Air Quality Concerns Brought Congressional Subcommittee To Valley In 2004. The Coachella Valley's air quality, and worries that a shrinking Salton Sea could make a bad situation worse, prompted Rep. Mary Bono Mack, R-Palm Springs, to help bring the U.S. House Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality for a hearing in Palm Desert on Jan. 12, 2004. “It's very clear from just my limited time spent here that this is a largely desert area and it's very windy,” said Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, then chairman of the subcommittee. Posted. http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009907120340 Valley Gas Guzzlers Targeted. As the owner of a 1985 Ford Bronco, which got about eight miles to the gallon, no one suspected Frank Cipponeri of Modesto was part of the green revolution. Several months ago, he accepted some "green" from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to help him replace the sport utility vehicle with a cleaner car. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/business/story/778000.html Air Panel Plans Workshops On Tougher Fireplace Burning Rules. Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves may be the last thing on most people's minds in July, but that's just what city officials want the public to start thinking about. Come November, if you live in the area, you may be dealing with a newer, stricter set of rules when it comes to burning wood. The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District is proposing an overhaul to Rule 421, which limits the use of wood-burning stoves and fireplaces during the winter months on bad air days. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2307/story/779548.html AQMD: Cerritos Neighborhood 'Not A Toxic Hot Spot'. Two weeks after a leaked federal report sent shockwaves through a quiet Cerritos neighborhood said to suffer the nation's worst air quality, a new analysis creates a very different picture. Results of air monitoring tests from Heraeus Metal Processing Inc. in Santa Fe Springs show that it does not pose a significant cancer risk to the surrounding community, South Coast Air Quality Management District officials said Thursday. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12805426 Drive a clunker? Air District Has A Deal For You. Valley residents can trade in their belching ol' Betsies for cash or credit toward a cleaner car under a program unveiled this week. Qualifying car owners can receive either $1,000 in cash or $5,000 toward the purchase of a cleaner car, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District says. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090709/A_NEWS14/907090322 Inland Area Sees Mild Beginning Of Smog Season. The skies over Southern California and much of the Inland area were cleaner last month than they have been in June of the previous two years, thanks to cool early-summer temperatures that kept ozone at bay. "So far this year, we've had the same number or fewer smoggy days than the last two years due in large part to (last) month's cool weather," said Sam Atwood, spokesman for the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_lowsmog09.3dbe354.html About The Climate Bill. Cap-and-trade? Offsets? Pollution credits? The climate bill approved by the U.S. House of Representatives and now under consideration in the Senate tackles global warming with new limits on pollution and a market-based approach to encourage more environmentally friendly business practices. But what exactly do the proposed rules mean, and how would they work? Posted. http://www.sbsun.com/search/ci_12817683?IADID=Search-www.sbsun.com-www.sbsun.com For Boxer, Global Warming Bill Is The Challenge Of A Lifetime. Washington – If the Senate doesn't pass a bill to cut global warming, Democrat Barbara Boxer says there will be dire results: droughts, floods, fires, loss of species, damage to agriculture, worsening air pollution and more. But she says there's a huge upside if the Senate does act: millions of clean-energy jobs, reduced reliance on foreign oil and less pollution for the nation's children. Boxer is engaged in her biggest sales job ever. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/378/v-print/story/2017699.html http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/778899.html Climate Plan's Backers Have Tougher Audience In Senate. Senate supporters of a bill that for the first time would put limits on U.S. greenhouse gas emissions have launched an intense one-on-one effort to sound out their colleagues' views in hopes of winning their support. It's by no means clear that they will succeed, however. A climate and energy bill squeaked through the House of Representatives in June. But in the Senate, the odds are against it because Senate rules generally require a 60-vote majority to move legislation to a vote. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/777534.html Getting Serious About Climate Change. Climate “policy as usual” is not working. In the 20 years since serious global discussions on climate change have been underway, atmospheric greenhouse-gas concentrations and average temperatures have continued to rise. During the 1990s, the talk was mostly about the need to prevent climate change. Now, adapting to climate change is given equal or greater priority. This shift of focus is an admission of failure. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/13/opinion/13iht-edleggett.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=climate%20change&st=cse 'Cap And Trade' Bill Has Lofty Goals And Plenty Of Critics. The U.S. Senate is considering a bill to impose a limit on greenhouse gas emissions that critics say is ill-conceived and poorly timed. The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, proposed by Reps. Henry Waxman, D-Los Angeles, and Ed Markey, D-Mass, was passed by the House of Representatives in late June with a 219-212 vote. The Senate is working on its own version, which may not be voted on until the end of the summer. Posted. http://www.sbsun.com/search/ci_12821572?IADID=Search-www.sbsun.com-www.sbsun.com U.S. To Press China On Tariffs On Clean Energy Trade. The United States will press China this week to lower its tariffs on clean energy technology as one of many steps the two countries can take to fight global warming, U.S. officials said on Monday. "Both China and the U.S. have much to lose from potentially devastating impacts of climate change, but much to gain by partnering to develop clean energy technologies that will power our economy by cutting carbon emissions," David Sandalow, assistant secretary of energy for policy and international affairs policy, told reporters in telephone conference call. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/13/AR2009071301400.html http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE56B12X20090713 Churches Tell How They're Helping Environment. Having seen the light, the faith community is "going green." At least that's what participants said Sunday during the Healthy Air, Healthy Communities Family Fair on Sunday at Los Angeles Valley College. Sponsored by the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Valley Interfaith Council, about 40 houses of worship and other organizations gathered for the free, eco-friendly, clean air community event. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12824146?nclick_check=1 http://www.dailynews.com/search/ci_12824146?IADID=Search-www.dailynews.com-www.dailynews.com State Green Power Plan Will Cost Consumers Billions. Retired schoolteacher Sharon Reid and her husband, Dewitt, a retired Marine major, pay $170 in a typical month ---- and some months more than $230 ---- to cool and light their 2,000-square-foot, tri-level home in Vista. Without making any changes in lifestyle, their electricity bill is likely to increase by $45 a month on average as California overhauls its power grid and tries to shift the source of one-third of its electricity from fossil fuels to green sources by 2020. Posted. http://www.northcountytimes.com/articles/2009/07/11/news/sandiego/z4975c324665e00f2882575ee00605cf9.txt High-Intensity Lights May Help Cut Energy Costs. For the past 6 months, the Silver Creek Sportsplex in San Jose, Calif., has been testing ceiling lighting from a nearby startup that holds the promise of saving huge amounts of energy. The enormous facility - with almost 16 acres and seven indoor sports fields - has replaced 10 of its 400 magnetic light fixtures with new, high-intensity electronic light fixtures from HID Laboratories, based in Menlo Park, Calif. Sportsplex Chief Operating Officer Terry Peckham is pleased. "So far I really like it," he said. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/2021098.html Green Governing. Eco-friendly City Hall project, while thin on details, may serve as model. A new San Diego City Hall would not just be a place to house public employees – it could be a beacon for how ecology and economic development can interact, proponents say. As the $432 million project makes its way to the City Council for consideration, its green credentials have been used as a major selling point. Drawings show wind turbines spinning atop the 23-story building with turfed green roofs. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jul/12/1n12green211230-green-governing/?uniontrib Federal Recovery Funds To Help Reduce Diesel Emission In Valley. A number of Central Valley school buses and agricultural vehicles will soon be “greener” thanks to the millions of dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant funds awarded to the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District. The pollution control district was awarded $4 million to install diesel particulate filters on 190 2001 model year and newer diesel school buses and $2 million to repower 30 agricultural off-road vehicles with new engines that meet or exceed non-road diesel engine emission standards. Posted. http://www.turlockjournal.com/news/article/439/ http://www.santamariatimes.com/articles/2009/07/09/news/centralcoast/news04.txt Navistar Says Maxxforce Ready For 0-10 Rules. Warrenville, Ill. -- Navistar says the road to 2010 is smoothly paved for the introduction of its "advanced" EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) MaxxForce engines. The truckmaker -- the only OEM not using selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to meet 2010 EPA emission rules -- says its on track with engine testing and will be prepared for "a successful engine launch in the months ahead." Posted. http://www.todaystrucking.com/news.cfm?intDocID=22106 New Honda CEO Wants To Accelerate Hybrid Rollout. Tokyo - Honda Motor Co's new chief executive said on Monday that Japan's No.2 automaker would speed up the rollout of its hybrid cars as he aims to steer a nimble company that reacts more quickly to changing customer needs. In his first public appearance after taking office last month, Takanobu Ito said Honda would launch the planned CR-Z hybrid sports car next February and a gasoline-electric Fit subcompact by the end of 2010, citing the growing importance buyers place on fuel economy and environmental considerations. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-BusinessofGreen/idUSTRE56C0VH20090713 Small Town Fears Quakes From Geothermal Energy Project. Anderson Springs – Residents in this tiny Lake County community have complained for years about the earthquakes touched off by the geothermal energy projects that tap the vast reservoir of steam in the mountains behind their homes. Now, with the federal government, Google and some of Silicon Valley's top venture capital firms committing millions to test a new way to mine clean energy from the earth here, the locals are finally getting some attention. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/v-print/story/2020638.html Letters: Geoscientists Agree Global Warming Is A Fact. I am a geoscientist and as such am astounded at the false claims that letter-writers Bill Prescott and Dale K. Babb made ["Climate-change iceberg dead ahead," July 5]. Specifically, Prescott said, "There has been no global warming since 1998 even though the trace gas CO2 continues to slowly increase." Babb claimed that the existence of global warming is a false assumption. Prescott was correct when he said that CO2 levels are gradually increasing, but his claim that there has been no global warming since 1998 and Babb's statement both fly in the face of now-accepted climatic science. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/children-warming-prescott-2489565-gas-global Blogs Court Overturns Bush-Era Smog Rule. A federal appeals court today struck down a Bush administration rule for controlling industrial emissions that form smog. The rule had allowed power plants and factories to avoid installing the most recent controls for smog-forming chemicals like oxides of nitrogen. Instead, excessive pollution from one factory was permissible if the factory participated in a regional cap-and-trade program and bought pollution credits to cover their excess emissions. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/10/court-overturns-bush-era-smog-rule/?scp=2&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse A Solar Land Rush. The Department of the Interior’s move last month to accelerate development of large-scale solar power plants on federal land in six Western states could give an edge to companies that have already staked lease claims in 24 new “solar energy study areas.” Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/13/a-solar-land-rush/?scp=8&sq=climate%20change&st=cse Re: ARB Website Content Survey The ARB is asking regular website users to take a few minutes to complete a brief survey about their experiences with our site. Your participation will help us improve our website to serve you better. Thank you. Link to Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2298ML2JK9E ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:40:35 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for July 14th, 2009 From: sponedal@ARB.CA.GOV .. CLIMATE CHANGE Calif. climate change law cost underrated: study. SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - California's fight against global warming will cost small businesses $183 billion per year in lost output, about 10 percent of state production, according to a study released on Monday. The study, funded by small business groups and written by a university dean, added fuel to a heated debate over the effects of California's efforts to curtail climate change and provoked criticism from environmentalists and a state agency. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE56D0DC20090714 http://www.news10.net/news/green/story.aspx?storyid=63149&catid=62 http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20090713005806&newsLang=en http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/state&id=6913613 Economic and Climate Experts Debunk Misleading Report on Costs of AB 32. SAN FRANCISCO, July 13 /PRNewswire/ -- A report was issued today by Varshney & Associates purporting to show the economic impact of AB 32 on California small businesses. In response are statements from leading economists and climate experts at four non-profit organizations: "The study by Varshney and Associates is fundamentally flawed.” Posted. http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/economic-climate-experts-debunk-misleading-report-costs-ab/ http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/07-13-2009/0005059169&EDATE= Effects of global warming can now be seen in Africa. President Barack Obama's ominous warning about climate change stayed in my mind long after his historic address to Ghana's Parliament was over. He was correct in noting that a warming planet will spread disease, shrink water resources and deplete crops, creating conditions that contribute to the spread of famine and conflict. Still, as he optimistically added, we can "work with Africans to turn this crisis into opportunity." Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/846/story/2024215.html White roofs to fight global warming. NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- America should attack global warming by ... painting rooftops and road surfaces white. Seriously. No kidding. Among those promoting the idea is Energy Secretary Steven Chu, a big-thinking physicist who has a bully pulpit and influence over billions in research and stimulus funds. Posted. http://money.cnn.com/2009/07/13/news/economy/white_roofs/?postversion=2009071313 Does NASA's James Hansen Still Matter in Climate Debate? When NASA climatologist James Hansen testified to Congress in 1988 about the dangers of global warming, his words became a rallying cry for environmentalists and politicians determined to control heat-trapping gases. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/07/14/14climatewire-does-nasas-james-hansen-still-matter-in-clim-82897.html ENERGY Sarah Palin Does Not Understand Cap and Trade. If you're wondering what Sarah Palin will do after leaving the Alaska governor's office, look no further than her op-ed in the this morning's Washington Post. She writes, "at risk of disappointing the chattering class, let me make clear what is foremost on my mind and where my focus will be: I am deeply concerned about President Obama's cap-and-trade energy plan, and I believe it is an enormous threat to our economy." Posted. http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2009/07/sarah-palin-does-not-understand-cap-and-trade.html China Builds High Wall to Guard Energy Industry. BEIJING — When the United States’ top energy and commerce officials arrive in China on Tuesday, they will land in the middle of a building storm over China’s protectionist tactics to become the world’s leader in renewable energy. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/14/business/energy-environment/14energy.html?hp EDITORIAL: The rise of the carbon oligarchs. Washington is enjoying one of the mildest summers in memory. The irony should not be lost as the Senate grapples with the Waxman-Markey "cap-and-trade" bill, which is supposed to address global warming. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jul/12/the-rise-of-the-carbon-oligarchs/ FUEL Low-Sulfur Fuel Has Some Spitting and Sputtering. Port pilots in Long Beach and the Bay Area are reporting that the low-sulfur ship fuel required by the California Air Resources Board regulation that went into effect on July 1 is causing some marine engines to sputter and stall and to be difficult to start back up. Posted. http://www.cunninghamreport.com/news_item.php?id=931 Plans for Pacifica biodiesel plant collapse. PACIFICA — A plant slated to produce more than 3 million gallons per year of local refined biodiesel for Bay Area residents looks like it will never get built, and the city may get stuck with a bill for illegal construction by the company selected to build the plant. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_12828510 LETTERS Letters: Global Warming: A Clarion Call for Action. Re “A Lesson on Warming” (editorial, July 10): One can understand the sense of urgency expressed by the Group of 8 nations in setting a goal of 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit as the absolute maximum that the Earth should be allowed to warm. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/14/opinion/l14warming.html Letters: The 'Cap And Tax' Dead End. There is no shortage of threats to our economy. America's unemployment rate recently hit its highest mark in more than 25 years and is expected to continue climbing. Worries are widespread that even when the economy finally rebounds, the recovery won't bring jobs. Our nation's debt is unsustainable, and the federal government's reach into the private sector is unprecedented. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/13/AR2009071302852.html?sid=ST2009071302882⊂=AR BLOGS Cleaning up South Coast school buses. The era of the big, yellow, diesel-belching school bus may be drawing to a close for some South Coast school districts. On Friday, the South Coast Air Quality Management District issued nearly $43 million in grants to help 13 school districts replace their worst polluting buses with new vehicles that use cleaner-burning compressed natural gas and propane. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/07/school-bus-diesel-natural-gas-.html Great eco-friendly products to have this summer: Push reel mowers and rain barrels. I purchased a push reel lawn mower and am having a blast mowing my lawn. People are always stopping to see this unusual time machine (that my Dad used). No gasoline or noise – just people power, natural mulch, and the time to smell the freshly cut grass. Posted. http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/dailyloaf/2009/07/14/push-reel-mowers-and-rain-barrels/ Four Reasons to Use Cap-and-Trade to Fight Global Warming. The cap-and-trade law that is solving the acid rain problem is a very rare species: an unmitigated public policy triumph. Sulfur dioxide emitted by power plants has been cut in half at a fraction of the predicted cost. Now, nearly two decades after that landmark bill, cap-and-trade is again taking center stage -- this time in the context of climate change legislation. Posted. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-oppenheimer/four-reasons-to-use-cap-a_b_230895.html How Scientific Illiteracy Cost Us 20 Years on Global Warming. This summer, as the U.S. Senate debates whether to join the House of Representatives in passing the first law in U.S. history to control global warming, expect to hear a lot of misinformation, a lot of absurdity, and a lot of gobbledygook. You'll hear assertions that the globe isn't warming any longer -- cooling has set in. You'll see any local temperature variation (in the cooler direction, anyway) seized upon to the same end. You'll hear the sun invoked -- rather than human industrial emissions -- as the cause of climate change. Posted. http://blog.buzzflash.com/contributors/2019 Re: ARB Website Content Survey The ARB is asking regular website users to take a few minutes to complete a brief survey about their experiences with our site. Your participation will help us improve our website to serve you better. Thank you. Link to Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2298ML2JK9E ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:28:17 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for July 15, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for July 15, 2009. Rolling Out 'Cash for Clunkers'. Car Dealers Set Up Hotlines, Web Sites but Fret That Strict Rules Will Hurt Trade-Ins. Auto dealers are starting to ramp up advertising built around the government's "cash for clunkers" program, even as they are growing more concerned that the incentives won't provide enough of a spark to revive U.S. auto sales. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124761511134842245.html#mod=todays_us_marketplace Opinion: Clunker Of A Clunker Bill. Is the new "cash for clunkers" law really a vehicle for replacing gas-guzzling cars and trucks with the next generation of clean, green machines - or is it just a disguise for moving slightly less thirsty guzzlers from dealers' lots onto America's driveways? If the federal agency with the mission of overseeing the law does its job well, we'll find out quickly - and well before the automakers show up again on Capitol Hill, tin cup in hand, asking Congress that so-2009 question: "Please, sirs, may we have some more billions?" Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/15/EDDD18ME98.DTL Ontario Offers Cash Incentives For Electric Cars. The Ontario government plans to rev up Ontario drivers' interest in electric cars by offering up to $10,000 in cash incentives to drivers who buy the cars. Under a plan announced today by Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, drivers will receive rebates of between $4,000 and $10,000 for plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles purchased after July 1, 2010. Posted. http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20090708/electric_ontario_090714/20090715/?hub=TorontoNewHome Assemblyman Niello Reacts to Study On AB 32. Sacramento- Assemblyman Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks) today expressed his deep concerns about the results of a new study estimating the impact of implementation of the Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) on small businesses. According to the study, the likely impact to small businesses could be nearly $50,000 annually. "Small businesses are the backbone of California's economy," said Assemblyman Niello. "The costs of this regulation are enormous and have largely been ignored. Posted. http://www.rocklintoday.com/news/rosevilletoday.asp?a=7885&print=yes Calif. Board Postpones Decision On Pollution Tax. The Associated Press. Sacramento—California regulators are again delaying a decision on the nation's first statewide carbon fee on utilities, oil refineries and other polluting industries. The California Air Resources Board has canceled a vote on the issue for a second time. The board is considering charging a carbon fee to raise money to pay for California's landmark global warming law. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_12834306 http://www.modbee.com/state/story/781344.html http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jul/14/calif-board-postpones-decision-on-pollution-tax/ http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12834306 Study: Global Warming Plans Could Hurt Small Business. A new study released Monday by a number of small business groups suggest such businesses will each be paying some $50,000 to implement California's greenhouse gas plan. The California Global Warming Solutions Act, AB 32, was signed into law by Gov. Schwarzenegger in 2006 and seeks to reduce the state's greenhouse gas emissions 25 percent by 2020. Mandatory caps are to start in 2012. Posted. http://www.news10.net/news/green/story.aspx?storyid=63149&catid=62 Asthma Study Finds Seasonal Surprises. A new study confirms that lung problems get worse for Fresno asthmatics in winter when soot pollution increases. But, strangely, the same is not true during the worst summertime smog. Surprised researchers say they think asthmatics simply stay indoors on hot, smoggy days. But on pleasant winter days when soot pollution sometimes spikes, people spend more time outside. Posted. http://www.mercedsunstar.com/centralvalley/story/950151.html Cap-And-Trade Bill Is Either Good Legislation Or A Disaster In The Making. The House of Representatives approved the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, also known as the cap-and-trade bill. If the Senate passes this bill, it spells the end of the American standard of living. If you hate America, President Obama's "change" and Democratic unread, pork-riddled stimulus spending, then this bill is for you. This bill makes energy, the life-blood of our economy, much more expensive and scarce. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/letters/story/781883.html EU Teams Up With MTV On Climate Change. The European Union is teaming up with music channel MTV to raise awareness among teens about the dangers of climate change. EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas says today's youth "will bear the brunt" of climate change, including rising temperatures and sea-levels. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/scene/entertainment/story/782180.html http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/15/europe-to-stage-climate-concerts/ http://www.insidebayarea.com/celebrities/ci_12841175 http://www.contracostatimes.com/celebrities/ci_12841175 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/15/AR2009071500926.html Sen. Barrasso Makes a Name for Himself Fighting EPA, Climate Bill. Waving a handful of papers in the air at a recent Environment and Public Works Committee hearing, a Republican senator told the head of U.S. EPA that the nine-page memo he brandished proves her agency made political, not scientific, findings on possible regulations of carbon dioxide emissions. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/07/15/15greenwire-sen-barrasso-makes-a-name-for-himself-fighting-30006.html Sen. Boxer Courts Farmers to Seek 'Rare Opportunity' for Climate Bill. Senate Environment and Public Works Chairwoman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) vowed yesterday to include a major role for agriculture in her climate bill despite mounting criticism from some farm groups and Republicans. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/07/15/15climatewire-sen-boxer-courts-farmers-to-seek-rare-opport-66857.html UK Presents Plans To Cut Emissions, Add Jobs. The British government has presented ambitious plans to reduce carbon emissions and create 1.2 million new jobs in the renewable energy field. Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband says the plan relies on a big expansion in the use of wind energy, better home insulation, sophisticated electric meters and other measures to cut greenhouse gases. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/world/story/782310.html Reflective Roof Paint Repels The Heat. Hyperseal paints can reduce the costs and energy needed for cooling by lowering the amount of heat a building absorbs from the sun. White roofs may be the new green. On bright days, the rooftop of the Anaheim Hilton is so blindingly white that it looks like a mirror positioned directly at the sun. That dazzling glare might just be the greenest thing to happen to the top of a building since solar panels. The white coating deflects nearly 85% of the heat that hits it, reducing the surface temperature by as much as 50 degrees. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-cool-roof15-2009jul15,0,3483951,print.story Seal Beach Makes It Easier For Residents To Go Solar. It will now be a little easier for residents to go solar. City Council members on Monday unanimously voted to waive the fees associated with installing solar panels on single-family homes, a move city officials say sends a message that Seal Beach is environmentally savvy. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/city-solar-fees-2493176-system-residents Tank Farm Operator Hit With $2.5 Million Punishment. A company that runs a fuel terminal on Contra Costa County's northwestern tip has been ordered to pay $2.5 million in fines and penalties — including $750,000 to local clean-air community service projects — for violations that contributed to Bay Area smog. Shore Terminals LLC pleaded guilty Tuesday to four felony counts of submitting false annual reports to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_12837296 http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12836816 Pomona City Employees Get Chance To Test Two Electric Vehicles. Pomona - The city's vehicle fleet has a touch of European flair these days. This week the city put into service two Mini E vehicles, all electric versions of the Mini Cooper, which the auto manufacturer is testing in just a few places around the world. Plans call for making Pomona's two Mini E vehicles part of the city's pool of vehicles for use by staff members when they need to drive on city business, said Meg McWade, Pomona's utility services manager. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12837995 Britain Presents Plans To Cut Emissions, Add Jobs. London—The British government detailed ambitious plans Wednesday to cut carbon emissions substantially by 2020, and said 40 percent of the country's electricity by then would come from renewable sources. The proposal on fighting climate change envisions expansions in wind energy as well as continued use of nuclear power and clean coal. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12841632 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/15/AR2009071501418.html Resort Has Ongoing Effort To Get 'Greener'. Hopkins Township, Mich. - There's a lot about Clay's Park Resort that appeals to Janet Durtschi, including its ongoing effort to get "greener." She and her husband, Donald, have bought seasonal memberships to the northeastern Ohio campground for the past seven years. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12839646 Blogs Kerry Spars With Palin Over Climate. Senator John F. Kerry, the Massachusetts Democrat, responded on Tuesday to a Washington Post op-ed piece by Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, which slammed President Obama’s push for a cap-and-trade system. Writing at the left-leaning Huffington Post Web site, Mr. Kerry argued that Ms. Palin never addressed the “crisis” of climate change — the underlying issue that prompted legislation now pending in Congress that would create just such a cap-and-trade program. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/15/kerry-spars-with-palin-over-climate/?scp=4&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Five Smart New Things to Read About Climate Change. Five climate change pieces with something new to say: Two degrees of global warming -- the target the G8 nations last week approved as a maximum temperature rise allowable due to climate change (and which many argue is being made inevitable by slow political action in G8 nations) -- has been played in the media as a "moderate" target. It's not. Posted. http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/010133.html 20 Ways for Renters to Stay Cool and Save Money this Summer. The problem with most articles about summer energy saving is that they’re geared for homeowners. But more people are renting then ever before. So you’re a renter? That power bill insert suggesting you upgrade attic insulation is probably more frustrating than useful. The same applies for most tips related to improving property. If your appliances are furnished, it’s likely you don’t even have the option to replace them with more efficient models. Posted. http://lighterfootstep.com/2009/07/20-ways-for-renters-to-save-money-and-stay-cool-this-summer/ Re: ARB Website Content Survey The ARB is asking regular website users to take a few minutes to complete a brief survey about their experiences with our site. Your participation will help us improve our website to serve you better. Thank you. Link to Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2298ML2JK9E ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:39:46 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for July 15, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for July 15, 2009. Rolling Out 'Cash for Clunkers'. Car Dealers Set Up Hotlines, Web Sites but Fret That Strict Rules Will Hurt Trade-Ins. Auto dealers are starting to ramp up advertising built around the government's "cash for clunkers" program, even as they are growing more concerned that the incentives won't provide enough of a spark to revive U.S. auto sales. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124761511134842245.html#mod=todays_us_marketplace Opinion: Clunker Of A Clunker Bill. Is the new "cash for clunkers" law really a vehicle for replacing gas-guzzling cars and trucks with the next generation of clean, green machines - or is it just a disguise for moving slightly less thirsty guzzlers from dealers' lots onto America's driveways? If the federal agency with the mission of overseeing the law does its job well, we'll find out quickly - and well before the automakers show up again on Capitol Hill, tin cup in hand, asking Congress that so-2009 question: "Please, sirs, may we have some more billions?" Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/15/EDDD18ME98.DTL Ontario Offers Cash Incentives For Electric Cars. The Ontario government plans to rev up Ontario drivers' interest in electric cars by offering up to $10,000 in cash incentives to drivers who buy the cars. Under a plan announced today by Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, drivers will receive rebates of between $4,000 and $10,000 for plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles purchased after July 1, 2010. Posted. http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20090708/electric_ontario_090714/20090715/?hub=TorontoNewHome Assemblyman Niello Reacts to Study On AB 32. Sacramento- Assemblyman Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks) today expressed his deep concerns about the results of a new study estimating the impact of implementation of the Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) on small businesses. According to the study, the likely impact to small businesses could be nearly $50,000 annually. "Small businesses are the backbone of California's economy," said Assemblyman Niello. "The costs of this regulation are enormous and have largely been ignored. Posted. http://www.rocklintoday.com/news/rosevilletoday.asp?a=7885&print=yes Calif. Board Postpones Decision On Pollution Tax. The Associated Press. Sacramento—California regulators are again delaying a decision on the nation's first statewide carbon fee on utilities, oil refineries and other polluting industries. The California Air Resources Board has canceled a vote on the issue for a second time. The board is considering charging a carbon fee to raise money to pay for California's landmark global warming law. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_12834306 http://www.modbee.com/state/story/781344.html http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jul/14/calif-board-postpones-decision-on-pollution-tax/ http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12834306 Study: Global Warming Plans Could Hurt Small Business. A new study released Monday by a number of small business groups suggest such businesses will each be paying some $50,000 to implement California's greenhouse gas plan. The California Global Warming Solutions Act, AB 32, was signed into law by Gov. Schwarzenegger in 2006 and seeks to reduce the state's greenhouse gas emissions 25 percent by 2020. Mandatory caps are to start in 2012. Posted. http://www.news10.net/news/green/story.aspx?storyid=63149&catid=62 Asthma Study Finds Seasonal Surprises. A new study confirms that lung problems get worse for Fresno asthmatics in winter when soot pollution increases. But, strangely, the same is not true during the worst summertime smog. Surprised researchers say they think asthmatics simply stay indoors on hot, smoggy days. But on pleasant winter days when soot pollution sometimes spikes, people spend more time outside. Posted. http://www.mercedsunstar.com/centralvalley/story/950151.html Cap-And-Trade Bill Is Either Good Legislation Or A Disaster In The Making. The House of Representatives approved the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, also known as the cap-and-trade bill. If the Senate passes this bill, it spells the end of the American standard of living. If you hate America, President Obama's "change" and Democratic unread, pork-riddled stimulus spending, then this bill is for you. This bill makes energy, the life-blood of our economy, much more expensive and scarce. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/letters/story/781883.html EU Teams Up With MTV On Climate Change. The European Union is teaming up with music channel MTV to raise awareness among teens about the dangers of climate change. EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas says today's youth "will bear the brunt" of climate change, including rising temperatures and sea-levels. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/scene/entertainment/story/782180.html http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/15/europe-to-stage-climate-concerts/ http://www.insidebayarea.com/celebrities/ci_12841175 http://www.contracostatimes.com/celebrities/ci_12841175 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/15/AR2009071500926.html Sen. Barrasso Makes a Name for Himself Fighting EPA, Climate Bill. Waving a handful of papers in the air at a recent Environment and Public Works Committee hearing, a Republican senator told the head of U.S. EPA that the nine-page memo he brandished proves her agency made political, not scientific, findings on possible regulations of carbon dioxide emissions. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/07/15/15greenwire-sen-barrasso-makes-a-name-for-himself-fighting-30006.html Sen. Boxer Courts Farmers to Seek 'Rare Opportunity' for Climate Bill. Senate Environment and Public Works Chairwoman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) vowed yesterday to include a major role for agriculture in her climate bill despite mounting criticism from some farm groups and Republicans. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/07/15/15climatewire-sen-boxer-courts-farmers-to-seek-rare-opport-66857.html UK Presents Plans To Cut Emissions, Add Jobs. The British government has presented ambitious plans to reduce carbon emissions and create 1.2 million new jobs in the renewable energy field. Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband says the plan relies on a big expansion in the use of wind energy, better home insulation, sophisticated electric meters and other measures to cut greenhouse gases. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/world/story/782310.html Reflective Roof Paint Repels The Heat. Hyperseal paints can reduce the costs and energy needed for cooling by lowering the amount of heat a building absorbs from the sun. White roofs may be the new green. On bright days, the rooftop of the Anaheim Hilton is so blindingly white that it looks like a mirror positioned directly at the sun. That dazzling glare might just be the greenest thing to happen to the top of a building since solar panels. The white coating deflects nearly 85% of the heat that hits it, reducing the surface temperature by as much as 50 degrees. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-cool-roof15-2009jul15,0,3483951,print.story Seal Beach Makes It Easier For Residents To Go Solar. It will now be a little easier for residents to go solar. City Council members on Monday unanimously voted to waive the fees associated with installing solar panels on single-family homes, a move city officials say sends a message that Seal Beach is environmentally savvy. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/city-solar-fees-2493176-system-residents Tank Farm Operator Hit With $2.5 Million Punishment. A company that runs a fuel terminal on Contra Costa County's northwestern tip has been ordered to pay $2.5 million in fines and penalties — including $750,000 to local clean-air community service projects — for violations that contributed to Bay Area smog. Shore Terminals LLC pleaded guilty Tuesday to four felony counts of submitting false annual reports to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_12837296 http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12836816 Pomona City Employees Get Chance To Test Two Electric Vehicles. Pomona - The city's vehicle fleet has a touch of European flair these days. This week the city put into service two Mini E vehicles, all electric versions of the Mini Cooper, which the auto manufacturer is testing in just a few places around the world. Plans call for making Pomona's two Mini E vehicles part of the city's pool of vehicles for use by staff members when they need to drive on city business, said Meg McWade, Pomona's utility services manager. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12837995 Britain Presents Plans To Cut Emissions, Add Jobs. London—The British government detailed ambitious plans Wednesday to cut carbon emissions substantially by 2020, and said 40 percent of the country's electricity by then would come from renewable sources. The proposal on fighting climate change envisions expansions in wind energy as well as continued use of nuclear power and clean coal. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12841632 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/15/AR2009071501418.html Resort Has Ongoing Effort To Get 'Greener'. Hopkins Township, Mich. - There's a lot about Clay's Park Resort that appeals to Janet Durtschi, including its ongoing effort to get "greener." She and her husband, Donald, have bought seasonal memberships to the northeastern Ohio campground for the past seven years. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12839646 Blogs Kerry Spars With Palin Over Climate. Senator John F. Kerry, the Massachusetts Democrat, responded on Tuesday to a Washington Post op-ed piece by Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, which slammed President Obama’s push for a cap-and-trade system. Writing at the left-leaning Huffington Post Web site, Mr. Kerry argued that Ms. Palin never addressed the “crisis” of climate change — the underlying issue that prompted legislation now pending in Congress that would create just such a cap-and-trade program. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/15/kerry-spars-with-palin-over-climate/?scp=4&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Five Smart New Things to Read About Climate Change. Five climate change pieces with something new to say: Two degrees of global warming -- the target the G8 nations last week approved as a maximum temperature rise allowable due to climate change (and which many argue is being made inevitable by slow political action in G8 nations) -- has been played in the media as a "moderate" target. It's not. Posted. http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/010133.html 20 Ways for Renters to Stay Cool and Save Money this Summer. The problem with most articles about summer energy saving is that they’re geared for homeowners. But more people are renting then ever before. So you’re a renter? That power bill insert suggesting you upgrade attic insulation is probably more frustrating than useful. The same applies for most tips related to improving property. If your appliances are furnished, it’s likely you don’t even have the option to replace them with more efficient models. Posted. http://lighterfootstep.com/2009/07/20-ways-for-renters-to-save-money-and-stay-cool-this-summer/ Re: ARB Website Content Survey The ARB is asking regular website users to take a few minutes to complete a brief survey about their experiences with our site. Your participation will help us improve our website to serve you better. Thank you. Link to Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2298ML2JK9E ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:01:18 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for July 16th, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for July 16th, 2009. Falling Air Quality Prompts Free Rides From Some Sacramento-Area Transit Services. The summer heat is cooking up lots of problems in the Sacramento region, including dangerous air quality. Over the next few days, forecasters for the Metropolitan Air Quality Management District say they expect the Air Quality Index to reach 150 -- an unhealthy level -- and have declared Thursday and Friday "Spare the Air" days to curb health risks associated dangerous pollution levels. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/ourregion/story/2028934.html http://www.modbee.com/2307/story/782766.html http://www.kcra.com/traffic/20066917/detail.html http://www.news10.net/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=63334&catid=2 http://cbs13.com/local/spare.the.air.2.1087448.html Heat, Dirty Air In Sacramento Region Trigger 'Spare The Air' Days. With temperatures hovering at 100 degrees, ground-level ozone forming and the lack of any breeze to move it along, air quality will reach dangerous levels throughout the Sacramento region today and Friday, officials said. The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District has projected the Air Quality Index to reach 150 – an unhealthy level – for both days. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/2029937.html http://www.modbee.com/2307/story/783263.html California DOT Converts Locomotive To Cleaner-Diesel 'Repower' Unit. Later this month, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) plans to introduce an environmentally friendly locomotive for its Amtrak California services. On July 22, the department will unveil the cleaner-diesel locomotive at Sacramento Valley Station. Posted. http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article.asp?id=21004 Regulators cracking down on ship emissions. Following some two years of legal wrangling, California air-quality regulators have begun enforcing emission rules on ships cruising the Golden State's coastline and harbors. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12846903 Op-Ed Series - Rowan Oloman: Carbon Recycling - An Alternative To Carbon Capture And Storage. This article is next in the continuing summer op-ed series which asks leaders in the renewable energy and sustainability industries to speak about where we are today, and where we will be going tomorrow. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is being hailed as the answer to the globe’s most pressing question: what to do with the 27 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emitted yearly from the burning of fossil fuels? Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-4230-DC-Green-Business-Examiner~y2009m7d16-Oped-Series--Rowan-Oloman-Carbon-Recycling--An-alternative-to-carbon-capture-and-storage U.S. Officials Press China on Climate. The top American energy and commerce officials called in speeches here on Wednesday for China to do more to address global warming, contending that the country was particularly vulnerable to a changing climate. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/16/world/asia/16warming.html?scp=2&sq=global%20warming&st=cse http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/15/AR2009071503731.html A Glass Partly Full. So the climate talks at the Group of Eight summit in L'Aquila, Italy, with the world's 17 major greenhouse gas emitters didn't go as planned. Unrest back home forced Chinese President Hu Jintao to leave before he could get down to negotiating with an engaged American president. Developing nations balked at committing to long-term emissions reductions goals because industrialized countries balked at setting short-term targets. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/15/AR2009071503380.html Consumer Groups Push Senate on Climate Bill's Rate-Protection Language. Two paragraphs tucked into the House climate bill four days before the final floor vote give large manufacturers what consumer groups see as a special safeguard against higher electric bills, a protection not offered to residential customers. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/07/16/16greenwire-consumer-groups-push-senate-on-climate-bills-r-55475.html Legislature Still Working Toward Greenhouse Gas Institute. You can’t go anywhere without hearing about the green economy these days. When President Obama talks about stimulating the nation out of recession, green jobs are the key. Gov. Schwarzenegger takes every chance he gets to visit a fuel-cell manufacturing plant , or offer tax breaks to companies that promise to build new, environmentally friendly products in California. For years now, the Public Utilities Commission and state lawmakers have haggled over a way to create a taxpayer-funded institute to centralize research and development to look for ways to reduce greenhouse gasses. Posted. http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?xid=y4kaca29yaltzp# Ideas Showcased To Prevent SF Bay Flooding From Global Warming. A giant submerged curtain anchored under the Golden Gate Bridge that rises in storms to hold back big waves. Huge levees with pumps run by tidal power. Vast networks of new wetlands from Silicon Valley to San Francisco, some created on old parking lots and bay front warehouse sites. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/topstories/ci_12837984 Has John McCain Gone Cool on Global Warming Legislation? Sen. John McCain once reveled in his stance as a maverick of the Republican Party on climate change. Now, as the Senate prepares a new bill, the party's 2008 presidential nominee has people wondering whose side he's on. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/07/16/16greenwire-has-john-mccain-gone-cool-on-global-warming-le-59832.html Sarah Palin's Misguided Energy Policies. Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's attack on President Obama's climate plan ["The 'Cap And Tax' Dead End," op-ed, July 14] distorted the proposal's economic impact and ignored the economic and ecological damage associated with global warming. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/15/AR2009071503673.html Is Your House Making You Sick? If you're recently hitched and suddenly find yourself sick more than before, take a good, long look at your environment especially if you and your sweetie recently moved, or just moved in together. Here are some tips on how to find out what's lurking inside your home and how to make a change that's better for you and the environment. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2019/story/783474.html Going Green: Eco-Friendly Homes Gaining Popularity. When America first celebrated Earth Day nearly four decades ago, the concept of eco-friendly homes was typically associated with people who grew organic vegetables, drove a beat-up Volkswagen Beetle and participated in the Summer of Love. But today, environmentally friendly, energy-efficient homes have gone mainstream. As with recycling, organic food and hybrid cars, “green” houses are becoming more commonplace and desirable. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090715/COMMUNITY/907159960?Title=Mendoza- Jobs, Innovation Are Key Issues In A Green, Clean Economy. California’s economy is in the doldrums, its political leadership is in such paralysis that it has become a national laughing stock and its golden reputation is tarnished. But in one area, the attempt to curb climate-changing greenhouse gases, California is taking the premier leadership role. But while the preponderance of scientific evidence acknowledges that global warming is a reality, there is great deal of uncertainty over the economic impacts of the fight against global warming. Posted. http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?xid=y4ka60jas8htjb Richmond, Chevron and environmentalists continue settlement discussions as workers leave refinery job site. Settlement talks are scheduled to continue today as the City of Richmond, Chevron and several environmental groups try to reach a middle ground after a court ruling halted construction at the local refinery. About 1,000 workers have been laid off from Chevron's project to replace its hydrogen plant, power plant and reformer to refine a wider range of crude oil with more sulfur. A hundred workers remain to tie up loose ends and demobilize, said Brent Tippen, refinery spokesman. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/business/ci_12845026 There Are Plenty of Fish in the Sea, but You Can Still Make Green Choices. The Lantern's advice for eating livestock came down to some pretty simple recommendations: Eat less of it, and when do you do, choose poultry first, then pork, then beef or lamb. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/15/AR2009071501062.html At Wal-Mart, Labeling to Reflect Green Intent. Shoppers expect the tags on Wal-Mart items to have rock-bottom prices. In the future they may also have information about the product’s carbon footprint, the gallons of water used to create it, and the air pollution left in its wake. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/16/business/energy-environment/16walmart.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse 'Green-Collar' Economy Ready To Flourish Here. As California faces the toughest economic conditions since the Great Depression, many people are looking to a “green-collar economy” as a means for creating jobs, getting the economy back on track and leading us to a more sustainable future. At the same time, recent environmental laws, such as the Global Warming Solutions Act (Assembly Bill 32) and the Renewable Portfolio Standard, are setting a timeline and benchmarks for pollution reductions and renewable energy generation. Posted. http://www.mydesert.com/article/20090716/COLUMNS26/907160302/1026/news12 Color This Recreational Vehicle Green. Grand Rapids, Mich. -- When Brian Brawdy goes camping in his recreational vehicle, he doesn't have to search for an electrical outlet. He hauls his own power with him. Brawdy, a self-described adventurer and explorer, travels the United States in a "green" truck camper - a unit that he developed as a showcase for what humans can do to protect the outdoors. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/2027321.html Report: Toyota, Mazda To Form Tie-Up On Hybrids. Toyota is in talks with Mazda about providing its key hybrid technology in a tie-up, the nation's top business daily reported Thursday. Both automakers said no decision has been made. Toyota Motor Corp., the world's leader in hybrids with the Prius, reiterated Thursday it sees boosting global hybrid sales as important, and will consider any request from automakers to share its green technology. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/16/AR2009071600670.html http://www.modbee.com/business/story/783469.html In The Green Economy, Waging War On NF3. So you’ve just installed solar panels on your roof and you’ve stepped inside your house to turn on your Energy Star-certified LCD television, satisfied that you’ve helped reduce your impact on global warming. Not so fast. It turns out that a gas, nitrogen trifuoride, or NF3, used in the process of manufacturing solar panels, televisions and even the microchips inside these devices, has a global warming potential 17,000 times worse than the notorious warming agent carbon dioxide. Posted. http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?_c=y4kaojuz7qhuwx&xid=y4kahrpjsqluad&done=.y4kaojuz7r0uwx# A Chat With UC-Berkeley Energy Expert Dan Kammen. San Jose, Calif. -- UC-Berkeley professor of energy Dan Kammen is well-known around the country and throughout the world for his work in renewable energy science and policy. Recently, he and a team of academics, entrepreneurs, business leaders and policymakers released a 141-page report, 18 months in the making, called "The Gigaton Throwdown" that outlines a path for a dramatic expansion in the development and deployment of renewable and low-carbon energy. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/2030746.html San Diego Leads L.A., San Francisco In Rooftop Solar Power. State's solar market has more than doubled in three years, a study finds. It is far from the "million solar roofs" that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger touted, but the number of rooftop solar installations in California has grown from an estimated 500 a decade ago to nearly 50,000 today. And in the last three years, the Golden State's solar market has more than doubled. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-solar16-2009jul16,0,860157,print.story Solar Panels OK'd For County Buildings. Three buildings operated by Ventura County government will be modified with solar panels to generate energy, under a plan approved Tuesday by the Board of Supervisors. The conversion is expected to boost energy independence and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, officials said. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jul/15/solar-panels-okd-for-county-buildings-asfsdaf/ Re: ARB Website Content Survey The ARB is asking regular website users to take a few minutes to complete a brief survey about their experiences with our site. Your participation will help us improve our website to serve you better. Thank you. Link to Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2298ML2JK9E ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:14:08 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for July 20th, 2009 From: sponedal@ARB.CA.GOV .. Environmental Groups Up In Arms Over Possible Budget Provisions. In a letter to legislators and the governor, conservationists urge politicians to resist efforts to enable the building of power plants in the Los Angeles Basin, among other topics. Earlier this year, when Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger hunkered down with legislators in budget negotiations, the result was a delay of regulations to crack down on cancer-causing diesel pollution from construction and farm equipment. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-me-budget-health20-2009jul20,0,2740098,print.story Ozone Levels Downgrade Air Quality In Valley. High ozone levels are expected to trigger an "unhealthy" rating today for Tulare County's air, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District reported. A stagnant high-pressure air mass centered over Central California continues to dominate the weather, with Sunday's Visalia high reaching a near-record 108 degrees. Forecasts for today call for a Visalia high of 106, according to the National Weather Service. Posted. http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/article/20090720/NEWS01/907200312/Ozone+levels+downgrade+air+quality+in+Valley District Has Tips To Clean The Air. Drive a hybrid car to reduce tailpipe emissions, car-pool with co-workers, or skip the car and ride a bicycle instead. Switch to energy efficient appliances, plant a tree and use a clothesline instead of a dryer. If those great ideas sound time-consuming or too expensive, don't worry, because you can still carry a reusable bag to the grocery store. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/local/story/787567.html Air Documentary Film To Be Shown. The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District’s documentary film “Air: The Search For One Clean Breath,” will be screened for the public at the next meeting of Citizens for a Peaceful Resolution. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jul/20/air-documentary-film-be-shown/ House Climate Bill Was Flooded With Last-Minute Changes. Many provisions were narrowly focused to help certain industries. Expect more of the same in the Senate. Reporting from Washington — Less than 24 hours before the House approved its landmark energy and climate bill last month, Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-Colo.) got several paragraphs added to the 1,200-page measure -- additions expected to be worth millions of dollars to companies that install solar panels. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-climate-fineprint20-2009jul20,0,7264269,print.story California Carbon Counting. Soy biodiesel’s carbon score came in disappointingly low for preliminary scoring done for California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard, but California’s new regulation may not all be bad news for the biodiesel industry. The biodiesel industry was looking for a shot in the arm with a huge, new market opening up for biodiesel stimulated by the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard. After all, with no state incentives or mandates, California uses only about 40 million gallons of biodiesel in its 4 billion-gallon-per-year diesel market. Posted. http://www.biodieselmagazine.com/article-print.jsp?article_id=3618 Cleaner, Faster, Stronger. New diesel technologies offer consumers high-performance, excellent fuel economy and the biodiesel industry a chance to sell its fuel into a market sector that has historically been elusive. New production efforts, new models and favorable government programs are setting the stage for an expansion of the diesel presence in the United States. It’s mostly European companies, however -and not domestic producers—who are hoping to bring consumers into the diesel fold. Posted. http://www.biodieselmagazine.com/article-print.jsp?article_id=3615 Valley Vanpools Slash Gasoline Emissions. A growing vanpool program based in Kings County, initially started for farm and prison workers, is cutting overall commuting costs and significantly reducing gasoline emissions. “Every time you see one of our vans, picture a dump truck of emissions taken off the road," said Ron Hughes, executive director of the Kings County Area Public Transit Agency. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2307/story/786666.html Inquiry Navigates Container Ships Fuel Woes. Low-sulfur fuel required under a new state mandate has caused at least seven cargo ships headed into San Pedro Bay to stall out this year, prompting an investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard. While the Port of Los Angeles has reported no problems, port pilots at the neighboring Port of Long Beach said the light grade fuel has caused some engines to shut off, posing a problem for shipping lines. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12871314 Find Ways To Keep The Desert Air Clean. Clean air is essential to the quality of life in the Coachella Valley for many reasons. No. 1 is the health of its residents, many drawn to the area by its perennial blue sky. As air pollution drifts into our valley from the Los Angeles basin, it brings a host of health problems — particularly for those with asthma. Long-term exposure to ozone may permanently scar lung tissue. Posted. http://www.mydesert.com/article/20090719/OPINION01/907180332/1026/news12/Find-ways-to-keep-the-desert-air-clean La Verne Taking Steps to Clean up Southland Air. La Verne — The City of La Verne is doing its part to clean up air in the Southland. To reduce the amount of emissions generated by its vehicles, La Verne has begun an aggressive campaign to replace traditional gasoline fueled vehicles with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles as well as outfitting City vehicles with GPS/remote vehicle diagnostic modules. Posted. http://www.lavernecommunitynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=271&Itemid=2 A Window Into California’s Future. EARLY this year, Internet forums and blogs buzzed frantically with rumors that California was planning to ban black paint on new cars and trucks as part of an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A California Air Resources Board spokesman, Stanley Young, called the rumors laughable. He said that the state was indeed considering ways to keep vehicle interiors cooler and reduce air-conditioning use. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/19/automobiles/19california.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print China: 'Green' Diplomacy Seen As Key To Climate Talks. When Energy Secretary Steven Chu returns from China this week, he will face an American public still undecided about the Eastern giant's true carbon intentions. To some, China remains as unwilling as ever to take on greenhouse gas limits, which it fears would hamper growth. To others, China has turned over a new leaf and is now looking for practical solutions before making a climate commitment this winter at a U.N. summit in Copenhagen. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/07/20/3 Reality Check On Cap-And-Trade. Fear and scare tactics have recently found their way into letters to the editor regarding the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (the cap-and-trade bill). Some use false and misleading figures to support a claim that cap-and-trade will create a financial burden on the public. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/letters/story/787632.html Trade and Climate. When leaders of the world’s richest nations and the big developing countries agreed at the Group of 8 summit this month to restart global trade negotiations, they sent a powerful signal about the need for concerted action to deal with the world’s economic emergency. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/19/opinion/19sun1.html Senate Agriculture Panel Begins to Stake Its Claim in Climate Bill. Members of the Senate Agriculture Committee will vet options this week for the sweeping energy and climate bill, which they are expected to play a significant role in shaping. The panel will have a hearing Wednesday to explore the role for agriculture and forestry in climate change legislation. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/07/20/20climatewire-senate-agriculture-panel-begins-to-stake-its-98708.html Study Links Prenatal Exposure To Smog, Lower IQ- Chicago -- Researchers for the first time have linked air pollution exposure before birth with lower IQ scores in childhood, bolstering evidence that smog may harm the developing brain. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/20/MNKK18RQ5J.DTL&type=printable http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12873673 India Pushes Back On U.S. Carbon Limits. Gurgaon, India -- India served notice on Sunday that it remains opposed to legally binding targets to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, digging in its heels against the United States as the Obama administration begins marshaling support for a new global agreement on climate change. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/20/MNKK18RQTI.DTL&type=printable Prop. 1B Paying For Cleaner Buses. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has awarded nearly $43 million to help school districts in the Southland replace the dirtiest diesel school buses with clean-burning buses. In the Inland Valley, Chaffey Joint Union High School District in Ontario was awarded $283,048 to replace two old buses, and Chino Valley Unified School District received $990,668 to replace seven buses. AQMD awarded $3million to help 13 school districts to retrofit 176 newer diesel school buses with particulate traps to reduce emissions. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12873687 Mark Landsbaum: Little Greenin Green Jobs. If it turns out the way Washington plans, we'll all live in solar-powered, air-conditioned homes in the summer, solar-heated homes in the winter, drive ethanol-powered cars and maybe ride wind-powered elevators to our green jobs. Just kidding. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/jobs-green-energy-2497640-government-percent A Clunker Of A Law. If you have a clunker that's also a gas guzzler, the federal government wants you to trade in the car so it can be scrapped, while you get a cash credit toward the purchase of a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/new-trade-credit-2495732-fuel-program Scientists Zoom In On Carbon Dioxide In Cities. New York (AP) — Scientists in New York City and elsewhere are working to get a detailed picture of how much of the heat-trapping gas a city, neighborhood or building puts in the atmosphere — and how much the urban environment can suck out. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_12871456 Clinton: US, India To Join Hands On Climate Change. New DelhI (AP) — India and the United States can jointly devise a breakthrough plan for fighting climate change that will generate massive new investments and millions of jobs, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Sunday. She also assured India that while the U.S. wants it to do more to fight climate change, Washington will never impose conditions that would limit India's economic growth. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_12871406 Next Generation Of Solar Dishes Use Less Steel. Albuquerque, N.M. (AP) — Sandia National Laboratories scientist Chuck Andraka is excited about what's missing from a new generation of solar dishes that will be in the field by next year. There's far less steel — about 2 tons — in the structure that supports the SunCatcher, developed for Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Stirling Energy Systems, or SES. Overall, the design is 5,000 pounds lighter than its prototype. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_12866784 The Test: How Can We Prevent An Underwater San Francisco? A giant submerged curtain anchored under the Golden Gate Bridge that rises in storms to hold back big waves. Huge levees with pumps run by tidal power. Vast networks of new wetlands from Silicon Valley to San Francisco, some created on old parking lots and bayfront warehouse sites. Science fiction? Maybe. Or perhaps San Francisco Bay in 100 years. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_12872076 Tiny Tuvalu Says All Its Energy Renewable By 2020. Bangkok—The tiny island nation of Tuvalu, already under threat from rising seas caused by global warming, vowed Sunday to do its part for climate change by fueling its economy entirely from renewable sources by 2020. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12875473 Arctic Trek Brings Global Warming Into New Focus. When Jessica Whitlock asks her students what they did over summer vacation, little will they know she has an interesting story of her own to share. The Torrance resident, who will teach biology in the fall at Frederick Douglass Academy High School in Los Angeles, recently spent 10 days in the Canadian Arctic tundra studying climate change with a team of researchers and fellow teachers. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12873669 Chemicals That Eased One Woe Worsen Another. This is not the funny kind of irony: Scientists say the chemicals that helped solve the last global environmental crisis -- the hole in the ozone layer -- are making the current one worse. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/19/AR2009071901817.html Eco-Friendly Light Bulbs Flip Switch On Problems. An energy-efficiency measure is turning into a ticking green time bomb. The federal government plans to require consumers over the next several years to replace incandescent light bulbs with more expensive but more energy-efficient and longer-lasting compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jul/20/eco-friendly-light-bulbs-flip-switch-on-problems/ Blogs Home Solar Arrays Expand Rapidly in California. The number of California homes with solar panels has grown from 500 a decade ago to 50,000 today, helping California produce 500 megawatts of solar-powered electricity — equivalent to a major coal-fired power plant — during peak solar periods in early afternoon. Posted. http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/010167.html Re: ARB Website Content Survey The ARB is asking regular website users to take a few minutes to complete a brief survey about their experiences with our site. Your participation will help us improve our website to serve you better. Thank you. Link to Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2298ML2JK9E ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:47:42 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for July 21, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newclips for July 21, 2009. Newsclips for July 21, 2009 Senate Democrats Prep Team Girds for Climate Battle. When the Senate debated climate change legislation earlier this decade, it generally was understood the bill had no chance of becoming law. Floor debates in 2003 and 2005 came about after high-profile senators forced votes to score political points and embarrass the George W. Bush administration. Just one committee wrote last year's cap-and-trade bill, which crashed on the floor and became a political liability for Senate Democrats. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/07/21/21climatewire-senate-democrats-prep-team-girds-for-climate-93361.html Letter: A Global Climate Deal. To the Editor:“ A Lesson on Warming” (editorial, July 10) focused on the difficulty President Obama and the G-8 are having getting to a deal on climate change with China and other developing nations before the Copenhagen deadline in December. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/21/opinion/lweb21climate.html Top UN Climate Expert Faults G-8 Goal Without Deed. United Nations—The chairman of the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said Monday that the Group of Eight nations had "clearly ignored" taking any concrete action to accomplish its new goal of limiting climate change. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12877366 http://www.modbee.com/breakingnews/story/788170.html Benicia To Tackle 'Climate Action Plan'. Benicia -- An ordinance to create a panel to focus on environmental issues heads tonight to the Benicia City Council. The duties of the proposed, seven-member panel would include overseeing the implementation of the forthcoming Benicia Climate Action Plan, which is expected later this summer or early fall. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12881606 Google Execs' Fighter Jet To Combat Climate Change. When a Dornier Alpha Jet was spotted among Google Inc. executives' air fleet in Silicon Valley last fall, speculation swirled over what use an Internet search company could possibly have for the sleek fighter plane. It now appears that the jet, parked at NASA's Moffett Field, may see its first action as part of an ambitious government field study targeting pollution and climate change. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090721-709977.html http://www.marketwatch.com/story/google-execs-fighter-jet-to-combat-climate-change Processor Turns Onion Waste Into Energy, Cuts Emissions. By exploring new technology and maximizing efficiency, brothers Steven and David Gill have inaugurated a renewable energy and waste prevention project that will save their onion processing facility some $700,000 in annual electricity costs. "What we discovered over the last five years was when creating this new technology to address the issue of getting rid of the waste, we were literally taking our plant to zero waste," said Steven Gill of Gills Onions. Posted. http://www.cfbf.com/agalert/AgAlertStory.cfm?ID=1350&ck=861DC9BD7F4E7DD3CCCD534D0AE2A2E9 Despite Obstacles, Optimism Remains For 'Cow Power'. Talk to any California dairy farmer who has ever ventured into "cow power" and he will likely have war stories and battle scars to share about the difficult endeavor. The idea itself was simple: Trap the gas from cow manure, thereby cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and turn it into usable energy. Over the years a number of dairies throughout the state have installed methane digesters, only to face a barrage of regulatory obstacles bringing their projects online and keeping them online. Posted. http://www.cfbf.com/agalert/AgAlertStory.cfm?ID=1351&ck=3E313B9BADF12632CDAE5452D20E1AF6 Intense Heat And Poor Air Quality To Punish I.E. Residents. The mercury levels once again ascended into the high-90s and triple digits Monday, a precursor of what meteorologists are predicting will be the norm for much of this week. "It's pretty much going to be like that all week," said Stefanie Sullivan, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego. "If you have to be outside make sure you drink plenty of fluids and try to stay in the shade." Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12878887 Trend Worsening For Pollutant In 16 National Parks. Salt Lake City—A pollutant that can slowly trigger changes in the lives of plants and animals is increasingly being found in 16 National Park Service sites, mostly in the western United States. Air quality data obtained by The Associated Press shows significant worsening trends for ammonium in several flagship parks, including Yellowstone, Mount Rainier and Utah's Canyonlands. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12876153 http://www.modbee.com/state/story/788143.html Enviro Concerns Over Proposed Norcal Power Plant. Anderson, Calif.—A new report by Shasta County on a proposed power plant in Anderson raises a number of environmental concerns about the project. The 20-page report by the Shasta County Department of Resource Management lists concerns in 13 of 17 categories over the cogeneration power plant proposal by Sierra Pacific Industries. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12877407 http://www.modbee.com/state/story/788183.html http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jul/20/enviro-concerns-over-proposed-norcal-power-plant/ On the Waterfront: LNG-Powered Trucks Make Debut Thanks To Grants. Nearly 100 alternative-fueled trucks are hitting the streets in and around the harbor thanks to grants awarded through a lottery, which drew dozens of local truck owners and companies. The rigs, powered by liquefied natural gas, or LNG, are among a fleet of nearly 5,000 new, lower-emission trucks that have rolled into service since the port began a ban on older rigs Oct. 1. Those rigs haul about half the daily cargo being carried into and out of the ports. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12878266 http://www.energycurrent.com/index.php?id=3&storyid=19522 Officials Release Environmental Study On Proposed Quarry Near Temecula. A gravel quarry planned for the hills overlooking Temecula would have "significant and unavoidable" effects on traffic and air quality, but not building the quarry would pose problems as well, according to a comprehensive environmental study released by Riverside County this morning. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_web_quarry.1f5a450.html Blogs Solar Cells, Automation and Green Jobs. Aside from its environmental benefits, solar energy is frequently touted for its job creation potential. But for solar manufacturers themselves, machines — not employees — may be the key to their long-term survival. Take, for example, photovoltaic solar panels — the most common form of solar technology. As Roger Efird, the managing director of the United States branch of Suntech Power, a solar energy company based in China, the process of making these cells is already largely automated. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/20/for-solar-green-jobs-may-depend-on-green-automation/?hp Army Works to Cut Carbon ‘Bootprint’. The army is beginning to measure its carbon footprint, as part of a broader emphasis on the costs of climate change. An environmental, health and safety management system called Enviance, piloted at Fort Carson, is being rolled out to 11 more Army facilities around the country, including Fort Hood and Fort Benning, to help track their carbon “bootprint.” Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/21/army-works-to-cut-carbon-bootprint/ Is The Organic Movement Missing A Big Opportunity On Climate Change? Oh dear, not only has climate change turned me into a reluctant green, but now I’m having to rethink my attitudes to organic farming. This is all the fault of a conversation with Peter Melchett and Ken Hayes from the Soil Association , who are both fervent advocates of organic agriculture (which Peter puts into practice on his own farm). Posted. http://www.celsias.com/article/organic-movement-missing-big-opportunity-climate-c/ Re: ARB Website Content Survey The ARB is asking regular website users to take a few minutes to complete a brief survey about their experiences with our site. Your participation will help us improve our website to serve you better. Thank you. Link to Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2298ML2JK9E ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:02:47 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for July 22, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for July 22, 2009. Stimulus Funds Used To Retrofit Buses. San Diego Unified has become among the first school districts in the nation using federal stimulus money to retrofit school buses with a pollution control device. The Obama administration devoted $88 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to cleaning up diesel engines nationwide, with a focus on school buses. “San Diego officials, in particular, wasted no time in parlaying this money into real, on-the-ground projects that are providing jobs and protecting children's lungs at the same time,” Mary D. Nichols, chair of the state Air Resources Board, said in a statement. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jul/22/stimulus-funds-used-retrofit-buses/?uniontrib UN Climate Expert Warns Against Carbon Tariffs. The head of a U.N. panel on the science of climate change says trade tariffs in a House-passed bill to limit heat-trapping pollution have only served to irritate international negotiations and could undermine U.S. efforts to persuade developing countries to enter into a new global warming treaty. Rajendra Pachauri, whose Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change shared the Nobel Peace Prize with former Vice President Al Gore in 2007, told The Associated Press that lawmakers should remove the tariff provision, which in 2020 would impose a "border adjustment" on goods from countries that do not limit the gases linked to global warming. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/789957.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_12889350 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/22/AR2009072200177.html Climate Change Could Put The Heat On California Crops. Fruit and nut orchards in the Central Valley rely on winter chilling hours, but those are in decline, according to a UC Davis study. The Lockes have tilled the rich soil along the Mokelumne River since 1850. Now Chris Locke, 57, looks forward to passing down his orchards of 40,000 walnut trees to his four sons. But the threat of global warming has him worried. "I talk to my boys about climate change," he said. When he was young, frigid fogs rolled off the delta into Lockeford, the town named for his forebears. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-climate-farms22-2009jul22,0,4166903,print.story Governors Say Climate Policy Could Create Jobs. Washington—Three Democratic governors told a Senate panel Tuesday that efforts to curb global warming and spur the development of cleaner sources of energy have created jobs and new businesses in their states, a trend that could expand nationwide if Congress passes federal legislation. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_12883763 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/21/AR2009072102038.html U.S. Green Jobs Seen Taking Years Of Planning. Washington - Alternative energy jobs can provide vocations across many sectors of the economy but policy to spark them can take years to develop, U.S. governors told a Senate committee on Tuesday. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/21/AR2009072102327.html Climate Loopholes. The House’s approval of the Waxman-Markey climate change bill earlier this month was a remarkable political achievement and an important beginning to the task of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. But in all the last-minute wheeling and dealing, the House bill acquired two big loopholes that the Senate must close. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/22/opinion/22wed11.html California Bay Area Group Rolls Out Regional Diesel Grant Program. Truckers in the California bay area next week have an opportunity to learn about cash grants they may be eligible to apply for, while grabbing a free bite to eat. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is working with the Port of Oakland to announce its annual grant program to fund retrofitting of heavy-duty diesel trucks that work primarily in the region’s ports. Posted. http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2009/July09/072009/072109-05.htm Re: ARB Website Content Survey The ARB is asking regular website users to take a few minutes to complete a brief survey about their experiences with our site. Your participation will help us improve our website to serve you better. Thank you. Link to Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2298ML2JK9E ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:10:52 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for July 23, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for July 23, 2009. San Diego School Bus Fleet Gets Green Makeover. The San Diego Unified School District is using federal stimulus funds to reduce harmful emissions from its school buses. The district is close to having one of the cleanest bus fleets in the country. Nearly all of the school district's 519 buses are new or have been retrofitted to reduce diesel pollution. Posted. http://www.kpbs.org/news/2009/jul/22/san-diego-school-bus-fleet-gets-green-makeover/ http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jul/22/stimulus-funds-used-retrofit-buses/?education&zIndex=136124 http://www.imperialvalleynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6357&Itemid=1 Cleaner Amtrak Locomotives on Track for California. Amtrak’s California trains are to be powered by cleaner diesel locomotives, with the first of the engines unveiled Wednesday. The newly upgraded locomotive has begun operating between Sacramento and the Bay Area along the Capitol Corridor route. Posted. http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=12605 Toxic Diesel Emission Rules Eased. Under legislative orders, state air-quality regulators are preparing to grant the besieged construction industry a temporary reprieve from tough directives aimed at reducing toxic diesel emissions. The delay, which specifically targets companies forced to park equipment and idle workers to stay afloat, will be taken up when the California Air Resources Board meets tomorrow in San Diego. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jul/22/toxic-diesel-emission-rules-eased/?uniontrib Valley Ozone Violations Down Despite Heat. Despite a torrid heat wave and some stifling July pollution, the San Joaquin Valley might set a clean-air record this summer. Those balmy, breezy days in June and early July have kept the number of ozone violations down to 45 thus far this summer - down from at least 60 during comparable periods in each of the previous three years. Posted. http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1552719.html Oakland Port Delays Transit Vote. Once again, the Port of Oakland postponed a vote on a request for a federal exemption to a transportation funding bill for West Coast ports. On July 21, the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners asked staff to revise a resolution based on input from the Executive Director Omar Benjamin and bring it to Executive Committee for consideration at a July 30th meeting. Posted. http://www.etrucker.com/apps/news/article.asp?id=80386 Report: Us, China Must Improve Climate Cooperation. The United States and China should use high-level meetings next week to work toward improved cooperation in curbing greenhouse gases, according to a new Senate report. The Foreign Relations Committee report released Thursday says new efforts to address emissions by the United States and China, the world's largest emitters of climate-altering pollution, could be "the key to a global solution" to climate change. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12896984?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/791322.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/23/AR2009072300147.html http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/07/23/national/w000531D39.DTL Climate Fixers' Hard Sell. Unfortunately, China's president had to dash home to suppress ethnic riots. Had he stayed in Italy at the recent Group of Eight summit, he could have continued the Herculean task of disabusing Barack Obama of his amazingly durable belief, shared by the U.S. Congress, that China -- and India, Brazil, Mexico and other developing nations -- will sacrifice their modernization on the altar of climate change. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/22/AR2009072202415.html Energy Companies Opened Wallets Wide to Sway House Climate Bill. Electric utilities boosted lobbying in the second quarter of 2009, narrowing the gap with oil and gas companies that had dominated spending on persuasion by a wide margin earlier this year. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/07/23/23greenwire-energy-companies-opened-wallets-wide-to-sway-h-97518.html Nature's AC. Can shade trees lower your energy bills? Yes, say the experts. A lot. Trees offer many benefits, from reducing pollution, to adding beauty and value to property, to creating wildlife habitat. Perhaps the most tangible benefit is reducing energy bills. We talked with two tree experts - Dan Lambe, vice president of programs for the Arbor Day Foundation, and Scott Maco, a research urban forester with the Davey Tree Institute - to learn more about this. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2019/story/790403.html Solar Action In The San Francisco Bay Area. What is more suitable to use than solar energy in our cities? California has a great potential to benefit from solar power due to high levels of sunlight. Small, incremental steps that use renewable energy technologies make a difference in reducing greenhouse gases. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-12791-SF-Green-Careers-Examiner~y2009m7d22-Solar-action-in-the-San-Francisco-Bay-Area Baca Supports Farmers. America's family farmers and ranchers have a unique role to play when it comes to combating global climate change. Rep. Joe Baca understands that and I thank him for his vote in support of the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. As President Obama said about the legislation's passage, it is a "bold and necessary step." Farmers Union supports a national, mandatory carbon emission cap-and-trade system to reduce nonfarm greenhouse gas emissions. As an energy-intensive industry, we know that doing so will result in increased production costs. Posted. http://www.sbsun.com/search/ci_12893650?IADID=Search-www.sbsun.com-www.sbsun.com Blogs Senate Pressed to Aid Obama on Energy Education. More than 100 schools, student groups and nonprofit organizations have signed a letter pressing the Senate to provide the money President Obama has sought for his Re-Energyse program, which is aimed at building the intellectual capacity to transform the country’s energy system. The letter, drafted by the Breakthrough Institute and sent to Senate offices earlier this week, comes after the education program was cut to zero by a Senate committee from Mr. Obama’s $115 million request. In its markup, a House committee cut the request to $7 million. Posted. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/23/senate-pressed-to-aid-obama-on-energy-education/?scp=4&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse Hot, Dry, Thriving? A Farm Plan for California. A report on the future of California agriculture, released by the Pacific Institute on Wednesday, offers the following vision: “It is now the year 2050 and California agriculture is thriving, leading the world in sustainable production, the efficient use of water … and the protection of ecological services.” Posted. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/23/hot-dry-and-thriving-a-plan-for-california-farms/?hp Re: ARB Website Content Survey The ARB is asking regular website users to take a few minutes to complete a brief survey about their experiences with our site. Your participation will help us improve our website to serve you better. Thank you. Link to Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2298ML2JK9E ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:33:53 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for July 24-27, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for July 24-27, 2009. Grant To Offset Cost Of Upgrading To Cleaner Vehicles. Barstow - Businesses who use diesel-powered heavy-duty vehicles and are looking to upgrade to cleaner burning vehicles may be able to get help. The Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District is looking to distribute up to $824,000 in grants to businesses and farms in the High Desert that are in the process of switching from diesel-burning vehicles and equipment to cleaner-burning vehicles. Violette Roberts, community relations and education manager for the district, said the funds will be used to offset the cost of upgrading to the cleaner technology. Posted. http://www.desertdispatch.com/common/printer/view.php?db=desertdispatch&id=6559 Will America Lose The Clean-Energy Race? As Congress debates climate and energy legislation, Asian challengers are moving rapidly to win the clean-energy race. China alone is reportedly investing $440 billion to $660 billion in its clean-energy industries over 10 years. South Korea is investing a full 2 percent of its gross domestic product in a Green New Deal. And Japan is redoubling incentives for solar, aiming for a 20-fold expansion in installed solar energy by 2020. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/27/EDKH18UBUP.DTL&type=printable PG&E Pushes To Extend Unpopular ClimateSmart. A Pacific Gas and Electric Co. program that asks customers to fight global warming by paying a little extra on their electricity bills has enrolled just 31,000 people and takes far more money to run than it generates. Now PG&E wants to extend the ClimateSmart program, even as consumer watchdogs question whether it's worth the money. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/27/MNKQ18SLO5.DTL&type=printable What Palin Got Wrong About Energy. Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin put the global warming debate front and center last week with a plea to avoid the "personality-driven political gossip of the day" and focus more "on the gravity of . . . challenges" facing our country. We share her hopes for a substantive dialogue. But we want to put facts ahead of fiction and real debate ahead of rhetorical bomb-throwing. Palin argues that "the answer doesn't lie in making energy scarcer and more expensive!" Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/23/AR2009072302633_pf.html House GOP Wants To Force Vote On Bill To Hamstring EPA Regs. House Republicans are hoping to force a floor vote on legislation handcuffing U.S. EPA's ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. Republican Reps. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and Michael Conaway of Texas today filed a "discharge" petition to force a floor vote on H.R. 391, which would block EPA from regulating greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. Blackburn introduced the bill in January and 60 GOP co-sponsors have signed on. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/07/24/6 Search Continues For Cleaner, More Efficient CO2 Capture. As Congress debates ways to encourage coal-fired power plants to capture carbon dioxide emissions and store it underground, scientists are racing to find cleaner and more efficient ways of collecting the greenhouse gas. Currently, the few coal plants that are capturing CO2 on a commercial scale use technology that employs monoethanolamine, a general-purpose solvent that has been around for 75 years that is nonselective, corrosive, requires large equipment and is not effective under all conditions. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/07/24/8 BUSINESS BRIEFS: Sod Firm Fined For Emissions Violations. A Camarillo sod company has to pay a $9,500 fine for emissions violations, the California Air Resources Board reported this week. The board fined Pacific Sod, a subsidiary of Pacific Earth Resources, for failing to properly inspect its diesel truck fleet for smoke emissions in 2007 and 2008 at its Camarillo and Patterson, Calif., locations. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jul/24/business-briefs-from-news-services-and-ventura/ A Pass On Climate Change. Unfortunately, China’s president had to dash home to suppress ethnic riots. Had he stayed in Italy at the recent G-8 summit, he could have continued the Herculean task of disabusing Barack Obama of his amazingly durable belief, shared by the U.S. Congress, that China — and India, Brazil, Mexico and other developing nations — will sacrifice their modernization on the altar of climate change. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jul/25/a-pass-on-climate-change/ Gas Guzzlers, Be Gone! The new federal rebate program designed to get gas-guzzling, smog-spewing “clunkers” off America’s roads could lure buyers and give car sales a much-needed boost. Today is the official start, but local dealers have been offering the rebates since the beginning of the month. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090723/ARTICLES/907239898 Environmental Scores Not Ready For Prime Time. The federal government pointed with pride to a sweeping national database that identifies pollution-stricken poor and minority neighborhoods to help officials better target billions of economic recovery dollars. But it's a tool that doesn't exist - yet. The elaborate system to assign "environmental justice" scores by Census tract, already years in the making, is still on the drawing board at the Environmental Protection Agency. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/793051.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12907428 Waxman-Markey Dangles Cash To Lure CCs 'First Movers'. The sweeping House-passed climate and energy bill has a message for companies trying to develop and use "clean coal" technology: If you snooze, you lose. The legislation lays out billions of dollars in incentives to entice owners of coal-fired power plants to try carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), technology considered vital to keeping the abundant fossil fuel in play as an energy source while curbing emissions of heat-trapping gases. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/07/24/1 CARB Amends Rule to Reduce Construction Equipment Emissions. The California Air Resources Board on Thursday adopted amendments to help business owners comply with its pioneering 2007 regulation aimed at reducing toxic diesel emissions from the state's estimated 180,000 off-road vehicles such as tractors and bulldozers used in construction, mining and other industries. Posted. http://www.constructionequipment.com/article/CA6672878.html CARB To Fine CA Carriers On Reefer Registration Next Month. California-based trucking businesses must register their reefers with the state’s Air Resources Board by July 31 or face potential fines beginning in August. CARB recently delayed its compliance date for the equipment portion of its transportation refrigeration unit rule, dubbed TRU for short, from July 18 until December. Posted. http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2009/July09/072009/072409-02.htm Boom In Hydropower Pits Fish Against Climate. The renewable energy could ease global warming, but the dams and turbines could result in mass killings. Reporting from Wenatchee, Wash. — The Rocky Reach Dam has straddled the wide, slow Columbia River since the 1950s. It generates enough electricity to supply homes and industries across Washington and Oregon. But the dam in recent years hasn't produced as much power as it might: Its massive turbines act as deadly blender blades to young salmon, and engineers often have had to let the river flow over the spillway to halt the slaughter, wasting the water's energy potential. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-na-hydro-power27-2009jul27,0,654396,print.story U.S.-China Talks To Focus On Global Economy, Environmental Policy. The meeting is likely to highlight Beijing's unease about its U.S. bond holdings, Washington's desire to reduce China's reliance on exports and the need to reach consensus on tackling climate change. Reporting from Washington and Beijing — The United States and China today kick off talks in Washington that are expected to highlight Beijing's unease about its massive holdings in federal bonds, Washington's desire to reduce China's reliance on exports and the need for both sides to reach consensus on tackling climate change. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-china27-2009jul27,0,4300181,print.story George F. Will: Cold Shoulder To Climate 'Urgency'. UNFORTUNATELY, CHINA'S president had to dash home to suppress ethnic riots. Had he stayed in Italy at the recent G-8 summit, he could have continued the Herculean task of disabusing Barack Obama of his amazingly durable belief, shared by the U.S. Congress, that China — and India, Brazil, Mexico and other developing nations — will sacrifice their modernization on the altar of climate change. China has a more pressing agenda, and not even suppressing riots tops the list. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/opinion/ci_12899636 Another Bump In The Road For Tesla Motors. San Carlos — There was a time not long ago when claiming paternity of electric car maker Tesla Motors was more of an admission than a boast. Plagued by production delays, management missteps and the worsening economy, the company laid off 10 percent of its workers last year. But the company says it is now on the brink of profitability and the Tesla Roadster is fast becoming a hot Hollywood status symbol, counting Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and actors George Clooney and Dustin Hoffman as customers. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_12915388 Dealers Who Accept Clunkers Required To Destroy Engines. Dealers in the U.S. "cash-for- clunkers" program are being forced to disable trade-in vehicles with an engine-destroying chemical under new rules to prevent those who take the government subsidies from reselling the cars. Dealers must replace the oil in the "clunker" with two quarts of sodium silicate solution and run the engine for up to seven minutes, permanently disabling it, according to rules released today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in Washington. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/business/ci_12907367 Inverness Sticks With Alternative-Fuel Plan For Vehicles. The Inverness Public Utility District board has decided to stick with a plan to use alternative fuels for all seven of its vehicles - even after its primary source for alternative fuels dried up.The board voted Wednesday to retain a policy that all new vehicles purchased by the districts - including fire engines and rescue vehicles - should be capable of operating without gasoline or petrodiesel. Board members consider biodiesel, ethanol, rechargeable electric batteries or propane as acceptable alternative fuels. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12910502 Is It Time to Build an Ark? First come the wildfires. Then the extended cloudbursts. Then the furies of mud, rock and debris that roar out of the San Gabriel foothills. And in the floods' wake, every few decades, rage death and destruction across Southern California. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12918476 Fairfax Pavilion Gets Solar System For Roof. Fairfax officials will dedicate a new 25-kilowatt solar system for the roof of the Fairfax Pavilion at a 6 p.m. ceremony Aug. 5 at the Fairfax Farmers Market in Bolinas Park. The new system, built by SPG Solar, Inc. of Novato, will provide electricity for the Fairfax Town Hall, police department and fire station, as well as the Pavilion. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12904687 Hard Data on Climate Change. George F. Will once again ignored scientific evidence when he claimed that there has been no global warming over the past decade ["Climate Fixers' Hard Sell," op-ed, July 23]. Earth's average temperature rises and falls in large part because of multiyear ocean cycles, such as El Niño and La Niña. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/26/AR2009072602351.html In Search Of A Nontoxic Home. Sensitive to an array of pollutants, Kathy Hemenway uprooted herself to find a clean environment. Should the rest of us worry? No paint on the walls. No carpets on the floors. No TV in the living room. Or the bedroom. Or the kitchen. No TV anywhere in the house. Kathy Hemenway's home in Snowflake, Ariz., is a refuge from the gases, chemicals and electromagnetic fields that are nearly ubiquitous in our 21st century world. Her chemical sensitivities began when she was just a kid. "I couldn't figure out why people liked perfume," she says. “ Posted. http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-toxic-home-intro27-2009jul27,0,2246877,print.story Warming, Pollution, Development Threaten Bay. San Francisco Bay is more than just a body of water. It's the lifeblood of our region, providing our most striking geographical feature, our biggest economic engine, even our name. For most of the past century, the bay was overtaxed and underappreciated. Canneries used it as a dump. Local jurisdictions pumped raw sewage into it. Many of the heavily industrialized businesses that used to thrive here allowed it to wash away their toxic chemicals and pollutants. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/24/EDEI18KGLC.DTL&type=printable Blogs Time to Pay our Climate Debt. Last week’s G8 meeting presents a worrying model of how climate talks will play out in the run-up to the Copenhagen summit in December. While rich countries fail to grasp the scale of the solution required to deal with climate change, larger developing countries are blamed for a lack of ambition. Posted. http://www.celsias.com/article/time-pay-our-climate-debt/ Re: ARB Website Content Survey The ARB is asking regular website users to take a few minutes to complete a brief survey about their experiences with our site. Your participation will help us improve our website to serve you better. Thank you. Link to Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2298ML2JK9E ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:17:28 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for July 28th, 2009 From: sponedal@ARB.CA.GOV .. Oakland Port Program To Clean Up Trucks, Air. The throaty rumble of diesel engines idling at the Port of Oakland isn't audible at Margaret Gordon's home 2 miles away. But the evidence of thousands of semis coming and going daily shows up in a different way - toxic soot covers her windowsills and heating vents. Now, air quality regulators are taking steps to reduce so-called diesel particulates in a neighborhood where increasing cases of asthma, chronic lung disease and cancer have sounded the alarm about the long-term health effects of heavy industry. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/28/BALB18TVHV.DTL&type=printable http://www.ttnews.com/articles/basetemplate.aspx?storyid=22399 AP Interview: Lieberman Down, Not Out, On Climate. Washington—Sen. Joe Lieberman riled Democrats last year by criticizing then-presidential candidate Barack Obama. Now the Connecticut independent is helping the president push for a bill to combat global warming. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12923703 Start-Up's Biofuel Recipe Mixes CO2, Slime and Sunshine. A Massachusetts biotechnology start-up unveiled plans today to produce chemicals and transportation fuels from carbon dioxide, the main heat-trapping gas that contributes to global warming. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/07/27/27greenwire-start-ups-biofuel-recipe-mixes-co2-slime-and-su-7562.html Obama Opens Policy Talks With China. The United States and China inaugurated two days of high-level talks on Monday, exchanging promises of great-power cooperation on weighty issues like climate change while steering clear of potential conflicts over exchange rates and human rights. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/28/world/28strategy.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=climate%20change&st=cse Dispute Over Clean-Tech Patent Protections. As the U.N. climate talks stumble toward a showdown this year in Copenhagen, one of the toughest points of discord carries huge risks for the Bay Area's clean-tech industry. Negotiators are arguing whether developing nations should be allowed to break or modify foreign-held patents on emissions-reducing technologies. The chance of compromise seems to be shrinking. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/28/ED3018UQR3.DTL&type=printable Global Warming Played A Role In Incas' Rise, Report Says. British archaeologists say a rise in temperatures helped fuel the empire, giving access to more cultivable, fertile land, and thus food surpluses that freed the Incas to expand and conquer. Global warming is not necessarily always bad. A 400-year warm spell in South America fueled the Incas' rise, British archaeologists reported Monday, helping them build the largest empire that ever ruled the continent. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-sci-inca28-2009jul28,0,3072388,print.story California TRU Registration Deadline Is Rapidly Nearing. July 31, 2009, is the deadline for registering California-based transport refrigeration units (TRUs) and TRU generator sets with the California Air Resources Board (ARB). Register TRUs and TRU gensets online at the Air Resources Board Equipment Registration (ARBER) system. ARBER may be accessed at www.arb.ca.gov/arber/arber.htm. Registration is free. Posted. http://refrigeratedtrans.com/2010-emissions/california_tru_deadline_approaches_0728/ 'Cash for Clunkers' Database: See If Your Car Qualifies For The Proposed Program. Congress is poised to pass the so-called "Cash for Clunkers" program that would offer vouchers of $3,500 or $4,500 for consumers who turn in gas-guzzling vehicles for new, more fuel-efficient models. The "cash for clunkers" legislation awaiting President Obama's signature would cover cars and light trucks rated a combined (a blend of city and highway driving) 18 mpg or less; large pickups/SUVs at 15 mpg or less; work trucks built before 2002. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_12924962 Energy Firms Help Pay For State Regulators' Far-Flung Trips. State officials who lead California's war on global warming often travel abroad on trips supported by the major greenhouse gas polluters they regulate, a Bee investigation has found. Industry lobbyists and executives routinely join them. Since 2006, more than two dozen top state officials have fanned out across the globe on such trips, bound for a climate change policy tour in Europe, meetings with high-level government officials across South America and China, even a safari in Kruger National Park in South Africa – all on someone else's dime. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/capitolandcalifornia/v-print/story/2056375.html Greenpeace: China Power Companies Hurting Climate. China's three largest energy suppliers emitted more greenhouse gases than all of Britain last year, environmental watchdog Greenpeace China said in a report issued Tuesday. The report reflects the heavy reliance on coal that is hampering China's efforts to tackle climate change. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/world/story/796724.html Utility PACs Generous to Key Lawmakers in Climate Debate. Large electric utilities that rely heavily on coal poured money into re-election campaigns as the House shaped and passed landmark climate legislation, a bill that helps those businesses partly sidestep its toughest provisions. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/07/27/27greenwire-utility-pacs-generous-to-key-lawmakers-in-clim-54282.html Blogs: Really Green Fuel: The EPA Opens the Door to Algae. Forget the summer of love. This is truly turning into the summer of algae. The renewable energy and law blog of Stoel Rives LLP, a big law firm in the western U.S, reports that the Environmental Protection Agency will count algae as an advanced biofuel under Renewable Fuel Standard rules being developed. The EPA is said to be encouraged by recent interest in algae by heavyweights such as Exxon Mobil and Dow Chemical. Biofuels such as cellulosic ethanol, sugar-cane ethanol and even biodiesel were envisioned in the RFS – but algae was absent. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/07/28/really-green-fuel-the-epa-opens-the-door-to-algae/tab/print/ Obama: Cooperation with China Key to Avoid ‘Ravages’ of Climate Change. Rarely, if ever, are Yao Ming and Mencius quoted in the same speech. President Obama turned to both reknowned Chinese philosophers today to kick off the big U.S.-China summit in Washington. As promised, energy and the environment take high priority—second only to fixing the global financial system. Mr. Obama put it in stark terms: “Will the need for energy breed competition and climate change, or will we build partnerships to produce clean power and to protect our planet?” Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/07/27/obama-cooperation-with-china-key-to-avoid-ravages-of-climate-change/tab/print/ Accelerating Carbon Sequestration in Alberta. An advisory group in Alberta, Canada, is proposing that carbon dioxide captured from large industrial operations could be pumped into dozens of semi-depleted oil fields, with the idea of extracting billions of dollars of uneconomic crude from conventional Alberta reserves. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/28/accelerating-carbon-sequestration-in-alberta/?scp=3&sq=climate%20change&st=cse Cut Your Engine to Curb Pollution. Do you recognize this symbol? You may have noticed it on the “No Idling” signs around Millburn and Maplewood. Millburn purchased 50 signs last year for placement around schools to remind drivers to turn off their engines when stopped. Maplewood put up signs around town, too. In 2004 my first child, Fiona, began preschool. At the preschool, there is a large oval driveway, around which cars park to drop off and pick up the kids. My first day, I noticed that all the large SUVs surrounding me idled for the entire time on the carpool line — up to 20 minutes or more. Posted. http://maplewood.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/27/cut-your-engine-to-curb-pollution/?scp=2&sq=greenhouse%20gases&st=Search Cut Your Engine to Curb Pollution. Do you recognize this symbol? You may have noticed it on the “No Idling” signs around Millburn and Maplewood. Millburn purchased 50 signs last year for placement around schools to remind drivers to turn off their engines when stopped. Maplewood put up signs around town, too. Posted. http://maplewood.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/27/cut-your-engine-to-curb-pollution/ UCS: California Enacts Nation’s Toughest Global Warming Bill. Late last week, the California Legislature passed landmark legislation to create the nation’s first economy-wide cap on global warming emissions, and Governor Schwarzenegger has agreed to sign the bill into law. The new law codifies the state's goal to reduce its global warming emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, a 25 percent reduction from business as usual. The state will phase in an enforceable statewide cap on global warming starting in 2012. Posted. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/09/ucs_california.php Re: ARB Website Content Survey The ARB is asking regular website users to take a few minutes to complete a brief survey about their experiences with our site. Your participation will help us improve our website to serve you better. Thank you. Link to Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2298ML2JK9E ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:22:39 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for July 28th, 2009 From: sponedal@ARB.CA.GOV . . Oakland Port Program To Clean Up Trucks, Air. The throaty rumble of diesel engines idling at the Port of Oakland isn't audible at Margaret Gordon's home 2 miles away. But the evidence of thousands of semis coming and going daily shows up in a different way - toxic soot covers her windowsills and heating vents. Now, air quality regulators are taking steps to reduce so-called diesel particulates in a neighborhood where increasing cases of asthma, chronic lung disease and cancer have sounded the alarm about the long-term health effects of heavy industry. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/28/BALB18TVHV.DTL&type=printable http://www.ttnews.com/articles/basetemplate.aspx?storyid=22399 AP Interview: Lieberman Down, Not Out, On Climate. Washington—Sen. Joe Lieberman riled Democrats last year by criticizing then-presidential candidate Barack Obama. Now the Connecticut independent is helping the president push for a bill to combat global warming. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12923703 Start-Up's Biofuel Recipe Mixes CO2, Slime and Sunshine. A Massachusetts biotechnology start-up unveiled plans today to produce chemicals and transportation fuels from carbon dioxide, the main heat-trapping gas that contributes to global warming. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/07/27/27greenwire-start-ups-biofuel-recipe-mixes-co2-slime-and-su-7562.html Obama Opens Policy Talks With China. The United States and China inaugurated two days of high-level talks on Monday, exchanging promises of great-power cooperation on weighty issues like climate change while steering clear of potential conflicts over exchange rates and human rights. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/28/world/28strategy.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=climate%20change&st=cse Dispute Over Clean-Tech Patent Protections. As the U.N. climate talks stumble toward a showdown this year in Copenhagen, one of the toughest points of discord carries huge risks for the Bay Area's clean-tech industry. Negotiators are arguing whether developing nations should be allowed to break or modify foreign-held patents on emissions-reducing technologies. The chance of compromise seems to be shrinking. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/28/ED3018UQR3.DTL&type=printable Global Warming Played A Role In Incas' Rise, Report Says. British archaeologists say a rise in temperatures helped fuel the empire, giving access to more cultivable, fertile land, and thus food surpluses that freed the Incas to expand and conquer. Global warming is not necessarily always bad. A 400-year warm spell in South America fueled the Incas' rise, British archaeologists reported Monday, helping them build the largest empire that ever ruled the continent. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-sci-inca28-2009jul28,0,3072388,print.story California TRU Registration Deadline Is Rapidly Nearing. July 31, 2009, is the deadline for registering California-based transport refrigeration units (TRUs) and TRU generator sets with the California Air Resources Board (ARB). Register TRUs and TRU gensets online at the Air Resources Board Equipment Registration (ARBER) system. ARBER may be accessed at www.arb.ca.gov/arber/arber.htm. Registration is free. Posted. http://refrigeratedtrans.com/2010-emissions/california_tru_deadline_approaches_0728/ 'Cash for Clunkers' Database: See If Your Car Qualifies For The Proposed Program. Congress is poised to pass the so-called "Cash for Clunkers" program that would offer vouchers of $3,500 or $4,500 for consumers who turn in gas-guzzling vehicles for new, more fuel-efficient models. The "cash for clunkers" legislation awaiting President Obama's signature would cover cars and light trucks rated a combined (a blend of city and highway driving) 18 mpg or less; large pickups/SUVs at 15 mpg or less; work trucks built before 2002. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_12924962 Energy Firms Help Pay For State Regulators' Far-Flung Trips. State officials who lead California's war on global warming often travel abroad on trips supported by the major greenhouse gas polluters they regulate, a Bee investigation has found. Industry lobbyists and executives routinely join them. Since 2006, more than two dozen top state officials have fanned out across the globe on such trips, bound for a climate change policy tour in Europe, meetings with high-level government officials across South America and China, even a safari in Kruger National Park in South Africa – all on someone else's dime. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/capitolandcalifornia/v-print/story/2056375.html Greenpeace: China Power Companies Hurting Climate. China's three largest energy suppliers emitted more greenhouse gases than all of Britain last year, environmental watchdog Greenpeace China said in a report issued Tuesday. The report reflects the heavy reliance on coal that is hampering China's efforts to tackle climate change. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/world/story/796724.html Utility PACs Generous to Key Lawmakers in Climate Debate. Large electric utilities that rely heavily on coal poured money into re-election campaigns as the House shaped and passed landmark climate legislation, a bill that helps those businesses partly sidestep its toughest provisions. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/07/27/27greenwire-utility-pacs-generous-to-key-lawmakers-in-clim-54282.html Blogs: Really Green Fuel: The EPA Opens the Door to Algae. Forget the summer of love. This is truly turning into the summer of algae. The renewable energy and law blog of Stoel Rives LLP, a big law firm in the western U.S, reports that the Environmental Protection Agency will count algae as an advanced biofuel under Renewable Fuel Standard rules being developed. The EPA is said to be encouraged by recent interest in algae by heavyweights such as Exxon Mobil and Dow Chemical. Biofuels such as cellulosic ethanol, sugar-cane ethanol and even biodiesel were envisioned in the RFS – but algae was absent. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/07/28/really-green-fuel-the-epa-opens-the-door-to-algae/tab/print/ Obama: Cooperation with China Key to Avoid ‘Ravages’ of Climate Change. Rarely, if ever, are Yao Ming and Mencius quoted in the same speech. President Obama turned to both reknowned Chinese philosophers today to kick off the big U.S.-China summit in Washington. As promised, energy and the environment take high priority—second only to fixing the global financial system. Mr. Obama put it in stark terms: “Will the need for energy breed competition and climate change, or will we build partnerships to produce clean power and to protect our planet?” Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/07/27/obama-cooperation-with-china-key-to-avoid-ravages-of-climate-change/tab/print/ Accelerating Carbon Sequestration in Alberta. An advisory group in Alberta, Canada, is proposing that carbon dioxide captured from large industrial operations could be pumped into dozens of semi-depleted oil fields, with the idea of extracting billions of dollars of uneconomic crude from conventional Alberta reserves. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/28/accelerating-carbon-sequestration-in-alberta/?scp=3&sq=climate%20change&st=cse Cut Your Engine to Curb Pollution. Do you recognize this symbol? You may have noticed it on the “No Idling” signs around Millburn and Maplewood. Millburn purchased 50 signs last year for placement around schools to remind drivers to turn off their engines when stopped. Maplewood put up signs around town, too. In 2004 my first child, Fiona, began preschool. At the preschool, there is a large oval driveway, around which cars park to drop off and pick up the kids. My first day, I noticed that all the large SUVs surrounding me idled for the entire time on the carpool line — up to 20 minutes or more. Posted. http://maplewood.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/27/cut-your-engine-to-curb-pollution/?scp=2&sq=greenhouse%20gases&st=Search Cut Your Engine to Curb Pollution. Do you recognize this symbol? You may have noticed it on the “No Idling” signs around Millburn and Maplewood. Millburn purchased 50 signs last year for placement around schools to remind drivers to turn off their engines when stopped. Maplewood put up signs around town, too. Posted. http://maplewood.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/27/cut-your-engine-to-curb-pollution/ UCS: California Enacts Nation’s Toughest Global Warming Bill. Late last week, the California Legislature passed landmark legislation to create the nation’s first economy-wide cap on global warming emissions, and Governor Schwarzenegger has agreed to sign the bill into law. The new law codifies the state's goal to reduce its global warming emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, a 25 percent reduction from business as usual. The state will phase in an enforceable statewide cap on global warming starting in 2012. Posted. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/09/ucs_california.php Re: ARB Website Content Survey The ARB is asking regular website users to take a few minutes to complete a brief survey about their experiences with our site. Your participation will help us improve our website to serve you better. Thank you. Link to Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2298ML2JK9E ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:14:24 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for July 29th, 2009 From: sponedal@ARB.CA.GOV .. Newsclips for July 29, 2009 Money Flowing To Upgrade Port Of Oakland Trucks. Owners of 1,000 diesel trucks that use the Port of Oakland will get $22 million in government grants to clean up or replace their vehicles in a program to reduce health risks from soot in West Oakland air, a team of clean-air regulators announced Tuesday. Government budget problems in the past year had threatened to sidetrack much of the money. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_12930862 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/27/BALB18TVHV.DTL http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jul/28/ca-bay-diesel-pollution-072809/?california&zIndex=139692 http://www.modbee.com/state/story/797124.html http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2009/07/27/daily27.html http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California/CA_Bay_Diesel_Pollution_427232C.shtml http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jul/28/22m-will-help-rid-oakland-port-of-dirty-diesel/ http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_12930862 Valley Air Cleaner This Summer. A cooler-than-usual June and efforts to clean the valley's air are combining to make breathing a little easier this summer. Not since 2005 has the San Joaquin Valley violated a key national air standard fewer days at this point in the year. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/news/local/x944962423/Valley-air-cleaner-this-summer U.S. Can Cut Half Its Carbon Emissions From Transportation by 2050, Report Says. The United States can cut greenhouse gas emissions from transportation in half by 2050 with strategies ranging from cutting speed limits to imposing road pricing, according to a report released today by federal agencies and environmental and industry groups. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/07/28/28greenwire-us-can-cut-half-its-carbon-emissions-from-tran-16812.html CARB Starts Fining CA Carriers Saturday On Reefer Registration. California-based trucking businesses must register their reefers with the state’s Air Resources Board by Friday, July 31, or face potential fines beginning this Saturday, Aug. 1. CARB recently delayed its compliance date for the equipment portion of its transportation refrigeration unit rule, dubbed TRU for short, from July 18 until December. Posted. http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2009/July09/072709/072809-05.htm 'Clunkers' program draws car buyers in first days. NEW YORK—Car and truck owners looking to junk their gas guzzlers are flocking to dealerships to take advantage of the government's "cash for clunkers" program and buy more fuel-efficient vehicles, boosting sales in showrooms across the country. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12931180 U.S., China End Talks With Smiles But No Progress On Climate Change. Relations between the United States and China are getting cozier as their battle against the global recession has drawn them closer together. But things aren't quite so warm when it comes to some hot-button topics, particularly climate change. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-obama-china29-2009jul29,0,7369940.story The Meat of the Problem. The debate over climate change has reached a rarefied level of policy abstraction in recent months. Carbon tax or cap-and-trade? Upstream or downstream? Should we auction permits? Head-scratching is, at this point, permitted. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/28/AR2009072800390.html Global Warming Could Uproot California's Fruit, Nuts. Enjoy those fresh California peaches, apricots, and cherries while you can. A new study from UC Davis shows that someday, those crops might not grow locally anymore because of global warming. Posted. http://www.kcra.com/news/20207289/detail.html Big Cities, Major Producers and Victims of Greenhouse Gases, Feel Ignored. Big cities feel "invisible" in the climate debate in Congress, even though they face some of the biggest threats from human-sharpened natural hazards. Washington's omission is troubling to metropolitan areas like New York City and Chicago because they are the dominant source of carbon dioxide in their regions and will face the earliest impacts. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/07/28/28climatewire-big-cities-major-producers-and-victims-of-gre-9675.html Battery-Powered Trucks Unveiled On The Mall. A British-owned company using batteries from Asia will build all-electric trucks in Missouri - and willing customers are saying, "Show me." Smith Electric Vehicles U.S. Corp. of Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday unveiled the first six trucks it has sold - with the corporate buyers on hand to receive them in heat worthy of global warming on the national Mall. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jul/29/electric-trucks-on-parade/ Dispute Over Clean-Tech Patent Protections. As the U.N. climate talks stumble toward a showdown this year in Copenhagen, one of the toughest points of discord carries huge risks for the Bay Area's clean-tech industry. Negotiators are arguing whether developing nations should be allowed to break or modify foreign-held patents on emissions-reducing technologies. The chance of compromise seems to be shrinking. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/28/ED3018UQR3.DTL Blogs A Plan to Cut Carbon Emissions From Deforestation. As policymakers prepare for the Copenhagen conference on climate change in December, the proposed program for reducing emissions from deforestation is considered among the more promising ways to reduce atmospheric carbon. The program would allow heavily polluting nations to offset their emissions by paying developing tropical countries to store carbon in forests, providing economic incentive to stop deforestation and regenerate damaged landscapes. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/29/measuring-the-carbon-savings-from-forests/ Champagne, Caviar And Climate Regulation. The Sacramento Bee has unearthed evidence that utilities and oil companies paid for international junkets for more than two dozen California environmental regulators, sending them to 17 countries at a cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars (article). During the trips, top executives from the companies palled around with the regulators behind closed doors. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/green/detail?entry_id=44411#ixzz0MfHRPjVg Bay Area Students Aim To Win With 100% Solar Home . While some college students are soaking up solar rays at the beach this summer, students at Santa Clara University and California College of the Arts have found a different use for the sun's energy. About 200 undergraduates have been designing and building a house that will run entirely on solar energy as part of the Department of Energy's 2009 Solar Decathlon. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/07/solar-energy-house-competition-.html Re: ARB Website Content Survey The ARB is asking regular website users to take a few minutes to complete a brief survey about their experiences with our site. Your participation will help us improve our website to serve you better. Thank you. Link to Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2298ML2JK9E ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:31:55 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for July 30th, 2009 From: sponedal@ARB.CA.GOV .. Air Pollution Concern About Air Pollution Declines In California, Poll Finds. The percentage of Californians who believe air pollution is a "big problem" has dropped precipitously in recent years, especially in Los Angeles County and the Central Valley, among the nation's dirtiest regions, according to a new survey. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-poll30-2009jul30,0,2739721.story EPA Plans Air Quality Tests at 62 U.S. Schools. Three months after a USA Today report relying on government data found potentially high levels of dangerous air pollution around schools, the Environmental Protection Agency has announced plans to test the air. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2009/07/29/hearstmaggreen431692.DTL#ixzz0MkxYJF6L China Smog Pollution Causes Hazy Outlook for Olympic Games. As choking smog smothered Beijing and shut down air traffic yesterday, major international concern grew over the feasibility of next year's Olympic Games, according to the South China Morning Post. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2009/07/29/hearstmaggreen257792.DTL#ixzz0Ml04lJVo Motorcycle Registrations, Engine Emissions Soar. Despite a recession that has seen a drop in new car and truck registrations, motorcycle registrations in California boomed by 6.6 percent in 2008. The state is home to 841,081 registered motorcycles, along with a riding community estimated to be well over 1 million people. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jul/30/roaring-to-go-motorcycle-registrations-engine/ Clean Ships In Our Ports, New Cars On The Road. Innovation, cooperation and determination may someday bring cleaner air to the Coachella Valley. Promising steps are being taken at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. And the Cash for Clunkers program looks like a good way to get old gas guzzlers off the road. Posted. http://www.mydesert.com/article/20090730/OPINION01/907300332/1026/news12/Clean-ships-in-our-ports--new-cars-on-the-road USGS: large tree population declining in Yosemite. FRESNO, Calif.—Scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey said Wednesday there are fewer large-diameter trees growing in Yosemite National Park than in years past, most likely because of climate change. Warmer temperatures and smaller snow packs are creating conditions where fewer Ponderosa and sugar pines and other heartier trees can flourish, said Jim Lutz, a researcher at the University of Washington who co-wrote the study. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12941865 Climate Change UN chief says China wants climate deal. UNITED NATIONS—Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says China's leaders have assured him they want to seal a deal on a new U.N. climate treaty at a conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, in December. The U.N. chief says President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao told him during his recent visit to Beijing that China will play an active and constructive role in the negotiations to reach agreement on a treaty to replace the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12939835 Stream of New Lobbying Money Helped Climate Bill Flow Through House. Major global-warming legislation that squeaked past the finish line in the House last month attracted millions of dollars in new lobbying money. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/07/30/30climatewire-stream-of-new-lobbying-money-helped-climate-61474.html Some Little States With Big Emissions Could See Allowance Windfall. Small states with potent carbon dioxide emissions could win big under House climate legislation, according to a new analysis that shows residents of power-pumping states collecting a large number of free pollution permits to soften the rising cost of energy. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/07/30/30climatewire-some-little-states-with-big-emissions-could-45222.html At 2 Cents a Gallon, Climate Bill Is a Bargain. As the Senate debates the Climate Security Act, one of its sponsors, Sen. Joe Lieberman, is pouncing on claims that the bill amounts to a tax on Americans' energy use. In truth, passage of the bill, which would cap carbon dioxide emissions on smokestacks and tailpipes and allow companies to trade credits so long as pollution remains below the cap, would result in higher energy prices. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2009/07/29/hearstmaggreen344831.DTL#ixzz0Ml3SfQNn S.F., U.N. Partner On Global Warming Center. San Francisco's Hunters Point Shipyard - so toxic it's listed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a Superfund site - will be the future home of a U.N.-sponsored think tank to study solutions to global warming and other environmental crises plaguing the planet. Due to open in 2012, the facility is envisioned by Mayor Gavin Newsom's administration as the centerpiece of a new green technology campus, akin to Mission Bay serving as a biotech hub. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/30/MN7O1913JU.DTL&type=printable Groups Press EPA To Toughen NO2 Proposal. U.S. EPA's planned toughening of health standards for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions is not tough enough for some advocacy groups. The EPA proposal would set a new one-hour maximum NO2 limit to prevent spikes in air pollution. The proposal also involves setting up new monitors in locations with the highest concentrations, like major roads in urban areas. The agency is proposing to retain the current annual average standard of 53 parts per billion (ppb) (E&ENews PM, June 29). Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/2009/07/29/14/ For Info On Rules, Financial Aid, Go To The Truck Stop. The Truck Stop website provides users a one-stop shop experience for information on California Air Resources Board (ARB) diesel regulations and available financial assistance opportunities. This website is at www.arb.ca.gov/truckstop. Truck Stop is designed to be straightforward and easy to navigate. Truck owners can answer a few basic questions about their fleet and get a personalized list of regulatory requirements and potential funding options. Posted. http://refrigeratedtrans.com/2010-emissions/truck_stop_website_offers_regulations_financial_aid_information_0730/ Californias Feel Less Urgency On Warming, Poll Finds. Californians are somewhat less enthusiastic about the state's war on climate change than they were a year ago, but two-thirds of residents still support it, according to survey results released Wednesday by the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California. Backing for Assembly Bill 32, which requires the state to cut climate-warming emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, fell from 73 percent of residents last July to 66 percent today, the survey found. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/business/story/2067516.html. Carbon Regulation Is Producing Jobs, Already. Scott Newman was laid off in February from his job repairing home oil heaters, a victim of the dismal economy. Today, he sits in a class with a new job, learning how to sleuth out wasted energy in homes. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2009/07/29/hearstmaggreen476681.DTL#ixzz0Ml0hN5QS Law School Petitions EPA to Start Writing Rules for Greenhouse Gases. A New York law institute petitioned U.S. EPA today to start writing rules that take aim at the emissions linked to global warming. The Institute for Policy Integrity, a 29-page petition nonprofit advocacy arm of the New York University School of Law, filed a (pdf) to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson outlining the reasons why she already has the authority to set up a cap-and-trade system to curb greenhouse gases from motor vehicle fuels, nonroad vehicles and aircraft. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/07/29/29greenwire-law-school-petitions-epa-to-start-writing-rule-43302.html Global Warming. “Global warming" means the same thing as "climate change" or "global climate change." Simply put, it describes the increase in the average ground and atmospheric temperatures across the planet. Temperatures have risen between 1.08 and 1.62 degrees Fahrenheit over the past century. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2009/07/29/hearstmaggreen336772.DTL#ixzz0Ml4nKELX Ethanol CARB Updates LCFS Numbers in Favor of Sugarcane Ethanol. For months the ethanol industry has been working with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to update their calculations of ethanol’s emissions reductions. A victory has finally been achieved as California has updated its calculations of sugarcane ethanol’s emission reductions. The Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) welcomed the announcement. Posted. http://domesticfuel.com/2009/07/29/carb-updates-lcfs-numbers-in-favor-of-sugarcane-ethanol/ Energy/Green California to Exceed "Energy Star" Energy Efficiency Standards on TVs. The average home now has multiple televisions, the average household watches more than eight hours of TV a day (up from 12% just in the last decade) and those television sets use far more energy than they used to, thanks to the proliferation of flat-screen models, especially plasma screens. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the 275 million TVs in American account for a staggering 4% of electricity consumed. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2009/07/29/hearstmaggreen295402.DTL#ixzz0MkzWdaVv White Roofs Catch on as Energy Cost Cutters. Returning to their ranch-style house in Sacramento after a long summer workday, Jon and Kim Waldrep were routinely met by a wall of heat. “We’d come home in the summer, and the house would be 115 degrees, stifling,” said Mr. Waldrep, a regional manager for a national company. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/30/science/earth/30degrees.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Efficiency Drive Could Cut Energy Use 23% by 2020, Study Finds. The biggest opportunity to improve the nation’s energy situation is a major investment program to make homes and businesses more efficient, according to a study released Wednesday by the consulting firm McKinsey. An investment of $520 billion in improvements like sealing ducts and replacing inefficient appliances could produce $1.2 trillion in savings on energy bills through 2020, the study found. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/30/business/energy-environment/30energy.html?scp=4&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse State's Largest Biodiesel Plant Unveiled In Kern. Four years ago, Harry Simpson started thinking about what he could do to improve the environment for his his kids and future grandkids. "I wanted to be an old man some day and say, 'I did something to help the greater good,'" Simpson said. "I wanted to be able to tell them that what I'm doing is to make the planet -- their world -- a better place." Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/news/local/x944962496/States-largest-biodiesel-plant-unveiled-in-Kern Australian PM vows to create 50,000 'green' jobs. SYDNEY—Australia's prime minister promised Thursday to create 50,000 "green" jobs and apprenticeships to combat climate change and unemployment simultaneously. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has prioritized environmental legislation this year even as his government forecast that Australian unemployment would rise to 8.5 percent next year from the current 5.8 percent because of the global downturn. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12943103 NJ to more than double solar power generation. NEWARK, N.J.—Regulators approved more than $515 million in projects Wednesday that will more than double the amount of solar power generated in New Jersey and will solidify the state's No. 2 spot behind California in power produced from the sun. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12938245 The Public Eye: Green Bandits Go After Pricey Solar Panels. Placer County law enforcement officials are on the hunt for "green" bandits after thousands of dollars in solar panels were stolen recently in Granite Bay and Rocklin. Last week, solar panels valued at $24,000 were disassembled and stolen from outside a home in Granite Bay. Two weeks earlier, $60,000 worth of solar panels were stolen from a Rocklin dental office. While the panels aren't valuable as raw materials, there appears to be an aftermarket for stolen photovoltaic solar panels, law enforcement officials say. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/v-print/story/2067404.html Blogs Californians’ Global Warming Fervor Cools. Californians’ eagerness to battle global warming seems to be cooling a bit: The latest survey on the state’s environmental attitudes, released on Wednesday, showed that 47 percent consider the threat of global warming very serious, a decline of seven percentage points from two years ago. Two-thirds of Californians now support the 2006 Global Warming Solutions Act, the landmark 2006 legislation requiring the state to slash its greenhouse gas emissions — down from 78 percent two years ago. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/30/californians-global-warming-fervor-cools/ Green Ink: Clean Tech, Clean Coal, and White Roofs. Crude oil futures rebounded above $64 amid wider economic optimism, though demand is still “missing in action,” reports Bloomberg. Don’t talk to Shell about optimism—the oil major will slash capex and likely staff after a 67% drop in second-quarter earnings, also in Bloomberg. As the U.S., China, and the rest of the world grapple with ambitious, long-term targets for greenhouse-gas emissions, Roger Pielke Jr. pleads for climate policy to be kept in the realm of the possible, at Yale’s Environment 360: “If a proposal is not realistic, it is not really a policy proposal but an exercise in symbolism, a ‘magical solution.’” Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/07/30/green-ink-clean-tech-clean-coal-and-white-roofs/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:44:13 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- California Air Resources Board News Clips for July 31, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for July 31, 2009 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. PM 10 Attainment Levels To Be Discussed. (CARB boss to talk Particulate Matter)…Mary Nichols, head of the California Air Resources Board, will be in the County Monday. Nichols will be at the Cal Works building on South 4th Street in El Centro to discuss PM 10. Imperial County Air Pollution Control Officer Brad Poiriez was off Friday and could not comment on the Monday meeting. His office did, however, confirm the meeting was going to be held and attainment levels of Particulate Matter would be discussed. Posted. http://kxoradio.com/content/view/5876/2/ Ethos Environmental Appoints Former CARB Chairman to Technical Advisory Board. San Diego-based Ethos Environmental, Inc. today announced the appointment of John D. Dunlap, III as the Chairman of its newly formed Technical Advisory Board. As former Chairman of the California Air Resources Board, John brings a wealth of experience as both a regulatory consultant and green technology expert that will aid Ethos in identifying opportunities for the development of even greener higher performing and lower-emitting product offerings. Posted. http://www.techimoto.com/2009/07/30/ethos-environmental-appoints-former-carb-chairman-to-technical-advisory-board/ FPPC Chief Questions Trips Supported By Polluters. The chairman of California's Fair Political Practices Commission, Ross Johnson, said widespread overseas travel by top state climate and energy officials on the tab of nonprofits funded by industry "raises very serious questions of propriety." Consumer advocates called for a halt to the practice. "There is a long-term public cost when private interests fund government travel," said Doug Heller, executive director of Consumer Watchdog. "We are fooling ourselves if we think that Chevron funds these political escapades for the benefit of society." Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/politics/v-print/story/2070986.html Californians Less Worried About Pollution. About half of California, including the Southland area, has air quality that can cause cancer, heart disease and other illnesses. However, a new survey by the Public Policy Institute of California found residents who believe air pollution is a big problem has dropped significantly in recent years. Posted. http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/state&id=6941847 EPA Finishes First Round Of Testing For Air Pollution At Cupertino School. A first round of data will be available soon on the air being tested around Stevens Creek Elementary School, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The early results regarding levels of chromium VI were scheduled to be released in early August on the EPA's school air program Web site. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/valley/ci_12949887 California Officials Relax Some Formaldehyde Deadlines. Because of the weak economy, the California Air Resources Board has extended the deadlines for composite panel distributors and retailers to sell off product that doesn't meet the state's new formaldehyde emission limits. But the July 1, 2010, deadline for retailers of finished goods to sell off any non-compliant products remains in place. Posted. http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/326049-California_officials_relax_some_formaldehyde_deadlines.php The Struggle to Find a Climate-Friendly Auto Refrigerant. Automobile air conditioner refrigerants may keep you from frying in summer traffic jams, but they pack a mean global warming punch. Soon, U.S. EPA could approve a substitute to drastically soften their blow. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/07/31/31climatewire-the-struggle-to-find-a-climate-friendly-auto-52196.html 'Clunkers' Program Low on Cash, Lawmakers May Seek Stimulus Funds. Democrats in Congress are hoping to bring a bill to the House floor Friday to provide $2 billion to continue the federal government's week-old "cash for clunkers" program, which has proven so popular with consumers that it is almost out of cash. A senior congressional aide said the money would come from funds in the already-passed economic stimulus package that were intended for energy loan guarantees. Congress would seek to replenish the energy program at a later date. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/31/AR2009073101173_pf.html http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-cash-for-clunkers1-2009aug01,1,587619.story http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12965602 http://www.sacbee.com/830/story/2070604.html A Fuel-Belching Nascar Track Has Big Plans for Solar Power. Pocono Raceway, which hosts two Nascar Sprint Cup races each year, plans to construct the world’s largest solar energy project at a sports facility. Track officials said they would announce the project with a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, two days before the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 at the track in Long Pond, Pa. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/31/sports/31nascar.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Report Shows How Santa Clara Stadium For 49ers Would Affect Traffic, Air Quality, Noise. On any given Sunday, about 19,000 cars could pour into town for a pro football game at Santa Clara's proposed stadium. The first 1,000 would arrive early so fans can put in up to five hours of tailgating. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_12955345 Senate Democrats Tie Climate Effort to National Security. Senate Democrats are increasingly relying on the connection between global warming and national security as they craft legislation to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/07/31/31climatewire-senate-democrats-tie-climate-effort-to-natio-39358.html New UN Center Proposal Unveiled In SF. The site of a former San Francisco shipyard would be transformed to an international center focusing on green technology and global warming under a proposal by the city and the United Nations. Mayor Gavin Newsom and a UN official unveiled the proposal Thursday, saying what would be called the UN Global Compact Center would have a retreat, conference center and facilities intended to spawn clean tech businesses. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/state/story/800470.html http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/30/MN7O1913JU.DTL&feed=rss.bayarea The Valley A Future Energy Epicenter? Readers speak out on the future of renewable energy and question if the Valley has the will to embrace the opportunities and meet the challenges to become an economic “powerhouse.” A collective vision has started to take shape of the San Joaquin Valley as the potential epicenter of renewable energy in the U.S. Posted. http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1270:the-valley-a-future-energy-epicenter&catid=69:energy&Itemid=769 San Rafael Quarry Seeks Support From Neighbors, But Air Pollution An Issue. As the date for a key hearing before Marin County supervisors draws near, the owner of the San Rafael Rock Quarry has launched a public relations offensive in hopes of rallying community support for their plans for the quarry. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12951802 China Accepts 1st Environment Lawsuit Against Govt. Beijing -- A court in southwest China has accepted the country's first lawsuit filed by an environmental group against a local government, a member of the group said Friday. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/31/AR2009073100574.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 3 Aug 2009 11:56:50 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for August 3, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for August 3, 2009. 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. Air Rule Aims To Alter Commute Practices. Valley plan raises red flags among businesses. Local air officials are crafting a rule to coax more employees of large companies out of their cars and into buses, carpools and other commuting alternatives -- or their bosses will face penalties. The size of the penalty hasn't yet been decided, said one official with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. But the possible cost of complying with the rule already is raising red flags among businesses. Posted. http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1570786.html New Push To Try And Clean Up The Valley's Air. There's a new push to try and clean up the valley's air. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District is targeting large businesses... asking employees to find more environmentally friendly ways to commute to work. Posted. http://www.cbs47.tv/news/local/story/New-push-to-try-and-clean-up-the-valleys-air/Rf8eNimQpUuMvY5FkrISWQ.cspx Falling Behind On Green Tech. America confronts three interrelated crises: an economic crisis, a climate crisis and an energy security crisis. We believe there's a fourth: a competitiveness crisis. This crisis is particularly evident in America's worldwide standing in the next great global industry, green technology. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/02/AR2009080201563_pf.html Cancer Risk From Bad Air Greater In Poorest Areas. Dorthy Massie, 83, volunteers each day at the Boggs Tract community center. Her walker sits unused while she gossips with friends and prepares lunches for needy seniors and families. With a playful smile, she describes the worst of her health problems: "I just lost a tooth last week." Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090801/A_NEWS/908010319/-1/NEWSMAP Diesel Buses' Days Over At Omnitrans. The days of the smog-spewing bus are over at Omnitrans. The San Bernardino Valley's public transit agency is getting rid of the last of the diesel-powered buses in its fleet. By the end of this month, Omnitrans plans to have 27 new compressed natural gas buses. Posted. http://www.dailybulletin.com/ci_12980358 http://www.sbsun.com/search/ci_12973356?IADID=Search-www.sbsun.com-www.sbsun.com Hayward Adopts Plan To Curb Emissions. With the City Council's passage of a climate action plan last week, Hayward joined the ranks of cities with an official strategy for curbing greenhouse gases. The plan sets three specific goals — a 6 percent reduction by 2013, a 12.5 percent cut by 2020 and an 82.5 percent reduction by 2050. All the figures are compared with a baseline 2005 level of 1,183,279 metric tons of emissions. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/green/ci_12974893 http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_12974893 Diesel Trucks Serving Calif. Ports Must Cut Emissions. The air around San Diego’s port terminals should become a little cleaner next year. But first, trucks traveling in and out of the terminals have to clean up their engines. The California Air Resources Board has decided diesel trucks coming and going from the state’s ports must cut back on their emissions. Posted. http://www.kpbs.org/news/2009/jul/31/diesel-trucks-serving-calif-ports-must-cut-emissio/ Temperature Target Doesn't Go Far Enough. The agreement last month between the United States and other industrialized nations to set a target for combating global warming is insufficient, according to a report released today by a prominent Australian scientist. The nonbinding goal to limit the world temperature increase to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels cannot work under current conditions, said Australian National University scientist Andrew Macintosh, who spent months modeling 45 different climate change scenarios. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/08/03/7 San Francisco Bay Gets Stimulus for Port Truck Filters. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District announced a new $2 million federal grant to supplement the $20 million in state and local funds to install diesel exhaust filters and replace old trucks to reduce particulate emissions at the Port of Oakland, according to a July 28 press release. Posted. http://eponline.com/articles/2009/08/03/san-francisco-bay-gets-stimulus-for-port-truck-filters.aspx State Urged To Brace For Dire Effects. Even if the world is successful in cutting carbon emissions in the future, California needs to start preparing for rising sea levels, hotter weather and other effects of climate change, a new state report recommends. It encourages local communities to rethink future development in low-lying coastal areas, reinforce levees that protect flood-prone areas and conserve already-strapped water supplies. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_12980588?nclick_check=1 Report: California Must Adapt To Changing Climate. Even if the world is successful in cutting carbon emissions in the future, California needs to start preparing for rising sea levels, hotter weather and other effects of climate change, a new state report recommends. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_12981655?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com http://www.modbee.com/2033/story/803776.html http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/aug/03/report-california-must-adapt-to-changing-climate/ http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gji_7UoNfvS3BmHTR1RHUxQemYwgD99RBB601 The Climate Change Bill. To the Editor: Re “Climate Loopholes” (editorial, July 22): It’s good to see The Times casting a critical eye on the Waxman-Markey cap-and-trade bill. Letting coal-fired power plants off the hook would certainly be a big step backward in efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Bogus offsets will also allow polluters to game the system as the world heats up. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/02/opinion/lweb02climate.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Climate Change and the Scary Jellyfish Scourge. This summer has seen its share of odd climate change-related science stories. A running theme has been changes in the size and abundance of species as a result of human activities. Posted. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalweathergang/2009/08/the_scary_jellyfish_scourge.html?hpid=news-col-blog Youths Need Plastic Bottles To Finish Recycled Sculpture. A team of Bell Arts Factory artists is in urgent need of your used plastic bottles. The Ventura artists are working with local youths on a recycling project creating a large sculpture, The Story Tree. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/aug/02/youths-need-plastic-bottles-to-finish-recycled/ San Diego's Solar Power. City And Region Moving Ahead In Green Energy. The San Diego region may become America's capital for producing fuel from algae, a small but promising source of renewable energy. But San Diego already has become a leader in solar power generation, adding to its green credentials. Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that San Diego had placed third among its top 20 “Green Power Partners. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/aug/03/mz1ed3bottom21292-san-diegos-solar-power/ Offshore Windmills Hold Clean-Energy Promise. Someday decades from now, California's sprawling coastal cities could draw their power from floating windmills that bob on the sea like buoys, far from shore. Their blades would spin over deep ocean water, turning in winds that are steadier and stronger than they are on land. Undersea cables would send their electricity to shore. This kind of floating windmill has not yet been deployed en masse. But a model of one sits in the Berkeley office of Principle Power, one of several companies trying to tap the powerful winds at sea. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/08/03/MN0Q18ABIT.DTL&type=printable China's Big Energy Suppliers Still Pollute. Beijing -- China's three largest energy suppliers emitted more greenhouse gases than all of Britain last year, environmental watchdog Greenpeace China said in a report issued Tuesday. The report reflects the heavy reliance on coal that is hampering China's efforts to tackle climate change. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/08/02/MNIV1909M5.DTL&type=printable GREENSPACE: Study Finds Parents' Carbon Footprint Multiplies 5.7 Times Per Child; College Students Compete For Best 100% Solar Home; Greenpeace Spray-Paints 'Hazardous Products' On HP's Roof; PG&E Pays $14.75-Million Fire Settlement. Environmentalists tend to avoid the topic of population control. Too touchy. But the politically incorrect issue is becoming unavoidable as the global population lurches toward a predicted 9 billion people by mid-century. Will there be enough food? Enough water? Will planet-heating carbon dioxide gas become ever more uncontrollable? Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-greenspace3-2009aug03,0,2736673,print.story Weak Economy Makes Solar Panels More Affordable To Homeowners Price cuts by manufacturers, tax credits, California incentives and innovative financing ease the cost of going solar. If you're searching for a bright spot in a dismal economic climate, look no farther than your roof. The downturn is helping to make solar panels more affordable. Manufacturers are cutting prices to move inventory. Uncle Sam is helping too. As part of the economic stimulus package, the federal government this year boosted tax credits to homeowners who switch to solar power. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-fi-cover-solar2-2009aug02,0,5747818,print.story BLOGS Clean-Tech Worries: Is America Really Losing the Clean-Energy Race? The latest cause of angst these days is America’s standing in the clean-technology race with China. In the space of a few months, China’s apparent leadership in clean energy and America’s apparent backwardness have become something of a shibboleth. That is crystallized today in a Washington Post op-ed by venture capitalist John Doerr and General Electric boss Jeff Immelt, both of whom have a lot invested in making sure clean energy really is the next big thing. To wit: Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/08/03/clean-tech-worries-is-america-really-losing-the-clean-energy-race/tab/print/ Is Nuclear Power Renewable? Many environmental groups are fundamentally opposed to the notion that nuclear power is a renewable form of energy — on the grounds that it produces harmful waste byproducts and relies on extractive industries to procure fuel like uranium. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/03/is-nuclear-power-renewable/?scp=6&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 4 Aug 2009 10:46:24 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for August 4, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for August 4, 2009. 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. Cost To Meet Emissions Goal Could Double. Without nuclear power and "clean coal," the cost of cutting greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity industry could almost double, according to a study released Monday by a Bay Area think tank. The study, by the Electric Power Research Institute, argues that the kind of deep cuts sought by federal legislation are achievable, for a reasonable price. But the price will soar without nuclear energy and clean-coal power plants, which trap their carbon dioxide emissions and store the gas underground. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/08/04/BULF193ADP.DTL&type=printable Calif. Becomes First To Release Adaptation Plan. California has become the first state to issue an agency-level plan for adapting to climate change, with the release yesterday of a draft report directing government to prepare for rising sea levels, increased wildfires and other expected changes. In addition to sea level rise, the report deals with increased wildfires, "increased average temperatures, more extreme hot days, fewer cold nights, a lengthening of the growing season, shifts in the water cycle with less winter precipitation falling as snow, and both snowmelt and rainwater running off sooner in the year." Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/08/04/2 Conference: Manufacturing Is Where To Cut Greenhouse Gases. The theme of the California Resource Recovery Association conference in Rancho Mirage may be making zero waste a reality, but the first thing the 450 recycling professionals heard on Monday is that even that is not enough to reduce greenhouse gases. The conference continues through Wednesday at the Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa. Keynote speakers and other experts hammered home the message that the recycling industry must re-invent itself as “material managers,” focusing on the lifetime carbon footprint of products. Posted. http://www.mydesert.com/article/20090804/NEWS07/908040331/Conference++Manufacturing+is+where+to+cut+greenhouse+gases State Prepares To Deal With Heat Waves, Flooding, Wildlife Die-Offs And Other Expected Results Of Climate Change. The first statewide plan in the country calls for adaptation and education. Public comment is sought. Along with California's efforts to crack down on its own greenhouse gas emissions, state officials have begun preparing for the worst: heat waves, a rising sea level, flooding, wildlife die-offs and other expected consequences from what scientists predict will be a dramatic temperature increase by the end of this century. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-climate4-2009aug04,0,1982358,print.story Odds Are Against Climate Watchdog. Scientific panel can't force action. Two years ago, an international scientific panel seized worldwide attention by reporting that human activity was warming the planet in ways that could greatly disrupt human affairs and nature. The work of the group, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with former Vice President Al Gore. The panel's contributors have included about 20 scientists at the University of California San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/aug/04/1n4warn23277-odds-are-against-climate-watchdog/?uniontrib http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/04/science/earth/04clima.html?sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse&scp=3&pagewanted=print Report Calls For Climate Action Now. State urges curtailing coastal development. Sacramento – Even if the world is successful in cutting carbon emissions in the future, California needs to start preparing for rising sea levels, hotter weather and other effects of climate change, a new state report recommends. It encourages local communities to rethink future development in low-lying coastal areas, reinforce levees that protect flood-prone areas and conserve already strapped water supplies. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/aug/04/1n4climate232657-report-calls-climate-action-now/?uniontrib Global Warming Could Cause Evolution Explosion. Undoubtedly you've seen dire predictions about the number of plant and animal species which will be forced into extinction by global warming, their habitat changing faster than they can either adapt to it or move somewhere else. Well, a fascinating new article in Yale Environment 360 by Carl Zimmer offers a glimmer of hope -- it appears that at least some species may be able to rapidly evolve to a changing climate: Posted. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/08/global-warming-could-cause-evolution-explosion.php?dcitc=th_rss South Korea Unveils CO2 Target Plan. SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea pledged for the first time on Tuesday to set a 2020 emissions reduction target, as the OECD's fastest-growing carbon polluter voluntarily joined richer nations in setting hard goals to roll back climate change. By committing itself to one of three options, all of which are relatively modest compared to the cut-backs pledged by developed economies, Seoul is establishing a precedent that might encourage much bigger emitters like China and India to agree to targets of their own, although their resistance is unlikely to bend soon. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5734VW20090804 Broad Action On Climate Needed To Achieve Cuts. If global warming is to be addressed without breaking people's pocketbooks, no single answer will do the job, a research group tied to the electric utility industry says in a new study that concludes the problem must be attacked from many directions. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2033/story/804114.html SAfrica: Rich Nations Must Pay For Climate Change. South Africa says it and other developing countries won't consider the next round of climate change talks successful unless rich nations pay up. South African officials meeting Tuesday to discuss strategy ahead of the December climate change talks in Copenhagen said at least 1 percent of global GDP should be set aside by rich nations. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/world/story/804970.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12988551 Salazar Again Urges Climate Action In Senate. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is talking climate change on a trip to a solar energy factory in his home state of Colorado. While health care dominates debate in Washington, President Barack Obama's top environmental and energy officials continue to urge the Senate to move on legislation to tackle global warming. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2033/story/805127.html World Bank: A Carbon Bigfoot. Though climate policy is shifting from inertia to action, thanks in part to the commitment of a new U.S. administration, recent G-8 and U.S. domestic efforts are inadequate to address the threat of climate change. Any climate framework that ignores the role of publicly funded institutions, like the World Bank, will fall short. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/04/opinion/04iht-edlet.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse A Lawn Mower Awaits Winner. Someone in the crowd will win a free electric lawn mower tonight as officials host a public meeting to talk about air quality. The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Arnold Rue Community Center, 5758 Lorraine Ave. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090804/A_NEWS/908039978/-1/NEWSMAP Granite Not Out To Do Area Favors With Quarry. Granite Construction published a slick, supposedly truthful and informative 12-page advertisement in last Sunday's paper. When a company omits information, or glosses over the true facts, could that be considered "lying by omission"? Granite's ad says: "There will be reduced air pollution and traffic." http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/08/02/opinion/commentarycal/z5e3f9c751cdf1fed882576010082c1c0.txt Trees Can Lower Cooling, Heating Energy Bills. Can shade trees lower your energy bills? Yes, say the experts. A lot. Trees offer many benefits, from reducing pollution, to adding beauty and value to property, to creating wildlife habitat. Perhaps the most tangible benefit is reducing energy bills. We talked with two tree experts -- Dan Lambe, vice president of programs for the Arbor Day Foundation, and Scott Maco, a research urban forester with the Davey Tree Institute -- to learn more about this. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090801/LIFESTYLE/908011000 Chopping Williamson Act Will Hurt Environment. It may not be the unkindest cut and it may also not be the most inefficient or deadly one Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger made when he used his veto pen to blue-pencil more than $500 million more from the state budget than legislators had already done. But cutting $27.8 million from the Williamson Act program that preserves agricultural lands and leaving it with a token $1,000 was surely the brownest cut of all. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/aug/04/chopping-williamson-act-will-hurt-environment/ Viewpoint: State Water Board Puts Biofuel Movement In Reverse. IT WAS A fine June day in 2007 when a senator from Illinois, then a long-shot for the presidency, stood beside the pumps at Conserv Fuel in Los Angeles and congratulated the heroes of the biofuel revolution. Conserv Fuel was one of the first fueling stations in the country to offer biofuel at the pump, and Barack Obama was looking to establish himself as an alternative-fuel-friendly candidate. He railed against the Bush administration's oil-centric energy policy. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/opinion/ci_12984788 `Clunkers' Drives Auto Sales. Detroit — Lured by the government's cash for clunkers campaign, car and truck buyers started returning to showrooms last month, as Ford Motor Co. reported its first U.S. sales increase in nearly two years and other major automakers said sales showed signs of stability. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/business/ci_12984233 Researchers Set Sail For The Pacific Garbage Patch. Hoping to learn more about one of the most glaring examples of waste and environmental pollution on the planet, a group of scientists will set sail from San Francisco today to the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch," a massive vortex of floating plastic trash estimated by some scientists to be twice the size of Texas. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_12986585 Salazar Again Urges Climate Action In Senate. Longmont, Colo.—Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is talking climate change on a trip to a solar energy factory in his home state of Colorado. While health care dominates debate in Washington, President Barack Obama's top environmental and energy officials continue to urge the Senate to move on legislation to tackle global warming. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_12989160 Broad Action On Climate Needed To Achieve Cuts. Washington—If global warming is to be addressed without breaking people's pocketbooks, no single answer will do the job, a research group tied to the electric utility industry says in a new study that concludes the problem must be attacked from many directions. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12983027 U.S. Climate Bill Seen Raising Household Energy Cost. Washington (Reuters) - Climate change legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives would increase the energy costs of the average family by $142 a year in 2020 and by $583 in 2030, according to the government's top energy forecasting agency. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/04/AR2009080401350.html Letters: The Real Costs of Clean Energy. In their July 24 op-ed, "What Palin Got Wrong About Energy," Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and John F. Kerry (D-Mass.) said that clean energy legislation "provides powerful incentives to pursue cutting-edge clean energy technologies," arguing that it "doesn't make energy scarcer or more expensive." Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/03/AR2009080302788.html For Senate, a Climate of Competing Interests. Environmentalists want a tighter cap on emissions. Electric utilities want a looser one. The nuclear industry wants loan guarantees for new reactors. The AARP wants low electric bills for seniors. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/03/AR2009080302982.html California Bus Co. Completes Transition to CNG. Omnitrans, the public transit agency serving the San Bernardino Valley, California, is completing its transition to a 100% alternative-fuelled fleet. Delivery and commissioning of 27 new 40-foot low-floor CNG buses manufactured by New Flyer Inc. of Canada will end the transition phase that commenced in 1997. “Omnitrans embraced CNG bus engine technology early on as part of our commitment to being environmentally friendly,” said CEO/General Manager Durand L. Rall. Posted. http://www.ngvglobal.com/california-bus-co-completes-transition-to-cng-0804 Worlds First Drag Race Of Gasoline Vehicle With Zero Exhaust Emissions, CARB Approved Device Results In GREEN Racing Fun. Irwindale California - The Worlds first Drag Race featuring the HH2TM HYDROGEN WATER FUEL CELL CLEAN AIR COMBUSTION SYSTEM debuted in HH2’s “BIG DOG” a heavy 7100 pound GREEN smog emission free 2008 Toyota Sequoia burning 87 octane gasoline, NO Fossil Fuel toxic emissions , totally Legal world wide usage. Posted. http://www.1888pressrelease.com/worlds-first-drag-race-of-gasoline-vehicle-with-zero-exhaust-pr-138773.html Shrimp Cocktail Helps To Make Biodiesel. Editor's Note: This occasional series looks at powerful ideas - some existing, some futuristic - for fueling and electrifying modern life. Shrimp cocktails could help out fuel tanks, scientists now reveal. As concerns over global warming and dwindling fossil fuel reserves increase worldwide, more and more interest is growing in renewable fuels such as biodiesel to fill energy demands. However, biodiesel production techniques require catalysts to speed up the chemical reactions that convert soybean, canola, and other plant oils into diesel fuel, and so far catalysts both cannot be reused and must be neutralized with large amounts of water, leaving behind large amounts of polluted wastewater. Posted. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,536701,00.html BLOGS: Can California Adapt To Global Warming? In 2006, California adopted the nation's first comprehensive law to limit emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases that scientists have found to be heating the planet. Last year, state officials laid out a detailed plan of how they plan to slash the state's emissions to 1990 levels in the next 11 years. And they began to adopt regulations, such as the nation's first rule to mandate low-carbon fuel. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/08/climate-change-adaptation-california.html Can Climate Panel Have Climate Impact? I have an article in Tuesday’s Science Times assessing next steps for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The panel, which shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007, was created in 1988 under the United Nations Environment Program and World Meteorological Organization to aid governments by periodically reviewing the accumulated research on the causes and consequences of climate change and possible responses. But it was proscribed from recommending particular courses of action. Posted. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/03/can-climate-panel-have-climate-impact/ Refrigerator Recycling Programs Take Off. Programs that allow homeowners to trade in their old refrigerators and scoop up a rebate — a sort of “cash for clunkers” system for the fridge — are spreading quickly across the country. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/04/refrigerator-recycling-programs-take-off/?scp=2&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Study Finds Rich U.S. Energy-Efficiency Potential. The potential for energy-efficiency improvements throughout the U.S. economy is huge and entirely within reach if annual investments increase fivefold, according to a new McKinsey & Company report. The global consulting firm estimates that $520 billion in investments would reduce U.S. non-transportation energy usage by 9.1 quadrillion BTUs by 2020 - roughly 23 percent of projected demand. Posted. http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/010292.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 5 Aug 2009 10:47:33 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for August 5, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for August 5, 2009. 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. Report: Early Costs Of Climate Bill Will Be Modest. Climate change legislation before Congress would boost electricity prices by about 20 percent by 2030, although most of the increases wouldn't begin until after 2020, a government analysis concluded Tuesday. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/politics/story/805697.html Technology Smorgasbord Needed to Meet Climate Goals – EPRI. The electric power industry can achieve deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 by building new nuclear plants, sequestering coal-plant emissions, boosting wind energy and improving efficiency, the industry's top research group said yesterday. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/08/04/04greenwire-technology-smorgasbord-needed-to-meet-climate-35698.html http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/08/04/04greenwire-house-bill-will-spur-20-electricity-price-hike-28686.html Small Pacific islands Call For Big Carbon Cuts. Cairns, Australia -- Island nations are the least responsible for climate change but will bear the brunt of its ill effects, Australia's leader said Wednesday, as a group of small Pacific states called for a 45 percent cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/05/AR2009080500082.html U.S. Consumers Spared Big Costs In Climate Bill. New York (Reuters) - A new U.S. government study on Tuesday adds to a growing list of experts concluding that climate legislation moving through Congress would have only a modest impact on consumers, adding a bit more than $100 to household costs in 2020. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/04/AR2009080402336.html Cost To Meet Emissions Goal Could Double. Without nuclear power and "clean coal," the cost of cutting greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity industry could almost double, according to a study released Monday by a Bay Area think tank. The study, by the Electric Power Research Institute, argues that the kind of deep cuts sought by federal legislation are achievable, for a reasonable price. But the price will soar without nuclear energy and clean-coal power plants, which trap their carbon dioxide emissions and store the gas underground. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/08/03/BULF193ADP.DTL&feed=rss.bayarea Editorial: Corn Power. PRESIDENT Obama's nominee as ambassador to Brazil, Thomas A. Shannon Jr., is a longtime diplomat trained to speak honestly without giving unnecessary offense. So when Sen. James Webb (D-Va.) asked Mr. Shannon during his July 8 confirmation hearing about lifting the 54-cents-per-gallon tariff on imported ethanol, most of which comes from Brazil, the State Department veteran responded carefully. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/04/AR2009080402797.html Fossil-Fuel Groups Form Circular Firing Squad. Big energy companies that once stood shoulder to shoulder in a fight against climate legislation are shifting battle positions to focus on new opponents. Each other. Natural gas is bashing coal. This week, coal punched back. Big oil and gas companies are condemning the House climate bill that buoys coal-fired utilities. Coal's response is to ask senators for even more help than the fuel received in the House legislation. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/08/05/1 Is Shale Gas The Climate Bill's New Bargaining Chip. Natural gas from shale formations is the new magic phrase in the oil and gas industry, as new technologies have led to stunning increases in potential resources and anticipated profits. Now some want to see if it carries any political magic. With new discoveries of the fossil fuel in massive but difficult to drill shale deposits, advocates claim that climate legislation means a job boom for gas engineers and drillers, and revenue for producers. They say a cap on greenhouse gas emissions could lead power plants to switch to gas from coal, which emits about double the carbon dioxide of gas. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/08/05/1 A Quiet, Peaceful Culture. Re: your July 30 article, “More motorcyclists roaring to ride”: The reported statements by Tom Cass, president of Simi Valley ABATE, in this article are incredible. Calling it “part of our culture,” he said, “we feel it’s an infringement on our right to be able to do what we want with our motorcycles,” in response to legislation by Sen. Fran Pavley, D-Agoura Hills, to address motorcycle emissions. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/aug/05/a-quiet-peaceful-culture/ Kelley: Die-Hard Bikers Still Feel 'Hassled By The Man'. Peter Fonda, in a role not unlike his Captain America character in “Easy Rider,” played Heavenly Blues, the leader of a chopper chapter from Venice, Calif. “The Wild Angels” (1966) was screenwriter Charles B. Griffith’s only foray into the zen of maintaining a motorcycle lifestyle, yet enthusiasts can quote, chapter and verse, from Heavenly Blues’ paean to libertarianism: “We wanna be free. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/aug/05/die-hard-bikers-still-feel-hassled-by-the-man/ ‘Cash For Clunkers' Effect On Pollution? A Blip. "Cash for clunkers" could have the same effect on global warming pollution as shutting down the entire country - every automobile, every factory, every power plant - for an hour per year. That could rise to three hours if the program is extended by Congress and remains as popular as it is now. Climate experts aren't impressed. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2032/story/805601.html Climate Experts say 'Cash For Clunkers' Won't Have Much Environmental Impact. Washington — "Cash for clunkers" could have the same effect on global warming pollution as shutting down the entire country — every automobile, every factory, every power plant — for an hour per year. That could rise to three hours if the program is extended by Congress and remains as popular as it is now. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12991440 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/04/AR2009080402299.html Clunkers' Rebates Look Likely For Another Month. Washington - The Senate has cleared the way for a vote extending the "cash-for-clunkers" program, which offers car buyers rebates of up to $4,500 for trading in their gas-guzzlers for new, higher-mileage models, setting aside Republican opposition to the plan. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12996060 Obama Administration Withholds Data On Clunkers. Washington—The Obama administration is refusing to quickly release government records on its "cash-for-clunkers" rebate program that would substantiate—or undercut—White House claims of the program's success, even as the president presses the Senate for a quick vote for $2 billion to boost car sales. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_12989666 West Marin Dairyman Straus Gets New Poop-Powered Car. Albert Straus has come full circle. The longtime West Marin dairyman, who totaled his manure-powered electric car when he crashed into two 1,000-pound heifers in March, has replaced it with a more recent model. Straus, president of Straus Family Creamery in Marshall, is back on the road with a 2003 Toyota RAV4 Electric Vehicle that gets most of its electricity from manure produced by his cows. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12993042 Cerritos Wants To Clear Air Over Erroneous Toxic Air Report. Cerritos - The city of Cerritos, with its lucrative auto square, award-winning library and array of public artwork, normally experiences good publicity. Since June, however, the city has been struggling to repair a damaged reputation after the Environmental Protection Agency released a faulty air quality report that showed a small Cerritos neighborhood as having the highest cancer risk in the nation. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12992989?nclick_check=1 S.J. Air Officials Ask Public To Police Self. When San Joaquin Valley air quality cops outlaw wood burning on cold winter mornings, some people grumble. The region's many rules and regulations - some of which are unpopular - have always been the most effective weapon against bad air, and, indeed, experts say the Valley is cleaner than it was just a few years ago. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090805/A_NEWS/908050316 Schwarzenegger To Host Second Climate Summit. Sacramento, Calif. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is planning a second conference for local government leaders from around the world to discuss climate change. The Republican governor has invited officials to Los Angeles for a three-day gathering in September. Govs. Jennifer Granholm of Michigan and Jim Doyle of Wisconsin, both Democrats, are co-sponsors. Schwarzenegger's office says the event is scheduled Sept. 30 to Oct. 2. Governors from every state and regional leaders from other countries have been invited, but Schwarzenegger's office could not say who would attend. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-us-schwarzeneggersum,0,5205267.story Blogs Climate Bill Would Raise Costs Slightly. The climate change and energy bill passed by the House in June will bring somewhat higher energy prices for businesses and households and slow economic growth slightly by 2020, according to a draft report from the Energy Information Administration, a research arm of the Energy Department. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/04/climate-bill-would-raise-costs-slightly/ Cough! Cough! EPA's New Effort To Clean The Air. More than a third of Californians report that they or an immediate family member suffer from asthma or respiratory problems, according to a recent survey by the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California. Now the federal Environmental Protection Agency, under a court-ordered deadline, has proposed a major new regulation to control nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a key factor in respiratory illness. The new EPA rule, which will be the subject of a public hearing in Los Angeles on Thursday, is the first to address the dangerous gas in 35 years. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/08/air-pollution-nitrogen-dioxide.html Dividing the Loot from Cap and Trade. Now that the Senate Finance Committee has finished doing whatever it did to health-care reform, it is turning to cap and trade with this morning's hearing on "allowance and revenue distribution." This sounds like a boringly technical topic, but in fact it's one of the most important aspects of climate change legislation. Posted. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/hearing/2009/08/dividing_the_loot_from_cap_and.html?hpid=news-col-blog Separating Myth From Fact on “Cash for Clunkers”. As debate rages on in the capital over whether to keep assisting the auto industry by giving out more "cash for clunkers" rebates, two assertions are becoming commonplace: the program is helping diminish U.S. oil consumption, and the program is not paid for with new money. Posted. http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/010296.html Yosemite Trees In Decline; Climate Change Is Lead Suspect. Yosemite National Park has fewer large trees than it did 70 years ago. Researchers believe climate change is behind the decline. >From the 1930s to the 1990s, Yosemite's large-diameter tree density decreased 24%, according to a study by researchers at the U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Washington. Scientists compared the park's earliest records (1932-1936) with records from 1988-99. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/08/yosemite-trees-declining-climate-change.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 6 Aug 2009 13:25:15 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for August 6, 2009 From: mfricke@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for August 6, 2009. California Air Resources Board News Clips for August 6, 2009 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. Methane Emissions are Something Usually Associated with Agricultural Feed Lots. So researchers were somewhat surprised to find that the Los Angeles area is emitting more than twice the amount of methane than was expected. Posted. http://www.newsreview.com/reno/content?oid=1063764 L.A.-Area Ports Honor Pacific Harbor Line's Clean-Air Efforts: Pacific Harbor Line Inc. (PHL) recently won a San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan Air Quality Award from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, Calif.Posted. http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article.asp?id=21130 State Seeks to Honor Climate-Friendly Businesses. The California Air Resources Board is seeking nominees for its "CoolCalifornia Small Business Award" program. Posted. http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article. &id=1332:state-seeks-to-honor-climate-friendly-businesses&catid=132:environment&Itemid=759 Thomas Elias: 'Brownest Cut of All' Hacks at Governor's Legacy. It may not be the unkindest cut and it may also not be the most inefficient or deadly one Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger made when he used his veto pen to blue-pencil more than $500 million more from the state budget than legislators had already done. Posted. http://www.presstelegram.com/opinions/ci_13000632 Market is Growing for Greenhouse-Gas Credits . While the debate over the cause, severity and impacts of global warming continues to rage, an unprecedented marketplace already has begun to develop over greenhouse-gas credits. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/aug/06/market-is-growing-for-greenhouse-gas-credits/ Beijing Softens Stand on Emissions Cap BEIJING -- China signaled a slightly softer position on accepting a cap on the emissions that cause global warming, despite expressing frustration at the lack of a breakthrough on climate-change talks. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124949995562108653.html Facebook App Gets Pcs to Tackle Climate Change: Flight climate change from the comfort of your jammies and laptop. Intel has just launched an application that uses an eco geek's available computing power for research projects. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/mnGreenTechnology/idUS153573991220090805 Pacific States Seek Urgent Climate Change Action. CAIRNS, Australia — The Pacific Islands Forum called on all nations Thursday to pledge a 50 percent cut in their emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050 at U.N. climate change talks in December, bolstering appeals made a day earlier by seven of the region's most threatened islands. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hDFK72jdmHcrrft7EQOcdklRnc_wD99TCD2O5 Climate Change Poker: Barriers Prevent a Global Agreement. As the world’s environment ministers, government officials, diplomats and campaigners prepare to attend the COP15 conference in Copenhagen in December 2009 to unite in the battle against climate change in one of the most complicated political deals the world has ever seen, the increasingly complex territory of climate negotiations is being revealed in an article published today, 5 August 2009, in IOP Publishing’s 'Environmental Research Letters'. Posted http://www.usnews.com/articles/science/2009/08/06/climate-change-poker-the-barriers-which-are-preventing-a-global-agreement.html China Balks at Global Warming-Gas Capture Costs (Bloomberg) -- China, the world’s biggest carbon- dioxide polluter, is balking at the cost and effectiveness of extracting greenhouse gases from hundreds of coal plants and storing them underground. Posted. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601124&sid=awnmd15dPMVU California's Global Warming Bills to be Discussed. Local officials may get a better idea this week just how California's global warming bills will affect future development. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13004575 Glacier Melt Accelerating, Federal Report Concludes. Reviewing five decades of data on three 'benchmark glaciers,' researchers say shrinking glaciers clearly result from global warming. Reporting from Washington -- Global warming has melted glaciers in the United States at a rapid and accelerating rate over the last half-century, increasing drought risks and contributing to rising sea levels, the federal government will report today based on data from a 50-year study of glaciers in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-glacier7-2009aug07,0,2419256.story Is 'Cash for Clunkers' Program Helping to Fight Global WARMING? Some top environmental experts are saying the "cash for clunkers" program is an ineffective way to target climate change. Posted. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,537500,00.html Blogs Psychology is to Blame for Humans not Acting on Climate Change, psychologists say. If you ever wondered what is to blame for the world's sluggish reaction to climate change, wonder no longer. Posted http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/2009/08/no-duh-human-behavior-is-to-blame-for-failing-to-act-on-climate-change-psychologists-say.html Is the Climate Problem in Our Heads? A task force assembled by the American Psychological Association hopes to spur more research on the role of the human mind in shaping the behaviors resulting in rising greenhouse-gas emissions as well as on traits that can impede an effective response to global warming and similar slow-building environmental risks. Posted http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/05/is-the-climate-problem-in-our-heads/ Can National Parks be Saved from Global Warming? The federal government must take decisive action to avoid "a potentially catastrophic loss of animal and plant life," in the national parks, according to a new report that details the effect of global warming on the country's most treasured public lands. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/08/national-parks-global-warming.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:13:12 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for August 8-10, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for August 10, 2009. 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. Heat Expected To Peak Today, But Air Quality Worsens. Today is expected to be the only 100-degree day this week in Sacramento -- and then temperatures start a slow slide back to normal. Air quality, though, will worsen even as the heat eases. A high of 101 is predicted for today. That is cooler than the all-time high of 110 set in 1996 but hotter than usual for early August. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/latest/story/2096968.html Critics: Valley Air Study Not All That It Could Be. The Coachella Valley\'s greenhouse gas inventory is under way, but the model and methods being used for the initial assessment may not provide a full picture of the region\'s carbon footprint. All nine valley cities committed to the inventory at last April\'s energy summit in Palm Springs, with officials from each city signing a sustainability pledge at the end of the day-long meeting. The Coachella Valley Association of Governments has partnered with the South Coast Air Quality Management District on the effort. Posted. http://www.mydesert.com/article/20090810/NEWS01/908100307/1006/news01/Critics++Valley+air+study+not+all+that+it+could+be Monday is Spare the Air Day. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is calling Monday a Spare the Air day — urging residents to carpool, work from home, or take public transit. \"Carpooling and taking transit are excellent ways to reduce our overall pollution and help prevent unhealthy air,\" district executive officer Jack Broadbent said in a prepared statement. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_13027310 California\'s Global Warming Bills To Be Discussed. Local officials may get a better idea this week just how California\'s global warming bills will affect future development. Deputy Attorney General Harrison Pollak will be one of several speakers giving a presentation Friday as part of a free seminar at the Red Bluff Community and Senior Center on the local government impacts of AB 32 and SB 375, presented by the Great Valley Center Energy Program and paid for in part through PG&E\'s state-mandated public benefit funds. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13004575 UN Chief Says Climate Change Biggest Challenge. Seoul, South Korea — U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Monday that climate change is the greatest challenge facing a world beset by crises and called on governments to reach a deal on the environment at a meeting in Denmark later this year. Ban said the world has \"less than 10 years to halt (the) global rise in greenhouse gas emissions if we are to avoid catastrophic consequences for people and the planet.\" Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iD-Q9xM8KDYJ5QsdbxchAkGCMtgQD99VTG300 http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_13029563 Climate Change Seen as Threat to U.S. Security. Washington — The changing global climate will pose profound strategic challenges to the United States in coming decades, raising the prospect of military intervention to deal with the effects of violent storms, drought, mass migration and pandemics, military and intelligence analysts say. Such climate-induced crises could topple governments, feed terrorist movements or destabilize entire regions, say the analysts, experts at the Pentagon and intelligence agencies who for the first time are taking a serious look at the national security implications of climate change. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/09/science/earth/09climate.html?_r=1&hp=&pagewanted=print Large Donors Courted For Schwarzenegger Climate Summit. For his high-profile climate summit this fall, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has enlisted a nonprofit group with ties to the California Chamber of Commerce and other business leaders who have previously opposed greenhouse gas regulations. Schwarzenegger will host the summit from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, inviting state leaders and \"subnational\" governments to discuss climate change and clean energy. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/08/10/7 Editorial: A Real Bill for the Climate. Every two years, like clockwork, Congress seems to pass an energy bill, each one marginally better than the one before. What this country does not need in 2009 is another energy bill, even a better one. What it needs is a climate bill, one committed to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases in a way that engages the whole economy and forces major technological change. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/10/opinion/10mon2.html?_r=2&ref=todayspaper&pagewanted=print Groups Push For More Methane Projects In Climate Bill. Major climate legislation moving through Congress falls short in ensuring that the United States has an adequate supply of carbon offsets to meet mandatory emission cuts, a group of well-funded businesses and organizations says in a new letter to Capitol Hill lawmakers. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/08/10/5 Climate Talks Resume With New Emissions Pledges. Amsterdam—Wealthy countries are not going far enough to control greenhouse gas emissions, activists said Monday as delegates from 180 nations resumed talks on a global climate change pact. Beginning a five-day meeting in Bonn, Germany, negotiators began trying to whittle down a 200-page draft into a workable treaty that will bring the world\'s carbon emissions under control over the next decade. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_13030122 New Zealand Sets Greenhouse Gas Emissions Target. Wellington, New Zealand—New Zealand announced on Monday that it will cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 10 to 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2020, the country\'s climate change minister said. The target, confirmed by the Cabinet, will be presented later Monday at an international climate change meeting in Bonn, Germany, Nick Smith said. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_13029709 Colleges Noted For Commitment To Environmental Issues\'. The Princeton Review recently released its second annual \"green ratings\" - a measure of the environmental friendliness of colleges and universities. The college-prep company ranked 697 schools on a scale from 60 to 99 based on data provided by the schools, according to a press release. A school\'s rankings are based on the health and sustainability of campus life, the preparation the school offers for dealing with environmental challenges and \"the school\'s overall commitment to environmental issues,\" according to the release. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/2096554.html Plan Urged To Save National Parks From Global Warming Effects. Climate change could result in the catastrophic loss of wildlife, a report says. The national park service is called on to create a system to manage animals and plants. The federal government must take decisive action to avoid \"a potentially catastrophic loss of animal and plant life\" in national parks, according to a new report that details the effects of global warming on the nation\'s most treasured public lands. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-national-parks7-2009aug07,0,4404901,print.story Is Retrofit A Fit For You? Oh, the stimulus funds are flowing and the grant breezes are blowing. All that money drifting about this summer has many carriers thinking about using some of it to upgrade their fleets by retrofitting older vehicles to make them more fuel efficient and cleaner, too. In fact, thanks to federal stimulus dollars you can get up to 75% of the cost of a new engine. Posted. http://fleetowner.com/green/archive/truck-retrofit-fuel-efficiency-0810/ Jury Remains Out On Lifecycle CO2 Emissions Of Biofuels. A peer-review panel commissioned by U.S. EPA did little to end the tug-of-war over the carbon footprint of biofuels on Friday. Ethanol advocates instead continued their calls for Congress to step in and referee. The result could be a longer five-year study while the calculations are delayed. At issue are the agency\'s calculations of so-called \"indirect\" greenhouse gas emissions caused by biofuels production. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/08/10/4 Tax Bill For Renewables Comes At Calif.\'s Behest. A new bill in Congress would amend federal tax code to make renewable energy, energy efficiency and zero-emission vehicle projects eligible for state tax-exempt bonds. State tax-exempt bonds for private businesses are currently limited to projects like hospitals, schools, mass transit, affordable housing, recycling programs and water conservation. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/08/10/6 Politicians, Energy Leaders Convene In Las Vegas. Las Vegas - A high-profile cast of politicians and alternative energy leaders are meeting in Las Vegas to talk about prospects for the fledgling industry. Quick hopes for employment in alternative energy went bust quickly over the past year as credit markets seized up, orders for major projects were canceled and workers in solar and wind industries were laid off. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/aug/10/nv-energy-summit-081009/?california&zIndex=146911 AQMD Gets $45M Grant To Fund Hybrid Utility Vehicles. Southern California\'s air-quality agency announced Friday that it has received a $45.4 million federal grant to help fund the production of hundreds of hybrid electric utility and delivery trucks and shuttle buses. The grant covers roughly half of the project\'s overall $90 million cost, with the balance of funding coming from sources such as the state Energy Commission. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13018556 Hydrogen Fuel Facility Proposed In Torrance. When Shell representatives breezed into a Torrance Planning Commission meeting early last month, they expected quick approval for a state-of-the-art hydrogen refueling facility. Instead, they were rapidly rebuffed. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13028549?nclick_check=1 Thompson, Lockyer Discuss Clean Energy Future. North Coast Congressman Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, and State Treasurer Bill Lockyer met in San Francisco on Friday to discuss legislation that could help spur green energy investments. At the request of Lockyer, Thompson has introduced H.R. 3525, the “Private Activity Bonds for Clean Energy Projects” bill, which would add additional categories of tax-exempt private activity bonds to spur investment in clean energy technology. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13029554 At Last, Less Ship Pollution. It all seems so simple, now that the problem has been resolved, after so many thousands of tons of poisonous pollution has been dumped into the air we breathe. And the cost? Just a penny per pair of tennis shoes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last week said it is proposing a regulation that will create a clean-air zone around ports like Long Beach and Los Angeles, which long have been subjected to ships\' foul diesel exhaust. The new rules could cut pollution by 80 percent by requiring the use of low-sulfur fuel within 200 miles of the coast. Posted. http://www.presstelegram.com/opinions/ci_13023553 Shaq \"The Diesel\" Changes Name To \"Big Eth\". Pacific Palisades - Shaq says his mom always told him \"Make them remember your name ... for all the right reasons, of course\". Shaq\'s good name will always be remembered in Los Angeles for his thundering dunks as a 3-time NBA Champion Los Angeles Laker, and now he will be remembered for another good reason, being green. \"Ethanol\" is my new name,\" said O\'Neal proudly, \"Big Eth.\" Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/fuel-good-neal-2520963-name-green SCR Engines May Emit Toxins, CARB Staffer’s Letter Warns. The selective catalytic reduction process that most engine manufacturers will use to comply with 2010 federal diesel emission standards could emit toxic byproducts, the California Air Resources Board’s top researcher wrote in a recent letter filed in federal court by Navistar Inc. Navistar, which is suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in federal appeals court, filed the letter July 30 and said it bolsters the truck maker’s claim that EPA could be endangering public health by skipping the federal rule-making process in its approval of SCR. Posted. http://www.ttnews.com/articles/printnews.aspx?storyid=22494 Pocono Raceway Is Preparing For A 25-Acre Solar Farm. Pennsylvania\'s Pocono raceway, home to the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 and a variety of other motor sports events, is preparing for a 25-acre solar farm. The massive solar farm, which will house nearly 40,000 photovoltaic panels, is just one of the many eco-friendly upgrades that the park has underway. The groundbreaking ceremony for the 3.0 megawatt solar array was held last week, just prior to the start of the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/2096712.html Eye on the East Bay: Wishing BART A Smooth Ride For The Rest Of The Year. BART BACK ON TRACK — HOPEFULLY: In December 2008 the Eye asked BART spokesman Linton Johnson for his worst-case 2009 scenario for the transit agency. \"We don\'t get enough funding from the state,\" he replied. Just weeks later, a then-Bart officer shot and killed an unarmed passenger; the state curtailed funding even more severely; most recently, contract talks dragged on endlessly under threat of a strike. Now that it looks like a labor agreement has been reached, the Eye wishes the transit agency and its riders a smoother ride for the rest of 2009. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_13022478 Obama, Bush Share Similar Cleanup Statistics. Washington — For years, the Bush administration was criticized for not cleaning up enough of the nation\'s most contaminated waste sites. The Obama administration plans to do even less. Environmental groups and some Democratic lawmakers railed against President George W. Bush\'s cleanup record. But this time, they\'re shying away from speaking out against a popular president who\'s considered an ally in the fight to clean up the environment. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_13028110 Vast Expanses Of Arctic Ice Melt In Summer Heat. Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories—The Arctic Ocean has given up tens of thousands more square miles (square kilometers) of ice on Sunday in a relentless summer of melt, with scientists watching through satellite eyes for a possible record low polar ice cap. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13026521 \'Crude Cap\' Issue Still Central In Chevron Refinery Dispute. The big snag over restarting construction at the Chevron Richmond refinery and bringing about 1,000 people back to work is the same issue that environmentalists and the oil company have been haggling over for more than a year. Environmental groups and Chevron remain at odds over what kind of crude oil the refinery would process after its retrofit project is complete, and how to safeguard the public\'s health. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_13022489?source=rss Obama Urged to Back $500 Billion for Energy-Efficient Buildings. President Barack Obama should back a $500 billion plan to make U.S. buildings more energy-efficient because it would aid the economic recovery, increase energy security and reduce global warming, two policy groups said.. Posted. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=apuGuQhfFQkQ# BLOGS Climate, Security and Politics. John Broder has a story above the fold in Sunday’s Times describing growing concerns of Defense Department planners over the potential destabilizing effect of the building global greenhouse effect. Strategists and planners within the Pentagon have for many years been exploring the military implications of rising temperatures and seas and retreating Arctic sea ice. Posted. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/09/climate-security-and-politics/?pagemode=print Green Pressure Felt By Cities And Counties In Tough Economic Times. California environmental bills Assembly Bill 32 and Senate Bill 375 are putting pressure on local governments, especially in these hard economic times. AB 32, also known as the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, sets a goal of lowering California’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 to levels seen in the year 1990. Measures have followed this bill that reduce emissions from landfills, semi-trucks and things requiring an EPA approval. Director of Land Use Services in San Bernardino County, Julie Rynerson Rock, said that the Attorney General hit the county with a lawsuit nearly a year-and-a-half ago. Posted. http://www.publicceo.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=492:green-pressure-felt-by-cities-and-counties-in-tough-economic-times&catid=148:environmental-issues-broad 15 Easy Steps To Cut Summer Energy Bill. It’s been hot. We know you don’t want to look at the electric bill. So we asked the gurus at sustainable energy design firm LPA Inc. in Irvine what readers could do to make their homes green and keep some “green” at the same time … Posted. http://lansner.freedomblogging.com/2009/08/07/10-steps-to-cut-summer-energy-bill/29783/ Montana Revokes Permit For New Coal-Fired Power Plant. Environmentalists notched up another victory in their war against coal this week, as Montana state officials revoked a permit for a proposed 250-megawatt coal-fired power plant that would have been built near the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Now they are targeting more proposed coal plants: Sunflower in Kansas, Desert Rock in New Mexico, and the Dry Fork plant in Wyoming. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/08/coal-power-plant-natural-gas-.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:22:51 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for August 11, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for August 11, 2009. 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. Chabot College Chosen To Help Obama\'s Plan To Manufacture More Electric, Hybrid Vehicles. Hayward — Chabot College has been chosen to participate in the nation\'s plan to manufacture more next-generation batteries and electric vehicles.President Barack Obama announced $2.4 billion in grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to fund efforts to see more electric and hybrid vehicles on the road. A total of 48 new advanced-battery and electric drive projects will be funded by the grants. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/localnews/ci_13031973 Sacramento Region To Be Cooler, With Cleaner Air. Cooler and cleaner air is expected as the week goes along in the Sacramento region. “As we go through the week, air quality is going to improve,\" said Jamie Arno, spokeswoman for the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District. Today, she said, the region will start experiencing a little more Delta breeze -- about 6 to 8 mph. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2307/story/812881.html?storylink=pd GM Says Mercury Pollution Not Its Problem Anymore. As hundreds of thousands of clunkers head to the scrap yard, General Motors has dropped out of a partnership that collects toxic parts from recycled automobiles to prevent mercury pollution. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/08/11/us/politics/AP-US-GM-Mercury-Switches.html?scp=4&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_13032289 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/11/AR2009081100175.html Hoosier Senators Feeling Heat, May Be Hard Sell on Climate. Indiana\'s two U.S. senators are considered critical fence sitters on major climate legislation moving through Congress. But should they be? In interviews last week, Republican Sen. Richard Lugar (Ind.) and his Democratic colleague Evan Bayh (Ind.) expressed serious concerns about a mandatory cap on greenhouse gases, with unease about China, the economy and state utilities prevalent in their minds. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/08/11/11climatewire-hoosier-senators-feeling-heat-may-be-hard-se-92096.html?pagewanted=print The Earth Is Warming? Adjust the Thermostat. President Obama and the rest of the Group of 8 leaders decreed last month that the planet’s average temperature shall not rise more than 2 degrees Fahrenheit above today’s level. But what if Mother Earth didn’t get the memo? How do we stay cool in the future? Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/11/science/11tier.html UC Davis Wants New \'Village\' To Be Affordably Green. The idea that green buildings can make financial as well as environmental sense is central to California\'s plans to fight global warming. Now, a housing project at the University of California, Davis, will test whether it works on a large scale, using a $2 million grant awarded Monday by the California Energy Commission. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2307/story/812908.html?storylink=pd Labor Sec\'y Says Green Jobs Hiring Will Pick Up. Hiring in the alternative energy industry will pick up in the next 12 months, though it will take more time before so-called green-jobs will become a bigger part of the U.S. job market, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis said Monday. \"Once you start seeing more investments made in our economy recovering, as we stabilize and we get people back to work, then I think there\'ll be more interest in expanding,\" Solis said. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/state/story/811873.html?storylink=pd http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13036602 Magnetic Slot Cars Could Solve Our Transportation Woes. A German designer cribbed from the slot cars we loved as kids to come with a cool idea for extending the range of electric cars. Instead of relying on an electric motor under the hood, Christian Förg suggests putting an electric motor under the road. Posted. http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/08/magnetic-slot-cars/ California Wildfires Cause Hazy Air Around Vacaville. Northern and Southern California wildfires are to blame for the hazy, smoky skies over Solano County. Conditions have prompted phone calls to air quality districts and dispatchers alike, but there hasn\'t been a lot of local news to report, said Kathy Coulter, spokeswoman for the Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District. \"The air drifts are just strong enough to bring it up here. I was told it\'s the elevation and strength of the winds,\" Coulter said Monday. Posted. http://www.thereporter.com/ci_13035915?source=most_viewed Editorial: Leslie Eastman: California’s Eco-Bureaucrats Hurt Businesses. I wanted to understand the effects of California’s environmental regulations on businesses, so I went to a seminar reviewing the impact on the California Air Resources Board (CARB) rules regarding diesel exhaust. During this meeting, I met a real California hero, and two other brave citizens struggling against a behemoth bureaucracy. Posted. http://www.sdnn.com/sandiego/2009-08-11/news/environment/leslie-eastman-californias-eco-bureaucrats-hurt-businesses Leaders Pledge To Fight Climate Change, Flu. Guadalajara, Mexico—North American leaders say they will work together to fight swine flu and climate change. In a joint statement, U.S. President Barack Obama, Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper say they will work to promote global competitiveness in the region. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_13030722 Car Inventory Dwindles As \'Clunker\' Demand Remains High In Marin. Mike Glasser, co-owner of San Rafael Mitsubishi, can count the number of cars in his lot on one hand. It may soon be one finger. Amid a boom in consumer demand for new cars sparked by the federal \"cash for clunkers\" program, car dealerships in Marin are experiencing lower inventory than they\'ve had in more than a year. Glasser\'s store was down to three cars by Monday afternoon, with a purchase of one of them expected to be finalized Monday night. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13032251 July Sees Big Jump In Fuel Efficiency Of New Cars. Washington—Cars and light trucks sold in July got more miles per gallon than those sold in previous months, say researchers, who credit the Cash for Clunkers program. The average mileage for new vehicles rose from 21.4 miles per gallon in June to 22.1 mpg in July. That may not sound like much, but it\'s the highest mileage researchers at the University of Michigan have seen since the Environmental Protection Agency reconfigured mileage estimates in October 2007. It\'s also the biggest one-month jump. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_13036503 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/11/AR2009081101057.html GM Says New Volt To Get 230 Mpg In City Driving. Warren, Mich. (AP) — General Motors said Tuesday its Chevrolet Volt rechargeable electric car should get 230 miles per gallon of gasoline in city driving, more than four times the mileage of the current champion, the Toyota Prius. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13036919 Selling Americans on a \'Green-Collar\' Economy. Van Jones may have one of the hottest assignments in the Obama administration -- selling the notion of a new \"green-collar\" economy -- but in a country burdened with a 9.4 percent unemployment rate, it\'s not easy. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/10/AR2009081002676.html?hpid=moreheadlines Coal\'s Future Wagered on Carbon Capture. At a bend in the Ohio River, a bulky new device is being attached to a 30-year-old coal plant near the small town of New Haven, W.Va. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/10/AR2009081002709.html?hpid=topnews Measuring Public Opinion on Environment and Sustainability: How Conventional Wisdom Gets That Way. The False Trade Off. Since 1985, the Gallup poll has asked survey respondents to trade off environmental protection against economic growth. This past spring, for the first time, more people chose economic growth than environmental protection. (See Gallup graph) The data is an accurate reflection of public opinion, and there is no question that conventional politics frames the environmental issue as an impediment to economic growth. Posted. http://www.observer.com/2009/measuring-public-opinion-environment-and-sustainability-how-conventional-wisdom-gets-way# DWP Proposes Hiring Former Assembly Speaker Nuñez To Help Lobbyists. The L.A. utility\'s plan has met with opposition from a department panel, which questions the cost. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has been worried about the cost of complying with Assembly Bill 32, a 2006 law that requires California to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/custom/topofthetimes/callocal/la-me-nunez11-2009aug11,0,70251,print.story BLOGS Climate Change & National Security: A Tough Sell. Climate change is rarely featured on the front pages of top U.S. newspapers, such as the Washington Post and New York Times. As a gradually unfolding and large-scale event, often called a \'creeping\' story, climate change typically lacks a tangible \'news hook.\' Rather than the standard news items such as \'U.S. hostages are freed from North Korea\' or \'missing South Carolina governor admits affair,\' climate stories tend to be less pressing, more complicated, and have a longer time horizon, which makes them harder to justify as page one fare. Posted. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalweathergang/2009/08/prioritizing_national_security.html SR Parking: Don’t Forget Bicycles. In Portland - a city celebrated for the vitality of its downtown neighborhoods - prime parking spaces in commercial areas are given over to bike corrals. Does encouraging bike travel reduce traffic congestion, energy consumption and air pollution? Does it reduce the effects of climate change? Absolutely. Posted. http://golis.blogs.pressdemocrat.com/10191/sr-parking-dont-forget-bicycles/ Engineer the Climate? Should the United States and other governments start supporting climate engineers’ research? In my Findings column, I note the growing support for research into climate engineering, even among scientists who are skeptical that it will work. Although some people remain opposed — and warn that talk of climate modification is a dangerous distraction from cutting emissions — others say that we need to at least consider back-up plans if political leaders fail to limit carbon emissions, or if global warming accelerates unexpectedly in the near future. Posted. http://tierneylab.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/10/climate-engineering/?hp Carbon Negative Cement. According to the EPA, the cement industry was responsible for 829 million metric tons of CO2 emissions, or approximately 3.4% of global emissions in 2000. Today, that number is reported to be as high as 5%. The cement industry is also a major contributor to industrial process-related emissions and a product used in nearly all construction. In fact, annually, we use about 2.5 billion tons of the stuff. Posted. http://www.celsias.com/article/carbon-negative-cement/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 12 Aug 2009 10:48:41 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for August 12, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for August 12, 2009. 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. Chevrolet Volt Should Get 230 Mpg In City, GM Says. The mileage for the electric-gas plug-in hybrid, due out next year, would be the best by far of any car rated by the EPA. General Motors Co. says its long-awaited Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid is expected to achieve fuel economy of 230 miles per gallon in city driving. That would give the Volt, which is expected to arrive in showrooms late next year, by far the highest fuel efficiency rating of any car now rated by the Environmental Protection Agency. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-volt12-2009aug12,0,117348,print.story http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13040389 Sacramento Ranks 7th For \'Smart\' Environment. Sacramento ranks as the seventh most environmentally \"smart\" large city in the nation, according to the results of a survey announced Tuesday by the Natural Resources Defense Council, a national environmental group. The study results ranked 67 cities on nine metrics, from energy production and conservation to green space and transportation. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/business/story/2101752.html?mi_rss=Business Ruling May Free Clean-Air Credit Drive. There\'s worry in the air at Ruben Rodriguez\'s furniture finishing business. Because of a moratorium on clean-air credits handed out by the Diamond Bar-based South Coast Air Quality Management District, he says he can\'t get permits for a modernized spray system that would filter bad air particles out of the air as he sprays finishes on the furniture he works on. Posted. http://www.dailybulletin.com/ci_13040678 CLOSE TO HOME: Conserving Water Also Cuts Greenhouse Gases. Recent Press Democrat reports document that peak water demand in our region exceeds current delivery capability. This underscores the importance of everyone becoming more involved in water conservation. There is one other compelling reason for water conservation that has not been discussed. Saving water also means significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090812/OPINION/908119902/1042?Title=CLOSE-TO-HOME-Conserving-water-also-cuts-greenhouse-gases A Clunker of a Program? Just off the main road in Springfield, Vt., a long-depressed Connecticut River town best known for winning the competition as the true home of the cartoon character Homer Simpson, stands a temporary monument to Washington’s effort to marry economic stimulus and environmental consciousness. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/12/us/politics/12sanger.html?scp=5&sq=global%20warming&st=cse Don\'t Follow Our Mistakes, E.U. Emissions Trading Experts Warn. With the Senate gearing up to act on climate change legislation later this year, European cap-and-trade experts are warning the United States not to grant industry too many free allowances. In a new study out this month by the German Marshall Fund, policy leaders argue that industry in Europe has profited -- sometimes excessively so -- from the continent\'s emissions trading system. The study urges U.S. officials to resist pressure to impose unilateral border tariffs or give away too many free emission allowancesPosted.http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/08/12/3/ Carbon Capture Project In West Virginia Illustrates Obstacles To \'Clean\' Coal.Washington — At a bend in the Ohio River, a bulky new device is being attached to a 30-year-old coal plant near the small town of New Haven, W.Va. The device is being housed in a building four stories tall and bigger than a football field. A 150-foot-tall exhaust stack -- so wide that it would take six adults with their arms fully stretched to reach around it -- will reach into the sky. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-capture12-2009aug12,0,4007054,print.story EXCLUSIVE: Energy Bill Requires Doubling Nuke Use. To satisfy House Democrats\' low-cost solution to global warming, Americans would have to double their reliance on nuclear energy by 2030 - a target the nuclear industry says is unlikely and that many environmentalists and Democrats dislike. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/aug/12/democrat-energy-bill-requires-nuke-use-to-double/?feat=home_cube_position1 More Cap-and-Trade War. Ten Senators insist on a carbon tariff to avoid job losses. President Obama says his cap-and-trade energy tax won\'t hurt the economy, but at least 10 Senate Democrats disagree. Last week they sent Mr. Obama a letter demanding that any bill taxing U.S. CO2 emissions must include a carbon tariff \"to ensure that manufacturers do not bear the brunt of our climate change policy.\" Posted.http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204908604574336844278574578.html#mod=todays_us_opinion Factory Closes After 300 Kids Sickened in China. Authorities in northern China have shut down a smelter after it was found to have caused lead poisoning that sickened more than 300 children, state media reported on Wednesday. The move appeared to be a rare victory for health advocates in China, where pollution concerns are often ignored and those who raise complaints face harassment. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/08/12/world/AP-AS-China-Lead-Poisoning.html?_r=1&scp=5&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse Power Plant Must Do Environmental Study. Plans to build a power plant near French Valley Airport must be the subject of a detailed environmental study, Riverside County planning officials have determined. The environmental report will examine air pollution, aesthetics, cultural resources and several other effects associated with building and operating the 49-megawatt, natural gas-fired power plant with a 70-foot-tall exhaust stack. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_spower12.46a0d1b.html U.S. Biofuel Industry Wants Pollution Credits in Climate Bill. Makers of biofuels, plastics and chemicals made from plants want carbon permits added to the U.S. climate bill that would allow them to emit greenhouse gases, reports Reuters. At the same time, the top U.S. environmental agency released the peer review findings on the proposed rule to implement the expanded renewable fuels standard. Posted. http://www.environmentalleader.com/2009/08/12/us-biofuel-industry-wants-pollution-credits-in-climate-bill/ Coal\'s Future Hinges On Success Of Carbon Capture. The U.S. government is putting billions of dollars behind a \"clean coal\" technology that even optimists say won\'t be commercially ready for another 10 years. But the wait will be worth it, many experts say, because carbon capture and storage is crucial to meeting President Barack Obama\'s goals to control U.S. emissions of carbon dioxide, the No. 1 greenhouse gas. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/08/11/10 Local Digest. Martek Biosciences said it will work with BP to mass-produce biodiesel from sugar. The agreement partners one of the largest petroleum companies in the world with Columbia-based Martek, which specializes in engineering fuel and other products from algae, fungi and other microbes. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/11/AR2009081103259.html Judge Revokes Permit of Dominion Virginia Power. A judge on Tuesday declared invalid one of the state permits allowing Dominion Virginia Power to build a $1.8 billion coal-fired power plant in Wise County, throwing up a new roadblock for the embattled project. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/11/AR2009081102750.html Editorial: Leslie Eastman: CARB Rules Don’t Address The Real Problems. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) rules don’t address the fact that the amount of particulate matter in Southern California air has gone down substantially over the years, especially as diesel engine technology has gotten better. The CARB plans also tout protections from health effects that are untrue - Californians have among the best life-expectancy rates in the nation. Posted. http://www.sdnn.com/sandiego/2009-08-12/lifestyle/leslie-eastman-carb-rules-dont-address-the-real-problems Blogs How Big Are the Environmental Benefits of High-Speed Rail? How large are the environmental and other social benefits of high-speed rail? I’ve now reached the halfway point in this series of blog posts on the president’s “vision for high-speed rail.” The national discussion of high-speed rail must get away from high-flying rhetoric and tawdry ad hominem attacks and start weighing costs and benefits. Environmental benefits are one potentially big plus from rail lines. Posted. http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/12/how-big-are-the-environmental-benefits-of-high-speed-rail/ How Green Is Rail Travel? Eurostar, the high-speed train service that connects London with Paris and Brussels, advertises a tenfold reduction in each traveler’s carbon footprint by comparison with an airplane trip over similar distances. In Britain, government officials have described the investment of billions of pounds in a new high-speed rail network as a green initiative. The Obama administration has budgeted billions of dollars to build similar networks in the United States, partly to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/12/how-green-is-rail-travel/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:08:20 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for August 13, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for August 13, 2009. 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. Los Angeles County Waste Hauler Fined $21,500 For Emissions,Violations. The California Air Resources Board fined waste hauler NASA Services $21,500 this month for emissions violations during 2007. An ARB investigation showed NASA Services, based in Montebello, Calif., failed to comply with the solid waste collection vehicle rule by neglecting to install as many emission-reduction devices as required by law. Posted. http://yubanet.com/california/Los-Angeles-County-waste-hauler-fined-21-500-for-emissions-violations_printer.php Airlines Will Be First U.S. Industry To Confront Cap And Trade. The first U.S. industry to face a cap on its greenhouse gas emissions is not, as may be expected, the coal-burning power utilities. It\'s not the oil refineries, churning through crude. It\'s not the automakers, manufacturing again. It\'s the airline industry. Sometime this month, the European Union will release a list of airlines it will regulate under its existing cap-and-trade system for carbon dioxide. Beginning in 2012, all international flights landing in the region must abide by the regulations. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/08/12/1 http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/08/12/12greenwire-airlines-will-be-first-us-industry-to-confront-77552.html Can Acid Rain Sell The Climate Bill? Acid rain is back in the political arena. Nearly two decades ago, Congress adopted an acid-rain control program using a newfangled \"cap and trade\" system to rein in its cause, sulfur dioxide emissions. It worked. The S02 output from coal-fired power plants fell faster and more cheaply than expected. Now, politicians and advocates are on a frenzied tear, saying that what worked then can work again. The same emissions-trading mechanism, if used to reduce greenhouse gases, can save the planet from warming temperatures, Democratic leaders are arguing. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/08/13/2/ Cap-and-Trade\'s Unlikely Critics: Its Creators. Economists behind original concept question the system\'s large-scale usefulness, and recommend emissions taxes Instead. In the 1960s, a University of Wisconsin graduate student named Thomas Crocker came up with a novel solution for environmental problems: cap emissions of pollutants and then let firm’s trade permits that allow them to pollute within those limits. Now legislation using cap-and-trade to limit greenhouse gases is working its way through Congress and could become the law of the land. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125011380094927137.html?mod=dist_smartbrief Economic Downturn Projected To Reduce 2009 CO2 Output – EIA. Carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel energy in the United States are projected to drop 5 percent this year, compared to last year\'s emissions, according to new data from the Energy Information Administration. 2009 will be the second year in a row that fossil fuel energy-based carbon dioxide emissions have fallen, according to numbers from the EIA\'s Short-Term Energy Outlook, released Tuesday. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/08/13/3/ Manufacturing Group Says Middle States Will Suffer Under Climate Bill. Climate legislation would erase jobs and raise energy prices for families, a leading manufacturing association is warning key senators as they begin a month long recess among financially crunched constituents. U.S. companies would cut between 1.8 million and 2.4 million jobs by 2030 if the Senate approves a measure that would charge fees to industries for every ton of carbon dioxide released into the air, according to an analysis commissioned by the National Association of Manufacturers. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/08/13/4/ While Their Glaciers Melt And Rivers Dry, China And India Only Add To Climate Woes. The Himalayan glaciers are melting. On some of the range\'s lower elevations, ice fields are now ponds. Those glaciers supply most of the water used in India, China and the Asian nations in between. So you would think that fact would be lying heavy on the mind of Yu Qintai, China\'s chief negotiator to the global climate negotiations when, a few days ago, he declared that climate-change negotiations culminating in Copenhagen this December \"cannot fail.\" Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/world/story/815466.html?storylink=pd http://www.mercedsunstar.com/359/story/1000295.html Green Building Code Will Begin This Month. The state\'s green building code, the first of its kind in the nation, takes effect this month, the California Building Standards Commission announced this week. The code standardizes practices for reducing the environmental impact of buildings in a variety of ways, from cutting water and electricity consumption to using less resource-intensive building materials. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/business/story/2105294.html?mi_rss=Business LED Light Bulbs Yield Big Savings In Energy. Washington -- One way the United States could slash its electricity use, dependence on fossil fuels and emissions of heat-trapping gases is really quite simple: better light bulbs. The Department of Energy is backing research and development aimed at getting light-emitting diodes into common use in homes and businesses at a price that saves money. Hurdles remain: Costs are still high, the quality of what\'s on the market varies and not all the technical issues have been worked out. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/2105996.html http://www.modbee.com/politics/story/815470.html?storylink=pd Why \'Clunkers\' Program Won\'t Take Some Of The Most Polluting Cars. The classic car lobby pushed to exclude vehicles made before 1984, protecting the market for parts. Consumer and environmental groups, too busy fighting for fuel efficiency, went along with it. Nearly 5 million of the nation\'s most polluting vehicles were quietly excluded from the popular \"cash for clunkers\" program after lobbyists for antique auto parts suppliers and car collectors persuaded the government to shut out cars built before 1984. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-clunkers13-2009aug13,0,3425314,print.story Local Firefighters To Help Battle 25,000-Acre Blaze. Seventeen firefighters from Orange County and five fire engines equipped for rough terrain have been dispatched to the La Brea Fire, a wildfire that has burned more than 25,000 acres near Santa Maria, officials said. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/fire-firefighters-orange-2526433-sent-county SPIN METER: $3 billion buys not-so-green vehicles. WASHINGTON—Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, the nation\'s top car salesman in recent weeks, has cited the Obama administration\'s best-seller list of mostly smaller, fuel-saving cars like the Ford Focus to describe the success of the Cash for Clunkers rebate program. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/financialmarkets/ci_13051314 Australian Parliament Rejects Carbon Trade Plan. Canberra (Reuters) - Australia\'s parliament rejected a plan for the world\'s most ambitious emissions trade regime as expected on Thursday, bringing the nation closer to a snap election and prolonging financial uncertainty for major emitters. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/13/AR2009081300152.html How the Vacation-Bound Can Limit Damage to Coral Reefs. I\'m about to leave for my long-awaited tropical vacation, and now I\'ve gotten myself in a tizzy over whether my swimming and snorkeling might contribute to the destruction of coral reefs. How can I be a more responsible ocean visitor? And what about these reports I\'ve heard about sunscreen killing corals -- is that true? Should I let myself burn to save the reefs? Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/12/AR2009081201097.html BLOGS Plasma Screen TVs: The Next Environmental Threat? We\'ve heard that television rots brains, but have you ever thought about what TV-watching does to the environment? Americans are buying newer, flatter models in droves. And in California, television use -- including DVD players, DVRs and cable boxes -- accounts for 10% of a home’s energy consumption, according to the California Energy Commission. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/08/tv-television-energy-saving-standards-california.html French Winemakers Sound Alarm Over Climate Change. Experts warn that France could lose its famous wine vineyards because of global warming. Leading figures from the French wine and food industries are urging their government to push for a strong global agreement at a United Nations climate summit in Copenhagen in December, warning that failure to cut greenhouse gases will devastate their sector. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/13/french-winemakers-sound-alarm-over-climate-change/?pagemode=print LED Lighting 101: You\'ve Heard About It, So What Is It? An economically friendly option: LED stands for light-emitting-diode. Sounds like a foreign language, as does most of the terminology underlying the miracle technologies we consumers take for granted. The diode is a semiconductor component found in all circuits and inside every electronic product we come in contact with in our daily lives. From the earliest radio to the most sophisticated cell phone, the diode is a vital part of what makes electronic devises perform the task for which they are intended. http://www.examiner.com/x-17143-Allentown-Interior-Design-Examiner~y2009m8d13-LED-lighting--you-have-heard-about-it-so-what-is-it ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:53:46 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for August 17, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for August 17, 2009. 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. California Employees Face Quandary Over Carbon Offsets. Al Gore buys them. So do the Grateful Dead, Hollywood celebrities and, increasingly, many climate-conscious executives and consumers. For those who travel the world by air but don\'t want to contribute to global warming in the process, compensating with so-called carbon offsets has become a fashionable solution. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/378/story/2113019.html Is Global Warming Good For Business? The prospect of a warming planet brings with it predictions of melting ice sheets, rising sea levels, heat waves and forest fires. And in the view of author Kimberly B. Keilbach, it brings something else: business opportunities. \"Businesses aren\'t waiting for the government,\" says Keilbach, a writer and consultant who published \"Global Warming is Good for Business\" (Linden Publishing, $24.95) in April. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/2115460.html http://www.sanluisobispo.com/528/story/818125.html Time Running Short For New Climate-Change Deal. Poor countries stepped up demands Friday on the industrial world to keep the Earth from catastrophically overheating, amid warnings that negotiations are moving too slowly to meet a December deadline for a sweeping accord on global warming. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/world/story/816729.html?storylink=pd Are We Too Late? What if it’s too late to head off climate change? What if the race against time has already been lost? We have seen a 180-degree turn in America’s official position. George W. Bush came into office practically denying there was a problem. One of the first actions his administration took was to turn its back on the Kyoto treaty that sought to address the issue. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/17/opinion/17iht-edgreenway.html?scp=12&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Partners In Global Warming Crimes. The Himalayan glaciers are melting. On some of the range’s lower elevations, ice fields are now ponds. Those glaciers supply most of the water used in India, China and the Asian nations in between. So you would think that fact would be lying heavy on the mind of Yu Qintai, China’s chief negotiator to the global climate negotiations when, a few days ago, he declared that climate-change negotiations culminating in Copenhagen this December “cannot fail.” Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090816/OPINION/908149859 China Aims To Reduce CO2 Emissions By 2050. China\'s top climate change official said the world\'s biggest carbon dioxide polluter will begin reducing emissions of the greenhouse gas by 2050, the first time China has made such a time-specific announcement. Beijing, like most developing countries, has long argued that developed nations should take the brunt of responsibility for cutting emissions since global warming was initiated by their industries. It is unclear whether China will be willing to agree to cap its emissions ahead of a global climate change summit in Copenhagen in December. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/2009/08/17/7/ Scant Rainfall In East China Tied To Pollution. A study of rainfall records in China\'s industrial east shows that air pollution reduced light rainfall, crucial to agricultural. Cutting pollution could help ease a drought. Beijing- Air pollution in China\'s industrial east appears to have significantly reduced light rainfall over the last 50 years, raising the possibility that cutting pollution could ease a severe drought in the region, according to a study released Saturday. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-fg-china-pollution16-2009aug16,0,2615837,print.story http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/15/world/asia/15web-briefs-China.html Opinion: Once A Leader, State\'s Been Eclipsed On Renewables. California has always been a pioneer, and nowhere is this myth more compelling than in the world of energy. But time has not been kind to the Golden State. With state legislators getting back to work Monday, their votes in the coming weeks may help determine whether California can regain some of its luster, or continue to fade away into the sunset as an iconoclastic and now largely irrelevant player on the national and international stage. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/story/2111358.html Slouching Slowly Toward Copenhagen. A pall of frustration hung over delegates and climate change activists as they returned this weekend from a week of snail\'s-pace international negotiations in Bonn, Germany. Many now are turning their attention to London, where world finance ministers next month will pitch specific funding plans to help poor countries adapt to low-carbon futures. The meeting will be a precursor to the official G-20 summit in Pittsburgh, which activists said they are counting on to inject life into the floundering global climate talks.Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/08/17/4/ Editorial: Our View: Break It, ‘Fix\' It, Then Take The Credit. Government has a habit of pretending to rescue taxpayers from crises it creates. The government has an insidious way of helping. First it hurts you. Then it benevolently rushes in to relieve a little of the pain. Then, it takes credit for being so nice. Taxpayers experience this every payday when the government takes money from their earnings. Later, the government may deign to return some of your money to you as a tax refund — money it didn\'t have a right to in the first place. Posted. http://www.appeal-democrat.com/articles/government-85602-takes-money.html Businesses Fear Green Law Will Put Them In Red. Stockton - Green-minded businesses want to know: How much green will it cost them to comply with sweeping new climate change regulations? Representatives of the California Air Resources Board visited Stockton last week, where they met with members of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce \"Green Team San Joaquin,\" a coalition of businesses and local government organizations that are striving for environmental responsibility while staying in the black. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090817/A_NEWS/908170308/-1/A_BIZ Harvested Stormwater Counters Climate Change, Report Says. Stormwater flowing off rain gutters, sidewalks and roadways may be the state\'s new liquid gold as Californians face shrinking water supplies due to rising temperatures, a new report asserts. \"In Western states, there\'s been an increasing push to see this as a water supply resource,\" said Noah Garrison, an attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council who co-authored the report, \"A Clear Blue Future,\" released last week. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_13132199 http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_13060956?IADID=Search-www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com Invasive Weeds Grow With Global Warming. For educational purposes, the California Invasive Plants Council will sell you bouquets of plastic weeds, including yellow star thistle, tamarisk, leafy spurge and knapweed. Some recent studies suggest that many gardeners need not invest in these because they can expect more of the real thing to arrive as climate change advances. A warmer world will have more atmospheric carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/08/16/HO9V18BHN5.DTL&type=printable Editorial: A \'War On Warming\'. It\'s likely a sign of desperation that national security is increasingly invoked as an excuse for waging war on global warming. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., says global warming will create \"climate refugees\" and bring international conflicts. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/security-global-warming-2529275-national-says Ethanol Blends Pushed At Pumps. The ethanol industry is calling for thousands of gasoline station pumps that could dispense various ethanol blends depending on the customer\'s preference. Ethanol supporters say the fuel additive, which is made from corn, reduces vehicle air pollution and lessens the nation\'s dependency on foreign oil. Critics say ethanol reduces a vehicle\'s fuel mileage and is subsidized with tax dollars. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/aug/14/ethanol-blends-pushed-pumps/ \'The Clunkers of the Power-Plant World\'. The twin smokestacks of the 85-year-old Crawford Generating Station are a familiar backdrop in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago. It\'s a largely Mexican immigrant community where children play in the street, families congregate on stoops and pushcart vendors sell corncobs within blocks of the plant and its large coal pile. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/16/AR2009081601806.html Calif. Port Trucks To Register By Sept. 30. Trucks visiting California ports must register in the Drayage Truck Registry by Sept. 30. A Phase 1 compliance extension application must be filed with the California Air Resources Board or postmarked by Sept. 30. This extension is available to trucks with 1994-2003 model year engines for which there is no verified CARB-approved Level 3 control technology. Registration and truck labels are free of charge; labels are optional. Posted. http://www.etrucker.com/apps/news/article.asp?id=81001 Marine Highway Gets $750K Boost. Efforts to establish a new barge service between the ports of Stockton and Oakland got a boost when the Bay Area Air Quality Management District recently allocated $750,000 to the project. Its aim is to establish a \"marine highway\" to supplant trucks that now move shipping containers packed with farm commodities and other goods from the Central Valley over Interstate 205 to Oakland. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090815/A_BIZ/908150315 Ship Rule Good For Inland Valley. It all seems so simple, now that the problem has been resolved, after so many thousands of tons of poisonous pollution has been dumped into the air we breathe. And the cost? Just a penny per pair of tennis shoes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said it is proposing a regulation that will create a clean-air zone around ports like Long Beach and Los Angeles, which long have been subjected to ships\' foul diesel exhaust. Posted. http://www.sbsun.com/search/ci_13132137?IADID=Search-www.sbsun.com-www.sbsun.com Cleaner Trains To Roll On Solano County Rails. Bay Area air-quality officials are investing in lower-emission locomotives for Amtrak trains stopping in Solano County and elsewhere. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District contributed $500,000 to a recently unveiled, lower-polluting locomotive, and has allocated $2.6 million more to Caltrans for five more locomotive retrofits, district officials said in a release. Posted. http://www.timesheraldonline.com/news/ci_13071950 A Drifting Danger For Central Valley Schoolchildren. Despite regulations and laws to protect children, Fresno County authorities say school buses are still being exposed to pesticide clouds once or twice a year. Nancy and Bryan Lara, ages 10 and 8, knew something was wrong when they saw a tractor surrounded by white clouds near their school bus stop in Caruthers. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-pesticides17-2009aug17,0,71541,print.story Protesters March On Chevron Refinery In Richmond. Richmond — A coalition of community groups marched on the Chevron refinery in Richmond on Saturday to protest the company\'s hotly debated new renovation project, shutting down city streets and leading to the arrest of several protesters. The coalition, called Mobilization for Climate Justice, included about 200 protesters from the Richmond BART station to the gates of the refinery, where a \"die-in\" on Chevron property led to the arrests of 14 protesters for trespassing. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_13132833?nclick_check=1 BLOGS Ancient Slash-And-Burn Farming Method May Have Altered Global Climate. Slash-and-burn agriculture has been used in farming for thousands of years. But this age-old method of cutting down and burning forested areas and then planting crops among the ashes may have contributed enough carbon dioxide into the atmosphere to alter the earth\'s climate. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-6378-Baltimore-Science-News-Examiner~y2009m8d17-Ancient-slashandburn-farming-method-may-have-altered-global-climate Wine And Global Warming. French winemakers are raising concerns about the effects of global warming on their vineyards. The winemakers are urging their government leaders to press for an agreement to cut greenhouse gases (GHG) at the upcoming United Nations climate conference in Copenhagen in December. A group of 50 winemakers, sommeliers and chefs along with Greenpeace recently wrote an opinion piece in Le Monde. The New York Times quotes the group warning that ”[s]ummer heat waves, recent hail storms in the Bordeaux region, new diseases coming from the south . . . will soon be much more serious.” Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-17018-Environmental-Headlines-Examiner~y2009m8d17-Wine-and-global-warming LA\'s SUV-Friendly Mayor To Pose For Prius. Notch another triumph for Toyota in the wake of GM and Chrysler\'s financial woes. The Japanese carmaker has enlisted Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and officials from the California Department of Transportation to celebrate the launch of the 2010 Prius. No matter that the mayor, who vows to make L.A. \"the greenest and cleanest big city in America\" has yet to endorse the fuel sipper, which gets 50 miles per gallon, when it comes to his own driving habits. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/08/villaraigosa-caltrans-toyota-prius.html Nothing New Under The Sun. Anthropogenic global warming started when people began farming. IMAGINE a small group of farmers tending a rice paddy some 5,000 years ago in eastern Asia or sowing seeds in a freshly cleared forest in Europe a couple of thousand years before that. It is here, a small group of scientists would have you believe, that humanity launched climate change. Posted. http://www.economist.com/world/international/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14252800 ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:02:11 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for August 18, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for August 18, 2009. 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. Study: AB 32 To Cost Companies $50,000. Implementing the AB 32 climate change law will cost California small businesses an average of $49,691 per year, significantly more than estimates by the California Air Resources Board (ARB), according to a recent study. Implementation of the law will also lead to the loss of 1.1 million jobs in the state and impact future state budgets, the study found.The analysis of the state scoping plan for implementing AB 32 was led by Sanjay Varshney, dean of the College of Business Administration, California State University, Sacramento (CSUS), and Dennis H. Tootelian, Ph.D., professor of marketing and director, CSUS Center for Small Business. Posted. http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1521:study-ab-32-to-cost-companies-50000&catid=38:state&Itemid=207 Tesla Moving Headquarters And Powertrain Operations To Palo Alto. Tesla Motors, Silicon Valley\'s flashiest entry into the race to electrify the auto industry, will build a powertrain production facility in Palo Alto\'s Stanford Research Park as it ramps up efforts to sell battery engine technology to other carmakers, the company said late Monday. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_13146859?source=rss&nclick_check=1 Don\'t Freeze Wall Street Out Of Emissions Trading, Trade Group Warns. Proposals by some lawmakers to freeze Wall Street out of carbon markets that would emerge from climate change legislation go \"too far,\" a trade group warned today. The International Emissions Trading Association today circulated a statement in response to what it believes are ill-considered comments from some Capitol Hill lawmakers on carbon markets. Henry Derwent, the group\'s CEO, said private capital is needed for climate protection, given the debt that burdens the government. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/08/18/3 Five Ways California\'s Climate Law Will Boost the Economy. I remember three years ago when NRDC worked so hard to get AB 32 signed into law. I knew then that it would help confront the crisis of global warming. What we\'ve seen since then is that AB 32 can also help California confront another crisis: the economic meltdown. In the face of California\'s budget woes, the State economy needs a jumpstart -- an investment-driven model that builds real economic and infrastructure value. Clean energy and climate solutions fit the bill. Posted. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/frances-beinecke/five-ways-californias-cli_b_261837.html?view=screen State Leaves Offset Decisions To Employees. Although state employees regularly fly around the world to warn about the dangers of climate change, California does not purchase carbon offsets to counteract the emissions of these flights, leaving many officials in a personal quandary. \"As a state employee, you are put in an awkward situation,\" said Tony Brunello, deputy secretary of climate change and energy. \"We are trying to push [emissions] reductions,\" he added. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/08/18/7 Is China On Track For Suburban Sprawl? Beijing\'s transit development is at a crossroads. The capital of the world\'s largest emitter of greenhouse gases is in danger of locking itself into a pattern of Los Angeles-type sprawl with ever-rising CO2 emissions, a new World Bank study finds. Reining in a fast-expanding network of suburban roads and bolstering a mass transit system might increase congestion, the study acknowledges. But it also will ultimately lower greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/08/18/1 http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/08/18/18climatewire-is-china-on-track-for-suburban-sprawl-48030.html The Climate and National Security. One would think that by now most people would have figured out that climate change represents a grave threat to the planet. One would also have expected from Congress a plausible strategy for reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that lie at the root of the problem. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/18/opinion/18tue1.html Benicia May Battle Global Warming On A City Level. Addressing climate change on a local level, Benicia officials have unveiled what they say is a road map to a greener community. Benicia\'s so-called Draft Climate Action Plan, released on the city\'s Web site, looks at everything from private industry and manufacturing to green building standards and city operations. Posted. http://www.timesheraldonline.com/news/ci_13149731 http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13149731 FORUM: Deceivers Paralyze Our Will To Stop Global Warming. The great 18th century essayist Samuel Johnson once said, \"I have always considered it as treason against the great republic of human nature, to make any man\'s virtues the means of deceiving him.\" When it comes to honest discourse on the issues of the day, there appears to be much treason against human nature in our land. Posted. http://www.nctimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/article_473eb570-a5bd-5613-b38d-04397d2fc2c8.html Oil Companies Press White House for Flexibility on Greenhouse Gas Reporting. Major oil companies are urging the White House to ensure that U.S. EPA\'s upcoming greenhouse gas reporting rules do not include what the industry considers burdensome requirements or force disclosure of proprietary information. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/08/17/17greenwire-oil-companies-press-white-house-for-flexibilit-55423.html Bay Area Lucks Out While Santa Cruz Chokes On Smoke From Coastal Fires. Smoke from the Lockheed fire in Santa Cruz County has choked the coast with unhealthy levels of soot for days. But because the wind has blown it south, rather than east, the Bay Area has largely avoided the hazy unpleasantness. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_13147535 Bad Air Forces People To Search For Relief For Eyes, Lungs, Headaches. Santa Cruz - Itchy, burning eyes. Breathing difficulties. Headaches. Those are the kinds of things doctors and nurses at Dominican Hospital have been treating since the Lockheed Fire began Aug. 12. The blaze north of Bonny Doon is now 80 percent contained but the smoke it has produced for nearly a week now has people downwind from the smoke turning to doctors and home supply stores for relief. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13145843 Chinese Mayor Apologizes For Lead Poisoning. Changqing, China—A mayor apologized to residents of two villages—where nearly all the children were sickened by lead poisoning apparently from a nearby smelter—after recent clashes between angry parents and police, state media said Tuesday. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_13149867 Michigan Researchers Look At Rutabagas For Biofuel. Detroit—Researchers at Michigan State University are working to turn the rutabaga into an oil-producing powerhouse that could make the turnip-like vegetable a better source of biofuel than other food crops. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_13149375 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/18/AR2009081800134.html On The Waterfront: Clean Truck Speeds Ahead. Launched 10 months ago with dire predictions of cargo disruption, price hikes and a mass exodus of drivers, the ports\' Clean Truck program appears to be proceeding well ahead of schedule in its effort to rid the harbor of the worst polluters. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13147460?nclick_check=1 Cash For Clunkers Didn\'t Boost Hybrid Sales. The federal Cash for Clunkers program is getting a lot of trucks and sport-utility vehicles off the road, but it hasn\'t made best-sellers out of the Prius or other gas-efficient hybrids. The purpose behind the program was twofold: boost anemic consumer spending while lowering gasoline consumption. There\'s no doubt that Cash for Clunkers accomplished the former, though interest now appears to be tapering off. It\'s less clear what the trade-in program has accomplished on the environmental front. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/business/v-print/story/2117337.html Livermore Vineyard Uses Insects And Other Environmentally Friendly Methods To Grow Grapes. LIVERMORE VALLEY — Red and white aren\'t the only colors on the minds of Livermore winemakers Linda and Earl Ault, owners of Alameda County\'s only certified \"green\" winery. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_13132635 Editorial: Cap and Rage. THE RANCOROUS debate over health reform has given voice to considerable uneasiness among Americans. Many are worried about how a new system will be paid for in an economy that has unraveled, and they are anxious about a kudzu-like expansion of an already unwieldy bureaucracy. Given the herculean effort it will take to get President Obama\'s vision of reform through Congress, we\'re not convinced that the Senate will have the stomach to tackle cap-and-trade legislation this fall. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/17/AR2009081702477.html Cars Using Cellulosic E85 Have Lowest CO2 Emissions. WorldAutoSteel has released a 2nd iteration of the automotive materials parametric Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) model, which allows for broader evaluations of automotive materials, powertrains, fuels, and vehicle total energy consumed. The study showed that celluosic E85 is the best fuel to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as compared to all other alternatives, including hybrid technology and fuel cells. Posted. http://domesticfuel.com/2009/08/18/cars-using-cellulosic-e85-have-lowest-co2-emissions/ First Solar, Socal Edison Set New Solar Projects. New York (Reuters) - First Solar Inc and utility Southern California Edison said on Tuesday that they would build two photovoltaic solar power projects with a capacity of 550 megawatts. The projects in the California counties of Riverside and San Bernardino would provide enough power to supply 170,000 homes when completed in 2015, the companies said. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE57H3OH20090818 Lead Poisoning of Children in China Leads to Disturbance. The police clashed with residents of two villages near a smelting plant in northern China that is blamed for the lead poisoning of nearly all the children in the villages, reports said Monday. It was another sign of growing anger over China’s rampant industrial pollution. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/18/world/asia/18china.html How to Save the Planet With Your Home Décor. Once a laggard in the green scene, the $8.3 billion furniture industry is catching up. From individual furniture makers to national retailers, green furnishing options are popping up in many stores and price ranges to appeal to eco-friendly consumers and conform to stricter environmental laws. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/08/17/business/AP-US-Service-Package-Green-Furniture.html Fornoff Electric Offers Tips On Lowering Electricity Costs. Energy and energy cost savings continue to be hot topics in today\'s media. Especially with a blazing summer upon us, we are reminded at every turn that we must do our parts to keep the Earth green, prevent global warming, and lower our dependency on fossil fuels. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/aug/16/fornoff-electric-offers-tips-on-lowering-costs/ BLOGS ATV and Motorcycle Dealers fined by California Air Resources Board. With a tanking economy all around us, everyone is trying to get money where they can. From ATV and motorcycle dealers cutting corners to government agencies looking for every penny they can squeeze out of businesses not following their plethora of rules, regulations and requirements. A handful of ATV Dealers have been fined by California Air Resources Board (CARB) for buying and selling \"un-certified\" quads and motorcycles that do not conform to California Emissions Standards. They were fined over a quarter million dollars. Posted. http://4wheeldrive.about.com/b/2009/08/18/atv-motorcycle-dealers-fined-california-air-resources-board-carb.htm Climate Change Legislation: What It Means to Businesses. Fuel costs will rise for consumers and companies, and even suppliers won’t escape headaches from the increases. Whether you believe it’s needed or not, climate change legislation is a solid bet. There’s a slim chance it will squeak through Congress this year, but a much greater one that, come 2010, legislation to curb emissions of carbon dioxide will become law. The impact will be both wide and deep, paring about 2.3% from gross domestic product in 2030. Posted. http://www.kiplinger.com/printstory.php?pid=16208 The Carbon Case for Downloading Music. A new study has found that downloading music is substantially better from an emissions perspective than buying compact discs. The study, which was financed by both Microsoft and Intel and written by two academics at Carnegie Mellon University and a third affiliated with Stanford University, found that buying an album digitally reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 40 to 80 percent relative to a best-case scenario for purchasing a CD. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/17/the-carbon-case-for-downloading-music/ http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/17/want-to-green-your-music-collection-go-digital/ The Greenhouse Gases that Cool Your Fridge. Many cooling units – from refrigerators to air conditioners – use HFCs, or hydrofluorocarbons. The use of these chemicals has grown significantly over the past decade as an alternative to substances that damage the ozone layer and that are being phased out under the Montreal Protocol. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/18/the-greenhouse-gases-that-cool-your-fridge/?scp=1&sq=greenhouse%20gas&st=cse Originator Of Cap-And-Trade Theory Now Skeptical Of Idea. Thomas Crocker, who while a graduate student in the ’60s devised a cap-and-trade system similar to the one being considered by Congress, now says he’s “skeptical” it’s the best way to regulate carbon emissions. A recent Wall Street Journal article quoted Crocker, now 73, as saying he prefers an outright tax on emissions because it would be easier to enforce and have more flexibility. Posted. http://www.thetrucker.com/News/Stories/2009/8/18/Originatorofcap-and-tradetheorynowskepticalofidea.aspx Are Wildfires Getting Worse? From Santa Cruz to South Carolina, the U.S. is having another wild year for wildfires -- already its eighth above average in a decade -- and some scientists say climate change is fanning the flames. As Smokey Bear celebrates his 65th birthday this month, forests are on fire across the U.S. West. Thousands have fled their homes in California while wildfires explode across the state. Posted. http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/translating-uncle-sam/stories/are-wildfires-getting-worse Fuel Efficiency: Reefer Engines. As fuel prices rise again, notes Ron Kemm, director of marketing at XTRA Lease, refrigeration unit fuel efficiency becomes increasingly more important to customers. “They’re concerned about rising operating costs and lower margins,” he says, “so it’s important they find savings wherever they can, including fuel. Posted. http://www.fleetequipmentmag.com/default.aspx?type=art&id=92196 EV’s Can Reduce Threat Of Dangerous Climate Change! As the world’s Governments prepare for the COP15 Climate meeting in Copenhagen to find ways to avoid the threat of climate change, Green MotorSport shows how much vehicles powered by renewable energy could contribute. For the past ten years we and our partners have been working to develop technologies which will reduce the impact of transport emissions on the environment. Posted. http://www.fuelcellmarkets.com/news_and_information/3,1,388,1,28246.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:58:15 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- News Clips for August 19, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for August 19, 2009. 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. Climate Change Has Some Species Fleeing The Texas Heat. Fort Worth, Texas -- As the hot days in Texas get even hotter, it may just be too much for some birds and fish. From the American goldfinch to the gray snapper, some species have been moving north for years, searching for cooler ground. And their quest may someday lead them to migrate out of the state - forever - especially if climate change continues to make Texas warmer, as predicted. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/2121599.html http://www.sanluisobispo.com/528/story/820553.html No More Loopholes For King Coal. The American Climate and Energy Security Act takes a big first step toward reining in both our addiction to fossil fuels, and the global warming pollution that is slowly cooking our planet. But the House bill, engineered by environmental champions Henry Waxman and Ed Markey, contains one big loophole that needs to be closed by the Senate. Although coal-fired power plants account for roughly a third of U.S. carbon-dioxide emissions, the legislation gives them a free pass to continue business as usual - without making any serious reductions in heat-trapping carbon dioxide for 15 years or more. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/2121600.html Fresno Fined For Diesel Violations. State air regulators have fined the city of Fresno $49,500 for violating California diesel emission regulations. As part of a settlement, the city has agreed to spend up to $1 million to buy as many as 20 cleaner off-road diesel vehicles by March 2011. The state’s Air Resources Board said last week that the city had not been testing, measuring, recording and maintaining records on emissions from its diesel fleet. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_13153101?nclick_check=1 http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1604861.html http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=12832 http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13153101 Australian Parties Agree On Renewable Energy Law. Canberra, Australia—Australia's main political parties struck an agreement Wednesday on a new law requiring that 20 percent of the country's electricity comes from renewable sources such as the sun and wind by 2020—more than twice the current level. The law would quadruple the renewable energy target set by the previous government in 2001 and provide enough clean electricity to power the households of all 21 million Australians. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_13156852 http://www.modbee.com/world/story/822034.html?storylink=pd http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/08/19/world/AP-AS-Australia-Renewable-Energy.html?scp=3&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse http://www.sanluisobispo.com/528/story/820555.html NY Governor Kicks Off California-Style Emission Cuts. Offering few specifics, Gov. David Paterson recently approved an agreement for New York to cut greenhouse gas emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by the year 2050. On Aug. 6, Paterson signed an executive order to prepare a climate action plan to create several bodies to come up with a draft Climate Action Plan by Sept. 30, 2010. Posted. http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2009/Aug09/081709/081809-03.htm Oil Industry Backs Protests of Emissions Bill. Hard on the heels of the health care protests, another citizen movement seems to have sprung up, this one to oppose Washington’s attempts to tackle climate change. But behind the scenes, an industry with much at stake — Big Oil — is pulling the strings. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/business/energy-environment/19climate.html?em More Fake Letters to Congress on Energy Bill. Congressional investigators have uncovered five more letters sent to members of Congress that falsely claimed to be from charities expressing opposition to climate change legislation. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/us/politics/19charity.html?scp=3&sq=global%20warming&st=cse The Greenback Effect. IN nature, every action has consequences, a phenomenon called the butterfly effect. These consequences, moreover, are not necessarily proportional. For example, doubling the carbon dioxide we belch into the atmosphere may far more than double the subsequent problems for society. Realizing this, the world properly worries about greenhouse emissions. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/opinion/19buffett.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Breathe Easy. NASA scientists have found that houseplants are useful in absorbing potentially harmful gases and cleaning the air inside modern buildings. The foliage of indoor plants is capable of removing low levels of pollution, while the plants roots, assisted by activated carbon filters, removed air pollutants at higher concentrations. In tests, these filters removed and biologically degraded pollutants before they accumulate. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/2122068.html http://www.sanluisobispo.com/528/story/820668.html 8 Airlines To Use Renewable Synthetic Diesel For Ground Equipment. Eight major airlines have agreed to use renewable synthetic diesel fuel for their ground service equipment at Los Angeles International Airport starting in 2012. Rentech Inc. of Los Angeles will sell as much as 1.5 million gallons a year of its RenDiesel fuel to Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, UPS Airlines and US Airways. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-clean-diesel19-2009aug19,0,2950507,print.story Southern California Edison Makes Big Solar Power Deal. Southern California Edison will pair with Arizona company First Solar Inc. on two large solar power projects in Riverside and San Bernardino counties that will be able to supply electricity to as many as to 170,000 homes, the companies said Tuesday. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-solar19-2009aug19,0,7157081.story http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/aug/18/ca-socal-edison-solar-081809/?science&zIndex=151226 Blogs Retrofitting Dams to Generate Electricity. Environmental opposition often means that new hydropower facilities are non-starters. But there may be a way around that: retrofitting existing dams. Only 3 percent of the 80,000 dams in the United States are used to generate power, according to Norm Bishop, a vice president at MWH, a water engineering firm. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/retrofitting-non-electctric-dams-for-power/?scp=2&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse The Horror of Climate Engineering? In response to my column and post on climate engineering, Charlie offered a comment: “I am really surprised that a libertarian and climate skeptic such as yourself does not react with horror at the concept of geoengineering.” He chastised me for putting too much faith in the computer climate models that would be used to engineer the climate, and for not being skeptical of “willful intrusion by state actors in a complex, chaotic, global system.” “Posted. http://tierneylab.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/the-horror-of-climate-engineering/?hp ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:10:10 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for August 20, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for August 20, 2009. 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. Valley Air District Wants To Regulate Charbroilers. Air officials are proposing a rule to curb tiny specks in charbroiler exhaust that threaten the health of those living near restaurants. But the measure misses most of the pollution. The rule would apply to chain-driven charbroilers that cook meat on a conveyor with burners above and below. Those charbroilers, used by such restaurants as Carl's Jr. and Burger King, account for 25% of charbroiler exhaust. Posted. http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1607046.html Lawmakers Cementing Legislation. The region’s big four lawmakers are back in Sacramento busy pushing legislation on topics ranging from state university reform, smoking at hospitals, greenhouse gas emissions and renewable energy, among many others. With the state budget mess behind them, Senators Joe Simitian and Leland Yee and Assemblymen Ira Ruskin and Jerry Hill are back in the capital working hard on cementing their legislative legacies. Posted. http://www.smdailyjournal.com/article_preview.php?id=115206 Climate Benefits, Community Safeguards Can Come Together. As the state continues to tackle climate change, we must ensure that our policy solutions provide equal protection to all Californians. Our low-income and minority communities are overburdened with the harmful effects of poor air quality. Statewide solutions must not overlook these communities, but rather move to protect and strengthen them. California’s landmark Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006—AB 32—promised to protect such communities, yet these very communities are still waiting for AB 32’s promises to be fulfilled. Posted. http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?_c=y7j9z9rk2lx81t&xid=y7j7xxmsax520d&done=.y7j9z9rk2me81t# Chevron Backs Oil Group's 'Energy Citizens'. Taking a leaf from the playbook employed by health care reform opponents, the oil industry has put together an "Energy Citizens" movement aimed at derailing climate-change legislation. And San Ramon's Chevron Corp. is throwing its weight behind the effort. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/08/20/BUMS19AKJ9.DTL&type=printable IBM-Sponsored Report: Utilities Not Ready For Climate Change. New York (Dow Jones)-- A report sponsored by International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) says that 90% of utilities around the world know they are at risk from climate change but fewer than a third said they have performed any financial review of the possible impacts on their business. Utilities face a variety of potential problems from climate change, including shortages of water to cool plants, increased generation demand from hotter summers and power outages from more frequent severe weather, according to the report. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090820-710357.html Why Climate Change Will Matter to Every Company GreenBiz.com. BSR has recently fielded inquiries from a range of member companies asking how climate change is relevant to their business. The timing of these questions is obvious: With prospective climate change legislation and policy discussions in the United States and elsewhere, intensive international negotiations culminating later this year, and ongoing stakeholder interest, companies are scrambling to develop or boost their climate change strategies, assess their internal and supply chain emissions, and examine the potential risks and opportunities throughout their operations, value chain, and industry. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/gwmCarbonEmissions/idUS45494881120090820 Agency Warns Current Climate Proposals Won't Work. Brussels — Reversing global warming will cost up to $185 billion (euro130 billion) a year before 2020 and require more action by world governments than currently pledged, an international environmental analysis group said Thursday. ClimateWorks Foundation said U.N. climate change talks would fail to reach a meaningful agreement with the proposals made so far, and that a new approach was needed. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hqjnE4ztVvGMddkXDlAK3-OpALWQD9A6N2G83 http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_13168240 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/20/AR2009082002081.html Cutting Greenhouse Gases. Every year, the nearly 7 billion people on Planet Earth driving their vehicles, operating coal-fired electric generating plants, running heavy industries, and carrying out dozens of other fossil fuel-burning activities pump an estimated 234 billion metric tonnes of greenhouse gases or carbon dioxide equivalents into the atmosphere. Posted. http://deltafarmpress.com/legislative/greenhouse-gases-0820/ World Youth Tell Leaders to Clean Up. An international gathering of youth and children, billed as the largest ever of its type on climate change, Thursday pressed world leaders to do far more to curb damage to the environment. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/08/20/news/news-us-youth.html?_r=1&scp=9&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/20/AR2009082001600.html Oversight Costs City Plenty, Though End Result Will Be Cleaner Air. Any steps taken to help clean the air in Fresno, Valley, state, nation and hence, the world, I’m all for. In “Diesel breach costs Fresno” in the August 19, 2009 Fresno Bee, an oversight by the city of Fresno to better monitor exhaust smoke conditions of vehicles in its off-road diesel fleet apparently, caused a fine to be assessed against the city by the California Air Resources Board or CARB. The article, co-authored by Paula Lloyd and George Hostetter, opens this way. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-11410-Fresno-Green-Transportation-Examiner~y2009m8d19-Oversight-costs-city-plenty-though-end-result-will-be-cleaner-air Benicia Seeking New Energy. Benicia - A local consulting firm with ties to a Nobel Peace Prize winner has lost an appeal to be involved in the city's renewable energy efforts. Intergy Corporation had submitted a project proposal in June to help develop a solar and wind farm, but Benicia city officials decided to pursue other proposals instead. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13168204 Denver Airport Plans Solar Power For Its Fuel Farm. Denver—Denver International Airport wants to build a $7 million solar electric-generating system to power its fuel storage and distribution system. Airport officials said Wednesday they will ask the City Council for approval to sign a contract with two companies to develop the 1.6-megawatt project on about 9 acres north of the airfield. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/financialmarkets/ci_13160735 Top-Mileage Hybrid Sedans Are Fords. The top gasoline-electric hybrid sedans for fuel mileage aren't Hondas or Toyotas. That honor goes to the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and its sibling 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid. The federal government rates the newly revamped, five-passenger Fusion and Milan Hybrids at 41 miles per gallon in city driving and 36 mpg on the highway, leading to an average city/highway mileage of 39 mpg. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13159352 Administration Plans To Wind Down Clunkers Program. The Obama administration is developing plans to wind down the popular Cash for Clunkers program and could announce by Friday when the incentives will no longer be available. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Wednesday the department would announce within 48 hours how it intends to discontinue the program that offers car buyers rebates of $3,500 or $4,500 for trading in older vehicles for new, more fuel-efficient models. Department officials met with car dealer trade groups on Wednesday to discuss how the program will eventually end and respond to complaints over a backlog of rebate payments to dealers. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13167223 Editorial: The Ball Is In Chevron's Court Concerning The Richmond Refinery. THE IMPASSE between Chevron and environmentalists over renovations at the Richmond refinery is indeed puzzling. Environmental groups won a lawsuit challenging the oil company's environmental impact report regarding the refinery's ability and intent to process heavy crude oil, which would increase air pollution, after extensive retrofit work is completed. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/opinion/ci_13161195 Mercury Widespread In Nation's Fish, Study Shows. Washington — No fish can escape mercury pollution. That's the take-home message from a federal study of mercury contamination released Wednesday that tested fish from nearly 300 streams across the country. The toxic substance was found in every fish sampled, a finding that underscores how widespread mercury pollution has become. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_13162116 Groups Intend To Sue State Over Pesticide Use. A handful of environmental groups on Wednesday filed a notice of intent to sue three California state agencies after they allegedly failed to properly regulate pesticide applications. The environmental groups, including the Ventura County-based Wishtoyo Foundation and Community & Children’s Advocates Against Pesticide Poisoning, claim the California Department of Pesticide Regulation is not moving quickly enough to curb emissions from fumigants and that the agency promised to regulate pesticide use year-round but is only doing so in the summer. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/aug/19/groups-intend-to-sue-over-pesticide-use/ Affordability Is Martek's Challenge As It Looks to Turn Algae Into Fuel. Now that its flagship product is in nearly every container of infant formula sold in the United States, Martek Biosciences is looking to edge its way into the gas tank. The Columbia firm, which develops nutritional supplements for food and beverages based on the fermentation of algae, announced this month that BP has agreed to invest $10 million over a 30-month period to fund research seeking ways to inexpensively develop vehicle fuel from organisms such as seaweed. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/20/AR2009082001792.html For St. Mark's, A Miracle From Underground. Leaders at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Springfield discovered two years ago that their building's heating and cooling system was on its last tottering legs and that replacing it would require borrowing a half-million dollars. Then they received an unbelievable proposal from Zach Fettig, who grew up attending St. Mark's and had recently graduated from James Madison University. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/18/AR2009081803857.html We've Come a Long Way Toward Curbing Acid Rain, but It's Still Around. Back in the 1980s, acid rain was the environmental scourge of the day. Canada's environmental minister proclaimed it an "insidious malaria of the biosphere"; it menaced the Transformers; it turned Kimberly's hair bright green in an episode of "Diff'rent Strokes." Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/19/AR2009081901237.html Obamamania: Going Ga-Ga Over Well, Let's See. What's Obamamania? Domestically, it's a heart beating hotly for throttling American industry in the name of a cleaner environment. For "energy independence" without expanded nuclear power. For a "stimulus package" (etc.) causing (in for instance the fiscal year ending this fall) record-setting $2 trillion annual deficits. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/world/story/823587.html?storylink=pd Cash for Clunkers Does the Environment No Good. Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California was right -- the first time. The so-called Cash for Clunkers program, she wrote in a June column published in the Wall Street Journal, was "expertly designed to provide Detroit one last windfall in selling off gas guzzlers currently sitting on dealer lots because they're not a smart buy." Posted. http://www.modbee.com/editorials/story/823254.html?storylink=pd Australian Parliament Sets Renewable Energy Target. Australia's Parliament passed a law Thursday requiring that 20 percent of the country's electricity come from renewable sources such as the sun and wind by 2020, matching European standards and up from about 8 percent now. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/08/20/business/AP-AS-Australia-Renewable-Energy.html?scp=5&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Architects Return to Class as Green Design Advances. It seems like only yesterday that environmentally conscious building practices began making their way into the architecture profession. How times have changed. This year, the American Institute of Architects implemented a policy requiring all members to take four hours of continuing education courses in sustainable design every year. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/20/education/20BUILD.html Lodi May Go Solar Near I-5. The view from Interstate 5 near Lodi - a landscape of farmland, sewage ponds and truck stops - could soon feature some new pieces of scenery: rows of shiny solar panels. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090819/A_NEWS/908190323/-1/A_NEWS14 Using Solar Heat To Power Air Conditioning. Southern California Gas Co. is testing systems that use less gas and electricity and is inviting businesses to view the prototypes on the roof of its Downey research facility. Everyone knows solar power can heat homes and generate electricity. But on a rooftop in Downey, Southern California Gas Co. engineers are using solar mirrors to cool down their offices. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-fi-solar20-2009aug20,0,344033,print.story Sleight-Of-Hand 'Benevolence'. The government has an insidious way of helping. First it hurts you. Then it benevolently rushes in to relieve a little of the pain. Then, it takes credit for being so nice. Taxpayers experience this every payday when the government takes money from their earnings. Later, the government may deign to return some of your money to you as a tax refund – money it didn’t have a right to in the first place. Posted. http://www.vvdailypress.com/common/printer/view.php?db=vvdailypress&id=13987 Formaldehyde Council Recommends "Bake-Out" Of New Homes. The Formaldehyde Council, Inc. (FCI) engaged an industrial hygienist to address recent concerns about formaldehyde. Larry Newton, CIH, CSP stated, “we are making houses too air tight for the sake of energy savings without regard to providing sufficient fresh air for healthy living”. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-5101-San-Jose-Environmental-Health-Examiner~y2009m8d19-Formaldehyde-Council-recommends-bakeout-of-new-homes BLOGS Making Fuel At Home: Waste Wine Primes The Pump. It sounds too good to be true: A residential system that allows people to make fuel from waste products and use it to run their vehicles. That’s what inventors of the E-Fuel MicroFueler claim, and there's support for the idea in government, industry, technology and pop culture. MicroFueler buyers are eligible for a $5,000 tax credit. Former L.A. Laker Shaquille O'Neal is an investor in the company that distributes them. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/08/waste-wine-primes-the-pump.html Carbon Traders Arrested for Tax Fraud. British customs officials arrested seven people near London on Thursday suspected of dodging taxes that should have been paid for selling large amounts of carbon dioxide permits — the main currency in the European Union’s Emissions Trading System. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/20/carbon-traders-arrested-for-tax-fraud/?hp Australia Targets 20 Percent Renewable Energy By 2020. Sydney - Australia on Thursday passed a clean-energy law requiring the country to produce 20 percent of its power from renewable sources by 2020, a move that could draw billions of dollars in green investment. The Australian Senate passed the government-sponsored bill just days after parliament rejected further-reaching but controversial legislation aimed at slashing carbon emissions. Posted. http://www.grist.org/article/2009-08-20-australia-targets-20-percent-renewable-energy-by-2020/ Plastic Bag Wars Poised to Continue. In the wake of Seattle voters’ decisive rejection of a proposed 20-cent fee on paper and plastic bags, opponents of disposable shopping bags have vowed to press for an all-out ban on the bags. “A ban would be the logical next step,” said Brady Montz, the Seattle chairman of the Sierra Club and one of the anti-bag campaign leaders. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/plastic-bag-wars-poised-to-continue/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:45:28 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for August 24, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for August 24, 2009. 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. U.S. Needs Climate Law Before Copenhagen: Officials. Washington (Reuters) - The United States needs to have a climate change law in place before international talks on a climate pact begin in December, two top Obama administration officials said on Monday. The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed legislation in June to cut U.S. carbon emissions from utilities, manufacturers and others 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020.The Senate is set to take up its own version of the bill in September when lawmakers return from their summer recess. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE57N3U220090824 Push For Tariff Provision In Climate Bill Causes Debate. Perrysburg, Ohio -- A group of Midwestern Democrats is pushing for tariffs on products from countries that don't limit greenhouse gas emissions, a controversial step the legislators say is needed to help American manufacturers survive expected emissions restrictions here. The Democrats say the measure would level the playing field for U.S. factories, which will likely face increased energy costs due to global warming legislation backed by the Obama administration. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/2133567.html China Boosts Pollution Oversight. Beijing -- China said it will strengthen the ways it assesses the environmental impact of new projects, adding a continuing review to ensure they are on track or get revised if needed to comply with rules on limiting pollution. The State Council regulations, issued on the Web site of the central government over the weekend, gave information on changes that effect Oct. 1. From that date, environmental evaluations are required to be carried out before and after a project gets approved. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125106308865552125.html#printMode Waxman To Senate -- 'Get Your Act Together'. Climate policy heavyweights came out in force last week to drum up enthusiasm for the climate bill that passed the U.S. House in June and for California's role in national climate policy. Speaking at the University of California, Los Angeles, on Friday, Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), co-sponsor of the American Clean Energy and Security Act, said the specifics of H.R. 2454 are extremely open to negotiation. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/08/24/5 Oil Industry Details Costs of Climate Bill. Proposed federal legislation aimed at curbing global warming would drastically reduce domestic fuel production, according to a new study commissioned by the oil industry as part of its campaign to oppose new restrictions. The report's findings, which are expected to be released Monday, project that by 2030, U.S. refining production could drop 17% from today's levels if the climate bill is passed as currently proposed. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125108183527152913.html#printMode China Responds Better To Policy Shifts Than To Caps, Climate Group Says. Energy policies, not carbon caps, are ultimately what's most important for cutting carbon dioxide emissions in developing countries, an international climate group asserts. Clean technology policies can have significant effects on emissions from developing countries, even when no carbon cap is in place, said Mark Kenber, international policy director of the Climate Group. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/08/24/2 China Says Climate Talks Stymied By Political Interests – Report. Beijing - Little progress has been made so far on a new pact to combat global warming, with "commercial and political interests" continuing to prevail, China's senior climate change official said on Monday. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/08/24/world/international-uk-china-climate-copenhagen.html How An Investors' Coalition Changes Corporate Climates. Investors hope they're about to reach a tipping point in their drive to get companies to consider climate change. Today, investor coalition Ceres will announce the results of its latest efforts to influence corporate actions on climate. Among its accomplishments: getting one company to scrap plans for a 1500-megawatt coal plant and persuading Chevron to set annual targets to reduce emissions. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/08/24/3 Lower Temperatures Grist For Global Warming Debate. Washington -- Has Earth's fever broken? Official government measurements show that the world's temperature has cooled a bit since reaching its most recent peak in 1998. That's given global warming skeptics new ammunition to attack the prevailing theory of climate change. The skeptics argue that the current stretch of slightly cooler temperatures means that costly measures to limit carbon dioxide emissions are ill-founded and unnecessary. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/politics/story/826907.html Agency Warns Current Climate Proposals Won't Work. Brussels -- Reversing global warming will cost up to $185 billion (euro130 billion) a year before 2020 and require more action by world governments than currently pledged, an international environmental analysis group said Thursday. ClimateWorks Foundation said U.N. climate change talks would fail to reach a meaningful agreement with the proposals made so far, and that a new approach was needed. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/world/story/823768.html Climate Change Campaign Creates Carbon Crimes. Amsterdam—Customs agents this week arrested nine people in the London area suspected of a multimillion dollar fraud in trading carbon permits, bringing attention to a rich new field for crime sprung from the fight against climate change. The arrest confirmed fears among law enforcement officers that swindlers—operating from the trading floors of Europe to the tropical forests of the Pacific—are being attracted to a market that has grown to more than $100 billion. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/financialmarkets/ci_13177039 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/21/AR2009082101623.html http://www.modbee.com/business/story/825166.html Cleaning Up At The Ports Of Los Angeles And Long Beach. The friendly rivals are attracting, testing and funding cutting-edge technology to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are so busy that they move more cargo than the next five largest U.S. ports combined. They're so efficient that they process more international trade in one month than most North American harbors handle in an entire year. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-fi-cover-greenports23-2009aug23,0,1318904,print.story Experts: Water Issue Crucial In World Climate Deal. Stockholm—Thousands of scientists and experts urged world leaders Friday to include strategies for global water management in the planned Copenhagen climate agreement. Participants at the World Water Week conference said climate change will severely affect water supplies and poorer countries need support to help them adapt. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_13176246 http://www.modbee.com/world/story/824963.html Hybrids Getting Revved. "Experts" have long been saying the popularity of hybrid vehicles is waning, in parallel to lower gas prices. Say it ain't so? It ain't! The Hybrid Owners of America organization reported today that purchases of hybrids in July were up 35 percent from June numbers, and 31.8 percent from the year before. July sales also reached a record market share of 3.55 percent of new car sales. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/2134049.html United States Becomes World Leader In Wind Power. Aggressive investments in 2008 helped the United States surpass Germany to become the world's leader in wind power, according to a report recently released by the U.S. Department of Energy. And for the fourth consecutive year, the United States is home to the fastest-growing wind power market in the world. Wind power capacity increased by 60 percent, or 8,558 megawatts, in 2008, representing $16.4 billion in federal and private investments in new wind projects. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/2134071.html Shift To Wind Turbines Is Hardly A Breeze. A Michigan firm finds that converting from auto parts to a more green business is fraught with perils. Determined not to sink along with other links in the auto-supply chain, family-run Dowding Industries Inc. borrowed $12 million to leap into the "green" future and leave the dirty assembly line behind. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-wind24-2009aug24,0,5701698,print.story Expanding A Network Of Ocean-Based CO2 Monitors. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is expanding an instrument network that will enable more extensive monitoring of when and where the ocean absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Oceans soak up about a quarter of the CO2 that humans now emit. That's enough carbon to every year fill up coal-carrying railroad cars that circle the Earth about 13 times, according to Chris Sabine, an oceanographer at NOAA's Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/08/24/4 Bay Area Utility Turns Food Scraps Into Energy. Food waste from 2,300 restaurants ends up in a treatment facility where the food decomposes, creating methane gas that can be turned into renewable energy. Leftovers from San Francisco Bay Area restaurants may soon help power the region. The East Bay Municipal Utility District has created a program, believed to be the first of its kind in the nation, to generate electricity from the methane gas produced by food decomposition. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-food-energy24-2009aug24,0,4258933,print.story Utilities, Groups At Odds Over Sources For Renewable Energy. California's electric utilities have accepted that they'll be required to get a third of their power from renewable sources by 2020. Now, they are battling environmental and labor groups over where it's going to come from. Utilities say they can't meet the 2020 goal unless the state allows them relatively free access to renewable power generated far beyond the state's borders, in places like Wyoming and British Columbia. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/business/v-print/story/2133283.html Alternative Energy Powerhouse Brazil Finds Big Oil. Rio de Janeiro—Brazil, long proud of its push to develop renewable energy and wean itself off oil, has a bad case of fossil-fuel fever. An enormous offshore field in territorial waters—the biggest Western Hemisphere oil discovery in 30 years—has Brazilians saying, "Drill, baby, drill," while environmentalists fear the nation will take a big leap backward in its hunt for crude. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/financialmarkets/ci_13189145 Group Wants Military Energy Offensive. Retired generals, admirals back new technologies for security's sake. A blue-ribbon panel of retired military leaders is pressing the Department of Defense to bolster its national-defense strategy by boosting energy conservation and embracing power sources other than fossil fuels. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/aug/21/group-wants-military-energy-offensive/?uniontrib SD Board Oks Air Quality Permit For Oil Refinery. Pierre, S.D.—A state board voted unanimously Thursday to approve an air quality permit for a $10 billion oil refinery that Hyperion Resources wants to build in southeastern South Dakota. The Board of Minerals and Environment found that Dallas-based Hyperion has met the requirements set in state laws and rules. It endorsed the state Environment Department's recommendation to issue the permit for the first new U.S. oil refinery built since 1976. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_13171311 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/20/AR2009082003789.html Central Figure In Amador County Environmental Case Collects $1.25 Million. It started with an $80 city demolition permit and the removal of an underground tank from a shuttered gas station. But what developed in the small Amador County town of Jackson was a massive environmental crimes investigation. The episode would span more than a decade, inflame talk radio, tarnish careers – and yield no criminal conviction. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/378/v-print/story/2130267.html Opinion: The Cap-and-Trade Bait and Switch. The climate bill in Congress is not the market solution the president promised. As a candidate for president in April 2008, Barack Obama told Fox News that "a cap-and-trade system is a smarter way of controlling pollution" than "top-down" regulation. He was right. With cap and trade the market decides where and how to cut emissions. With top-down regulation, as Mr. Obama explained, regulators dictate "every single rule that a company has to abide by, which creates a lot of bureaucracy and red tape and often-times is less efficient." Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203609204574314312524495276.html#printMode Editorial: A Real Fish Story. Here is an unusual fish story. And a positive one. On Thursday, Gary Locke, the secretary of commerce, approved a plan that would prohibit commercial fishing in a huge swath of American waters in the Arctic that have never been actively fished and that nobody is much interested in fishing now. That sounds odd, but it’s a smart move based on the assumption that the rapid melting of Arctic sea ice caused by climate change will someday make the area more accessible and commercially more attractive. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/24/opinion/24mon2.html?_r=2&ref=todayspaper&pagewanted=print Allergies: Time to Harvest Nuts Means More Dust In the Air. Since almonds and walnuts are in the top 13 profitable crops in Tulare County, it’s no surprise that there are groves everywhere. And since Visalia and its surrounding communities have grown, they’ve also grown around these trees. Which means that residents nearby have to contend with pollen in the spring, and dust from the fall harvest. For those who have allergies or asthma, the dust can be a health hazard. Posted. http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/article/20090824/LIFESTYLE/90824002 Lead Poisoning Investigation Begins In China. Beijing—Health and environmental officials have been sent to central China to investigate who is responsible for pollution from a manganese processing plant that caused more than 1,300 children to become sickened with lead poisoning, a local government official said Monday. The poisoning near the Wugang Manganese Smelting Plant in Wenping township in Hunan province was the second such case involving a large number of children in the last month. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_13190588 Hope for Cap-and-Trade? Ironically, the difficulties of passing health-care reform may boost the chances that cap-and-trade legislation is revived and passed by the Senate. President Obama and Hill Democrats are going to need a major legislative victory and a way to change the subject. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/21/AR2009082102312.html A Farm on Every Floor. IF climate change and population growth progress at their current pace, in roughly 50 years farming as we know it will no longer exist. This means that the majority of people could soon be without enough food or water. But there is a solution that is surprisingly within reach: Move most farming into cities, and grow crops in tall, specially constructed buildings. It’s called vertical farming. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/24/opinion/24Despommier.html?_r=1&scp=8&sq=climate%20change&st=cse Defense Depot Just About Cleaned Up. A half-century ago, 150 drums of waste oil were tossed in a trench at what was then the Tracy Defense Depot. The environment, in those days, was an afterthought. Pesticides, battery acids, radioactive materials and even embalming fluids were dumped, buried or burned on site, explaining why the depot - like so many other military installations - is today among the nation's most polluted places. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090824/A_NEWS/908240321 Beetles, Wildfire: Double Threat In Warming World. Haines Junction, Yukon Territory—A veil of smoke settled over the forest in the shadow of the St. Elias Mountains, in a wilderness whose spruce trees stood tall and gray, a deathly gray even in the greenest heart of a Yukon summer. "As far as the eye can see, it's all infested," forester Rob Legare said, looking out over the thick woods of the Alsek River valley. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_13190387 http://www.modbee.com/business/story/827097.html http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/08/23/science/AP-Climate-09-Beetles-and-Smoke.html Financing Options Revised For TRU ATCM Compliance. The California Air Resources Board (ARB) has revised the Financing Options list on the transport refrigeration unit (TRU) compliance assistance document titled Funding Opportunities for TRU ATCM Compliance. The revised document is posted at the TRU website at www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/tru.htm. Look for this document under the Compliance Assistance Contacts heading. Posted. http://refrigeratedtrans.com/2010-emissions/financing_options_revised_for_tru_atcm_compliance_0824/ Oakland Truckers Face Lengthy Process To Qualify For Retrofit Grants. Mamdoh Ibrahim applied in early June for grant money to install diesel filters on two trucks he owns and uses to haul cargo from the Port of Oakland. After more than two months, he's still waiting. Starting next year, all diesel trucks hauling cargo from the port — at least 2,000 of them, based on conservative estimates — must comply with state air regulations concerning diesel emissions or get locked out at the gate. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_13171133 http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13171133 San Jose City Officials To Consider Curb On Plastic Bags. San Jose officials will begin deciding this week whether to join some of the world's largest cities in banning the ever-useful but prodigiously polluting plastic bag. On Monday, a council committee will consider how to scale back San Jose's contribution to the 19 billion plastic bags California residents carry out of stores each year, according to state reports. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_13189879 Santa Cruz: Pristine Skies Returning After Lockheed Fire? Santa Cruz's oxygen-challenged air improved Saturday, just in time for the beach weekend, as exhausted crews drew close to containing the smoky Lockheed fire. With full containment expected today, soot levels should drop and skies should brighten — much to the relief of tourism officials. In terms of publicity, the nationally reported fire was about as desirable as a flurry of great white shark attacks. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/health/ci_13186245 In Hot Water: World Sets Ocean Temperature Record. Washington—Steve Kramer spent an hour and a half swimming in the ocean Sunday—in Maine. The water temperature was 72 degrees—more like Ocean City, Md., this time of year. And Ocean City's water temp hit 88 degrees this week, toasty even by Miami Beach standards. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_13168698 http://www.modbee.com/24hour/healthscience/story/823887.html Research Finds Higher Acidity In Alaska Waters. Anchorage, Alaska—Erosion threatens to topple coastal Alaskan villages. Melting ice threatens polar bears. Now, a marine scientist says the state's marine waters are turning acidic from absorbing greenhouse gases faster than tropical waters, potentially endangering Alaska's $4.6 billion fishing industry. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_13192135 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/24/AR2009082400438.html http://www.modbee.com/news/national/story/827674.html Local Harbors Going Greener. The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have become a magnet for the testing and development of technologies aimed at moving more cargo with less pollution. In the past two years, the ports and their partners have handed out nearly $40 million for the development of devices and systems, such as a pollution-reducing hood for a ship's smokestack, a Los Angeles newspaper reported. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13190919 A Rail Boondoggle, Moving at High Speed. The Obama administration's enthusiasm for high-speed rail is a dispiriting example of government's inability to learn from past mistakes. Since 1971, the federal government has poured almost $35 billion in subsidies into Amtrak with few public benefits. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/23/AR2009082302037.html Winery Celebrates A Year As Green Business. Livermore Valley — Red and white aren't the only colors on the minds of Livermore winemakers Linda and Earl Ault, owners of Alameda County's only certified "green" winery. Friday marked the one-year anniversary of Cedar Mountain Winery's certification by the county's Green Business Program. Alameda County is home to about 450 certified green businesses. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/business/story/825959.html Water-Wise Tip: Washing Machines. With California suffering from drought conditions, the Contra Costa Water District offers weekly tips on using water wisely. When you save water, you also save energy. It takes energy to pump and treat water so more water saved means less energy used. Also, if you save hot water, you save a lot of the energy that goes into heating it. And when you save energy you reduce carbon emissions, a leading contributor to global climate change. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/homeandgarden/ci_13180062 Blogs Urban Farming Back in Vogue. As economies around the world have faltered, abundant signs suggest growing interest among city dwellers in growing fresh produce and raising livestock. In Britain, the demand for plots of farmland on the outskirts of cities has been so strong that there are waiting lists in many places. Some seed companies have begun selling more products to grow vegetables than flowers. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/24/urban-farming-back-in-vogue/?scp=5&sq=climate%20change&st=cse Buying Into the Health of the Planet. This month the health care debate seems to be sucking most of the oxygen out of the policy atmosphere. Meanwhile, we’re still emitting levels of carbon dioxide that threaten the long-run health of the planetary economy. The House of Representatives took historic action in June, approving the Waxman-Markey bill (officially titled the American Clean Energy and Security Act, or ACES) that would implement a “cap-and-trade” system of carbon-emissions permits, increasing the prices of carbon-based fuels to discourage their consumption. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/24/buying-into-the-health-of-the-planet/ Future Shock: Refiners’ Visions of Doom. Forget The Road , Nine and The Book of Eli. This year’s scariest dystopian tale comes from U.S. refiners, who see the federal push to curb carbon emissions, scheduled to hit the Senate in September, as the beginning of the end. That’s the dire warning coming from a study commissioned by the American Petroleum Institute. The study is due for release on Monday; check back for a link when it’s available. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/08/24/future-shock-refiners-visions-of-doom/tab/print/ "Cash For Clunkers": Did It Work? On the sidewalks of the far west side of Manhattan, two well-dressed car salesmen are taking a break. Have they noticed a difference in their business since the government's "cash for clunkers" program began in July? "Oh, yes," says one, waving his cigarette. "Totally," echoes his colleague, between drags. "There was nothing going on before, and now we're being run off our feet." Their bosses, who do not allow sales people to speak to reporters, would doubtless agree. Posted. http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/08/24/business/econwatch/entry5262084.shtml http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112141127&ps=cprs Perspectives On The Future Of Ethanol. Since the farm gate blog was initiated in the late fall of 2005, ethanol has been one of the most powerful dynamics driving farm policy, economics, and marketing in the Cornbelt. On this 1,000th installment of the farm gate blog it is appropriate to take a closer look at how well ethanol is driving this bus and check the roadmap to see what hazards lie ahead. Posted. http://www.cattlenetwork.com/Perspectives-On-The-Future-Of-Ethanol/2009-08-24/Article.aspx?oid=828912&fid=CN-LATEST_NEWS_ What Are The Best Strategies For Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions In Transportation? As climate change legislation moves from the House to the Senate, the transportation sector -- which contributed 28 percent of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2007, according to EPA's latest inventory -- is being called upon to provide a substantial share of the reductions needed to meet the goal of slashing carbon emissions from major U.S. sources by 80 percent (compared to 2005 levels) by 2050. Posted. http://transportation.nationaljournal.com/2009/08/what-are-the-best-strategies-f.php?print=true Climate Study Projects Hotter Augusts for D.C. August in the Mid-Atlantic is notorious for its heat and humidity, which has long driven an annual exodus of official and unofficial Washington to cooler destinations. It's no accident; after all, that Congress takes the month of August - and not say October - off. According to a new analysis by the nonprofit organization Climate Central, by the middle of this century climate change is likely to make August in Washington significantly hotter and more uncomfortable, making the congressional schedule even more enviable. Posted. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalweathergang/2009/08/think_august_is_hot_now_hotter.html?hpid=news-col-blog ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:54:40 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for August 25, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for August 25, 2009. 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. U.S. Chamber Of Commerce Seeks Trial On Global Warming. The business lobby, hoping to fend off potentially sweeping emission limits, wants the EPA to hold a 'Scopes'-like hearing on the evidence that climate change is man-made. The nation's largest business lobby wants to put the science of global warming on trial. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, trying to ward off potentially sweeping federal emissions regulations, is pushing the Environmental Protection Agency to hold a rare public hearing on the scientific evidence for man-made climate change. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-na-climate-trial25-2009aug25,0,5331388,print.story http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/2136442.html State Gets New Plant For Climate Control. California officials on Monday inaugurated a new $181 million central heating and cooling plant that brings the state back into compliance with its own environmental standards. The central plant, at Seventh and Q streets, feeds the climate-control systems that keep things comfortable for more than 20,000 state workers in 23 buildings, including the Capitol. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/v-print/story/2136157.html Will U.N. Talks Give Climate Concerns A Shot In The Arm, Or In The Foot. United Nations -- Anticipation is building for the next major step in the ongoing international climate change talks, a summit of top leaders in New York next month organized by U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon. But concern is equally mounting that the gathering could fail to deliver any tangible results, further weakening a secretary-general already battered by a spate of diplomatic failures and negative press reports. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/08/25/1 Los Angeles-Area Ports Providing Seed Money For Green Startups. The busy ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, which together move more cargo than the next five largest U.S. ports combined, have become accidental venture capitalists, in a way, funding 14 environmental projects aimed at improving the ports' green credentials. Over the past two years, the ports and their partners have handed out nearly $40 million to stimulate these projects. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/08/25/6 After National Park Tour, Udall, Mccain Agree Global Warming A Problem But Stay Quiet On Fixes. Estes Park, Colo. (AP) — Global warming is threatening America's national parks. But there is no consensus about how to prevent the harm. Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona and Democratic Sen. Mark Udall of Colorado toured Rocky Mountain National Park Monday then heard testimony from parks officials and scientists about how global warming is harming the park system. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-us-global-warming-national-parks,0,5613239,print.story http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_13194351 Alaska Senator Hosting Climate-Change Tour. Anchorage, Alaska—Sen. Mark Begich says he'll host four other senators on a "climate change" tour this weekend in Alaska. The senators will see retreating glaciers, forests damaged by invasive species, and drying wetlands. They'll also visit the North Slope to see the Prudhoe Bay oilfield. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13199293 First Phase Of Ethanol Hub Under Construction In Rialto. A Houston company announced Monday it has begun work on a new ethanol transport hub with facilities in Rialto and Colton, the latest of several energy-focused projects under way in the same area of San Bernardino County. Posted. http://www.pe.com/business/local/stories/PE_Biz_S_ethanol25.37c9bf3.html Plans Afoot To Keep Bay Area Commuters Afloat. San Francisco — A part of the Bay Area water transportation industry since 1979, Capt. Keith Stahnke no longer commands ferry vessels: He helps manage an entire fleet of them. He spends his days helping an obscure state-created, regional agency morph from what was purely a planning entity to a hands-on operator of vessels and a post-disaster emergency responder — one that could help San Francisco cope if a "big one" hits. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_13195155 Vacans To Ride New Bus. The city of Vacaville is sporting a new set of wheels. The first of 10 compressed natural gas city buses is now rolling a regular route through town. The entire fleet will be in Vacaville by the end of September and will replace all diesel City Coach buses in the community. "There will be a lot less pollutants," said Brian McLean, transit manager. "It's a way of removing harmful emissions and to adhere to more stringent air quality standards." Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13193737 Project to Power Europe With Sahara Sun Gains Momentum. Rabat, Morocco — A 400 billion plan to power Europe with sunlight from the Sahara is gaining momentum, despite warnings about starting a large corporate project using new technologies in countries of northern Africa where the rule of law is weak. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/25/business/global/25sahara.html White House Task Force Crafting 'Marching Orders' for Managing Oceans. The Obama administration is working to craft a new overarching national ocean policy that could change how federal agencies address new projects at sea -- from offshore energy development to aquaculture to marine conservation. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/08/24/24greenwire-white-house-task-force-crafting-marching-orders-504.html China Racing Ahead of U.S. in the Drive to Go Solar. Wuxi, China — President Obama wants to make the United States “the world’s leading exporter of renewable energy,” but in his seven months in office, it is China that has stepped on the gas in an effort to become the dominant player in green energy — especially in solar power, and even in the United States. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/25/business/energy-environment/25solar.html?em Lockheed Fire Contained, No Longer A Threat. For the hundreds of firefighters working to tame the Lockheed Fire, reaching the point of 100 percent containment was just another day on the line. "There's always as sense of accomplishment when this happens," said Cal Fire Captain Tim Gose. "(But) every single day we're making progress." Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13195269 Insurance Dulls Hydrogen Scorpion’s Sting. Sonoma County, California — The hydrogen-powered Ronn Scorpion may or may not be the future of high performance automobiles, but it sure looks the part. Say what you will about its choice in fuel, the car looks sweet.We were supposed to get behind the wheel of the Scorpion, which combines high performance with eco-awareness in a car that Ronn Motor Co. claims gets 40 mpg, but fate had other plans. Posted. http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/08/hydrogen-scorpio/. Air Board Puts Brakes on Vernon Cycle Vendor. AUTOMOTIVE: Viva closes after $268,000 fine for bikes failing to meet standards. By HOWARD FINE. LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL STAFF. Vernon motorcycle importer Viva Motorsports Inc. shut its doors within weeks of receiving a $268,000 fine from the California Air Resources Board for allegedly selling motorcycles that did not meet standards. The air board began investigating the motorcycle and recreational vehicle importer in 2006 after a routine inspection at dealerships turned up all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles that did not meet California air emission standards. Board investigators traced the vehicles back to Viva Motorsports and three operating subsidiaries. Some of the vehicles had already been sold; the purchasers were notified and some returned their motorcycles or ATVs immediately. Others did not return them and are subject to registration cancellations if they fail emission tests. The air board sued Viva Motorsports in Los Angeles Superior Court. In June, the court issued a $1.9 million judgment against the importer and its subsidiaries. Air board staff agreed to lower the fine to $268,000, which could increase if further violations are discovered. “There are plenty of great motorcycles that meet clean air standards,” said Mary Nichols, Air Resources Board chairwoman. “Most dealers know this and carry only bikes that have their California smog certificate. Those who try to cut corners put themselves in a lose-lose situation.” Shahrokh Mokhtarzadeh, a Century City attorney who represented Viva Motorsports, said his client had no choice to settle, since they could not afford the estimated $500,000 it would have cost to mount an appeal. He also said the $268,000 fine effectively put Viva Motorsports out of business. “They came up with the money to pay off the fine, but saw that with the economy the way it was and the money they paid out, they could not continue to operate,” Mokhtarzadeh said. Karen Cesar, a spokeswoman for the air board, said the agency did not intend to put the company out of business. “Quite the contrary,” she said. “We worked with the judge to negotiate a penalty that both sides could live with. If we wanted to put them out of business, we would have pursued the full stipulated penalty.” Posted. http://www.labusinessjournal.com/weekly_article_pay.asp?aID=140006 Blogs Study: Businesses Need To Double Emissions Cuts. Major global companies will need to double the rate that they are reducing carbon dioxide emissions in order to prevent dangerous climate change, says an analysis by the Carbon Disclosure Project, a nonprofit based in London. The International Panel on Climate Change has recommended that the developed world cut emissions by 80% by 2050. To meet this target, businesses would have to reduce emissions at a rate of 3.9% per year, but the companies surveyed are only on target to reduce their emissions by 1.9% per year, the report says. Posted. http://blogs.usatoday.com/sciencefair/2009/08/study-businesses-need-to-double-emissions-cuts.html Inherit the Wind: A Scopes Trial for Climate Change? Don’t tell Al Gore, but it seems the science behind climate change isn’t settled to everyone’s satisfaction. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce wants the Environmental Protection Agency to hold a public hearing to put “the science of climate change on trial,” the Los Angeles Times reports today. And the Chamber already has another famous trial in mind: Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/08/25/inherit-the-wind-a-scopes-trial-for-climate-change/tab/print/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:02:51 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for August 26, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for August 26, 2009. 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. Oil Companies Undermining Climate Partnership. Early in 2007, a coalition of big companies broke ranks with corporate America and declared that global warming was a real, grave threat. The United States Climate Action Partnership changed the national debate over warming. Executives from member companies such as DuPont, Ford Motor Co. and PG&E Corp. lobbied Congress to do something about greenhouse gases. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/08/26/BUCG19DL76.DTL&type=printable Youth's Vigor Makes A Strong Impression In Environmental Hearings. 15-year-old Otana Jakpor has attended dozens of air-quality meetings and EPA hearings, presenting data from her experiments and advocating for tighter restrictions to improve public health. Among her many accomplishments, Otana Jakpor, 15, has managed to break up the monotonous atmosphere of air-quality hearings. It's no easy task. Typically, environmentalists spout acronyms and percentages, while industry lobbyists predict the economy will collapse under new rules. Then the 5-foot-6 African American high school senior steps forward in defense of clean air. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-otana26-2009aug26,0,742862,print.story Port Of L.A. Is Urged To Stop Lobbying Over Clean-Trucks Program. The port wants permission to regulate truckers as part of its effort to reduce air pollution. Trade groups object, saying that would make it easier for unions to organize the drivers. Several of the nation's biggest trade associations have fired a warning shot across the bow of the Port of Los Angeles, urging it to cease lobbying efforts to change a federal law that could greatly affect the way cargo is hauled into and out of the nation's seaports. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-ports26-2009aug26,0,2555777.story Businesses Must Soon Follow Pollution Rules. State regulators are prepared to take serious measures to get California businesses to abide by new greenhouse gas restrictions. The California Air Resources Board is now considering how much to charge companies that emit greenhouses gases. Reports say businesses might also be charged, if they violate the new regulations and absorb the cost of complying with them. Posted. http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=resources/lifestyle_community/green&id=6983073&pt=print Corporate Accounting Lacks Uniformity, Lags Science, Study Says. New York -- Most the world's top 100 companies report their estimated greenhouse gas emissions in one way or another, and at least two-thirds have specified emissions reduction targets. But reporting and targets vary wildly, and corporations actually prefer diversity in carbon reporting and reduction targeting rather than harmonizing the data as is done in many other business situations, a new study released yesterday finds. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/08/26/2/ Some Climate Solutions Create 'Energy Sprawl,' Study Warns. Climate change is expected by many scientists to cause catastrophic damage to forests and wildlife. Now, a new study raises questions about whether the very policies designed to stop warming temperatures could themselves harm plants and animals. Tens of millions of pristine acres will transform into energy-production centers with energy and climate legislation, according to the analysis from the Nature Conservancy appearing today in the journal PLoS One. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/08/26/3 Fence Sitters On Climate Bill Take Climate. Five U.S. senators with key roles in writing major global warming legislation will spend part of their August recess taking a climate tour of Alaska. U.S. Sens. Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) will visit retreating glaciers, insect-infested forests, drying wetlands, eroded shorelines and renewable energy projects in the state this weekend. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/08/26/5 http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5io7-OItomuyq1Ic-LWX8mXqek_4wD9AA0E680 'China Will Sign' Global Treaty If U.S. Passes Cap And Trade, E.U. Leader Says. Much of the fate of the U.N. climate treaty talks now rests in the U.S. Senate, according to a leading E.U. official, who says China would "lose its last reason" not to support an international pact if the United States passes a cap-and-trade bill. "I know for the American Senate it's absolutely crucial to know that China will sign the treaty," said Sweden's environment minister, Andreas Carlgren, whose country currently holds the European Union's rotating presidency. "I understand that. We fully support that. We have the same expectations." Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/08/26/3 NOAA, Coast Guard To Scout Alaska's Greenhouse Gas Emissions. A government lab is teaming with the Coast Guard to map out the natural greenhouse gas emissions rising out of Alaska. Using C-130 airplanes, researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Earth System Research Laboratory will gather data on carbon dioxide and methane emissions over the next three years, which will be used to set benchmarks to track future changes in natural emissions. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/08/26/8 Valley Air District Scores Well In Audit. A recent audit of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District gave the agency high marks for staffing efficiency and productivity, saying it scored better than other large air districts in the state. Posted. http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/article/20090826/NEWS01/908260329 Let Air Permits Be Released. It’s a travesty that up to 2,000 businesses cannot expand and add jobs because the courts have ruled the regional air pollution agency can't issue them permits. That's right. As Southern California suffers through the worst recession in 70 years, after Congress unleashed more than $700 billion in stimulus money, businesses, public agencies and utilities have not been allowed to proceed with already approved projects because of an air pollution permit squabble. Posted. http://www.sbsun.com/search/ci_13195808?IADID=Search-www.sbsun.com-www.sbsun.com Chamber Threatens Lawsuit if EPA Rejects Climate Science ‘Trial’. The nation's largest business group is asking U.S. EPA to hold a public debate on climate change science -- or face litigation -- as the agency prepares to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/08/25/25climatewire-chamber-threatens-lawsuit-if-epa-rejects-cli-62828.html Editorial: Global Warming On Trial? Despite a lack of precedent or applicable law, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce wants a hearing to make the EPA provide evidence that climate change endangers Americans. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, seeking to make monkeys of the legions of scientists who have suggested that climate change is a significant problem, wants to put them on trial. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-epa26-2009aug26,0,626836,print.story Meeting Regulations Costly For Gas Stations. Charlie Thomas is worried that he may be forced to shut down his Satellite Beach, Fla., gas station in part because a state law requires all stations to install tanks to pump gas with at least 10% ethanol by year's end. A combination of environmental rules, mandatory equipment replacement, the down economy, increased competition from big-box stores and rising credit-card fees is putting the squeeze on independent gas station owners such as Thomas. "I don't know what the future is going to bring me," says Thomas, who has owned and operated his gas station and repair shop for 20 years. Posted. http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/2009-08-25-gas-stations-regulations_N.htm Is There Some Light At The End Of Coal's Long, Dark Tunnel? Some think that the only way to clean up coal is to stop burning it altogether. Now a handful of researchers and companies are pursuing a technology to do just that, but one that has the potential of keeping part of the nation's economy coal-fired. They are skipping the burning step. "Direct carbon" fuel cells efficiently produce electricity straight from the carbon source, which can be anything from coal to coconut shells. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/08/26/1 http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/08/26/26climatewire-is-there-some-light-at-the-end-of-coals-long-29519.html The Carbon Chasm. In 2007 the IPCC stated that developed economies must reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80-95% by 2050 in order to avoid dangerous climate change. This report utilizes the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) dataset to analyze how the world’s largest companies currently set emissions reduction targets and whether planned reductions are sufficient to combat long term climate change. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/gwmCarbonEmissions/idUS349983161220090825 Global Warming Threatens Tropical Species. Norman, Okla.—Tropical lizards detect the effects of global warming in a climate where the smallest change makes a big difference, according to herpetologist Laurie Vitt, curator of reptiles and George Lynn Cross Research Professor at the University of Oklahoma’s Sam Noble Museum of Natural History. Climate change caused by global warming threatens the very existence of these and other tropical species, the ecosystem and its by-products, Vitt maintains. Posted. http://www.usnews.com/articles/science/2009/08/26/global-warming-threatens-tropical-species.html Tea Party Rolls Friday. Tea Party conservatives are starting to target specifics with their protests and will take on ecologic business regulation Friday at the next major rally on the steps of the California Capitol in Sacramento. The Nevada County Tea Party Patriots are packing three buses with 168 people and expecting thousands more farmers, ranchers, loggers, miners and others to join them from across the state for the noon “March on Sacramento, Save California from Big Government Eco-regulation,” rally. Posted. http://www.theunion.com/article/20090826/BREAKINGNEWS/908259985/1053/NONE&parentprofile=1053 'Cash For Clunkers' Lured Used-Car Buyers To New Cars -- And Some Now Regret It. The government's "Cash for Clunkers" program succeeded in getting people who were going to buy used to buy new cars instead, a study finds. But some of them may now regret it, says another survey. The number of car shoppers who said they decided to buy news cars instead of used ones changed dramatically between July, when it was 12%, to August, when it was 20%, Kelley Blue Book's Market Intelligence survey says. Posted. http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2009/08/68497816/1 http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-clunkers25-2009aug25,0,588650.story Living Green: ‘Complete Streets’ Make For Better Living. If you remember the fable about the race between the tortoise and the hare, the hare is the early favorite and appears to be the obvious winner. Although the hare is faster, the small turtle wins the day through its perseverance. Posted. http://www.tracypress.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Living+Green-+%E2%80%98Complete+streets%E2%80%99+make+for+better+living%20&id=3260660-Living+Green-+%E2%80%98Complete+streets%E2%80%99+make+for+better+living&instance=home_opinion_lead_story SF Mayor Eyes Green Solutions On Mexico City Trip. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom discussed green technology, environmentally friendly programs and global warming with his local counterpart during a visit to Mexico City on Tuesday. Mayor Marcelo Ebrard said they talked about his plan to increase bicycle lanes and bike sharing programs in the Mexican capital. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_13201365 http://www.modbee.com/state/story/829653.html BLOGS Study Warns of ‘Energy Sprawl’. The Associated Press Biodiesel made from soybeans, the burning of energy crops to create electricity, and ethanol production have the highest “sprawl” potential, a study finds. A paper published on Tuesday by the Nature Conservancy predicts that by 2030, energy production in the United States will occupy a land area larger than Minnesota — in large part owing to the pursuit of domestic clean energy. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/26/study-warns-of-energy-sprawl/?pagemode=print AMD Aims To Cut Greenhouse Gases By A Third. Sunnyvale (CA) - Chipmaker AMD says it is working toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 33 percent by the end of 2010. The company says it has already reduced emissions by approximately 20 percent including a 13 percent reduction from 2007 to 2008. AMD's 2008 Global Climate Protection Plan provides details of AMD's programs to address environmental protection, corporate governance and social responsibility. The GCPP presents the company's strategy, goals, and commitment to global climate protection and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/43767/118/ Climate Change = Beets in December? Like any food enthusiast, I love going to my local farmer’s markets at this time a year. This is the fat of the growing season and the scene is rewarding for its intense abundance. Everything from the corn (ate some last night that was even perfect raw), to the peaches, to the eggplant shimmers with color and perfection. Posted. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/25/climate-change-beets-in-december/?hp ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:07:41 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for August 27, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for August 27, 2009. 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. Protesters Have Sights Set On Capital. Hundreds of truckers, including a few from the Mid-Valley region, will descend on Sacramento Friday to protest clean-air rules they say will cripple their industry in the state. Rally organizers said pending regulations that would gradually phase out older diesel truck engines aren't based in sound science and would cost millions to implement. Posted. http://www.appeal-democrat.com/news/regulation-85937-rally-diesel.html Muggy Heat Waves Growing More Common In Calif. Once rare in California, humid heat waves that last for days on end are becoming more intense and more common thanks to changes in ocean patterns caused by climate change, scientists say. Researchers at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography came to that conclusion after studying the severe summer heat wave that struck California in 2006, which was blamed for the deaths of 600 people and 25,000 cattle. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/08/27/8 U.S. Biofuel Boom Running on Empty. The biofuels revolution that promised to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil is fizzling out. Two-thirds of U.S. biodiesel production capacity now sits unused, reports the National Biodiesel Board. Biodiesel, a crucial part of government efforts to develop alternative fuels for trucks and factories, has been hit hard by the recession and falling oil prices. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125133578177462487.html?mod=googlenews_wsj CARB Giving Fleet Managers Headaches. Many of California’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles may cause headaches for small commercial fleet owners whose older trucks are difficult to retrofit in a cost effective manner. According to the California Air Resources Board and the U.S. EPA, diesel engine emissions contribute to some 3,500 premature respiratory and cardiovascular deaths and thousands of hospital admissions annually in California. Posted. http://www.environmentalleader.com/2009/08/27/carb-giving-fleet-managers-headaches/ Watermelon Juice - Next Source of Renewable Energy. Hundreds of thousands of tons of watermelons are tossed every year because they aren't good enough for market. A new study finds that the juice from these watermelons could easily be used to create the biofuel ethanol and other helpful products. According to a new study to be published in the journal Biotechnology for Biofuels, 20% of the watermelon crop doesn't go to market every year due to imperfections, bad spots, or weird shapes. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/mnEnergy/idUS371013567020090827 New Vehicles Leave MPG Standard Behind. Long the Barometer Used to Gauge Fuel Efficiency in the U.S., the Gasoline-Based Measure Falls Short for Electric, Hybrid Cars. General Motors promises its forthcoming Volt hybrid electric car will push fuel-economy levels to new heights. It also could spark an overhaul of the miles-per-gallon standard, a number that doesn't tell consumers enough about the next generation of vehicles. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125123863033558403.html Officials Visit Sites Considered To Be Examples Of Neighborhood Pollution. Estela Hernandez stood in the blistering sun Wednesday afternoon and spoke into a megaphone about noise and pollution she attributes to a mine and rock-crushing operation near her home. Her audience, a group of federal, state and local officials, listened intently and scribbled notes. The bustling Robertson Ready Mix plant visible behind her has brought dust clouds, early morning sirens that awaken residents and vibrations that have shaken tiles from her bathroom walls, Hernandez said. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/environment/stories/PE_News_Local_S_ecotour27.38a64b3.html# Something’s Burning. Oroville Cogeneration Plant Spices Up Its Fuel Load. But Is It Safe? For the past 25 years, a cogeneration plant in Oroville has burned biofuel in a controlled environment to make electricity that is then sold to Pacific Gas & Electric—enough, it is said, to supply power to 20,000 homes. But lately the fuel mixture used to create that energy has changed, and some local officials are concerned. The plant, Pacific Oroville Power Inc., or POPI, sits on 30 acres just south of downtown Oroville in the heart of the Highway 70 Industrial Park. Posted. http://www.newsreview.com/chico/PrintFriendly?oid=1159491 Valley Expects To Get Delay For Ozone Cleanup. Ending years of debate, federal officials are about to grant an 11-year delay for the San Joaquin Valley's ozone cleanup campaign. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is scheduled to publish its proposed approval in the Federal Register in the next few days, and it will become official by the end of September. The action pushes the deadline to 2024, an extension the local air district requested more than two years ago after stormy public discussions with activists. Posted. http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1616804.html Global Warming And The Placebo Effect. It's becoming fairly clear that our efforts to combat global warming will tend more to the symbolic than the real, despite their cost and the restrictions they impose on our behavior. Kyoto was never intended to produce actual reductions of temperature, and America's Cap and Trade legislation will, if passed, not actually reduce CO2 emissions. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-9111-SF-Environmental-Policy-Examiner~y2009m8d27-Global-warming-and-the-placebo-effect Tunnels Concentrate Air Pollution By Up To 1000 Times. A toxic cocktail of ultrafine particles is lurking inside road tunnels in concentration levels so high they have the potential to harm drivers and passengers, a new study has found. The study, which has been published in Atmospheric Environment, measured ultrafine particle concentration levels outside a vehicle travelling through the M5 East tunnel in Sydney. Posted. http://yubanet.com/life/Tunnels-concentrate-air-pollution-by-up-to-1000-times_printer.php United Kingdom Faces A Quandary Over New Nuclear Or Coal. London -- The United Kingdom is nearing a crucial decision as it tries to tackle the climate crisis -- whether to make a major push into new nuclear power or to proliferate coal-fired power plants constructed so their carbon emissions are captured and safely stored. While U.S. officials and America's utility industry continue to mull this question, Britain's decisional clock is ticking much faster. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/08/27/1 Great Rivalries: Diesel vs Gasoline. The only thing more volatile than a can of gasoline and an open flame is what happens when you put a diesel geek in a room with a gasoline junkie. The diesel fan will point out that his fuel doesn't explode, it just burns slowly. In return, the gas freak will accuse the diesel fan - and his fuel - of being boring. At the risk of angering both sides, we say that neither is the "better" choice - any allegiance comes down to personal preference. Posted. http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/0909_diesel_vs_gasoline_great_rivalries/index.html Lubchenco To Stress Climate Impacts On Oceans In Geneva Talks. The global debate over how to limit and adapt to climate change has largely overlooked how rising greenhouse gas emissions will affect the world's oceans, a top Obama administration science official said yesterday. "There has not been enough attention [to oceans] in pretty much any of the climate dialogues," National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration chief Jane Lubchenco told ClimateWire. "Oceans are so critical to the climate system and they are being very significantly impacted by climate change." Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/08/27/4 Firefighters Battle Blazes In Forest Near LA. Los Angeles—Two wildfires northeast of Los Angeles fouled the air breathed by millions of Southern Californians on Wednesday, but the flames were burning away from suburbs on the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and no homes had been lost. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_13208410 Valley Heat Will Also Bring 'Unhealthy' Air Quality. Conditions in the San Bernardino National Forest are ripe for fire, but not serious enough to warrant a dreaded "red flag" warning from the National Weather Service. Local fire officials are on guard today as temperatures are expected to reach as high as 105 degrees while humidity will slump to about 13 percent, said Stan Wasowski, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13209054 BLOGS Obama’s Fuel Rules Keep Rolling. It looks like the Obama administration is on the road to unveiling its proposed automobile fuel-economy standards for model years 2012 through 2016. The eyeshades are of the drawers at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. where the Transportation Department’s proposal landed on Tuesday, the White House Office of Management and Budget said. In some ways, this development is a bit anticlimactic. President Barack Obama announced in May that his administration would require the nation’s auto makers to boost the fuel economy of the new vehicle fleet to 35.5 mpg by 2016, four years faster than federal law requires. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2009/08/27/obamas-fuel-rules-keep-rolling/tab/print/ The Virtues Of Biochar. A New Growth Industry? Biochar could enrich soils and cut greenhouse gases as well. CHARCOAL has rather gone out of fashion. Before the industrial revolution, whole forests disappeared into the charcoal-burners’ maw to provide the carbon that ironmakers need to reduce their ore to metal. Then, an English ironmaker called Abraham Darby discovered how to do the job with coke. From that point onward, the charcoal-burners’ days were numbered. The rise of coal, from which coke is produced, began, and so did the modern rise of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Posted. http://www.economist.com/sciencetechnology/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14302001 Smog-Producing Leaf Blowers Can Be Exchanged For Cleaner Models. Give us your tired, your old, your smog-producing leaf blowers, yearning... to be replaced by more environmentally friendly blowers. Registration is ongoing at locations around the region in an annual exchange for professional gardeners and landscapers to trade in older, highly polluting backpack leaf blowers for quieter, low-emission units. The exchange is organized by the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/08/leaf-blower-exchange.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:33:15 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for August 28, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for August 28, 2009. 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. Melinda Cheel: Clean Energy Can Give State A Needed Jolt. This week, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce took another step backward in history with its demand for a "Scopes-like" monkey trial on scientific evidence for climate change. Republicans for Environmental Protection, a national grass-roots organization, responded by saying, "The chamber is transparently trying to sow confusion and polarize the public over climate change. The chamber is putting the health, economy and security of our country at risk in pursuit of a narrow, selfish and shortsighted agenda." Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/v-print/story/2144613.html Owner Of Coal-Fired Power Plants Accused Of Violating Clean Air Act. Chicago -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan on Thursday sued the owner of six coal-fired power plants that are some of the biggest contributors to dirty air in the Chicago area. In a 75-page lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago, the federal and state governments accused Midwest Generation of extending the life of its aging power plants without installing pollution controls required under the federal Clean Air Act. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/2145146.html Advocates Of Geoengineering Work On Man-Made Fixes For Global Warming. Kansas City, Mo. -- The same way technology got the planet into this climate- change mess, more than a few scientists figure modern know-how can get us out. Crank up plankton growth. Blanket deserts in reflective plastic. Pump greenhouse gases into rock formations. Make clouds shinier. Build volcanoes. These ideas - called geoengineering - are not just the stuff of fantasists. No less an agency than NASA has issued a report on "Managing Solar Radiation." Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/2142940.html Officials' Tour Prompts Expectations To Act. Pollution: A look at problem areas has clean-up advocates hopeful. State and federal officials said Thursday they will form a task force of Inland residents and government representatives to tackle pollution and other hazards identified in a day-long bus tour of beleaguered neighborhoods the previous day. Some problems identified in Colton, west San Bernardino and Mira Loma, in northwest Riverside County, are expected to get quick action. A progress report is expected in October. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_E_ecotour28.473c584.html# New Culprit Seen in Ozone Depletion. Government scientists who study the depletion of Earth’s protective ozone layer are pointing to a previously unheralded culprit: nitrous oxide. Most of the nitrous oxide in the atmosphere emerges naturally, through the action of bacteria in the soil, the researchers say. But the gas is also produced by human activity, through the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers, the application of livestock manure to fields, the burning of biofuels and in other ways. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/28/science/earth/28nox.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print Legislature Passes First Climate Change Resolution. China's chief legislative body approved its first resolution on climate change yesterday, state media said. The resolution, according to an earlier draft, is expected to call on the government to invest further in low-carbon technology and greenhouse gas controls. It may also pave the way for a new emissions policy to be announced ahead of the U.N. climate talks in Copenhagen this December. Environmentalists applauded the attention devoted by the National People's Congress to environmental issues during its weeklong session. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/08/28/8 Little Movement From Chrysler On Electric Hybrids. As it moves forward following its bankruptcy, Chrysler Group has made little noise about when it intends to bring small or mid-size hybrid electric vehicles to market. Last year, the automaker announced plans to launch the first of its battery-powered ENVI models in showrooms by the end of 2010. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/08/28/10 BLOGS The Cost of Adapting to Climate Change. The costs of adaptation to climate change have been grossly underestimated, the authors of a new study suggest. There is widespread agreement among policymakers that cold, hard cash will be an essential element in persuading nations vulnerable to climate change to sign up to a global agreement in Copenhagen in December. Far less clear: how much cash is needed to do the job. European ministers have discussed sums up to about $140 billion to be paid each year by more affluent countries to developing countries. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/28/the-cost-of-adapting-to-climate-change/?pagemode=print Indonesia Hints at 40% Emissions Reductions by 2030 - If International Support is Forthcoming. Now we're talking! The Financial Times has one of the most encouraging bits of climate change news I've heard in a while. Indonesia, whose rapid clearing of rainforests accounts for about one-quarter of all carbon emissions from deforestation globally, has said that it will pledge to cut its emissions by 40% from 2005 levels by 2030, if it receives international support: Posted. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/08/indonesia-hints-at-40-emissions-reductions-by-2030.php ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:40:22 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for August 31, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for August 31, 2009. 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. Capitol Crowds Are Smaller But Outrage Still High At Tea Party II. Memories of April's massive Tea Party protests returned Friday as thousands gathered on the west side of the Capitol for what organizers billed as a sequel. While Friday's protest didn't match the first one's crowd numbers – the California Highway Patrol said the crowd ranged from 1,500 to 4,000 – the level of outrage and volume was high. Organizers had called the rally an uprising against runaway environmentalism and, in particular, water policies that California farmers say have killed their crops. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/politics/story/2146966.html Tea Party Event Concludes (Part Three).The day-long Tea Party rally in Sacramento fired up more than 10,000 Patriots and dispelled myths and argued facts about a variety of hot-button issues, including the plight of Central California farmers, logging industry, health care and cape-and-trade. Longtime motivational speaker and probable California congressional candidate Mason Weaver revved up the crowd with his humor and more importantly, candor. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner~y2009m8d31-Tea-Party-event-concludes-Part-Three 'Tea Party Patriots' Stage Rally. Sacramento -- There was no doubting who the enemy was at Friday's "Tea Party Patriots" rally at the Capitol. "Government is the problem!" the crowd chanted. "No more government!" The event, the second "tea party" held at the Capitol this year, was billed as a "first-time coalition of thousands to protest government over-regulation." Posted. http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1619542.html http://www.capradio.org/articles/articledetail.aspx?articleid=7031 http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/08/protesters-at-capitol-decry-government-policies.html http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=6987775 http://www.cbs47.tv/content/special_features/story/Tea-Party-Rally-Heading-to-Sacramento/KPLunIgRpEO8e2U33Ifwvg.cspx Why Cap And Trade System Is The Best Option To Reduce GHG Emissions. The debate on what is the best way to reduce global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions boils down to three policy options - a command and control structure that defines the best alternatives, a tax/subsidy and a market based system such as Cap and Trade. In theory any of the three can result in optimal emission abatement depending on the circumstances. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-21949-Phoenix-Environmental-Policy-Examiner~y2009m8d31-Why-Cap-and-Trade-system-is-the-best-option-to-reduce-GHG-emissions Reducing Dependence On Cars Key To Climate Initiative Targets. North Bay – Napa County is searching for ways to become less dependent on cars in order to comply with state climate change protection targets. “We are trying to figure out how to decongest, to provide alternatives to driving,” said Paul Price, the executive director for the Napa County Transportation Planning Agency. Mr. Price came to the planning agency six months ago with 35 years of experience in the transportation industry. Posted. http://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/14507/reducing-dependence-on-cars-key-to-climate-initiative-targets/ "Gas Saver" Invention That Actually Saves Gas . . . Who Knew? The real story around auto performance, increasing miles per gallon. "23 mpg in the city and 45 on the highway." Isn`t this what we all look at when choosing our car or truck? Smaller gas-burning engines get better mileage, so they say. Touted "mpg`s" seem to rise every year, especially with the addition of computers and advanced technology. Or do they? In reality, vehicles have shown less than a 5% increase in miles per gallon in the past 60 years, despite sophisticated technology. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS170850+31-Aug-2009+BW20090831 Delta Levee Projects Must Now Prepare For Rising Sea Level. Levee projects in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta will have to account for rising sea levels under a new federal policy aimed at shoring up the region's main line of defense against climate change. It's the first comprehensive policy by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to require that projects under its jurisdiction be designed with higher sea levels in mind. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/ourregion/v-print/story/2149351.html Green-Energy Plan Is Tall Task For State. Sacramento - Still haunted by rolling blackouts and budget-busting energy contracts, California plans to broaden its already aggressive directive requiring utilities to deliver more power from renewable sources. But Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and lawmakers, under intense pressure from generators and renewable power advocates with conflicting positions, have yet to deliver a final compromise package that has been declared a top priority going into the last two weeks of the legislative year. Posted. http://signonsandiego.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?action=cpt&title=Green-energy+plan+is+tall+task+for+state&expire=&urlID=409669762&fb=Y&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww3.signonsandiego.com%2Fstories%2F2009%2Faug%2F31%2Fgreen-energy-plan-tall-task-state%2F%3Fnews&partnerID=86541 EPA To Grant Delay In Central Valley Ozone Cleanup. Local air districts will now have until 2024 to meet requirements of campaign. Fresno -- Ending years of debate, federal officials are about to grant an 11-year delay for the San Joaquin Valley's ozone cleanup campaign. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is scheduled to publish its proposed approval in the Federal Register in the next few days, and it will become official by the end of September. The action pushes the deadline to 2024, an extension the local air district requested more than two years ago after stormy public discussions with activists. Posted. http://www.mercedsunstar.com/167/v-print/story/1030115.html A High Cost to Deal With Climate Shift. New York — The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has described the notion of “adaptation” as those initiatives designed “to reduce the vulnerability of natural and human systems against actual or expected climate change effects.” The implication, of course, is that regardless of what countries, businesses or individuals do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the planet is going to warm up. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/31/business/energy-environment/31iht-green31.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print Can Push for Climate Bill Forge a Lasting Labor-Enviro Alliance? The push for climate legislation has bolstered an alliance of unions and environmentalists, raising the hopes of liberal activists who have long sought a lasting and influential relationship between green groups and labor. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/08/28/28climatewire-can-push-for-climate-bill-forge-a-lasting-la-70854.html Air Quality Worsens Near Socal Wildfire. LOS ANGELES—The regional air quality agency has issued a smoke advisory, warning all residents who live near the massive Southern California wildfire to remain indoors and avoid strenuous activity. Officials say air quality is in the foothill communities around La Canada Flintridge is unhealthy, bordering on hazardous. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13235027 Sanbag Gets $10 Million For Green Truck Project. San Bernardino - The county's transportation planning agency will get nearly $10 million in federal economic stimulus funds for a clean-energy truck project in the region. San Bernardino Associated Governments, known as Sanbag, will receive $9.95 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the alternative-fuels project. The money will be used to purchase 262 liquefied natural gas trucks for one of the largest transportation logistics companies in North America. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13230294 Carpooler 'Confessions' Sought. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District announced the launch of the "Confessions of a Carpooler" video contest. Carpoolers are asked to video their commutes and share why they choose to carpool to work. The contest runs through Sept. 30. The Air District encourages commuters to share their best carpooling-related stories and tips by uploading a three-minute video to the contest page on www.SpareTheAir.org. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13234432 Miramonte Grads Leave Behind Climate Change Lessons. Orinda — When carpooling Miramonte High School seniors roll into prime parking spots guaranteed to them this year, they can thank two graduates. And if they start thinking about climate change a little more, they'll have Devin Finzer and Patrick Ouziel to thank for that, too. Finger and Ouziel took the climate change issue to their peers as California Climate Champions, raising awareness about a warming planet and improving the school's carpool program. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/green/ci_13225329 EU To Begin Phasing Out Standard Lightbulbs. Brussels—The EU will start making the transition from power-draining lightbulbs to more energy efficient ones Tuesday, the European Commission said. Several nations including Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the Philippines have already announced they will phase out or restrict sales of traditional bulbs as well. In 2007, President George W. Bush signed a bill that calls for the bulb to be phased out in the U.S. beginning in 2012. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_13238659 Lawsuit fights Novato Narrows project: Critic: Climate Change Ignored. A Sausalito man could put a halt to the $745 million Novato Narrows widening project before the first shovel hits the ground. David Schonbrunn, president of the Transportation Solutions Defense and Education Fund, a San Rafael-based nonprofit watchdog group, has filed a lawsuit against the California Department of Transportation alleging the agency's environmental impact report on the project is flawed. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13237263 Climate Trouble May Be Bubbling Up In Far North. Mackenzie River Delta, Northwest Territories—Only a squawk from a sandhill crane broke the Arctic silence—and a low gurgle of bubbles, a watery whisper of trouble repeated in countless spots around the polar world. "On a calm day, you can see 20 or more 'seeps' out across this lake," said Canadian researcher Rob Bowen, sidling his small rubber boat up beside one of them. A tossed match would have set it ablaze. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/science/ci_13235165 UN Meeting: help nations adapt to global warming. GENEVA—As nations negotiate tough decisions on cutting greenhouse gases, the United Nations is holding a separate conference on coping with more floods, droughts and other effects of climate change already assured. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/columns/ci_13233899 Editorial: A Good Chance To Sidetrack High-Speed Rail Boondoggle. OFTEN THERE IS a wide gap separating a concept from reality. Such is the case with California's high-speed rail project. Conceptually, fast, comfortable, fuel-efficient, intercity, passenger rail transportation makes a lot of sense as fuel prices rise and reductions in carbon dioxide emissions are mandated. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/opinion/ci_13224631 Hearing This Week On Hayward Power Plant Permit. HAYWARD — With a final permit pending for Calpine's Russell City Energy Center, air quality regulators are holding a public hearing this week on the proposed 600-megawatt plant near the Hayward shoreline. If past meetings are any indication, they're sure to get an earful — there's a long line of opponents who have spoken out against the plant at every opportunity. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13235384 EarthTalk: Tax incentives. Q: Since President Barack Obama took office, have any new incentives been put in place for homeowners looking to increase energy efficiency and reduce the overall environmental footprints of their homes? A: In fact, yes. Homeowners can get up to $1,500 back from the federal government for any number of energy efficiency upgrades at home. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/homeandgarden/ci_13200995 As Md. Praises the Green Amid the Blacktop, Skeptics Continue to See Red. After decades of controversy over an Intercounty Connector's environmental impacts, Maryland roads officials are billing it as "one of America's greenest highways." Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/29/AR2009082902008.html Despite Last Few Days, Inland Air Quality Has Been Cleaner This Summer. Despite the scorching weather and smoky skies of the past few days, Southern Californians have been breezing through one of the cleanest summer smog seasons since officials started tracking daily air quality. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/rivcounty/stories/PE_News_Local_S_air30.32a3100.html Blowing Away Air Pollution. It's one of the sounds of summer -- leaf blowers.Now there's a program to lower the decibels and the pollution. The AQMD is offering to exchange the noisy leaf blowers for new, low-emission, quiet models. The program is called "Blowing Away Air Pollution" and kicked off in North Hollywood on Thursday. The new units are sold for less than half the retail cost. Posted. http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local-beat/Blowing-Away-Air-Pollution-55736267.html Wildfires Pose Threats To Valley Air, Health. The Valley's improved air quality this summer could soon turn ugly with soot from wildfires and ozone, air officials say. They are asking residents to closely follow air-quality forecasts online or from news outlets and take notice of any smoke in the air. The combination of soot and ozone can trigger lung and heart problems. Posted. http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1618871.html REGION: A 'Different' Summer. The ongoing heat wave notwithstanding, residents of San Diego and Riverside counties have enjoyed a relatively pleasant summer. On the coast and inland, temperatures were about normal for July and August, and three to six degrees cooler than long-term averages for June, according to weather statistics. Posted. http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/sdcounty/article_a07c6d9b-c31e-5e61-84d5-ad8b53a41d59.html State DOTs Tap Brakes on Emission Goals. The road to crafting a national transportation strategy that would curb greenhouse gas emissions has hit another pothole. State highway departments are worrying that some emissions goals are overly ambitious and threaten to deliver another blow to the economy and state efforts to repair and replace crumbling roads and bridges. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/08/28/28climatewire-state-dots-tap-brakes-on-emission-goals-49089.html Reducing Dependence On Cars Key To Climate Initiative Targets. Napa County is searching for ways to become less dependent on cars in order to comply with state climate change protection targets. “We are trying to figure out how to decongest, to provide alternatives to driving,” said Paul Price, the executive director for the Napa County Transportation Planning Agency. Mr. Price came to the planning agency six months ago with 35 years of experience in the transportation industry. Posted. http://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/14507/reducing-dependence-on-cars-key-to-climate-initiative-targets/ Looming Election Could Strengthen Japan's Climate Policy. Japan's landmark elections next week could have sweeping implications for the country's climate change policies. The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), projected to win by a landslide, has pledged to slash Japan's greenhouse gas emissions 25 percent below 1990 levels in the coming decade, compared to the 15 percent cut promised by the current ruling party. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/08/28/28climatewire-looming-election-could-strengthen-japans-cli-98784.html OPINION:Clunkers Don’t Come Cheap. The $3 billion cash-for-clunkers program that ended last week worked well as a jolt of economic stimulus. Nearly 700,000 people used the rebate to buy new cars in July and August — adding about 0.3 to 0.4 percentage points to economic growth in the third quarter, at an annual rate. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/31/opinion/31mon4.html Ramping Up Renewable Energy. Southern California Edison has long been a proponent of renewable energy. And its actions speak louder than words. Last year, the Rosemead-based utility delivered about 12.6 billion kilowatt hours of renewable energy to customers. All told, about 16 percent of the energy SCE provides comes from renewable sources, including wind, geothermal, solar, biomass and small hydro. Posted. http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_13233994 Allen: Obama Energy Policies Hurting Deeds. The Obama administration and its energy policies are hurting Democratic candidate R. Creigh Deeds in the Virginia gubernatorial race, former Sen. George Allen said Tuesday. Posted. http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/aug/26/allen-obama-energy-policies-hurting-deeds/ New Hydrogen Energy Plant Is A Welcome Addition To County's Vulnerable Economy. The Obama administration's announcement that it intends to pump $308 million into a proposed Kern County energy project represents a potential economic shot in the arm for our region. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/opinion/community/x616724784/New-hydrogen-energy-plant-is-a-welcome-addition-to-countys-vulnerable-economy Some Buildings Not Living Up to Green Label. The Federal Building in downtown Youngstown, Ohio, features an extensive use of natural light to illuminate offices and a white roof to reflect heat. It has LEED certification, the country’s most recognized seal of approval for green buildings. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/31/science/earth/31leed.html?hp BLOGS Does Carbon Labeling Confuse Consumers? Tesco, a British supermarket chain, began festooning cartons of milk this month with information on the carbon dioxide emissions associated with the production, processing, distribution and use of each pint. Tesco said putting the labels on milk pints – an iconic symbol of British life – helped to raise awareness about climate change and about the impact of store-bought goods. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/25/does-carbon-labeling-confuse-consumers/ Seven Myths About Alternative Energy. As the world looks around anxiously for an alternative to oil, energy sources such as biofuels, solar, and nuclear seem like they could be the magic ticket. They're not. "We Need to Do Everything Possible to Promote Alternative Energy." Not exactly. It's certainly clear that fossil fuels are mangling the climate and that the status quo is unsustainable. There is now a broad scientific consensus that the world needs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions more than 25 percent by 2020 -- and more than 80 percent by 2050. Posted. http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2009/08/12/seven_myths_about_alternative_energy?print=yes&hidecomments=yes&page=full Would You Like Fries With That? Back in the day, if you told your Uncle Charlie that folks wanted to operate a hamburger restaurant in a nearby commercial area, he would have replied, “Well, that’s a nice thing. I like hamburgers.” Posted. http://golis.blogs.pressdemocrat.com/10210/would-you-like-fries-with-that/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 1 Sep 2009 11:27:32 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for September 1, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for September 1, 2009. 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. 2 Local Motorcycle Dealers Fined For Sales Violations. The California Air Resources Board yesterday announced $180,000 in fines against two San Diego-area motorcycle dealers for sales violations. The agency's enforcement officers worked off an anonymous tip that San Diego-based GP Motorcycles and Moto Forza of Escondido were illegally selling Husqvarna off-road motorcycles as on-road models. The companies have agreed to pay the penalties. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/sep/01/2-local-motorcycle-dealers-fined-sales-violations/?northcounty&zIndex=158637 Palo Alto Plans For Electric Car Boom. When it comes to energy policy, electric cars may be best known for the impacts they don't have. They don't require foreign oil, and they don't spew greenhouse gases. That's one reason green-conscious Palo Alto officials are abuzz over electric automaker Tesla's plans for a new powertrain plant in the Stanford Research Park. The move has the city poised to be a hub for an environmentally friendly industry that some believe will take off in the next decade. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_13244410?source=rss Audi, BMW Sell The Sizzle Of Diesel, Not The Soot. Imagine trying to market a product that most Americans regard as old and obsolete, that is remembered -- if at all -- as low-class and low-tech, noisy and noisome, and whose most notable advocates are truck drivers with prominent trouser cleavage. CB radio? An excellent guess, but no. Diesel, the oilier cousin of gasoline, dominates the European auto market, where fuel prices hover around $7 a gallon. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-ct-neil1-2009sep01,0,6428407,print.column West Sac Biofuels Site Has Plan For Riding Out Slump. Though far behind schedule, the major biofuel operation planned for the Port of West Sacramento is still alive and its developer is in talks with new investors. Long Beach startup Primafuel Inc. unveiled plans in early 2007 to build the state's largest biodiesel plant and a distribution terminal at the port. The company expected to be churning out the diesel substitute within two years. At the time, the market seemed ready to swallow all the biofuel the nation could produce. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/business/story/2151679.html?mi_rss=Business Climate Trouble May Be Bubbling Up In Far North. Mackenzie River Delta, Northwest Territories (AP) -- Only a squawk from a sandhill crane broke the Arctic silence — and a low gurgle of bubbles, a watery whisper of trouble repeated in countless spots around the polar world. "On a calm day, you can see 20 or more `seeps' out across this lake," said Canadian researcher Rob Bowen, sidling his small rubber boat up beside one of them. A tossed match would have set it ablaze. "It's essentially pure methane." Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/08/30/international/i111058D49.DTL&type=printable Hot Job: Calculating Products' Pollution. Until a few years ago, Nuno da Silva's arcane occupation -- professional pollution calculator -- was of little utility to the corporate world. But in these days of global-warming worries and greener-than-thou marketing, companies suddenly can't get enough of his services. Revenue at the division he manages exploded 150% in 2008 and continues to expand this year, despite the recession. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125176415696374409.html AE Biofuels, Pearson Fuels Project Awarded $6.9 Million US Department of Energy Grant. Companies to build and supply 55 new E85 fueling stations throughout California. Cupertino, Calif.-- AE Biofuels, Inc., (OTCBB: AEBF), a global vertically integrated biofuels company, and Pearson Fuels, an alternative fuels provider, today announced that they have been awarded a $6.9 grant from the US Department of Energy (USDOE), through its Clean Cities program. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS141411+01-Sep-2009+BW20090901 SCENARIOS: Fate Of Climate Change Bill In Congress. Washington - The fate of U.S. climate control legislation is in the hands of the Senate where it faces an uphill climb, as a year-end international meeting in Copenhagen on coordinated action to slow global warming looms. A Senate bill has not even been introduced yet and Democratic backers say it could be late September before one emerges. Nonetheless, Democratic leaders still hope for a vote this year in the Senate. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/vcCandidateFeed7/idUSTRE57U5Y720090831 Venture Firm’s ‘Green’ Funds Top $1 Billion. Menlo Park, Calif. — Vinod Khosla, the prominent venture capitalist who has been investing hundreds of millions of his own dollars in green technology companies for the last several years, will now invest other people’s money, too. Khosla Ventures, the firm he founded in 2004 after leaving Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, is announcing on Tuesday that it has raised $1.1 billion in two funds that will invest in green technology and information technology start-ups. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/01/business/01khosla.html?_r=2&ref=todayspaper&pagewanted=print Webcast: CARB ‘Smartway’ Rule To Be Explained Sept. 14. The California Air Resources Board has approved some complicated regulations for trucking carriers to decipher. In order to explain its rules, CARB occasionally airs discussions of the rules and broadcasts them on the agency’s Web site. Truck owners have their next opportunity to hear a CARB explanation on Sept. 14, when it will Webcast an informational session on the Heavy-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Regulation. Posted. http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2009/Sept09/083109/083109-06.htm Workshops Set On Clean Air Plan. Workshops Set On Clean Air Plan: Public workshops on a plan to clean up air pollution in the Bay Area's nine counties will be held Wednesday morning in Mountain View and Thursday afternoon in Oakland. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_13241053 Smoky Air Likely To Hang Around Today. Fresh air was hard to find Monday with the Inland Valley sandwiched between the Oak Glen and the Station fires. The Inland Valley today can expect more unhealthy air for sensitive groups, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District. That means people with respiratory or heart disease, senior citizens and children should stay indoors. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13241531 Air Quality Very Poor Around Southland. los angeles - Smoke and ash from the Station Fire caused unhealthy to hazardous air quality today in the San Gabriel Mountains and the west San Gabriel Valley, the South Coast Air Quality Management District reported. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13239275 EU Presses US On Climate Change. Brussels—The European Union urged U.S. lawmakers on Tuesday to ensure the United States makes deep cuts in carbon emissions as part of negotiations to reach a new global climate change accord. Sweden's Environment Minister Andreas Carlgren said the 27-nation bloc, as well as the United States and other developed countries, "should deliver" on promises to cut emissions by 80 percent by 2050, from 1990 levels. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_13244910 http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090901-706637.html US Agriculture Interests Split Over Energy Bill. Omaha, Neb.—Legislation to confront climate change could be an economic godsend to farmers and ranchers. Or it could be an enormous financial burden. It depends on whom you ask, and not even farmers and ranchers agree on the matter. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_13244371 Editorial: Global-Warming Welfare Is On Its Way. Anticipating hundreds of millions of dollars a year in greenhouse gas fees collected from California businesses, the Legislature is planning to redistribute much of the bounty to the state's "most impacted and disadvantaged communities." Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/fees-air-global-2547482-board-state Editorial: Global Warming: Get Facts Right First. Before overhauling the U.S. economic system and imposing Draconian restrictions on nearly every aspect of life, it's advisable to get the facts straight. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/warming-global-government-2545076-chamber-alarmists Opinion: Global Warming And The Sun. Recent studies seem to show that there's more to climate change than we know. Assuming there are no sunspots today, a 96-year record will have been broken: 53 days without any solar blemishes, giant magnetic disruptions on the sun's surface that cause solar flares. That would be the fourth-longest stretch of stellar solar complexion since 1849. Wait, it gets even more exciting. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-goldberg1-2009sep01,0,2797425.column Opinion: Leslie Eastman: Sacramento March Is Ironic But Passionate. I was one of the 10,000 Californians at the Aug. 28th march in Sacramento: Saving California from Big Government Ego-regulations. Hundreds of tractors and 200 trucks circled the Capitol building this past Friday, to spotlight how devastating environmental activism has been on our trucking, mining, farming, and logging communities. Posted. http://www.sdnn.com/sandiego/2009-09-01/news/leslie-eastman-sacramento-march-is-ironic-but-passionate#ixzz0PsTgitFE BLOGS Fallout Shelter: Team Obama Seeks to Limit Reach of CO2 Ruling. The Obama administration is studying ways to limit the reach of any greenhouse-gas regulations it might eventually set to large industrial sources, such as power plants and factories, rather than small businesses. The move could help the administration limit the political and legal fallout of the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision in April to declare greenhouse gases a threat to public health. Posted.http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/09/01/fallout-shelter-team-obama-seeks-to-limit-reach-of-co2-ruling/tab/print/ California’s Proposed 33% Renewable Portfolio Standard. California's legislature is close to passing a requirement to raise the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to 33% in 2020. If it is enacted, this law will once again place California at the forefront of efforts to expand the role of renewable energy resources like wind, solar, and geothermal in supplying electricity to homes, businesses, and industry. Posted. http://www.greenandsave.com/green_news/green-politics/california-s-proposed-33-renewable-portfolio-standard-4873 Air Quality At Hazardous Levels In Foothill Cities. The Angeles National Forest fire has reduced air quality to hazardous levels in foothill communities in the San Gabriel and San Fernando valleys, officials say. The cities of Altadena, La Cañada Flintridge and La Crescenta are directly affected by the smoke, as are the Los Angeles communities of Tujunga and Sunland. The area Sunday recorded an air Quality index of 398. Anything above 100 is considered unhealthful, officials said. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/08/air-quality-at-hazardous-levels-in-foothill-cities.html Royal Society Says Geoengineering Humanity's Last Hope - But Emissions Reductions Must Be Top Priority. Saying that "man-made climate change is happening and its impacts and costs will be large, serious and unevenly spread, the Royal Society's new paper "Geoengineering the climate: science, governance and uncertainty" [PDF] lays out the case for the necessity for greater consideration of geoengineering schemes as humanity's backup plan, in case emission reduction efforts fail: Posted. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/09/royal-society-report-on-geoengineering.php?dcitc=th_rss Europe’s Emissions Recipe: A Dash Of Regulation, A Dollop Of Recession. Europe Has Found A Sure-Fire Way To Cut Emissions: The Recession.The European Union said yesterday that emissions of greenhouse gases in main member states in 2008 fell 1.3%, the fourth straight year of declines. The EU said the bloc has now cut emissions by 6.2% over 1990 levels, putting it on track to meet its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/09/01/europes-emissions-recipe-a-dash-of-regulation-a-dollop-of-recession/tab/print/ Getting Cooler? Senate Misses Another Climate Bill Deadline. Stephen Power reports on climate change. For the second time in two months, the chairman of a key Senate panel with jurisdiction over climate legislation plans to postpone the introduction of her bill. Sen. Barbara Boxer of California, chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, had said earlier this summer that she planned to introduce her bill before Congress left for its August recess; she later extended her timetable to Sept. 8, the day lawmakers return to Washington. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2009/08/31/getting-cooler-senate-misses-another-climate-bill-deadline/tab/print/ Grid Lock: New Transmission Lines Key for Clean Energy–And Coal. Environmentalists are already hoping that the Senate tackles both energy and climate change this fall, rather than simply dealing with the clean energy bits (which are popular) and punting on the climate-change stuff (which isn’t so popular). Here’s another reason greens will want to make sure they go together. Beefing up the nation’s electricity-transmission system to make renewable energy a reality could backfire and make coal an even more widespread source of electricity—unless carbon emissions are reined in at the same time. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/08/31/grid-lock-new-transmission-lines-key-for-clean-energy-and-coal/tab/print/ Engineering a Climate Solution. Some questions are relatively straightforward. For example: Could engineers pump chemicals into the atmosphere to increase the amount of sunlight reflected away from Earth, cooling the planet? Almost certainly, the answer will turn out to be yes. Posted. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/01/engineering-a-climate-solution/?scp=2&sq=climate%20change&st=cse Illuminating the Future of Energy. The era of fossil fuels is a blip in history. What will replace it the subject of a polarized debate. An essay by David J. C. MacKay, a professor of physics at the University of Cambridge and the author of the book “Sustainable Energy — Without The Hot Air.” A few centuries ago, the developing world got most of its energy from windmills, from water mills, from whales and from plants. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/01/illuminating-the-future-of-energy/?pagemode=print ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 2 Sep 2009 10:59:21 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- News Clips for September 2, 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for September 2, 2009 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. Napa Bus Will Have Engine Similar To Prius. Kids in Napa won't hear the usual "clackety clack" of a diesel engine when district bus HY-2 lumbers up to their stop next month. In fact, when the bus is sitting still, they won't hear anything at all.Within a week or two, Napa Valley Unified School District will premiere one of the first small hybrid buses in the nation, thanks to state grants aimed at curbing school bus emissions and a transportation manager's aggressive campaign to green his fleet. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/01/BASA19EMS7.DTL#ixzz0PxqKhWHn Sunbelt Rentals Fined $98,500 for Emissions Violations. The California Air Resources Board last week fined Sunbelt Rentals $98,500 for emissions violations in 2007 and 2008 around the state. During a routine investigation, ARB investigators found that Sunbelt Rentals, headquartered in Fort Mill, S.C., failed to conduct diesel truck smoke tests in 2007 and 2008 at 20 of its California fleet facilities. Posted. http://www.constructionequipment.com/article/CA6687201.html EPA Asked to Toughen Pollution-Prevention Laws. Environmental groups presented a federal official with more than 19,000 signed letters and postcards Tuesday asking the U.S. government to set stricter rules to prevent pollution in the Chesapeake Bay. The presentation, held outside an Environmental Protection Agency building in Annapolis, came eight days before one of the most crucial deadlines in the Chesapeake's recent history. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/01/AR2009090103273.html?hpid=moreheadlines San Bernardino State Of Emergency: How California Fires Impact Breathing For Children. Governor Schwarzenegger has declared a state of emergency in San Bernardino County. At the time of publishing this article both the Yucaipa and Pendleton fires are between 25% and 40% contained. This means that the ash that has been covering most of the county will continue to contaminate our air for the next few days. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-20553-San-Bernardino-Motherhood-Examiner~y2009m9d1-San-Bernardino-state-of-emergency--How-California-fires-impact-breathing-for-children Air Quality May Force Rescheduling Of UCLA-SDSU Game. The Rose Bowl is not directly threatened by wildfire, but air quality concerns could cause Saturday's game between San Diego State and UCLA to be rescheduled. The Los Angeles Times reported that UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said a decision will be made Wednesday on whether to play the game as scheduled, but UCLA spokesman Marc Dellins said Tuesday afternoon that the university is not tied to a Wednesday decision. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/sep/01/bn01aztecfire-ucla-air/ Air Quality Declared Unhealthy In Two Counties. The South Coast Air Quality Management District declared air quality to be unhealthy in foothill cities closest to where wildfires were burning in the Angeles National Forest and Yucaipa area on Tuesday. "It is unhealthy, even all the way up to hazardous, from Yucaipa in the east to Santa Clarita in the San Fernando Valley," said Sam Atwood, spokesman for the AQMD. "And this is going to last as long as the fires are burning and possibly a day or two beyond that because of residual smoke in the area." Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13248091 Workshops Set On Proposed Chico Fireplace Ban. CHICO — A workshop is planned today and another next week, before a decision later this month on whether to ban fireplace and older woodstove use in Chico this winter when air quality is predicted to be bad. Tonight's workshop will be 6-7:30 p.m. at the Chico City Council Chambers 421 Main. St. Officials of the Butte County Air Quality Management District, and suppliers and vendors of wood-burning appliances will be available to answer questions. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13251589 Vast Shift In Bird Species Expected From Warming. Birds of a feather will no longer flock together, and some California species will face extinction as a result of global warming, according to a study released Tuesday by PRBO Conservation Science. The study, which predicts how birds in California will adapt to changing climatic conditions, says there will be a dramatic change in the pecking order of the avian world over the next 60 years. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/01/MNBT19E450.DTL#ixzz0Py6BpvSc Change Is Seen In Atlantic From Climate, Fishing. PORTLAND, Maine—The basic makeup of the ocean waters off the Northeast and the mid-Atlantic region has fundamentally changed in the past 40 years because of climate change, commercial fishing pressures and growing coastal populations, according to a new report. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nationandworld/ci_13246466 WILLIAMS: Climate Change -- What's In It For Me? Regular readers of The Washington Times are all too familiar with the back-and-forth debate between those who favor federal legislation to curb greenhouse-gas emissions and those who view the measure as one thing and one thing only: a monstrous job killer. Posted. http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/sep/02/climate-change-whats-in-it-for-me/?feat=home_columns Will Support For Cap-And-Trade Energy Tax Melt Away? It's Costly, But Won't Help The Environment. People aren’t willing to pay much to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases to fight global warming, according to a Washington Post-ABC News Poll. 52 percent said they would support a law that “significantly lowered greenhouse gas emissions” — but only if it cost them less than $10 a month. Only 39 percent said they would support such a law if it cost them $25 a month — which is vastly less than it would actually cost. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-7812-DC-SCOTUS-Examiner~y2009m9d1-Will-support-for-CapandTrade-energy-tax-melt-away-Its-costly-but-wont-help-the-environment Should You Paint Your Roof White To Fight Global Warming? Recently, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu suggested one way homeowners could help fight global warming was to paint their roofs white to reflect sunlight. Not surprisingly, homeowners are balking. Painting your roof white could reduce your cooling costs, but what will the neighbors say? And what happens in the winter, when additional heat is needed inside your home? http://www.examiner.com/x-5929-Chicago-Home-Improvement-Examiner~y2009m9d2-Should-you-paint-your-roof-white-to-fight-global-warming When It Comes To Mpg, I'm Buying The 'Hype'. LOS ANGELES—The crippling success of Cash for Clunkers, the sustained popularity of the Toyota Prius and splashy headlines afforded the 230-mpg Chevy Volt would seem to signal a fuel-efficiency awakening in the United States not seen since the energy crisis of the 1970s. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hcl1aNlbI46Xo2ueI0VtjGxUbQ8QD9AENEKG0 California Jump-Starts The Plug-In Race. Who says governments can't mandate technological breakthroughs? Nearly half a century ago, California regulators led the world by introducing strict anti-pollution rules. Despite heated opposition, auto makers managed to comply and today the average new vehicle is 98 per cent cleaner, in terms of smog-forming emissions, than it was in 1963. Posted. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/auto/california-jump-starts-the-plug-in-race/article36881/ Clean Cities Grants Handed Out To Local Agencies. Local alternative-fuels projects that are expected to whittle away at Southern California's reliance on gasoline and diesel have won a share of $300 million in federal stimulus funding. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_cleancities02.3d3c74d.html State Legislators Grapple With Renewable Energy Issues. At the state Capitol, boosting the use of solar power, wind generators and other renewable energy sources is seen as a boon for both the environment and the economy in electricity-hungry California. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090902/BUSINESS/909021090 U.N. Reports on Developing Nations’ Energy Needs. It will cost between $500 billion and $600 billion every year for the next 10 years to allow developing nations to grow using renewable energy resources, instead of relying on dirty fuels that worsen global warming, according to a United Nations report released Tuesday. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/02/world/02nations.html 8 Ways To Save Money and Go Green. I'm always talking about how going green can save you money. And it's true. If you're trying to cut back on expenses, the easiest ways to do so probably also are eco-friendly. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/2152024.html Khosla Ventures Raises $1.1 Billion To Invest In Green Technology. In a sign that green technology investing is bouncing back, Silicon Valley venture capital firm Khosla Ventures said Tuesday that it had raised $1.1 billion to spur development of renewable energy and other clean technologies. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-green-tech2-2009sep02,0,1106056.story Blogs 300 Organizations Unite to Push for Stronger Climate Bill. Just as some are forecasting the tough battle in the Senate over climate legislation to be Obama's Waterloo, 300 organizations are uniting to push for an even stronger bill. The coalition, which includes not only environmental groups, but social justice and faith-based groups as well, is looking to let the legislators know that there's broad support for clean energy reform and climate action. Posted. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/09/300-organizations-push-climate-bill.php Climate Camping in London. Camp for Climate Action is a loosely knit British campaign group that seeks to highlight what it sees as corporate and government footdragging on the issue of climate change by, well, staging large and generally peaceful camp-ins at controversial locales. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/02/climate-camping-in-london/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 3 Sep 2009 10:32:43 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for September 3rd, 2009 From: sponedal@ARB.CA.GOV .. CARB fines rental company $98,000 over diesel emissions inspections. The California Air Resources Board recently fined one diesel fleet nearly $100,000 for failing to perform emissions checks on its trucks. CARB fined Sunbelt Rentals $98,500 for failing to conduct diesel truck smoke tests in 2007 and 2008 at 20 of its fleet facilities in California. Posted. http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2009/Sept09/083109/090209-03.htm The tea parties: Not my cup of tea. Driving into work on Friday morning, I was stuck behind two gleaming, painted tour buses that could’ve belonged to a rock-star on tour. Curious if someone interesting, (could it be Brett Michaels?), was stopping in Sacramento, I patiently waited to pass the buses that had somehow managed to block all traffic on 10th street. Posted. http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?_c=y8q6zpm537pckc&xid=y8q6mmjntedbiw&done=.y8q6zpm5388ckc FACTBOX: Climate risks, and how to limit damage. (Reuters) - A 155-nation conference in Geneva agreed on a plan to improve climate information to help people cope with ever more droughts, floods, sandstorms and rising sea levels projected this century. The plan for a "Global Framework for Climate Services" includes the appointment of a task force of high-level, independent advisors within four months. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE58241K20090903 Shroud of Smoky Haze Hangs Over Much of the West. DENVER — A smoky gray soup settled over Denver and other towns and cities across the West this week, a byproduct of fires that continue to blaze in California, Utah and Colorado. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/03/us/03smoke.html?em Feds didn't clear brush in wildfire area. LOS ANGELES — Federal authorities failed to follow through on plans earlier this year to burn away highly flammable brush in a forest on the edge of Los Angeles to avoid the very kind of wildfire now raging there, The Associated Press has learned. Months before the huge blaze erupted, the U.S. Forest Service obtained permits to burn away the undergrowth and brush on more than 1,700 acres of the Angeles National Forest. But just 193 acres had been cleared by the time the fire broke out, Forest Service resource officer Steve Bear said. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gNirrGO3UeJug3__BuGV2m6TzUIQD9AFHJG00 UN chief: rapid progress needed in climate talks. GENEVA — U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon told a meeting of some 150 governments on Thursday that time is running out for a new climate deal to cut greenhouse gas emissions. The Copenhagen talks in December are looming and little real negotiating time is left "to resolve some of the most complex issues," the U.N. secretary general told the World Climate Conference. "We need rapid progress." Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gfZSv6yRkqQ2SAM8I4SExAwMKdTwD9AFNOL80 Can Dirt Really Save Us From Global Warming? This month the Senate is set to take up the climate and energy bill that Congress began work on last spring. One provision will likely set up a system to pay farmers for something called "no-till farming." The concept: When crops are planted without tilling, the soil holds more carbon, which means less goes up into the atmosphere. Posted. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112496096 China stresses prevention of heavy metal pollution. BEIJING — China needs to work harder to fight heavy metal pollution following the recent discovery of clusters of severe lead poisoning involving hundreds of children, the country's environment minister said Thursday. More than 1,300 children in central Hunan province, 200 in Yunnan province and at least 615 in northern Shaanxi province tested positive for lead poisoning in the last month. Lead poisoning can damage the nervous and reproductive systems and cause high blood pressure and memory loss. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g7wv0eo5eoz5m7jhnU24w4NIk6GQD9AFM4IO0 Chinese Get Angrier About Pollution. China has some of the most polluted cities in the world, a consequence of the country's rapid economic development. More than 320 million people in China drink unsafe water, according to Greenpeace China. The country's Environmental Protection Administration considers 45% of the rivers and waterways it monitors to be unsuitable for human contact, says Greenpeace. Posted. http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/sep2009/gb2009092_230895.htm BLOGS Calculating costs: the United Nations on clean energy commitments - September 02, 2009. With the Copenhagen climate summit just three months away, the global warming community is starting to crank out numbers. Last week it was adaptation, and this week it's mitigation. The United Nations' latest estimates indicate that the developing world will need $500 to $600 billion annually to leapfrog industrialized nations and chart a sustainable energy future (AFP). Posted. http://blogs.nature.com/news/thegreatbeyond/2009/09/post_40.html The CARB impact on truck specs. “This question is really more about the strategies a fleet operation must employ to meet regulations in effect at acquisition time, as well as applying diligent forethought to ensure the spec meets future regulations.” –Ken Gillies, truck engineering manager, GE Capital Fleet Services. If there is anything more convoluted or fraught with potentially expensive missteps facing a fleet manager today, it’s got to be complying with emission regulations – both at the state and federal level, I might add. One of the big challenges in the emissions arena is dealing with myriad rules promulgated by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) that are affecting commercial trucks in various ways. Posted. http://blog.fleetowner.com/trucks_at_work/2009/09/03/the-carb-impact-on-truck-specs/ Response to Climate Depot's Distortions. Dear Mr. Morano of Climate Depot, Your lengthy response to my piece "Obama Needs to Give a Climate Speech - ASAP" contains numerous errors of fact and interpretation. I think you revealed your politically driven agenda quite nakedly when you assailed the United Nations for its role in climate and energy policy. Posted. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalweathergang/2009/09/response_to_climate_depots_cru.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 8 Sep 2009 11:23:22 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for September 8th, 2009 From: sponedal@ARB.CA.GOV .. California Air Resources Board News Clips for September 8, 2009 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. State fees on greenhouse gas output could be near. SACRAMENTO — State air-quality regulators appear back on track to impose the nation's first broad-based fee on greenhouse gas emissions, potentially costing Californians a little extra to fill their gas tanks, turn up the heat or go out to dinner. Regulators estimate that overall, the average consumer will pay less than $1.50 a year more once the fee is passed down by energy providers and others that release greenhouse gasses linked to global warming. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/sep/06/state-fees-greenhouse-gas-output-could-be-near/?california&zIndex=161390 Hey, global warming skeptics, take your heads out of the sand. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has seen the meltdown of the Arctic for himself. Alarmed at the changes, he warned that “our foot is stuck on the [climate change] accelerator and we are heading towards an abyss.” It might be easy to dismiss this as more alarmist hype except for the coincidental publication of a major Arctic climate study. Posted. http://features.csmonitor.com/innovation/2009/09/04/hey-global-warming-skeptics-take-your-heads-out-of-the-sand/ CARB flunks nation’s largest school bus company. The California Air Resources Board has fined First Student Inc., a unit of UK-based bus and train operator FirstGroup, $300,000 for diesel emissions violations of its school bus fleet that occurred in 2005 and 2006 at locations throughout California. Posted. http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=12985 CARB to present emissions session. Truck owners running in California can tune into the California Air Resources Board's live webcast on Sept. 14 regarding compliance with the Heavy-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Regulation. The online session will run from 8:30-10:30 a.m. PDT. Visit www.calepa.ca.gov./broadcast for the webcast. CARB will hold the session at Byron Sher Auditorium in Sacramento. Posted. http://www.etrucker.com/apps/news/article.asp?id=81551 Arctic Offers More Evidence of Human Influences on Climate Change. new study indicates that Arctic temperatures suddenly increased during the last 50 years of the period from A.D. 1 to the year 2000. Because this warming occurred abruptly during the 20th century while atmospheric greenhouse gases were accumulating, these findings provide additional evidence that humans are influencing climate. Posted. http://www.usnews.com/articles/science/2009/09/08/arctic-offers-more-evidence-of-human-influences-on-climate-change.html Japan’s Next Premier Vows to Cut Emissions Sharply. TOKYO — Japan’s presumptive prime minister breathed new life on Monday into efforts to curb global warming, standing by a campaign pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent in the next 10 years from 1990 levels — a target that environmentalists said puts Japan at the forefront of the fight against climate change. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/08/world/asia/08japan.html Despite economy, states gear up greenhouse gas reduction efforts. It has been three years since CALIFORNIA Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) signed AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act. A host of other states and Congress have since followed suit with measures of their own. But now, with the economy in the most turmoil since the Great Depression, supporters and opponents alike are struggling to come to grips with how much these measures will cost. http://www.statenet.com/capitol_journal/current#sncj_spotlight Tougher global warming caps seen still possible. GENEVA (Reuters) - The world can still cap global warming at far lower levels than widely expected if nations "bite the bullet" and slash greenhouse gas emissions, the chairman of the U.N. climate panel says. Rajendra Pachauri told Reuters that an appeal last month by the world's poorest nations and small island states to cap global warming at a 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 F) temperature rise over pre-industrial times should be taken "very seriously." Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/GlobalClimateandAlternativeEnergy09/idUSTRE5834Z020090907 If global warming is not a crisis, is that a crisis? A lot of time and attention is spent on global warming. Barack Obama's second major package of legislation (after the financial rescue but before the healthcare revamp) was cap and trade legislation, currently being considered by the Senate. It has occupied thousands of researchers (and an equal number of critics, it seems) and the attention of bloggers everywhere. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-9111-SF-Environmental-Policy-Examiner~y2009m9d7-If-global-warming-is-not-a-crisis-is-that-a-crisis Climate Bill to Be Slowed by Health-Care Debate. WASHINGTON -- The health-care debate threatens to keep energy and climate legislation on the back burner when the Congress returns from recess Tuesday and enters the final push of 2009. President Barack Obama is scheduled to plead his case on health care in a joint address to Congress this week, as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D., Nev.), delays action on climate and energy legislation. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125241034229992183.html CARB clears way for Southern California port truck grants. SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Air Resources Board late last week sent a grant agreement to the South Coast Air Quality Management District that it says will immediately free up $45 million in grant funds for truckers to replace diesel trucks operating in and out of the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. Posted. http://www.thetrucker.com/News/Stories/2009/9/8/CARBclearswayforSouthernCaliforniaporttruckgrants.aspx Editorial: Finally, investors are choosing green industry. Every report, study and prediction about Silicon Valley's economy in this downturn has mapped the path to recovery in green: clean tech, renewable energy and good middle-income jobs, like installing solar panels, that can't be outsourced. But a key indicator of that conventional wisdom has been missing: large-scale private investment. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_13282902?nclick_check=1 Renewable energy plan creates rift. AMBOY, Calif. — The morning heat hits triple digits as a whiptail lizard darts below a creosote bush near Route 66. Gazing across the desert valley, power company executives, environmentalists and federal land managers stand beneath a cloudless sky and argue over the landscape. PG&E project manager Alice Harron says she is "comfortable" with the solar power plant her utility wants to build on government land here along 4 miles of the Mother Road that connected Chicago and Los Angeles long before the interstate system. Posted. http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20090908/renewables08_st.art.htm Opinion: Why 33% renewables by 2020 may be impossible. California legislators are considering a proposal to require 33% of the state's electricity to come from renewable sources by 2020. In its Aug. 19 editorial, "Sacramento’s power failure," The Times writes that failure to pass the measure would constitute a lack of political will. As chief executive of Southern California Edison, I respectfully believe this issue is more complicated. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/opinionla/la-oew-fohrer8-2009sep08,0,6291655.story BLOGS We must prevent the US Chamber of Commerce from putting climate change 'on trial'. It would be wise for anyone concerned about climate change to keep an eye on the movements and pronouncements of the US Chamber of Commerce over the next few months as Barack Obama's cap-and-trade bill finally reaches the Senate. Posted. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2009/sep/07/chamber-commerce-climate-change-trial ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 9 Sep 2009 11:11:13 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for September 9, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for September 8, 2009. 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. Senate Dems Send Small Signs of Progress on Climate Bill. Key Senate Democrats insisted that they are making incremental progress on a comprehensive global warming bill as they returned to Capitol Hill yesterday following a month long break where health care reform surged to the top of Congress' legislative agenda. Environment and Public Works Chairwoman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) told reporters she has made "many decisions" on the climate legislation in recent weeks but declined to elaborate on specifics ahead of a bill introduction later this month with Foreign Relations Chairman John Kerry (D-Mass.). Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/09/09/09climatewire-senate-dems-send-small-signs-of-progress-on-10605.html?pagewanted=print UN To Add Youtube To Live TV For Climate Momentum. UNITED NATIONS—The U.N. is turning to YouTube to jolt the world's plodding climate diplomacy into higher gear. Instead of relying solely on live television, organizers' of the U.N. chief's Sept. 22 climate summit said Tuesday they've asked some world leaders to make pre-recorded video statements for release on a summit Web site and on YouTube. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13293041?nclick_check=1 Coalition Launches Campaign to Pass Climate Bill. A coalition of environmental, labor, veterans and religious groups formally launched a national lobbying campaign Tuesday aimed at mobilizing grass-roots support for passage of a Senate climate bill this fall. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/08/AR2009090802295.html Diverse Groups Unite For Emissions Cap. A coalition of environmental, labor, veterans and religious groups formally launched a lobbying campaign Tuesday aimed at mobilizing grass-roots support for passage of a Senate climate bill this fall. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/08/AR2009090803574.html Valspar Fined $218K By CARB. Paint and coating giant Valspar has been fined $218,000 for violating state clean-air regulations in 2007 and 2008, according to the California Air Resources Board. Posted. http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/stories/2009/09/07/daily17.html http://yubanet.com/california/Valspar-fined-218-000-for-consumer-products-violations.php Lodi Small Business First To Get State Help In Truck Purchase. A small business based in Lodi in the Central Valley has become the first in California to take delivery of a heavy-duty diesel truck purchased through the “Voucher Incentive Program,” the California Air Resources Board says. The program is part of a statewide effort to cut toxic diesel pollution. Posted. http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=13010 http://www.etrucker.com/apps/news/article.asp?id=81624 Gamboa Named To SJV Air Pollution Control District Board. Visalia will be represented on the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District board for the first time in the board's 17-year history, officials reported Tuesday. Posted. http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/article/20090909/NEWS01/909090315 Climate Bill Needed For U.S. Security, Former Officials Insist. America's national security is at risk unless Congress and the Obama administration end partisan wrangling and agree on legislation to reduce U.S. contributions to climate change, a bipartisan group of former presidential advisers, Cabinet members, senators and military leaders said Tuesday. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/politics/story/846395.html Green Buildings Standard Seen As Flawed. Revelations that many buildings certified as green under a broadly accepted national standard for energy savings are not performing as well as predicted recently prompted changes to the program and are forcing San Francisco officials to consider amending city rules that are tied to the older guidelines. The certification program, called the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), is widely seen as the industry standard for green buildings. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/09/BU1A19K7LM.DTL&type=printable Alternative Energy: Popular, But Devil Is In The Details. A dramatic expansion in California of the use of power generated from wind, solar and other "renewable" energy faces the Legislature in the waning days of the 2009 session, with a complex debate that is targeting money and logistics as much as the power itself. Posted. http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?_c=y98ggaqkqehdie&xid=y97vfpf5lk9iaq&done=.y98ggaqkqf0die MID Maintains Solar Price. Business people planning to produce solar power got part of what they sought Tuesday from the Modesto Irrigation District. Its board voted 5-0 to maintain a purchase price of 23 cents per kilowatt-hour for all the companies that applied before the price dropped to 16 cents last month. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/featured/story/847026.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:03:33 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for September 10, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for September 10, 2009. 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. California Favors Efficiency Over Alt Energy. San Francisco (Reuters) - California's chief climate change official on Wednesday sees a big need for small-scale clean energy like rooftop windmills and neighborhood solar power plants, but the state will gain more from efficiency than renewable power. California legislators are debating whether to commit the state to getting 33 percent of its electricity from renewable power like solar and wind, which is already an informal part of the most populous U.S. state's landmark plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5890DP20090910 Renewable Power: People Love It, But Devil Is In The Details. A dramatic expansion in California of the use of wind, solar and other “renewable” energy faces the Legislature in the waning days of the 2009 session, with a complex debate that is targeting money and logistics as much as the power itself. Boosting the utilities’ “Renewable Portfolio Standard” is backed by environmentalists, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and, generally, by the legislative leadership. Posted. http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?xid=y9bdhsoutk1aqe# Push Renewable Energy Lauded, But Divisions Over Details Remain. Sacramento — Hoping to add "green" jobs to a beleaguered state economy, California lawmakers are poised to take up new rules dramatically increasing the amount of renewable power used in the state over the next 10 years. But while that broad, if ambitious, target — 33 percent by the end of 2020 — has attracted widespread support from utilities, regulators and lawmakers, deep divisions remain over how best to achieve it and how much it might cost. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/california/ci_13302045?source=rss A 5% Blend Of Algae-Based Biofuel Fills The Tank Of A Converted Hybrid Prius. Eleven years ago, author, filmmaker and alternative-fuel advocate Josh Tickell came to the Capitol in a vehicle that ran on used vegetable oil – the cooking fluid of choice for french fries. He was back in Sacramento on Wednesday, driving a modified Toyota Prius running on a fuel mixture that includes 5 percent algae-based biofuel. What transpired in the intervening 11 years? "More people now know what is possible, that green energy solutions and technology are not just a dream. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/business/v-print/story/2171662.html CARB Fines Contractor Thousands for Emissions Violations. The California Air Resources Board fined Dateland Construction Co., Inc $31,950 last month for emissions violations during 2007 and 2008. An ARB investigation showed Dateland Construction, based in Indio, Calif., failed to properly inspect their diesel trucks as required by California law. "Inspection and maintenance costs for a diesel truck fleet are far cheaper than paying penalties," said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. "Public health suffers the consequences when a company ignores clean-air laws." Posted. http://www.constructionequipment.com/article/CA6695801.html http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2009/Sept09/090709/090909-06.htm Calculating Compliance With California ARB Rules. Several companies are taking steps to help forklift fleet operators calculate ways to comply with the California Air Resources Board (ARB) fleet average emission level standards for large spark-ignition (LSI) engines. In 1994, ARB began considering emission control regulations for new LSI engines and, in 1998, adopted the nation’s first LSI-engine emission standards, which were implemented in phases between 2001 and 2004. Posted. http://www.forkliftaction.com/news/newsdisplay.aspx?nwid=7598 Powertech Awarded Shell Contract For High Capacity Hydrogen Fuelling Station. Powertech, BC Hydro's subsidiary specializing in clean energy solutions, announced today that it was selected by Shell Hydrogen, LLC to provide a new hydrogen-fuelling station at its gasoline retail station in Newport Beach, California. The station will soon provide California drivers of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles with more flexibility as it expands the network of available hydrogen fuelling stations. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS102070+10-Sep-2009+PRN20090910 Climate Activists Wait for an Obama Speech to Call Their Own. As President Obama delivered a possible make-or-break speech on health care last night, climate change activists said they were waiting patiently for a similar rhetorical moment. For now, advocates said, there is broad acceptance about the president's decision to push their key issue to the back burner. But many argue that Obama needs to grant climate change equal attention on prime-time television in coming months. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/09/10/10climatewire-climate-activists-wait-for-an-obama-speech-t-31874.html?pagewanted=print http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/09/10/1/ 2nd UPDATE: EU May Give Up To EUR15B For Climate Change Fight. Brussels --The European Commission said Thursday that the European Union may give up to EUR15 billion a year by 2020 to finance the fight to climate change in developing countries, setting out a blueprint for negotiations on a global deal to fight climate change later this year. "This initiative aims to maximize the chances of concluding an ambitious global climate change agreement" at a Copenhagen global meeting in December, the commission said in a statement. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090910-706184.html As Hill Debate Flounders, EPA Plows Ahead On Emission Rules. The Obama administration is finalizing rules to control industrial greenhouse gas emissions amid growing skepticism about the prospects of Congress passing a comprehensive climate change bill this year. U.S. EPA is nearly finished with rules that answer the Supreme Court's 2007 opinion on global warming, as well as a nationwide standard to control greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/09/10/1 U.S. Must Reject All Offset Mechanisms -- Enviro Group. A report released today by an environmental group is calling on the United States to reject outright the current system of international carbon offsets, which sees wealthy countries pay developing nations to make emission cuts at budget rates. "It is vital that the inherent and systemic flaws in the approach are recognized as U.S. policymakers debate climate legislation," the report by Friends of the Earth says. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/09/10/5 Brazil Bashes U.S. Emissions Goal. Brazil's Environment Minister said yesterday that U.S. goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions fall short of what is needed. Carlos Minc also promised his country would soon announce its own greenhouse goals that would include restrictions on the country's agriculture sector to curb deforestation. The U.S. goal of returning to 1990 levels by 2020 is "very poor," Minc said. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/09/10/6 EU Offers Poor Nations Billions In Climate Aid. Brussels — The European Union proposed Thursday to offer up to euro15 billion ($21.8 billion) a year in aid to poor developing countries to persuade them to sign a new global climate change agreement. However, development and environmental campaigners blasted the offer as insufficient because it assumes that poorer nations will bear most of the costs of reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gmRKILNtrv3xjLPjT60OHovq6A4gD9AKGLT00 Five EU States Vow To Step Up Climate Diplomacy. Copenhagen (Reuters) - Britain, France, Denmark, Sweden and Finland agreed Thursday to intensify "green diplomacy" to rescue an ambitious global climate agreement in Copenhagen in December, officials said. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE5893Y620090910 Opinion: Climate insecurity. The debate over climate change legislation is beginning to heat up. The American Clean Energy and Security Act was passed by the House and is now before the Senate. The debate on this issue typically takes the form of environmental concerns about global warming pitted against economic fears about the cost of reducing greenhouse gases. It is often framed in left-right terms. Posted. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.climatechange10sep10,0,7669179.story How To Move The Public On Climate Action? Many Americans believe climate change is an impending environmental threat that faces us in the next millennium, however, although global warming is considered the biggest threat, most people are not committed to making the choices and lifestyle changes that are required. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-12791-SF-Green-Careers-Examiner~y2009m9d9-How-to-move-the-public-on-climate-action California Issues Regulations for Pay-As-You-Drive Insurance. California's insurance commissioner, Steven Poizner, has issued final pay-as-you-drive regulations, which will enable insurers to offer consumers rates that are based on actual miles driven as opposed to estimated miles driven. "Pay as you drive is an innovative way to create financial incentives for California motorists to drive less, leading to lower-cost auto insurance, less air pollution and a reduced dependence on foreign oil," said Poizner. Posted. http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2009/09/10/103600.htm Wind Power: Obama's Promises Just Hot Air So Far. Washington -- President Barack Obama is still at least a year away from seeing wind turbines take root anywhere off the U.S. coast, even though his administration has promised to make offshore wind a priority, and even though developers are lining up to string wind farms up and down the Atlantic seaboard. The administration, delayed by controversy and red tape, has made "clean energy" one of its top policy pushes but has yet to grant a single permit for wind or solar development on public land, onshore or off. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/2169052.html Disputed South Bay Power Plant Could Lose Permit. But state operator says it's a ‘must run’ facility. Chula Vista — The region's water-pollution regulators yesterday warned operators of the South Bay Power Plant that a key permit might be canceled in coming months, even though California's electricity managers said the facility is critical to ensuring a stable energy supply. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/sep/10/disputed-south-bay-power-plant-could-lose-permit/ Sarkozy Urges Carbon Tax on Households and Businesses. Paris -- French President Nicolas Sarkozy wants to tax carbon dioxide emissions by households and businesses, a measure aimed at helping France slash its output greenhouse gases over the coming decades -- but viewed with skepticism by many. In a highly anticipated speech on the subject, Mr. Sarkozy sought to convince his compatriots of the need for the carbon tax, which surveys show around two-thirds of the French oppose. France would be the largest economy to impose one so far. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125259026423099435.html BNA Daily Environment Report, Sept. 9, 2009. Climate Change Senators Urged to Strengthen Targets, Protect State Authority in Climate Legislation. A group of state environmental officials urged Senate Democrats in a Sept. 2 letter to rein in “overly generous” carbon offsets awarded to the agricultural and forestry sector in House climate change legislation and to ensure that states can continue to take steps to curb greenhouse gas emissions. The letter, sent to two Democrats who are drafting Senate climate legislation—Sens. Barbara Boxer (Calif.) and John Kerry (Mass.)—also called for strengthening the 2020 emissions reduction target in the House bill. The legislation would require that emissions be cut 17 percent from 2005 levels by 2020. The letter said the Senate should press for a 20 percent cut by 2020 and should include language to “periodically” adjust targets if scientific findings suggest it is warranted. “The House bill falls short of requiring the GHG reductions in the U.S. called for by the consensus opinion of the scientific community,” the letter said. The House approved its climate change bill in June; Boxer and Kerry plan to introduce their bill in late September. Senate Democrats hope to move the bill to the floor in mid-to-late October (171 DEN A-9, 9/8/09). The Sept. 2 letter was sent from nine state environmental officials including Mary Nichols, chairwoman of the California Air Resources Board; Amey Marrella, acting commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection; and Douglas Scott, director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. The state officials warned that the House bill (H.R. 2454) relies too much on emissions offsets for reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. The offset provisions would allow power plants and other companies to earn credit toward making required emissions cuts by funding tree planting and other farm and forestry efforts to store carbon. The Senate bill should “provide reasonable assurance that the majority of emissions reductions will come from within capped sectors” that are required to make actual emissions reductions, the officials wrote. Also signing the letter were David Littell commissioner of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection; Laurie Burt, commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection; Mark Mauriello, commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; Pete Grannis, commissioner of the New York Department of Environmental Conservation; Dick Pederson, director of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality; and Jay Manning, director of the Washington State Department of Ecology. The letter's call for maintaining state regulatory authority over greenhouse gas emissions echoed a number of similar recent suggestions offered by state officials, including a group of state attorneys general in an Aug. 31 letter to Boxer and Kerry (168 DEN A-10, 9/2/09). State Authority Should be Maintained In their Sept. 2 letter, the nine state environmental officials said the Senate also should maintain certain provisions that give states specific authority to adopt or enforce their own renewable electricity standards and energy efficiency laws, and to regulate electricity rates. The House bill, authored by Reps. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) and Edward Markey (D-Mass.), would preempt state emissions caps as well as regional efforts to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from 2012 to 2017 to provide ample time for the establishment of a federal carbon trading market. “If the Senate finds it necessary to impose a short moratorium on state/regional cap-and-trade programs, the duration should be consistent with the requisite compliance periods within existing programs” and should not begin until the federal cap-and-trade program is operational, the letter said. Also, if “for any reason, implementation of the federal program is delayed, the moratorium” on state and regional programs “should be similarly delayed,” the state officials wrote. Other state groups, including the National Association of Clean Air Agencies, have urged the Senate to abandon the House bill's 2012-2017 moratorium on state efforts. NACAA, in an Aug. 5 letter to the Senate, said that “no compelling reason has been offered for this encroachment on states' rights.” By Dean Scott The Sept. 2 letter from the nine state environmental officials to Sens. Boxer and Kerry is available at http://www.nescaum.org under the heading “Items of Interest.” ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:36:14 -0700 Subject: arbcombo -- Public Workshop to Discuss Enforcement Policy From: wfell@arb.ca.gov The Air Resources Board (ARB) invites you to participate in a workshop to discuss ARB enforcement policy in a public forum. ARB is interested in exploring ways to achieve higher levels of compliance, expedite settlements, prioritize actions, eliminate economic advantage from violations, ensure consistent enforcement results, serve environmental justice communities, encourage voluntary compliance, increase access to ARB’s administrative hearing process, and communicate the goals of ARB’s enforcement program. ARB is also interested in discussing strict liability for violations, model penalty policies and ways to increase opportunities for public access, outreach, compliance assistance and training. To view the public notice, please go to: http://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/meetings/notice.pdf . For more information, please contact the Enforcement Division at (916) 322-7061. 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To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, visit the Flex Your Power website at www.fypower.org . ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:56:23 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for September 14, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for September 14, 2009. 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. California Lawmakers Pass Tougher Clean Energy Goals. Los Angeles (Reuters) - A bill that would power up California's already ambitious effort to shift to cleaner, renewable energy has cleared the state legislature, but it was uncertain if Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger would sign it. Schwarzenegger, who supports the more aggressive requirements in the measure, is under pressure from interests such as small energy producers and local utility districts to veto the bill. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/09/14/us/politics/politics-us-california-energy.html?_r=2&sq=+California%20+Governor&st=nyt&scp=1&pagewanted=print Schwarzenegger May Order A Change In Green Energy Rules. An order expected this week would require a third of energy to come from renewable resources -- possibly with no limit on importing such power from other states. He may seek to include nuclear power. Reporting from Sacramento. After vowing to veto this year's biggest environmental bill, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is expected to issue an executive order by midweek that would require all electric utilities to generate a third of their power from renewable resources, such as wind and solar power, by 2020. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-power14-2009sep14,0,4534750,print.story Climate Bill Politics Are Heating Up. Supporters of Obama's clean-energy plan say the issue is not just jobs. National security is at stake as well. Reporting from Washington. After months of promoting President Obama's climate plan as a vehicle to create millions of clean-energy jobs, supporters of the legislation are increasingly pushing another strategy -- its benefits for national security. It's a deliberate, anxiety-themed effort to press a handful of fence-sitting moderates to support a bill that will probably be the administration's next great legislative push after healthcare. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-warming-security14-2009sep14,0,4737144,print.story NF3 Bill Clears State Legislature; Prospects With Governor Uncertain. San Francisco -- The California Legislature has moved to regulate a potent greenhouse gas that is not addressed by the Kyoto Protocol or the state's global warming law. Legislation approved last week by Sen. Jenny Oropeza (D) and delivered to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) gives the Air Resources Board authority to curb the use of nitrogen trifluoride, or NF3, in the production of flat-screen televisions, solar panels and microprocessors. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/09/14/3 http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_13318230 Stricter Vehicle Emissions Rules Are Targeted. A lawsuit challenges President Obama's efforts to further limit greenhouse gas emissions by seeking to block the waiver the EPA gave California under the Clean Air Act. A federal lawsuit by two industry groups aims to halt the U.S. government and the state of California from moving ahead with new greenhouse gas emissions rules for cars and trucks -- an action that, if successful, could scuttle a key piece of the Obama administration's plans to set stricter nationwide standards for vehicles. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-emissions-waiver11-2009sep11,0,6303213,print.story Climate Change To Slash Nations' GDP Up To 19 Percent – Study. Nations expected to pay a big economic price for climate change can ease their financial losses by taking cost-effective preventive measures early on, like improving drainage and sea barrier infrastructure, a new study out today finds. The report, developed by a coalition of major climate change foundations, found that global warming could cost some countries as much as 19 percent of their gross domestic product by 2030. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/09/14/4 Rockefeller Finds It's Better to Negotiate on Climate Bill Than Sit on Sidelines. As one of the nation's largest producers of coal, West Virginia has more to lose than many other states when it comes to the debate over comprehensive global warming and energy legislation. And that is why across the state, the loudest voices now being heard are against taking the kinds of aggressive actions envisioned by President Obama and Democratic congressional leaders. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/09/14/14climatewire-rockefeller-finds-its-better-to-negotiate-on-65562.html?pagewanted=print Schwarzenegger Says He'll Veto Renewable Portfolio Mandate. San Francisco -- California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) has pledged to veto the 33 percent renewable portfolio standard passed by the California Legislature late last week. A pair of renewable energy bills squeaked through the Statehouse late Friday, just before lawmakers adjourned their annual session. But the votes were met with immediate criticism from the governor, who believes the measures would unfairly limit out-of-state deliveries from wind, solar and geothermal energy sources. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/09/14/2 Car Dealers Appeal Ruling On California Emissions. Car dealers appeal ruling on California emissions. Washington — Auto dealers and business leaders on Thursday appealed a decision by the Environmental Protection Agency that allowed California to establish the nation's first greenhouse gas standards for cars and trucks, setting the stage for a potential attempt to block the global warming rules. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j4gSi9g13wy_f-JBmD42bk-LmzcwD9AKP65O5 Lawsuit Over California Greenhouse-Gas Limits. Washington -- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Automobile Dealers Association have gone to court to challenge the Obama administration's decision to let California limit climate-changing greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/11/MN3119LCJN.DTL&type=printable Auto Dealers, Chamber Fight Calif. Emissions Waiver. Washington -- Auto dealers and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have gone to federal court challenging the Environmental Protection Agency's decision to let California and other states regulate automobile greenhouse-gas emissions. The two industry groups fear that the EPA's decision will set a precedent for California to set stricter emission standards for a raft of different emitting sectors. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125261605619400851.html#printMode Nations Remain Divided on Global Warming Policy, U.S. Negotiator Says.Washington — The Obama administration’s senior negotiator on global warming warned Thursday that developed and developing nations remained deeply divided in talks on reducing greenhouse gases and that time was running out before United Nations treaty negotiations in December. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/11/science/earth/11stern.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print Air Board Fines Dateline Construction. The California Air Resources Board has fined an Indio company for failing to inspect diesel trucks properly. Dateland Construction Co. Inc. specializes in heavy grading, utility undergrounding and making site improvements. Posted. http://www.mydesert.com/article/20090913/BUSINESS/909120375/1003/business/Valley+business+briefs+for+Sunday++Sept.+13 State's Air Rules Push Ships Into Navy Test Zone. New state regulations to curb air pollution from ships offshore of California are having the unintended consequence of pushing more vessels into the Navy’s Point Mugu Sea Range, making it harder for the service to test missiles and other weapons technology, according to a local advocacy group. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/sep/10/group-says-air-rules-push-ships-into-navy-test/ Activists Blast Government Spending At 'Tea Party'. "Please don't tell Obama what comes after a trillion." Those words were on a T-shirt that Barbara Murray wore to a "tea party" protest organized by the Orange County 912 Project. This is a group, which was formed in support of Fox News' Glenn Beck's call to all Americans to feel how "we felt the day after Sept. 11, 2001." Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/tea-obama-government-2563069-people-news Santa Cruz Shrinks Its Carbon Footprint. City residents are well on their way to shrinking their carbon footprint to a size not seen in 20 years, since before the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Since 1996, Santa Cruz residents have reduced the amount of carbon dioxide pollution they create annually by more than 110,000 tons, from 455,187 tons in 1996 to 344,230 tons in 2008, according to city officials. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/centralcoast/ci_13331867 Big Utility Puts Carbon Capture Technology to the Test. At the Mountaineer power plant, more than 10,000 tons of coal are pulverized to a fine powder each day and combusted inside the fiery inferno of one of the biggest boilers on earth. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/09/14/14climatewire-big-utility-puts-carbon-capture-technology-t-28424.html As Hill Debate on Climate Flounders, EPA Plows Ahead on Emission Rules. The Obama administration is finalizing rules to control industrial greenhouse gas emissions amid growing skepticism about the prospects of Congress passing a comprehensive climate change bill this year. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/09/10/10greenwire-as-hill-debate-on-climate-flounders-epa-plows-47515.html?scp=4&sq=carbon%20emission&st=cse 'Green' Energy Rules Weighed. In one of their final acts of this session, state lawmakers today will consider increasing the requirements for California's use of renewable energy — a move that could have a direct impact on the “green” efforts in the Coachella Valley. Posted. http://www.mydesert.com/article/20090911/NEWS07/909110303 Our View: Protectionist Plan Will Hurt Consumers. California, which has a habit of being first on environmental issues, appears set to embark on what might be the most ambitious expansion of renewable energy anywhere in the world. The Legislature seems certain to pass by tonight a bill requiring utilities to use renewable energy sources to produce at least 33 percent of our electricity by 2020. Posted. http://www.mercedsunstar.com/181/story/1050607.html UC Merced Team Tackles Solar Energy As Cooling Sources. Someday, you might unplug your air conditioner and cool your house on a 110- degree afternoon by cranking up the heat from the sun. In his laboratory at the University of California at Merced, physicist Roland Winston says he is nearing a breakthrough that could make that scenario happen in the next several years. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/local/story/853524.html Santa Cruz Shrinks Its Carbon Footprint. City residents are well on their way to shrinking their carbon footprint to a size not seen in 20 years, since before the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Since 1996, Santa Cruz residents have reduced the amount of carbon dioxide pollution they create annually by more than 110,000 tons, from 455,187 tons in 1996 to 344,230 tons in 2008, according to city officials. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/centralcoast/ci_13331867 Earthtalk: Boating Industry Goes Green Using Hybrid Technology. Dear EarthTalk: I've heard that hybrid engine technology is now being used to power boats. What's happening with that? - D. Smith, Portland, ME . With concerns about climate change and the fate of the world's imperiled oceans and waterways at an all time high, it makes sense that the boating industry would be looking into greener ways to try to do their part and to attract some of those increasing numbers of environmentally conscious customers. Posted. http://www.dailynews.com/search/ci_13318960?IADID=Search-www.dailynews.com-www.dailynews.com African-American Women Honored In Oakland For Green Leadership. The green movement has been dominated by the image of environmentally minded liberals driving hybrid cars and sipping $3 lattes from recyclable paper cups. The reality, however, is a politically driven process often bogged down by bureaucracy and profit-driven motives, according to Port of Oakland Commissioner Margaret Gordon. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/green/ci_13318411 Schwarzenegger's Green Legacy at Risk. Campsites closed in redwood forests. Schoolchildren shut out of field trips to historic sites like Sutter's Fort. Padlocks on parking lots at glimmering beaches. This week, state parks officials are expected to release a list of up to 100 California parks that will be closed to save money, and the impacts will be felt far and wide. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/green/ci_13333064 South Coast Air Quality Management District Approves Funding for 483 Natural-Gas-Fueled Trucks To Replace Diesel Trucks for Drayage at Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. Action Will More Than Double the Current Number of Natural Gas Trucks at the Ports. Seal Beach, Calif.-The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Governing Board voted last Friday to approve funding for 483 natural gas-fueled (liquefied natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG)) trucks to replace old diesel trucks serving the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, according to Clean Energy Fuels Corp. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS98058+14-Sep-2009+BW20090914 Guest Contributor: Understanding Truck Emissions Mandates. Responding to new standards includes replacement, retrofits. Santa Rosa – As emissions rules that require the gradual retirement of diesel-powered over-the-road vehicles are set to take effect in the next two years, a state air-quality regulator visited the North Bay recently to offer solutions for compliance. Posted. http://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/14980/guest-contributor-understanding-truck-emissions-mandates/ BLOGS Chamber of Commerce and Car Dealers Fight California Emissions Rules. The United States Chamber of Commerce is joining with the National Automobile Dealers Association to try to derail California’s ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. In a preliminary filing on Tuesday with the United States Court of Appeals in Washington, the chamber and the association asked for a review of an action by the Environmental Protection Agency in June that granted California a waiver allowing it to regulate tailpipe climate emissions. Posted. http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/10/chamber-of-commerce-car-dealers-fight-california-emissions-rules/?pagemode=print A Battle Over California Emissions Rules. The United States Chamber of Commerce is joining with the National Automobile Dealers Association to try to derail California’s ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/11/a-battle-over-california-emissions-rules/ http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/10/chamber-of-commerce-car-dealers-fight-california-emissions-rules/?scp=5&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse California Juggles Clean Energy Standards. This weekend, the California legislature voted to approve a requirement that the state get 33 percent of its electricity from renewable resources by 2020. If signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, it would be the largest “renewable portfolio standard” in the country. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/14/california-juggles-clean-energy-standards/ Goal of M.I.T. Electric Car Is 10-Minute Charge Time. A team of six undergraduates at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has converted a 2010 Mercury Milan hybrid into a pure battery electric car. It’s part of a larger program with the goal of building an electric car that can travel 200 miles between charges and have a charging time of 10 minutes. By comparison, Tesla Motors says that its $3,000 Home Connector unit can fully charge its Roadster in less than four hours. Posted. http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/14/goal-of-mit-electric-car-is-10-minute-charge-time/ Is Schwarzenegger Considering Making Nuclear Power ‘Renewable’? Keep an eye on California’s renewable-energy policies. They could, like so much else in the Bear Republic, have big national implications. This weekend, the state legislature passed a pair of bills enshrining the long-sought goal of generating 33% of the state’s electricity from renewable sources by 2020. The state already has the toughest standard in the country, which requires utilities to get 20% of their power from renewable sources by 2010. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/09/14/is-schwarzenegger-considering-making-nuclear-power-renewable/tab/print/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:14:39 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for September 15, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for September 15, 2009. 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. Schwarzenegger Plans Executive Order On Renewable Energy. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will take charge today of how California utilities meet a goal that one-third of their power be generated by renewable energy by 2020. Schwarzenegger plans to issue an executive order, aides said, that will instruct the California Air Resources Control Board to design regulations for how utilities can meet a 33 percent renewable goal. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/politics/v-print/story/2183025.html Governor To Veto Energy Plan, Implement His Own. Sacramento -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will veto a renewable energy standard passed Saturday by the Legislature and instead will launch, by executive order today, his own plan to require utilities to get a third of their energy from renewable sources, administration officials said Monday. The bill's standard mandates that 33 percent of energy sold by utility companies come from renewable sources by 2020 - the most stringent renewable thresholds in the nation. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/15/BA2O19N20K.DTL&type=printable A Clean-Energy Plan In Doubt. California is poised to push green, renewable power to a new level, a goal of 33 percent of its energy diet by 2020. But there's a holdup from a surprise source: Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, usually a reliable green-tech ally. The fight isn't finished, but he's signaling that he wants to take a softer - and potentially less sweeping - course in the shift to wind, solar, geothermal and other renewable sources. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/15/EDS919N0PE.DTL&type=printable California Feud Breaks Out On Clean Energy Plan. San Francisco/Los Angeles (Reuters) - California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will veto a bill requiring the state to get a third of its electricity from solar, wind and other renewable sources, his staff said on Monday in a fight that shows the difficulties of addressing climate change fast. Schwarzenegger, whose legacy is largely pinned on driving California's response to global warming, believes the bill passed in the last hours of the legislative session on Friday would make it more difficult to build solar plants in the state and to buy power from neighbors. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE58B1YM20090914 Schwarzenegger To Issue Renewable Energy Order. Sacramento, Calif. — Administration officials say Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is moving ahead with plans to sign an executive order establishing the most aggressive renewable energy standard in the nation. The governor plans to sign the order Tuesday. It would require utilities to generate one-third of their electricity from renewable sources such as wind, solar or geothermal plants by 2020. His office says the governor will veto a similar bill passed by lawmakers last week. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g-95_hW8k5bE1za44MIkrEhQIxlQD9ANA6K81 CALIFORNIA: Key Energy Figures Urge Veto Of RPS Mandate. San Francisco -- Key figures in California's energy sector rallied to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's (R) side today to throw their support behind his pledge to veto the renewable portfolio standard that passed the state Legislature last week. Like the governor, their argument boils down to this: The pair of bills that would increase the state's RPS to 33 percent of total load is well-intentioned but misguided. Opponents take particular issue with the attempt to close down the border and limit imports from other Western states. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/eenewspm/rss/2009/09/14/2 Calif. Governor To Issue Executive Order On Renewable Law. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is expected to issue an executive order September 15 instructing the California Air Resources Control Board to design regulations on how the state's utilities should meet a 33 percent renewable standard. The state legislature passed a new law on September 11 requiring utilities to make a third of their electricity generation from renewable resources by the year 2020. The previous law currently requires 20 percent renewables by next year. Posted. http://pepei.pennnet.com/Articles/Article_Display.cfm?Section=ARTCL&SubSection=Display&PUBLICATION_ID=6&ARTICLE_ID=369082 Troubles Ahead for California’s Climate and Solar Bills. California’s Governor says he plans to veto a bill that requires the state to get one third of its electricity from renewable resources, while state legislators failed to pass a solar bill that would expand the state’s net metering program. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger believes the bill would make it more difficult to build solar plants in the state and to buy power from neighbors, although he will issue an executive order with the same goal, but different rules, according to Reuters. Posted. http://www.environmentalleader.com/2009/09/15/troubles-ahead-for-californias-climate-and-solar-bills/ World Bank Report Slams 'Inertia' in the Face of Climate Change. A major new World Bank report out today concludes that the world can fight poverty and climate change at the same time. But it won't be easy, and it won't be cheap. The biennial global economic assessment, which this year focuses exclusively on the threat of climate change, estimates that nations will need nearly $500 billion annually by 2030 to both develop clean energy technologies across the world and cope with natural disasters. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/09/15/15climatewire-world-bank-report-slams-inertia-in-the-face-18561.html?pagewanted=print http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/14/AR2009091403307.html?hpid=moreheadlines http://www.reuters.com/article/homepageCrisis/idUS125302738051._CH_.2400 Businesses Stand to Profit From Adapting to Climate Change – Report. As climate change shifts agricultural patterns and alters coastlines, people globally must adapt. But within the need for adaptation lie business opportunities, a new report says. The report, released today by Oxfam America, highlights several areas of business that can benefit by addressing the adaptation challenges that climate change will bring. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/09/15/15climatewire-businesses-stand-to-profit-from-adapting-to-64584.html?pagewanted=print California Legislature Inaction Dims Solar Power Savings. Orders for solar power systems have been surging in Northern California, but a legislative technicality is threatening to trip up the sector's growth. The 2006 bill that created California's "million solar roofs" program provided generous ratepayer-funded subsidies for solar electricity. But, in part to allay electric-utility anxieties about runaway growth of self-generated power, it also set a limit on how much solar capacity could be set up for "net metering." Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/business/v-print/story/2182910.html Air Quality Back To Normal In L.A. Basin. Three weeks after the Station fire began, most hazardous smoke has dissipated, regulators say. Air quality has improved to "good" and "moderate" levels in Los Angeles County after clouds of smoke from the nearly three-week Station fire prompted health officials to caution residents and warn against strenuous outdoor activities. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has not issued a smoke advisory since Thursday and has since reported that most unhealthy air in the Los Angeles Basin is not attributed to the fire, said spokesman Sam Atwood. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-fire-air15-2009sep15,0,119742,print.story EPA to Update Rules for Power-Plant Discharge. Washington -- The Environmental Protection Agency Tuesday said it plans to update rules requiring coal-fired power plants to clean up wastewater before the fluid is discharged, a move that would require investments in costly treatment systems. The action would mark the first time since 1982 that the EPA has revised the guidelines. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125302666602312187.html Bill Could Restart Pollution Crediting Program. Sacramento - State lawmakers approved legislation late last week that would let the region's air-quality regulator issue emission-reduction credits that had been tied up by a court fight with environmentalists. The Legislature also passed a related measure that would clear the way for the construction of a power plant in Riverside County's Coachella Valley. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/politics/stories/PE_News_Local_S_credits15.3bda448.html# New Approach Reorganizes Agency's Climate Response. The Interior Department has announced a package of top-level initiatives aimed at coordinating and centralizing its approach to climate change. By signing a secretarial order yesterday, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar established a Climate Change Response Council, along with eight regional response centers that will piece together relevant data and management strategies and help managers translate this information into on-the-ground action. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/09/15/6 Supporters Of Climate Legislation Argue Security Risks Of Foreign Oil Dependence. Washington -- After months of promoting President Barack Obama's climate plan as a vehicle for creating millions of clean-energy jobs, supporters of the legislation are increasingly pushing another strategy: touting its benefits for national security. It's a deliberate, anxiety-themed effort to pressure a handful of fence-sitting moderates to support a bill that is likely to be the Obama administration's next great legislative push after health care. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/2183375.html IEA Says Developing Countries Drift Toward High-Carbon. Developing countries could get "locked in" to a carbon-spewing future that would make it impossible to contain global temperatures, according to a report issued today by the International Energy Agency. As energy demand surges in the developing nations, they are turning to low-cost, high-carbon power solutions to feed their economies. These power plants are built to last for decades, and once built, they become too expensive to dismantle. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/09/15/5 Report Provides Road Map For Cutting Price Tag Of Carbon Capture. The long-term cost of removing carbon dioxide from coal emissions could drop dramatically if the federal government would pour more money into promising technologies now, says a new report co-authored by climate experts at universities, national energy labs, businesses and environmental groups. In particular, the 76-page document argues that potential processes that can gasify coal underground could be a breakthrough for power generators searching for a way to reduce their carbon footprints cheaply. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/09/15/4 Pursuing a Battery So Electric Vehicles Can Go the Extra Miles. San Jose, Calif. — A future generation lithium-air battery might be the much sought after power source for electric vehicles with ranges that match gasoline powered cars of today. The interest in the as-yet-unproven technology was underscored this summer when I.B.M. said it had begun to pursue a tenfold improvement in battery storage, with hopes of reaching the goal before the end of the next decade. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/15/science/15batt.html?sq=environment&st=cse&scp=8&pagewanted=print BLOGS Zipcar Expands Around UCLA And USC. Zipcar: the leaner, greener solution to the Los Angeles traffic tarantula? City officials seem to think so. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and City Council members have paired with the Massachusetts company to expand an existing car-sharing program based around UCLA and USC. Adding 12 hybrids and SmartWay-rated vehicles to the 14 Zipcars already at UCLA and the 16 at USC could limit traffic congestion, cut back on exhaust fumes and emissions, and keep drivers from circling aimlessly while looking for parking spots. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/09/zipcar-expands-around-ucla-and-usca.html A Mad Dash for Smart Grid Cash. By the time the late August application deadline had expired, a United States Department of Energy program to distribute $615 million to fund projects demonstrating smart grid technology had attracted 140 proposals requesting a total of $2.3 billion. “The response is very encouraging,” said Jen Stutsman, a spokeswoman for the Energy Department. “We expect some very competitive projects. ”With companies required to chip in 50 percent of the cost, the $615 million in grants will support at least $1.2 billion in smart grid projects. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/15/a-mad-dash-for-smart-grid-cash/?scp=7&sq=energy%20and%20environment&st=cse ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:05:29 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for September 16, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for September 16, 2009. 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. White House Rolls Out Details of Auto Fuel Economy, Emissions Standard. The Obama administration today released details of its national suite of auto standards that would mandate increased fuel economy and impose the first-ever greenhouse gas standard on the nation's cars and trucks. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/09/15/15greenwire-white-house-rolls-out-details-of-auto-fuel-eco-13342.html http://www.usatoday.com/MONEY/usaedition/2009-09-17-gasmileage16_ST_U.htm http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-fuel-economy16-2009sep16,0,1658023.story http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/15/AR2009091503146_pf.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_13340786 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/15/AR2009091501300.html?hpid=moreheadlines Senate Delay on Climate Bill Could Stymie Copenhagen Talks. Climate change activists reacted sharply yesterday to indications from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) that cap-and-trade legislation may have to wait until 2010, warning that the delay could derail international negotiations in Copenhagen. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/09/16/16climatewire-senate-delay-on-climate-bill-could-stymie-co-65720.html Some Bad Climate News and Some Good. Senators Barbara Boxer and John Kerry have delayed the introduction of their long-awaited climate change bill until the end of this month — one more sign that Congress will be hard pressed to get a bill to President Obama’s desk before the international summit on global warming in Stockholm in December. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/16/opinion/16wed2.html Groups Seek Billions in Climate Bill for Resource Adaptation . A coalition of nearly 600 conservation, outdoor and recreation groups is calling on the Senate to dedicate billions of dollars in a climate change bill to wildlife and natural resources threatened by global warming. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/09/15/15greenwire-groups-seek-billions-in-climate-bill-for-resou-80004.html Study Tracks Birds' Movements Due to Global Warming. A recent study published by UC Berkeley researchers Monday analyzes the flight of birds from their natural habitats due to warming climate conditions. The researchers tracked the breeding ranges of 53 bird species from 82 different sites in the Sierra Nevada mountain range over the course of the past six years. Posted. http://www.dailycal.org/article/106634/study_tracks_birds_movements_due_to_global_warming U.S. Plans Could Derail Copenhagen Deal, Europe Says. European negotiators hoping to forge a compromise with the United States and developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions say the Obama administration's proposals could undermine a new global treaty and weaken the world's ability to stave off the worst effects of climate change. The London Guardian reports that key differences have emerged between the United States and Europe over the way carbon reduction targets would be counted. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/2009/09/16/7/ Senate Delay On Climate Bill Could Stymie Copenhagen Talks. Climate change activists reacted sharply yesterday to indications from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) that cap-and-trade legislation may have to wait until 2010, warning that the delay could derail international negotiations in Copenhagen. Annie Petsonk, international counsel for Environmental Defense Fund, said she fears the U.N. talks slated for December will flounder without a clear plan from President Obama to move climate legislation through Congress. "The appearance to the international community would be that the U.S. Congress is just adrift," she said. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/09/16/1 Senate To Consider Limits On Carbon Dioxide Emissions. Lawmakers are looking to the EU's Emissions Trading System for guidance on managing permit price volatility as they consider the nation's first-ever bill limiting the emissions. While healthcare dominates the headlines, the Senate is preparing to consider a bill that could dramatically reshape the economy by setting the nation's first-ever limits on carbon dioxide emissions. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-carbon-trading16-2009sep16,0,6762996,print.story Governor's Order Gives Boost To Clean Energy. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed an executive order Tuesday giving California the nation's most aggressive alternative energy standards, requiring utilities to get a third of their power from renewable sources by 2020. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090916/BUSINESS/909161075 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/15/BA2O19N20K.DTL&type=green http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/environment/ http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN1582549 http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-power16-2009sep16,0,7418338,print.story http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/16/us/16standard.html http://www.kmjnow.com/pages/landing_news?Gov-Wants-State-to-Be-More-Green=1&blockID=75363&feedID=806 http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13341659 http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090916-705777.html A Truly Green Oakland - #1. In recent years "going green" seems to have become the fashionable thing, especially in the Bay Area. As encouraging as the trend is, it is simply a trend - "going green" for most is a matter of appearance more than an actual ethical or ideological pursuit. While I don't want to insult anyone who has an interest in changing their lifestyle to promote a healthier world, it is important to understand what will and what won't save the environment. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-20145-Oakland-Liberal-Examiner~y2009m9d15-A-truly-green-Oakland--1 Rolling Medical Clinic Brings Relief, Education To Young Asthma Sufferers. That sounds like a simple task. But for children like Smith who suffer from asthma, being able to take a deep breath is not always guaranteed. On Monday, the third-grader at Anna Yates Elementary School in Emeryville was one of the first students to visit the Breathmobile, a rolling medical clinic in a specially outfitted Vanhool bus. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_13341317 EPA To Place Limits On Power Plant Water Pollution. Washington—For the first time in nearly 30 years, the Environmental Protection Agency plans to limit the quantity of toxic metals that coal-fired power plants release into waterways. The agency said Tuesday that equipment required to reduce pollution in the air has increased harmful contaminants in water discharged by power plants, particularly heavy metals such as selenium, cadmium, mercury and lead. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_13341247 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/15/AR2009091501692.html Doctors Tell Politicians To Fight Climate Change. London—A weak response to climate change could be catastrophic for international health, leading doctors said in two British medical journals Wednesday. Experts have previously warned that global warming could mean a spike in diseases including malaria and dengue fever, and that higher temperatures would result in food shortages, sanitation problems and extreme weather events like hurricanes and floods. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/health/ci_13347852 North America Backs Plan To Cut Greenhouse Gases. United Nations—Small island nations gained North America's powerful backing Tuesday for a plan to convert the U.N. ozone treaty into a tool for phasing out some of the globe's most powerful climate-warming gases. The Obama administration announced the United States, Canada and Mexico now support using the treaty to require cuts in powerful greenhouse gases known as hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13343635 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/15/AR2009091503252.html Report: Great Lakes Toxic Cleanups Lagging Badly. Traverse City, Mich.—Cleanup of the most polluted sites in the Great Lakes is moving so slowly it will take 77 more years to finish the job at the existing pace, according to a federal report. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency still does not know the full extent of the problem even though the highly contaminated spots were identified two decades ago, said the report by the agency's inspector general. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13342783 ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:47:27 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- California Air Resources Board News Clips for September 17, 2009 From: sponedal@ARB.CA.GOV 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. Obama Administration Pushes Climate Talks Into 2010. Top U.S. energy and climate leaders yesterday began to openly plan for international global warming talks to trickle into 2010. Experts have predicted for months that a major U.N. summit in Copenhagen this December -- billed as the place 192 nations would complete a new emissions pact -- would not deliver by deadline. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/09/17/17climatewire-obama-administration-pushes-climate-talks-in-22433.html?pagewanted=print White House to Revise Bush-Era Smog Rule. The Obama administration signaled Wednesday that it would scrap a controversial Bush-era rule that set stricter limits for smog but fell short of scientific recommendations. In a notice filed Wednesday in a federal appeals court, the Justice Department says there are concerns that the revision made by the Bush administration does not adhere to federal air pollution law. The Environmental Protection Agency will propose revised smog standards to protect public health and the environment in late December. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/16/AR2009091603451_pf.html Interest In Algae's Oil Prospects Is Growing. Firms and scientists are racing to figure out how best to separate the oil produced in the organisms for biofuel. The San Diego area has become a hotbed for these efforts that are drawing investors. To many, algae is little more than pond scum, a nuisance to swimmers and a frustration to boaters. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-algae17-2009sep17,0,5816697,print.story Will World Make December Climate Deadline? The clock has begun ticking on the countdown to the United Nations Climate Summit this December in Copenhagen where leaders from 192 countries will gather to forge an effective response to climate change. We all know what is at stake: the signals from our warming planet are becoming all too clear. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/17/EDGO19O324.DTL&type=printable Limiting Global Warming To 2 Degrees C Unlikely – Report. The international goal of limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels is unlikely to be met, even if China takes further steps to curbs its emissions, according to a prominent Chinese research center. The report, released by China's Energy Research Institute, also says a goal of halving developing nations' greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, resisted by China and other developing nations, could cramp economic growth. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/09/17/8 White House Clears GHG Reporting. U.S. EPA is poised to establish a national registry for heat-trapping emissions after the White House yesterday completed its review of the agency's final greenhouse gas reporting rule. The rule, which would set up an economy wide program to monitor greenhouse gas emissions, is widely viewed as a major step toward informing future policy decisions on carbon dioxide regulations. The White House Office of Management and Budget finalized its review of the final rule yesterday, according to the office's Web site. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/09/17/2 Climate Bill Drifts Into A Potomac Fog. A day after Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) hinted that climate legislation might be postponed until 2010, some analysts wondered whether that actually could mean 2011. Or perhaps that it wouldn't be considered in the Senate at all. With congressional midterm elections looming next year, they say the timetable is limited for politicians to act on a major bill before partisan rancor dominates Capitol Hill. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/09/17/1 Pollution Cops Set Carpool Example. Air pollution cops have for years tried persuading the public to carpool. They've had no problem persuading themselves. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District's Modesto office, which employs about 40 people, including some from Stockton, has saved 371,480 miles through its carpool program since 1992, officials said recently. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090906/A_NEWS/909060321/-1/NEWSMAP#STS=fzpqe3wz.21ty Schools Tackle Energy Bills. Manteca - Victoria Brunn and Kimberly Wright have spent the past couple of weeks scaling the roofs of Manteca Unified School District high schools to inspect air conditioning units, detail thermostats in classrooms and post small electronic devices on school walls that will collect temperature and air-quality data. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090904/A_NEWS/909040322/-1/NEWSMAP#STS=fzpqibo2.bap Summer, August Post World's Warmest Ocean Temperatures On Record. Washington (AP) — The world's in hot water. Sea-surface temperatures worldwide have been the hottest on record over the last three months, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Wednesday. Ocean temperatures averaged 62.5 degrees Fahrenheit in the June-August period, 1.04 degree higher than normal for the period. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-us-sci-hot-water,0,4675371,print.story http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13349597 Environmental Group Grades Cruise Ships. Anchorage, Alaska—An environmental group released its report card Wednesday on how well cruise ship companies operating in American waters are doing to reduce pollution, and not one received an overall grade of "A." Friends of the Earth graded 10 major cruise ship lines, including some of the biggest names in the business, such as Carnival Cruise Lines. Carnival received a "D-minus." Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/travel/ci_13357061 EPA Limits Pollution From Medical Incinerators. Washington—About 50 medical waste incinerators nationwide will have to reduce their air pollution under new regulations announced Wednesday by the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA said that the new rules, which require better monitoring and tighten emissions limits, will reduce toxic pollution from the burning of medical waste by 390,000 pounds annually and likely result in no new incinerators being built. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13350902 EPA Tells Court It Will Redo Bush-Era Smog Rule. Washington—The Obama administration signaled Wednesday that it would scrap a controversial Bush-era rule that set stricter limits for smog but fell short of scientific recommendations. In a notice filed Wednesday in a federal appeals court, the Justice Department says there are concerns that the revision made by the Bush administration does not adhere to federal air pollution law. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13348931 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/16/AR2009091603451.html Cap-and-Trade Memos Fire Up the Skeptics. Climate-change legislation might be on the Senate's back burner, but the heat's still on climate politics. The latest flare-up occurred this week when the Competitive Enterprise Institute, which questions whether human and industrial activity is linked to global warming, released a one-page internal Treasury Department memo from March estimating potential government revenue from a cap-and-trade climate bill at $100 billion to $200 billion a year. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/16/AR2009091603524.html College Students Protest Coal Use On Campuses. Columbia, Mo.—College students from Missouri to Oregon are urging their schools to stop using coal-based electricity in favor of cleaner energy sources ranging from wood chips to geothermal power. On Wednesday, students at the University of Missouri and other schools nationwide mounted a Sierra Club-led campaign targeting coal-based power at colleges, whether generated at on-campus plants or purchased from private utilities. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13350794 Senators Steinberg and Simitian Respond To Governor’s Renewable Portfolio Standard Executive Order. We are writing to request that you join us immediately and adopt an enforceable law to ensure California’s global leadership in implementing a 33% renewable portfolio standard (RPS) by signing SB 14 (Simitian) and AB 64 (Krekorian) into law. The criticism of this legislation by your press office, mere hours after the bills’ passage, surprised and disappointed us. Posted. http://www.californiaprogressreport.com/2009/09/senators_steinb.html New Web Site Offers Toxic Chemicals Tally On Numerous Consumer Products. A new Web site that rates consumer products on their toxic chemical content launched Wednesday, providing information on goods ranging from automobiles and pet products to school supplies and women's accessories. The HealthyStuff.org site lists more than 900 products, with data on lead content in women's purses, wallets and handbags collected by the Center for Environmental Health in Oakland. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13354827?source=rss Krekorian Defends Energy Bill. Northridge — Democratic Assemblyman Paul Krekorian fired back Wednesday at Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and other critics of his legislation that would force utilities to produce a third of their energy from in-state renewable sources by 2020. Krekorian argued that the details of his bill, along with a package of other related bills, have been clouded with misinformation and would address the concerns of the governor and apprehensive power companies. Posted. http://www.glendalenewspress.com/articles/2009/09/16/politics/gnp-energy091709.prt Enzyme Producer Says Ethanol Industry Is On The Rebound. Copenhagen -- The world's largest supplier of ethanol enzymes has forecast that the ethanol industry will meet or exceed the U.S. renewable fuel standard for this year of 10.5 billion gallons despite plant shutdowns and production cuts earlier this year. "Discretionary blending of ethanol has restarted again as gasoline prices have risen," said Peder Holk Nielsen, chief of Novozymes' enzymes business. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/09/17/4 Secondhand Smokescreen. Are outdoor smoking bans scientifically justified? Do studies of secondhand smoke justify bans on outdoor smoking? In response to Tuesday's article about the crackdown in New York, many of you made good arguments for and against the proposed restrictions. The best post came from James Repace, a biophysicist and former EPA staff scientist who does actual research on secondhand smoke. He's offering what we need much more of on the Internet: facts. Posted. http://www.slate.com/id/2228681/ Attempts To Shape Climate Bill In Full Swing. New York—Industry, economic and environmental groups are making a final push to influence a climate bill that may go before the Senate within weeks. Investors managing more than $13 trillion in assets called for new global emissions laws Wednesday, illustrating how the issue has divided even groups that traditionally have opposed new curbs. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13349887 Calif Gubernatorial Hopefuls Support Nuclear Power. Santa Clara, Calif.—Two of the three leading Republican candidates for California governor next year said Wednesday they support using nuclear power to help the state meet its energy demands. Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner said during a public policy forum at Santa Clara University that he would make the expansion of nuclear power a campaign theme. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13348023 Coming Soon To A Showroom Near You: Electric Cars. Frankfurt — The electric car is at the starting line, and the gun is about to sound. Now automakers must prove that the technology, and the market, are ready. After years of talk and prototypes, some automobile makers believe the electric vehicle is about to become more than just a science experiment. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/technology/ci_13351781 Car Firms Disagree About Electric Future. Frankfurt's city streets may not be the best for testing cars, yet accelerating between the traffic lights in a Tesla offers a powerful insight into the electric future that most players in the motor industry are raving about. Tesla says its new electric roadster accelerates from 0-100 kilometres (0-60 miles) per hour in four seconds and can go on cruising for almost 400 kilometres. Posted. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8260722.stm Benicia Poised To Embark On 'Greener' Future. Benicia -- The City Council has unanimously adopted a plan to reduce the city's carbon footprint, but several hurdles remain before it may take effect. Major components of the plan include boosting wind and solar power production and making homes 20 percent more energy efficient by 2020. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13356265 Editorial: Impasse Between Chevron And Environmentalists Must End. THE IMPASSE between Chevron and environmentalists regarding extensive renovations at the Richmond refinery is one that never should have occurred. It is primarily the result of inadequate communications by Chevron and environmentalists' focus on what goes into the refinery rather than what is emitted. Backroom political dealing between Chevron and the city of Richmond didn't help the situation either. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/opinion/ci_13350111 Opinion: Hog Days Of Summer. Forget 'Born to Be Wild.' All those overaged 'Easy Rider' types need to put the mufflers back on their bikes. Summer is ending, and not a moment too soon. In my seaside Long Beach neighborhood, the warm months used to be a time when residents threw open windows to let in the sound of surf and the fragrance of suntan lotion from the roller-bladers on the bike path. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-johnson17-2009sep17,0,5054586,print.story OPINION: Rules Strangling Economy. California, on the brink of bankruptcy, has amassed debt in excess of $200 billion. No other state faces a problem of this magnitude. California’s Legislature began racking up tens of billions of dollars in debt before the current national recession began, with the tacit support of voters who approved tens of billions in bond measures. Gray Davis was recalled, principally because of debt burden, but nothing was gained in the process. Posted. http://www.santamariatimes.com/articles/2009/09/17/opinion/091709c.prt Friedman: Solar Tech: We Build It, Others Use It. Applied Materials is one of the most important U.S. companies you've probably never heard of. It makes the machines that make microchips for your computer. The chip business, though, is volatile, so in 2004 Mike Splinter, Applied Materials' CEO, decided to take advantage of the company's nanotechnology capabilities — making the machines that make solar panels. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/national/story/857477.html BLOGS Debating Protectionism on Renewable Energy. Getty Images Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger of California has blasted renewable energy “protectionism.” One of the most notable elements of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s executive order on Tuesday increasing California’s renewable energy requirements was his blunt stand against protectionism. Clean energy imported from other states was welcome, the governor said, to keep down electricity prices. “I am totally against protectionist policies because it never works,” Mr. Schwarzenegger said, later adding: Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/16/debating-protectionism-on-renewable-energy/?pagemode=print ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:06:11 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for September 17, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for September 17, 2009. 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. Obama Administration Pushes Climate Talks Into 2010. Top U.S. energy and climate leaders yesterday began to openly plan for international global warming talks to trickle into 2010. Experts have predicted for months that a major U.N. summit in Copenhagen this December -- billed as the place 192 nations would complete a new emissions pact -- would not deliver by deadline. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/09/17/17climatewire-obama-administration-pushes-climate-talks-in-22433.html?pagewanted=print White House to Revise Bush-Era Smog Rule. The Obama administration signaled Wednesday that it would scrap a controversial Bush-era rule that set stricter limits for smog but fell short of scientific recommendations. In a notice filed Wednesday in a federal appeals court, the Justice Department says there are concerns that the revision made by the Bush administration does not adhere to federal air pollution law. The Environmental Protection Agency will propose revised smog standards to protect public health and the environment in late December. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/16/AR2009091603451_pf.html Interest In Algae's Oil Prospects Is Growing. Firms and scientists are racing to figure out how best to separate the oil produced in the organisms for biofuel. The San Diego area has become a hotbed for these efforts that are drawing investors. To many, algae is little more than pond scum, a nuisance to swimmers and a frustration to boaters. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-algae17-2009sep17,0,5816697,print.story Will World Make December Climate Deadline? The clock has begun ticking on the countdown to the United Nations Climate Summit this December in Copenhagen where leaders from 192 countries will gather to forge an effective response to climate change. We all know what is at stake: the signals from our warming planet are becoming all too clear. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/17/EDGO19O324.DTL&type=printable Limiting Global Warming To 2 Degrees C Unlikely – Report. The international goal of limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels is unlikely to be met, even if China takes further steps to curbs its emissions, according to a prominent Chinese research center. The report, released by China's Energy Research Institute, also says a goal of halving developing nations' greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, resisted by China and other developing nations, could cramp economic growth. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/09/17/8 White House Clears GHG Reporting. U.S. EPA is poised to establish a national registry for heat-trapping emissions after the White House yesterday completed its review of the agency's final greenhouse gas reporting rule. The rule, which would set up an economy wide program to monitor greenhouse gas emissions, is widely viewed as a major step toward informing future policy decisions on carbon dioxide regulations. The White House Office of Management and Budget finalized its review of the final rule yesterday, according to the office's Web site. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/09/17/2 Climate Bill Drifts Into A Potomac Fog. A day after Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) hinted that climate legislation might be postponed until 2010, some analysts wondered whether that actually could mean 2011. Or perhaps that it wouldn't be considered in the Senate at all. With congressional midterm elections looming next year, they say the timetable is limited for politicians to act on a major bill before partisan rancor dominates Capitol Hill. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/09/17/1 Pollution Cops Set Carpool Example. Air pollution cops have for years tried persuading the public to carpool. They've had no problem persuading themselves. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District's Modesto office, which employs about 40 people, including some from Stockton, has saved 371,480 miles through its carpool program since 1992, officials said recently. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090906/A_NEWS/909060321/-1/NEWSMAP#STS=fzpqe3wz.21ty Schools Tackle Energy Bills. Manteca - Victoria Brunn and Kimberly Wright have spent the past couple of weeks scaling the roofs of Manteca Unified School District high schools to inspect air conditioning units, detail thermostats in classrooms and post small electronic devices on school walls that will collect temperature and air-quality data. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090904/A_NEWS/909040322/-1/NEWSMAP#STS=fzpqibo2.bap Summer, August Post World's Warmest Ocean Temperatures On Record. Washington (AP) — The world's in hot water. Sea-surface temperatures worldwide have been the hottest on record over the last three months, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Wednesday. Ocean temperatures averaged 62.5 degrees Fahrenheit in the June-August period, 1.04 degree higher than normal for the period. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-us-sci-hot-water,0,4675371,print.story http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13349597 Environmental Group Grades Cruise Ships. Anchorage, Alaska—An environmental group released its report card Wednesday on how well cruise ship companies operating in American waters are doing to reduce pollution, and not one received an overall grade of "A." Friends of the Earth graded 10 major cruise ship lines, including some of the biggest names in the business, such as Carnival Cruise Lines. Carnival received a "D-minus." Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/travel/ci_13357061 EPA Limits Pollution From Medical Incinerators. Washington—About 50 medical waste incinerators nationwide will have to reduce their air pollution under new regulations announced Wednesday by the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA said that the new rules, which require better monitoring and tighten emissions limits, will reduce toxic pollution from the burning of medical waste by 390,000 pounds annually and likely result in no new incinerators being built. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13350902 EPA Tells Court It Will Redo Bush-Era Smog Rule. Washington—The Obama administration signaled Wednesday that it would scrap a controversial Bush-era rule that set stricter limits for smog but fell short of scientific recommendations. In a notice filed Wednesday in a federal appeals court, the Justice Department says there are concerns that the revision made by the Bush administration does not adhere to federal air pollution law. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13348931 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/16/AR2009091603451.html Cap-and-Trade Memos Fire Up the Skeptics. Climate-change legislation might be on the Senate's back burner, but the heat's still on climate politics. The latest flare-up occurred this week when the Competitive Enterprise Institute, which questions whether human and industrial activity is linked to global warming, released a one-page internal Treasury Department memo from March estimating potential government revenue from a cap-and-trade climate bill at $100 billion to $200 billion a year. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/16/AR2009091603524.html College Students Protest Coal Use On Campuses. Columbia, Mo.—College students from Missouri to Oregon are urging their schools to stop using coal-based electricity in favor of cleaner energy sources ranging from wood chips to geothermal power. On Wednesday, students at the University of Missouri and other schools nationwide mounted a Sierra Club-led campaign targeting coal-based power at colleges, whether generated at on-campus plants or purchased from private utilities. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13350794 Senators Steinberg and Simitian Respond To Governor’s Renewable Portfolio Standard Executive Order. We are writing to request that you join us immediately and adopt an enforceable law to ensure California’s global leadership in implementing a 33% renewable portfolio standard (RPS) by signing SB 14 (Simitian) and AB 64 (Krekorian) into law. The criticism of this legislation by your press office, mere hours after the bills’ passage, surprised and disappointed us. Posted. http://www.californiaprogressreport.com/2009/09/senators_steinb.html New Web Site Offers Toxic Chemicals Tally On Numerous Consumer Products. A new Web site that rates consumer products on their toxic chemical content launched Wednesday, providing information on goods ranging from automobiles and pet products to school supplies and women's accessories. The HealthyStuff.org site lists more than 900 products, with data on lead content in women's purses, wallets and handbags collected by the Center for Environmental Health in Oakland. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13354827?source=rss Krekorian Defends Energy Bill. Northridge — Democratic Assemblyman Paul Krekorian fired back Wednesday at Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and other critics of his legislation that would force utilities to produce a third of their energy from in-state renewable sources by 2020. Krekorian argued that the details of his bill, along with a package of other related bills, have been clouded with misinformation and would address the concerns of the governor and apprehensive power companies. Posted. http://www.glendalenewspress.com/articles/2009/09/16/politics/gnp-energy091709.prt Enzyme Producer Says Ethanol Industry Is On The Rebound. Copenhagen -- The world's largest supplier of ethanol enzymes has forecast that the ethanol industry will meet or exceed the U.S. renewable fuel standard for this year of 10.5 billion gallons despite plant shutdowns and production cuts earlier this year. "Discretionary blending of ethanol has restarted again as gasoline prices have risen," said Peder Holk Nielsen, chief of Novozymes' enzymes business. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/09/17/4 Secondhand Smokescreen. Are outdoor smoking bans scientifically justified? Do studies of secondhand smoke justify bans on outdoor smoking? In response to Tuesday's article about the crackdown in New York, many of you made good arguments for and against the proposed restrictions. The best post came from James Repace, a biophysicist and former EPA staff scientist who does actual research on secondhand smoke. He's offering what we need much more of on the Internet: facts. Posted. http://www.slate.com/id/2228681/ Attempts To Shape Climate Bill In Full Swing. New York—Industry, economic and environmental groups are making a final push to influence a climate bill that may go before the Senate within weeks. Investors managing more than $13 trillion in assets called for new global emissions laws Wednesday, illustrating how the issue has divided even groups that traditionally have opposed new curbs. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13349887 Calif Gubernatorial Hopefuls Support Nuclear Power. Santa Clara, Calif.—Two of the three leading Republican candidates for California governor next year said Wednesday they support using nuclear power to help the state meet its energy demands. Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner said during a public policy forum at Santa Clara University that he would make the expansion of nuclear power a campaign theme. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13348023 Coming Soon To A Showroom Near You: Electric Cars. Frankfurt — The electric car is at the starting line, and the gun is about to sound. Now automakers must prove that the technology, and the market, are ready. After years of talk and prototypes, some automobile makers believe the electric vehicle is about to become more than just a science experiment. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/technology/ci_13351781 Car Firms Disagree About Electric Future. Frankfurt's city streets may not be the best for testing cars, yet accelerating between the traffic lights in a Tesla offers a powerful insight into the electric future that most players in the motor industry are raving about. Tesla says its new electric roadster accelerates from 0-100 kilometres (0-60 miles) per hour in four seconds and can go on cruising for almost 400 kilometres. Posted. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8260722.stm Benicia Poised To Embark On 'Greener' Future. Benicia -- The City Council has unanimously adopted a plan to reduce the city's carbon footprint, but several hurdles remain before it may take effect. Major components of the plan include boosting wind and solar power production and making homes 20 percent more energy efficient by 2020. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13356265 Editorial: Impasse Between Chevron And Environmentalists Must End. THE IMPASSE between Chevron and environmentalists regarding extensive renovations at the Richmond refinery is one that never should have occurred. It is primarily the result of inadequate communications by Chevron and environmentalists' focus on what goes into the refinery rather than what is emitted. Backroom political dealing between Chevron and the city of Richmond didn't help the situation either. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/opinion/ci_13350111 Opinion: Hog Days Of Summer. Forget 'Born to Be Wild.' All those overaged 'Easy Rider' types need to put the mufflers back on their bikes. Summer is ending, and not a moment too soon. In my seaside Long Beach neighborhood, the warm months used to be a time when residents threw open windows to let in the sound of surf and the fragrance of suntan lotion from the roller-bladers on the bike path. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-johnson17-2009sep17,0,5054586,print.story OPINION: Rules Strangling Economy. California, on the brink of bankruptcy, has amassed debt in excess of $200 billion. No other state faces a problem of this magnitude. California’s Legislature began racking up tens of billions of dollars in debt before the current national recession began, with the tacit support of voters who approved tens of billions in bond measures. Gray Davis was recalled, principally because of debt burden, but nothing was gained in the process. Posted. http://www.santamariatimes.com/articles/2009/09/17/opinion/091709c.prt Friedman: Solar Tech: We Build It, Others Use It. Applied Materials is one of the most important U.S. companies you've probably never heard of. It makes the machines that make microchips for your computer. The chip business, though, is volatile, so in 2004 Mike Splinter, Applied Materials' CEO, decided to take advantage of the company's nanotechnology capabilities — making the machines that make solar panels. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/national/story/857477.html BLOGS Debating Protectionism on Renewable Energy. Getty Images Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger of California has blasted renewable energy “protectionism.”One of the most notable elements of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s executive order on Tuesday increasing California’s renewable energy requirements was his blunt stand against protectionism. Clean energy imported from other states was welcome, the governor said, to keep down electricity prices. “I am totally against protectionist policies because it never works,” Mr. Schwarzenegger said, later adding: Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/16/debating-protectionism-on-renewable-energy/?pagemode=print ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:35:28 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for September 18-21, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for September 18-21, 2009. 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. State Forest Restoration Plan Fights Global Warming. Polluters could offset effects with plantings. Sacramento — From planting seedlings to acquiring entire groves, forest restoration projects in state parks and on federal lands could soon spring from California's aggressive initiatives to reduce emissions linked to global warming. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/sep/21/state-forest-restoration-plan-fights-global-warmin/?metro Yes: The Transition Can Be Gradual—and Affordable. The world is facing a potential catastrophe from greenhouse-gas emissions. But nations don't have to wreck their economies to avert the crisis. Critics argue that the legislation passed earlier this year by the U.S. House of Representatives—to cut U.S. emissions 80% below 2005 levels by 2050—will mean big, disruptive changes to our infrastructure and untold economic damage. But they make a couple of basic errors. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204731804574386490490909498.html ARB Fines Sellers of Gasoline-Powered Blenders. The California Air Resources Board this month fined Orange County-based On the Edge Marketing and CSK Auto Inc. of Phoenix $240,000 for selling gasoline-powered blenders using illegal uncertified small off-road engines to California businesses and residents. Posted. http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/index.php/the-business-journal-state-news/38-state/2031-arb-fines-sellers-of-gasoline-powered-blenders.html http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/2009/09/18/20090918biz-csk0918.html http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/2009/09/18/20090918biz-csk0918.html http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/uptospeed/2009/09/mojitos-of-shame-california-fines-marketers-of-gaspowered-party-blender-.html http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/21/in-california-the-party-is-over-for-gas-powered-blenders/?scp=2&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse California Plans To Levy Greenhouse Gas Fees. More than a year after Bay Area air pollution regulators became the first in the nation to charge businesses for pumping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, the program has raked in close to $1.7 million. And as early as this week, the state may follow suit by imposing similar fees on large California polluters as part of an ongoing effort to cut greenhouse gases 20 percent by 2020. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/20/MNCK19O6HC.DTL&type=printable Obama To Shift Focus To Climate Change. The president faces serious challenges on global warming as the Copenhagen summit looms. He will speak to the United Nations and at a G-20 conference this week. After months of almost single-minded focus on healthcare, President Obama is about to shift the White House spotlight to global warming -- first with a speech to the United Nations in New York on Tuesday, then later in the week at the G-20 economic conference in Pittsburgh. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-climate21-2009sep21,0,3489766,print.story Europeans Say U.S. Lacks Will on Climate. Washington — As world leaders gather in New York for the highest-level conference yet on climate change, European leaders are expressing growing unease about the United States’ stance in international talks aimed at reaching a global agreement in Copenhagen in December. Officials of several European countries have cited what they see as a lack of political will on the part of the United States to adequately address climate change. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/21/world/europe/21climate.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper Climate-Talks Deadlock May Ease as Obama, Hu Offer Views at UN. China and the U.S., the biggest producers of greenhouse gases, may propose new steps to fight global warming this week as they remain at odds over who should pay for a low-carbon world. U.S. President Barack Obama and China’s President Hu Jintao plan to join more than 100 heads of state in New York tomorrow to discuss climate change initiatives at the United Nations. Hu will offer a new plan at the one-day summit, Xie Zhenhua, China’s senior negotiator, said last week, giving no specifics. Posted. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aS6AUq8nyOcU UN Climate Strategy Puts Talk Ahead Of Deal-Making. United Nations—Gather a hundred heads of state in the same place, get them talking privately among themselves and hope a global climate pact starts to gel. That's the gamble the U.N. chief is taking, organizing an unusual high-level summit next week intended to build momentum for striking a deal this year on mandatory worldwide cuts in greenhouse gases. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13358632 US Battles For Credibility On Climate Change. Washington—With Congress moving slowly on a measure to curb industrial greenhouse gas emissions, the United States may find itself with little sway at the coming international conference to construct a new pact aimed at easing global warming. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_13365313 Birth Control Could Help Combat Climate Change. London—Giving contraceptives to people in developing countries could help fight climate change by slowing population growth, experts said Friday. More than 200 million women worldwide want contraceptives, but don't have access to them, according to an editorial published in the British medical journal, Lancet. That results in 76 million unintended pregnancies every year. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13366049 U.S. Reluctance on Climate Change Persists. Last Tuesday, Harry Reid, the Nevada Democrat and majority leader of the U.S. Senate, was asked by a reporter to appraise the odds that Congress, in the throes of debating health care changes, would manage to pass climate legislation in 2009 — including provisions for an emissions cap-and-trade plan. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/21/business/global/21iht-green21.html Blair Touts 10 Million Jobs From Climate Action. United Nations—Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair says he hopes to break the "deadlock" in global climate talks with evidence that 10 million jobs could be created by 2020, if developing nations agree to big cuts in greenhouse gases. Blair, heading up a climate initiative, released a report that also shows a global climate agreement could increase the world's GDP by 0.8 percent by 2020, as compared with the projected gross domestic product with no climate action. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13383898 UK's Brown Wants Summit For Climate Change Pact. London—Britain's Gordon Brown says world leaders must attend a summit in Copenhagen aimed at striking a global agreement on climate change. In an article for Newsweek published Monday, Brown said he will attend the talks on Dec. 7 to push for a deal on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13386248 Report: Climate Bill Costs Could Be Modest. Washington—The long-term economic costs of a climate bill being considered in Congress would be "comparatively modest" in light of expected overall economic growth over the next 40 years, according to a congressional report released Friday. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_13368351 New Kiosks At SFO First To Sell Carbon Offsets. Travelers flying out of San Francisco International Airport can be the first in the nation to wipe away some of the damage their flights wreak on the planet by swiping their credit cards. On Thursday, the Bay Area's largest airport unveiled three Climate Passport kiosks with touch screens that determine how many pounds of carbon dioxide a trip will produce, calculate the sum an environmentally conscious traveler should contribute to projects in San Francisco and California that help reduce greenhouse gases, then allow fliers to purchase certified carbon offsets. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/17/MNO719OQN8.DTL&feed=rss.bayarea http://www.modbee.com/state/story/861726.html http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/sep/20/sfo-offers-carbon-offset-kiosks-for-green-flyers/ Renewable Power Decisions Create A Tangled Web. More big solar power plants in the Mojave Desert. Fewer solar panels on homes and businesses. More hydroelectric dams in British Columbia. The flurry of recent renewable power decisions in Sacramento could have far-reaching - even contradictory - results. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger last week signed an executive order forcing California utilities to get 33 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/21/MN1S19PACH.DTL&type=printable Positively Clean Energy – Biomass. As California struggles to meet the renewable-energy goals set by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, we ought to embrace biomass. Biomass energy is positively carbon-neutral. Burning agricultural waste or forest residue to generate electricity releases no more carbon dioxide than if those materials simply decayed. In fact, biomass energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions, because burying those materials in landfills or burning them in the open would release tons of methane, a greenhouse gas about 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/21/EDH319P8M6.DTL&type=printable Solar Energy Firm Drops Plan For Project In Mojave Desert. BrightSource Energy's decision ends a battle with environmentalists over a 5,130-acre site in a proposed national monument. Ending a bitter feud in the rush to develop solar farms, BrightSource Energy Inc. on Thursday said it had scrapped a controversial plan to build a renewable energy facility in the eastern Mojave Desert wilderness that Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) wants to transform into a national monument. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-solar18-2009sep18,0,1844073.story?track=rss http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/19/science/earth/19mojave.html?_r=1 Obama Retakes Global Stage, but With Diminished Momentum. Washington -- President Barack Obama will follow his springtime star turn in Europe by returning to the world stage next week, weakened by legislative stalemates on climate change and financial regulation, and facing leaders impatient for results on a range of issues. The president will fly Monday to New York to attend his first meeting of the United Nations General Assembly and then to a summit of the Group of 20 largest economic powers in Pittsburgh on Thursday and Friday. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125332211009624705.html?mod=googlenews_wsj Free PC Widgets Save Energy. shaved 0.86 pounds of emissions from my carbon footprint and saved 0.646 kilowatt hours yesterday, and if the little widget on my PC can be believed, more than 22,000 people in 128 countries did roughly the same. We're using a little software gadget developed by Hewlett-Packard as part of a campaign called Power to Change that the Palo Alto computer maker hopes will increase awareness of its environmental program. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13360550 Warming To Solar Power. Falling prices, rising utility rates and new government incentives may finally be driving serious growth in the region's market for residential solar power. In August, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District received applications for 422 kilowatts of residential solar-panel systems — more than three times as much as in any previous month, according to data from the utility. Pacific Gas and Electric Co. also had a record month. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/realestatenews/ci_13359715?nclick_check=1 Berkeley Rebates To Jump-Start Energy Upgrades. Berkeley will give residents rebates to buy new refrigerators and make other energy upgrades, thanks to a $1 million federal stimulus grant. The rebates will be available to homeowners, renters and businesses beginning in July. The exact amount of the rebates has not been determined, but will probably be larger for moderate-income residents. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/18/BA5219OMF7.DTL&type=green California May Pull Plug On Big Tvs That Guzzle Energy. The state would be the first in the nation to adopt energy-efficiency standards, but some in the electronics industry say the rules would result in higher prices and job cuts. Reporting from Sacramento - Concerned that the growing popularity of big-screen televisions could make it harder for California to keep pace with electricity demand, state energy regulators are poised to crack down on energy-guzzling sets despite opposition from a powerful electronics trade group. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-bigtvs18-2009sep18,0,1102526.story State's Gubernatorial Hopefuls Support Nuclear Power. Santa Clara - Two of the three leading Republican candidates for California governor next year said Wednesday they support using nuclear power to help the state meet its energy demands. Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner said during a public policy forum at Santa Clara University that he would make the expansion of nuclear power a campaign theme. He said it would be an important tool to help California meet its future energy needs but said state regulations prohibit its expansion. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13368504 CARB Requests Comments On ‘Smartway’ Proposal. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has issued revised language to its regulation for reducing greenhouse gases from heavy-duty vehicles. The proposal now says the rule applies to motor carriers that use—or cause to be used—53-foot box-type trailers and the tractors that pull them in long-haul operations within, into, and out of California. Comments on these proposed revisions are due October 2, 2009, with the final regulation expected in November. Posted. http://refrigeratedtrans.com/2010-emissions/carb_seeks_comments_on_proposed_smartway_rule_0921/ Beans Might Give You And Your Car Gas. A Lehigh Valley, Pa., environmentalist is pushing ahead with plans to power vehicles not with gasoline or diesel, but with the moldy bread, banana peels and rotten meats that would otherwise be dumped in area trash heaps. Microbiologist Rex D'Agostino wants to build a pilot plant that would transform food waste into natural gas to power specially suited vehicles. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/2197417.html European Carmakers Rev Up The Electro-Diesel Concept. Reporting from Frankfurt, Germany. If you think all hybrid cars are like the Toyota Prius -- mirthless, ugly hair shirts of green conscience -- BMW would like you to meet its Vision: a stealth submarine of a car, lower than a boxing foul, all folded geometry and LED tracer lights. The signature BMW grille glows blue like a reactor cooling pond. The transparent doors open like dragonfly wings. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-neil18-2009sep18,0,820738.column L.A. To Expand Zipcar Vehicle-Sharing Program Around UCLA, USC.The city plans to add 12 hybrids and SmartWay-rated vehicles to the existing fleet. For a fee, students and residents can use the cars to get around. Zipcar: the leaner, greener solution to the Los Angeles traffic tarantula? City officials seem to think so. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and City Council members have paired with the Massachusetts company to expand an existing car-sharing program around UCLA and USC. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-zipcar18-2009sep18,0,3868864.story New Reefer Cooling Units And CARB, Smartway Updates. There are self-contained refrigerated, freezer, cryogenic and combination refrigerator-freezer shipping and storage systems specifically designed to add another temperature section to an existing refrigerated vehicle, and to help make temperature sensitive less-than-truckload shipment available to any transport mode. Posted. http://www.fleetequipmentmag.com/default.aspx?type=art&id=92270 Well Drillers Warn Of Shutdowns. Water well drillers say they will have to idle some of their rigs if the state goes through with new limits on air emissions. They are seeking a delay in rules set to take effect Jan. 1 for some of the diesel engines that power the rigs. The drillers say buying new engines to comply with the rules would be expensive and the result could be fewer wells when California needs all the water it can get. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/local/story/862448.html Charbroiling Air Rule Takes Effect. Valley air cops last week approved a rawboned rule forcing some restaurants to reduce the pollution caused by charbroiling burgers, steaks or seafood. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090920/A_NEWS/909200319/-1/NEWSMAP#STS=fzvdd364.1tgt EDITORIAL: Redact and Withhold. Hiding public information is a game every new administration tries. President Obama's Treasury Department is only the latest to join the fun, this time with a Freedom of Information Act request from the Competitive Enterprise Institute. Even after all the rule-bending, Treasury's sparse response is embarrassing to the administration and its environmental allies. Posted. http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/sep/21/redact-and-withhold/ Blogs E.P.A. Report Suggests Waste Reduction and Recycling Reduces CO2 Emissions. A new report from the United States Environmental Protection Agency suggests that way Americans procure, produce, deliver and dispose of goods and services — what the agency refers to as “materials and land management” — accounts for 42 percent of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/21/epa-reports-suggests-waste-reduction-and-recycling-reduces-co2-emissions/?pagemode=print Green Groups Open ‘Climate War Room’. The cap-and-trade movement, spooked by the pounding health care reform took over the August break, is scrambling to persuade nervous Democrats they won’t suffer politically for taking another tough vote this year. “When you get your butt kicked, like we did [after the House energy vote], it focuses the mind,” said Steve Cochran, director of the Environmental Defense Fund’s National Climate Campaign. Posted. http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=D9B03ABB-18FE-70B2-A8D83B96DE1DD06E 'Clean Energy' Advocates Change Their Pitch. As the President Obama-backed energy and climate bill moved through the House this spring, lawmakers reshaped it to hand financial concessions for coal-fired power plants, farmers, Rust Belt factories and several other interests. Among the groups left to grumble -- when the bill passed the chamber on a narrow vote -- were advocates of massive new spending on “clean energy” research. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/09/clean-energy-advocates-change-their-pitch-.html Cookin’ The Global Warming Books. If global warming really were the threat it’s made out to be, would they need to rig the data? Meteorologist Joe D’Aleo, the first director of meteorology at The Weather Channel and formerly chairman of the American Meteorological Society’s Committee on Weather Analysis and Forecasting, says alarmists are cookin’ the books to inflate the temps. Posted. http://orangepunch.freedomblogging.com/2009/09/18/cookin-the-global-warming-books/12917/ Parking Spaces Become Tiny Parks — For A Day. On busy Forest Avenue in Laguna Beach, passers-by stared, eventually blurting out the question: What is this? A man with a giant golf club, putting oversized golf balls into foam holes, stopped to answer. “It’s free, help yourself,” said architect AJ Omar of his plot, complete with artificial turf, potted plants, a park bench and a putting green, plus a table with cookies and coffee — all contained within a single parking space, hastily constructed that morning and destined to be dismantled before the noon hour was over. http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/2009/09/18/parking-spaces-become-tiny-parks-for-a-day/13091/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:57:19 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for September 22, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for September 22, 2009. 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. Gold Country Waste Hauler Fined $18,375 For Emissions Violations. Sacramento September 21, 2009 - The California Air Resources Board fined Waste Connections Inc. $18,375 in July for emissions violations in 2008. In December 2008, Waste Connections Inc., headquartered in Folsom, Calif., purchased S.E.I. Solid Waste Inc. located in Arnold, Calif. Waste Connections then self-disclosed to ARB inspectors that S.E.I vehicles were not compliant with California's trash truck rules. "Solid waste collection companies must do their part to ensure their fleets make improvements to cut excessive diesel emissions," said Chairman Mary D. Nichols. Posted. http://yubanet.com/regional/Gold-country-waste-hauler-fined-18-375-for-emissions-violations_printer.php http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=13128 http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/index.php/the-business-journal-state-news/38-state/2074-socal-waste-haulter-fined-for-emission-vioations.html Clarifying Fresno Air Fine. The city of Fresno was recently in the news as the result of a fine imposed by the California Air Resources Board for technical violations of the agency’s diesel emission test requirements. While this news item may have given the impression the city has acted negligently in addressing air quality issues, nothing could be further from the truth. Posted. http://www.fresnobee.com/277/story/1646148.html Athens Fined By State For Air Pollution Violations. The California Air Resources Board fined Industry-based Athens Services $270,000 for diesel emissions violations, officials said Monday. Athens was charged with failing to properly inspect diesel vehicles between 2005 and 2006 and failing to install emission regulators on its trash trucks. An investigation into Athens' practices took place between 2004 and 2008. Posted. http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_13387611 Gasoline-Powered Blenders Draw Fines. State air quality regulators fined companies in Orange County and Phoenix a combined $240,000 for selling blenders powered by gasoline engines that had not passed California air pollution certification. The blenders, marketed for tail-gate parties and other outdoor events, relied on small engines -- similar to chain saw engines -- that run on a mixture of oil and gasoline. One model confiscated by air quality officials operated with a hand-grip throttle, similar to a motorcycle. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_region22.45975c9.html Obama Addresses U.N. Climate Summit, Warns Of 'Irreversible Catastrophe'. He says the U.S. shares part of the blame for global warming but is committed to the cause. He urges work toward an agreement at the Copenhagen summit, though European officials warn of a deadlock. President Obama this morning issued an appeal to world leaders to help avert "an irreversible catastrophe" in the Earth's climate, accepting a portion of blame for global warming on behalf of the United States but also urging the world's biggest polluters to change their ways. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-na-obama-climate23-2009sep23,0,471538,print.story http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/09/22/national/a001042D02.DTL&type=green http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/23/science/earth/23climate.html http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125362691727230691.html?mod=googlenews_wsj http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-09-22-voa16.cfm http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/23/science/earth/23cool.html?hp http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090922/A_NEWS/909229998#STS=fzwvzopt.1zd3 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/22/AR2009092201137.html UN Climate Summit Puts China, India In Spotlight. At the U.N.'s highest-level conference yet on climate change, China on Tuesday pledged ambitious plans to plant enough forest to cover an area the size of Norway and use 15 percent of its energy from renewable sources within a decade. Chinese President Hu Jintao also promised "determined and practical steps" to boost its nuclear energy, improve energy efficiency and reduce "by a notable margin" the growth rate of its carbon pollution as measured against economic growth. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/09/20/international/i212417D41.DTL&type=printable http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/09/22/1/ http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13392584 Japanese PM Pledges Deep Greenhouse Cuts. United Nations, (AP) -- Japan's new prime minister is pledging a deep cut in greenhouse gases blamed for climate change. Yukio Hatoyama told world leaders gathered Tuesday a United Nations climate change summit that his nation aims to make a 25 percent cut in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2020. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/09/22/international/i080617D71.DTL&type=printable EPA Finalizes Greenhouse Gas Reporting. U.S. EPA today finalized a nationwide system to require large sources of greenhouse gases to report their emissions. The new rule will require about 10,000 facilities that emit about 85 percent of the nation's greenhouse gases to begin to collect emissions data under a new reporting system, EPA said. Suppliers of fossil fuels and industrial greenhouse gases, motor vehicle and engine manufacturers and other facilities that emit 25,000 metric tons or more of carbon dioxide equivalent will be subject to the new requirements. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/09/22/2 Conservation Organizations Oppose California Policy That Would Give Carbon Credits for Forest Clearcutting. A coalition of conservation groups today submitted a letter of opposition to a rule proposed for adoption by the California Air Resources Board later this month, urging the state agency to remove a provision that could encourage forest clearcutting as part of California’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The provision is part of the forest project protocols that would guide the assessment of greenhouse gas impacts of forest growth and harvest. Posted. http://www.californiaprogressreport.com/2009/09/_conservation_o.html Climate Change Proposal Would Revolutionize Value Of Forests. Washington (CNN) -- The world's tropical forests are disappearing, and one reason is simple economics: People, companies and governments earn more by logging, mining or farming places such as the Amazon jungle than by conserving them. Efforts to halt rain forest destruction date back decades, but they so far have failed to tackle the issue on a scale commensurate with the challenge. Posted. http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TECH/science/09/22/climate.forests/ Emissions of CO2 Set for Best Drop in 40 Years. Global carbon emissions are expected to post their biggest drop in more than 40 years this year as the global recession froze economic activity and slashed energy use around the world. The decline comes as political leaders are struggling to come up with a common approach to dealing with climate change. The main factor behind this year’s drop in emissions is the slowdown in industrial activity and trade around the world, according to a study due to be released in November by the International Energy Agency. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/22/science/earth/22emissions.html?_r=2&ref=todayspaper&pagewanted=print Fake NY Post Draws Attention To Global Warming. New York -- A day before a U.N. summit on climate change, an activist prankster group distributed copies of a fake newspaper mimicking the New York Post to draw attention to global warming. The front-page story in the newspaper parody Monday warned of "massive climate catastrophes" and "public health disasters." Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/21/AR2009092102740.html http://www.modbee.com/business/story/863040.html On Global Warming, an Ambitious Agenda. The United Nations' commitment to securing an international climate deal will be on full display Tuesday, as world leaders come together in New York to discuss how best to address global warming. But the event, arranged by Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, highlights both the possibilities and obstacles Ban and his deputies face in orchestrating the historic pact. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/21/AR2009092102702.html?hpid=topnews States Can Sue Utilities Over Emissions. A two-judge panel of a federal appeals court has ruled that big power companies can be sued by states and land trusts for emitting carbon dioxide. The decision, issued Monday, overturns a 2005 District Court decision that the question was political, not judicial. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/22/science/earth/22carbon.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print Fuel Cells Ready For Inclusion In Calif. ZEV Mandate, Makers. As California prepares to release new targets for its zero-emissions vehicle program, it's summoning auto manufacturers to speak up for their respective sectors. While eclipsed recently by electric cars, fuel cells will be present and accounted for, with a few caveats. The California Air Resources Board is slated to release proposed regulations for 2015 and thereafter by Nov. 10, with final targets due by early next year. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/09/22/4 Editorial: A Move To Cut Auto Emissions. The announcement by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson in the White House press room last Tuesday was brief. But their plan to reduce emissions from motor vehicles and light trucks was significant. Not only would it provide the nation’s first greenhouse gas emissions standard, but the new rules, devised with automakers’ participation, would also bring about the biggest increase in gas mileage in history. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090922/OPINION/909219931/1042&Title=WASHINGTON-POST-A-move-to-cut-auto-emissions&template=printart Climate Chief Says China Is Poised To Lead. United Nations China's ambition to grow quickly but cleanly soon may vault it to “front-runner” status – far ahead of the United States – in taking on global warming, the U.N. climate chief said Monday. China could steal the show by unveiling plans today at a U.N. summit of 100 world leaders. India has also signaled it wants to be an “active player.” Posted. http://headlines.ocregister.com/news/climate-43397-china-india.html http://www.modbee.com/24hour/global/story/862211.html Court Revives Pollution Lawsuit. New York A federal appeals court ruled Monday that California and seven other states trying to combat global warming can sue six electric utilities to force them to cut the greenhouse gases emitted by their power plants in 20 states. Posted. http://headlines.ocregister.com/news/court-43395-new-york.html Cash for Clunkers helped sell SUVs. Pickups and sport utility vehicles were big sellers under the Cash for Clunkers program despite the federal government's focus on replacing gas guzzlers with more fuel-efficient cars. Data released late last week by the Department of Transportation show that tens of thousands of trucks, minivans and SUVs with relatively low gas mileage were among the nearly 700,000 vehicles sold under the program in late July and August. It even included a handful of Hummers. Posted. http://headlines.ocregister.com/news/vehicles-43415-sold-program.html Another Bad Air Advisory Issued For Tuesday. Tuesday is the third consecutive day with a Spare the Air advisory issued because of unhealthy smog concentrations predicted in the Bay Area. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_13388479 http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13386774 State To Apply For $1.28 Billion For High-Speed Rail, Caltrain Construction From SF To San Jose. Sacramento — State officials said Monday that they will apply for $1.28 billion in prized federal stimulus funding for projects that would expand Caltrain commuter service and allow statewide high-speed trains to zip between San Francisco and San Jose. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_13388836 AC Transit Gets $6.4 Million To Expand Solar Power. AC Transit is getting $6.4 million in federal economic stimulus funds to install solar power panels at its central bus maintenance yard in Oakland, federal transportation officials announced today. The competitive grant was one of 43 awarded nationwide Monday to projects that save energy and reduce global warming gases, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_13388157 http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13388157 Washoe County Receives Money For New Buses. Reno, Nev.—Washoe County's Regional Transportation Commission will receive more than $3 million in federal economic recovery funds to purchase new, environmentally friendly buses. The funding from a transportation discretionary program was announced Monday by U.S. Sen. Harry Reid. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13387152 State Hopes For High Speed Rail Funds. Stockton - As the deadline approaches to submit applications for $8 billion in federal stimulus funds available to build a high speed rail system, state officials released a tentative project list Monday asking for $4.6 billion. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090922/A_NEWS/909220312#STS=fzwvxxm4.18zr BLOGS Gas-Powered Blenders? Yes — And Some Are Illegal. They run on a smog-belching mix of gasoline and oil, and they’re growing more popular with the tailgate party set. But gas-powered blenders sold by On the Edge Marketing in Lake Forest also run on engines that failed to meet state emissions standards. So the company, along with CSK Auto Inc. of Phoenix, has been fined $240,000 by the California Air Resources Board. Posted. http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/2009/09/21/gas-powered-blenders-yes-and-some-are-illegal/13187/ The Electric Car: Who Will Lead the Market? The outlook for the electric car couldn’t have looked brighter when oil was priced at $140 a barrel, consumer confidence was high, and offers of credit were plentiful. Now that a variety of electric vehicles are nearly ready to hit the market in larger quantities, the world is a different place. The leading manufacturers of the electric car and its ability to compete with evolving hybrid technology have yet to be determined. Electric vehicles sales will surely benefit from higher fossil fuel costs and governmental incentives. Posted. http://www.triplepundit.com/2009/09/the-electric-car-who-will-lead-the-market/comment-page-1/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:48:57 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for September 23, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for September 23, 2009. 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. OPINION: U.S., China And Climate Change. At the U.N., Beijing commits to strict greenhouse gas restrictions, while President Obama offers lofty rhetoric and little detail. Even if the United States is gradually losing its status as the world's economic, diplomatic and military superpower, there is one category in which, as of Tuesday, it has emerged as the undisputed No. 1: We are the most environmentally irresponsible nation on Earth. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-ed-climate23-2009sep23,0,2011153,print.story At U.N., Obama Asks Leaders To Set Aside 'Anti-Americanism'. Obama says opposition to the U.S. has served as an 'excuse for our collective inaction' on matters such as nuclear disarmament, climate change and Middle East peace. In a sweeping call for international cooperation, President Obama this morning challenged world leaders to set aside "an almost reflexive anti-Americanism" and work together with him and other nations on common goals such as nuclear disarmament, climate change and Middle East peace. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-obama-un24-2009sep24,0,6147970,print.story http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-obama-climate23-2009sep23,0,6860735.story http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/09/22/national/a001042D02.DTL&type=printable http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125370101525033631.html#mod=WSJ_hpp_LEFTTopStories http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5juui7didNwh_vzBmJyrbjxkeF-IgD9AT4G1G0 U.S., China Vow Fast Action On Climate Change. United Nations - -- President Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao each vowed urgent action Tuesday to cool an overheating planet, even as prospects dimmed for a full treaty by the end of the year. The world's two biggest greenhouse-gas polluting nations were the focus at the U.N.'s unprecedented daylong climate change summit, which drew more than 50 presidents and 35 prime ministers, along with many environment ministers and at least one prince. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/23/MN7N19QQAE.DTL&type=printable http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-obama-climate23-2009sep23,0,6860735.story http://www.mcclatchydc.com/227/story/75858.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/22/AR2009092200844.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13401387 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/23/AR2009092301638.html http://www.modbee.com/politics/story/865212.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13400803?nclick_check=1 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/23/AR2009092300815.html Obama Pleads For Harder Work On Climate Change. President Barack Obama has implored world leaders to confront climate change, saying there can be no peace without cooperative work to preserve the planet. Appearing before global leaders gathered at the United Nations, Obama said Wednesday that "the danger posed by climate change cannot be denied - and our responsibility to meet it must not be deferred." Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2028/story/865477.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13401534 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/22/AR2009092201137.html?hpid=moreheadlines Utility Quits Alliance Over Climate Change. Amid a growing split in the business community over climate policy, Pacific Gas and Electric, a major California utility, is withdrawing from the United States Chamber of Commerce, citing “fundamental differences” with the chamber’s approach to global warming. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/23/business/energy-environment/23utility.html http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/23/BU7N19QGOM.DTL&type=printable Analysis: Time Grows Short For Climate Deal. United Nations—The man from the middle of the Indian Ocean, from one of the tiniest of nations, told his fellow presidents he knew "you are not really listening." But a desperate Mohammed Nasheed of the Maldives, a scattering of islands amid the rising seas of global warming, took to the podium nonetheless at Tuesday's U.N. climate summit to urge his global neighbors, after "20 years of complacency," to "seize the historic opportunity that sits at the end of the road to Copenhagen." Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13394830 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/22/AR2009092202526.html Warming Ocean Melts Greenland Glaciers. Sermilik Fjord, Greenland—With whale fins splashing in the distance, Ruth Curry hauls up her catch from the blustery deck of an icebreaker. An orange tube fixed to a metal frame breaks the surface as the motorized winch stops groaning. Inside: data on the water temperature deep down in this glacial fjord off southeast Greenland. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13400979 Big Polluters Told to Report Emissions. The Environmental Protection Agency said on Tuesday that it would require the nation’s biggest emitters of greenhouse gases to start tracking their emission levels on Jan. 1 and report them to the government. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/23/business/energy-environment/23emissions.html?scp=1&sq=carbon%20emission&st=cse MID Limits Its Contribution To 50 Percent. People planning solar projects on 24 business rooftops will not get as much financial support as they had hoped from the Modesto Irrigation District. Its board voted 3-1 on Tuesday, with one abstention, to continue paying no more than 50 percent toward the cost of each project. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/local/story/865071.html Plug-In Hybrid Maker Fisker Automotive Gets $529 Million From Obama Administration. The loan will go toward development and production of its Karma plug-in hybrid sedan and development of Project Nina, its next-generation plug-in. In its latest bid to help finance the car of tomorrow, the Obama administration said it would lend more than $500 million to Irvine-based Fisker Automotive Inc. to develop a pair of plug-in hybrids. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-fisker23-2009sep23,0,5295907,print.story EV ‘Charging Corridor’ Links L.A. and San Francisco. Forget about California’s long-promised hydrogen highway. A solar power company has joined a regional bank to create an “electric highway” of quick-charge stations linking San Francisco and Los Angeles. It is believed to be the first network of its kind in the country, and electric vehicle advocates said it could spur the adoption of cars with cords in California. Posted. http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/09/charging-corridor/ Tesla Motors Co-Founders Settle Lawsuit. The electric car maker's chief executive, Elon Musk, and former CEO Martin Eberhard end their feud. Details of the agreement are not disclosed. Good news, alternative vehicle fans. The Hatfields and McCoys of the electric propulsion world have settled their feud over who can be called a founder of the company. After months of legal wrangling, Tesla Motors Inc. Chief Executive Elon Musk and former Chief Executive Martin Eberhard have agreed that they, along with three others, are officially equals and co-founders of the company that makes the $109,000 Tesla roadster. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-tesla22-2009sep22,0,2647987,print.story Neighbor’s Open Door A Boon To Nevada. Nevada’s renewable energy industry is breathing a sigh of relief after attempts by California’s legislature to ban renewable energy imports were smacked down by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Last week he scuttled attempts by his state’s legislature to require California utilities to acquire all or most of their renewable energy from plants in California. The Governator’s Sept. 15 executive order also, in effect, mandated that his state’s utility companies acquire 33 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2020. Posted. http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/sep/23/neighbors-open-door-boon-nevada/ Pacific Ethanol May Be Delisted By Nasdaq. Sacramento ethanol producer Pacific Ethanol Inc. is not in compliance with the minimum standard to be listed on the Nasdaq stock market. The company said it received a notification letter from Nasdaq on Sept. 15. Pacific Ethanol has 180 days – until March 14 – to meet the minimum bid price of $1 per share for 10 consecutive days, or face possible delisting. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/business/v-print/story/2202131.html Charging-Station Network Built Along 101. Say you own a Tesla, and you're in the mood to take your sleek electric sports car for a spin down the coast to Los Angeles. Assuming you started in San Francisco with a fully charged battery, you'd get as far as San Luis Obispo, or maybe Pismo Beach. Then the battery would die. Like all electric cars, Tesla's $109,000 roadster is limited by its range - about 250 miles. So a solar power company and a Dutch bank have teamed up to build five recharging stations for Teslas along Highway 101 between the Bay Area and Los Angeles. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/23/MN9719QVGD.DTL&type=printable Utility Leaving U.S. Chamber Over Stance on Climate Change. Pacific Gas and Electric, a large California utility, said Tuesday that it is pulling out of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce because it disagrees with the chamber's aggressive opposition to climate-change legislation. The San Francisco-based company announced the move on its blog, Next100. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/22/AR2009092203258.html OPINION: A Secret White House Power Grab Is In Full Swing. It’s one thing for President Obama to surround himself with the advisers he’d like to have, but it’s another to bestow on them sweeping powers to broker secret negotiations and push forward vast new regulations that could cost American families thousands of dollars. Cap-and-trade energy tax legislation appears stalled, at least for now, in the U.S. Senate. But that doesn’t mean the cap-and-trade energy tax isn’t imminent. Posted. http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/ci.A+Secret+White+House+Power+Grab+Is+In+Full+Swing.opinionPrint BLOGS Where the Wind Blows on China’s Greenhouse Gases. Is President Hu Jintao’s promise to make a “significant cut” in carbon dioxide emissions by 2020 just a lot of hot air? While disappointed that China’s leader didn’t pledge a hard number in his speech before the U.N. Tuesday, climate activists still think there’s some fire beneath the smoke. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/chinajournal/2009/09/23/where-the-wind-blows-on-chinas-greenhouse-gases/ Biojet Corp. To Sell 4 Million Barrels Of Aviation Biofuel. Santa Barbara-based BioJet Corp. agreed this week to sell 4 million barrels of aviation biojet fuel to Las Vegas oil and fuel broker E85. The contract is likely to go into effect over two years beginning in 2011, said BioJet Chief Executive Mitch Hawkins, once jet biofuel is projected to be approved for use by the end of 2010. The fuel standard is being developed by ASTM International, formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/09/santa-barbara-company-biojet-corp-agrees-to-sell-4-million-barrels-of-biojet-fuel.html AC Transit To Build Hydrogen Fuel Station. The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District is seeking bids for a hydrogen fueling station in Emeryville that will support 12 hydrogen buses the agency will introduce between December and June 2010. Grants from the state Air Resources Board will fund much of the project. California has 26 hydrogen stations, said the U.S. Department of Energy. Posted. http://zikkir.com/business/5407 ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:27:08 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for September 24, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for September 24, 2009. 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. A New Crop Of Eco-Warriors Take To Their Own Streets. Along the I-710 corridor, where cargo-carrying trucks and trains spew diesel pollution around the clock, grass-roots groups are persuading residents to act and making clean air a priority. It is 8:30 a.m. on a Sunday. Along streets of grimy stucco bungalows with bougainvillea, American flags and "Beware of Dog" signs on chain-link fences, a couple of residents are hosing down lawns. It ought to be quiet, but it's not. Behind the garden walls of Astor Avenue, there's a chugging and a hissing and a clanking and a squeaking. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-air-pollution24-2009sep24,0,7153996,print.story The Challenge Of Climate Change. At a UN summit on climate change in New York, U.S. President Barack Obama asked world leaders to come together in pursuing policies that allow economies to grow without endangering our planet. Over the next few months, nations of the world will be working to reach a new international agreement to combat climate change. Climate change affects all nations. Rising sea levels, more powerful storms and floods, and more frequent droughts know no borders. President Obama believes all countries must work together to address climate change, and the time for action is now. Posted. http://www.voanews.com/uspolicy/2009-09-23-voa6.cfm No Vote On Murkowski's EPA Amendment – Reid. Senate leaders reached an agreement today allowing votes on a limited number of amendments to the annual spending bill for environmental agencies, excluding a controversial amendment that would limit U.S. EPA's regulatory authority. The amendment from Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) that would prohibit EPA for one year from regulating stationary sources of carbon dioxide emissions was not among those amendments granted votes under the agreement, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) announced today. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/09/24/1 California Governor Fails to Live Up to His Green Goals. In a strange but interesting demonstration of cynicism, Governor Schwarzenegger recently signed an executive order directing state agencies to develop regulations requiring all utilities to achieve 33 percent renewable energy by 2020 -- while at the same time promising to veto a far stronger and smarter mandate in two similar bills finally passed by the Legislature. Posted. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2009/09/california-governor-fails-to-live-up-to-his-green-goals Government Backs A Private Emissions-Trading Experiment. New York -- The voluntary carbon market is coming to China, at least in a very limited and tentative way. Yesterday, at the New York Stock Exchange, officials unveiled their plans for the "Panda Standard," a voluntary offset project design and verification scheme that would generate a greenhouse gas emissions abatement credit that climate-conscious companies or consumers could use to offset their own emissions. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/09/24/3 EV Makers Try To Temper Expectations Ahead Of Calif. Rule. California took the pulse of the zero-emissions vehicle industry this week and found plug-in electric vehicle manufacturers worried about charging infrastructure and public expectations. The California Air Resources Board is hearing from fuel cell and EV manufacturers in preparation for releasing regulations for its Zero-Emissions Vehicle Program. Targets for 2015 and thereafter are due out by Nov. 10, with final targets due by early next year. In its fifth major revision of the program since 1990, it voted last year to reduce the 2014 sales target from 25,000 to 7,500 vehicles (ClimateWire, Sept. 22). Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/09/24/4 The Goal: More Environmental Friendliness. Homemakers dry clothes the old-fashioned way, with a line, a few clothes pins and a lot of fresh air. School teachers encourage students to collect paper scraps from home to create classroom art projects. Those blessed with green thumbs teach impoverished communities how to grow cheaper, healthier foods in their own backyards. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_13402694 Gore: Climate Change Laws 'Crucial Step' In Crisis. New York—Former Vice President Al Gore told attendees Wednesday at the Clinton Global Initiative to reach out to U.S. senators and urge them to pass climate change legislation, saying it was the "crucial step" in solving the climate crisis. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13400290 Aiding Poor Nations In Cutting Emissions. United Nations Tuesday's U.N. climate summit gathering and a G-20 meeting in Pittsburgh this week are seen as an attempt to pressure nations to commit to a climate treaty at Copenhagen in December, and to pay for poorer nations to burn less coal and preserve forests. Posted. http://headlines.ocregister.com/news/percent-43529-emissions-greenhouse.html Offsets Purchased For Climate Summit. Perhaps the most direct impact of the U.N. Summit on Climate Change this week was in the tons of CO2 world leaders emitted in flying to New York City -- not to mention those fleets of limousines and cavalcades of attending advisers. This year, however, the United Nations decided to address its delegates' emissions by buying carbon offsets equal to the 461 tons of carbon dioxide generated by the summit. Those offsets are going to support a biomass plant in rural India that turns farming leftovers like rice husks into electricity. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/09/24/11 http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13403029 'Real Deal' Holyfield Tackles Global Warming. Atlanta—Evander Holyfield has no intention of hanging up his gloves. In fact, he'll have a new nickname the next time he climbs into the ring. The Real Deal is now the Lean Green Fighting Machine. Refusing to give up on his goal of retiring as heavyweight champion even as he approaches his 47th birthday, Holyfield said he'll travel to South Korea in November for his next bout—he's not even sure of the opponent—and bring along a message of preserving the environment. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/sports/ci_13409486 Satellite Reveals Faster Melting Of Polar Ice. A NASA satellite has revealed more accurately than ever that polar ice in Antarctica and Greenland is melting from glaciers and ice sheets far faster than scientists had previously thought, a discovery that one UC Berkeley climate expert calls "ominous and distressing." Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/24/MNMM19R00D.DTL&type=printable Warming Climate Brings New El Niño 'Flavor,' Study Finds. Climate change may be the cause of a new "flavor" of El Niño that has emerged since the 1970s, according to a new study. While the classic El Niño is marked by warmer surface waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean and changes in wind patterns that, among other things, reduce hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean, the new variant is markedly different. Known by some as "Modoki," a Japanese word meaning "similar, but different," it heats up the central Pacific, leaving swaths of cooler water to the east and west. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/09/24/5 The Globe's 2 Largest Emitters Lay Out Hazy Plays to Curb CO2. United Nations -- In the end, the two most important world leaders at the first-ever U.N. Summit on Climate Change didn't say enough to satisfy supporters or quell critics. President Obama, taking the dais before more than 100 heads of state, pledged that the United States would help lead the world in permanently reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Chinese President Hu Jintaoannounced that his country would cut carbon intensity by a "notable margin" per unit of economic growth. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/09/23/23climatewire-the-globes-2-largest-emitters-lay-out-hazy-p-46216.html E.U. Overstepped Bounds On CO2 Limits, Court Says. Poland and Estonia have the right to challenge the size of carbon dioxide emission caps placed on them by the E.U. authorities, the European Court of First Instance, Europe's second-highest court, ruled yesterday. The nations have challenged cuts mandated by the European Commission, the European Union's executive arm, that trimmed their CO2 allowances drastically -- Poland by 27 percent and Estonia by nearly 48 percent. Those cuts were needed, the commission said, because the countries' previous emissions allocations had been overly generous. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/09/24/9 Oakland Solar Firm Hits Desert Swarm. BrightSource Energy has encountered some storm clouds in its quest to bring a solar future to large stretches of the western United States. The Oakland-based developer of solar farms has been forced to scuttle its plans to build a solar energy plant in the Broadwell Dry Lake area of California's Mojave Desert. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_13404230 Mark Landsbaum: No Fuel Like An Old Fuel. Every year local, state and federal lawmakers churn out hundreds of new laws most people are unaware of, even though they are obliged not to break any of them. Why? One answer is that it's not necessarily your interest that lawmakers had in mind, especially when they single out particular beneficiaries. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/government-oil-energy-2578127-new-prices U.S. Panel Shifts Focus to Reusing Nuclear Fuel. Oxon Hill, Md. — With a federal plan to handle nuclear waste in deadlocked disarray, an advisory panel that has spent 20 years studying a proposed repository at Yucca Mountain turned Wednesday to discussing ways of reusing the fuel instead. But the meeting of the panel, the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board, made evident that such reuse was uncertain, along with the future of Yucca Mountain, in Nevada, about 100 miles from Las Vegas. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/24/business/energy-environment/24yucca.html?_r=1&hpw=&pagewanted=print Duke, Fpl To Switch To Hybrid, Electric Vehicles. Columbus, Ohio—Two of the nation's largest power generators said Thursday that they plan to begin switching their company cars and trucks to plug-in hybrid vehicles or all-electric vehicles starting Jan. 1 to help cut greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13409874?nclick_check=1 Agency Posts Tutorial On Engine Regulation. The California Air Resources Board (ARB) posted a succinct 25-slide tutorial on the fleet requirements of its large spark-ignition (LSI) engine regulation on 15 September. "I use the slides in my presentations on the requirements of the regulation and thought that they might be useful to operators visiting the LSI page to better understand the requirements of the LSI regulations," says Mark Williams, air pollution specialist with the zero emissions vehicle implementation section in the mobile source control division of Sacramento-based ARB. Posted. http://www.forkliftaction.com/news/newsprint.aspx?nwid=7639 T. Boone Pickens Promotes Natural Gas Bills At Long Beach Convention. Long Beach - BP Capital Management founder and chairman T. Boone Pickens on Wednesday urged professionals in the solid waste industry to support two upcoming bills that would further efforts to make natural gas an alternative for fuel. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13406403 Chevron Seeks Ecuador Liability In Pollution Case. San Ramon, Calif. (AP) --Chevron Corp. sought Wednesday to force Ecuador into international arbitration for alleged trade violations, an apparent effort to protect itself against a feared negative ruling in a $27 billion lawsuit over environmental damage. Chevron accuses Ecuador of "exploitation" of a civil suit filed over environmental damage that plaintiffs allege Texaco caused in the Amazon rainforest between 1964 and 1990. Chevron, the second-largest U.S. oil company, acquired Texaco in 2001. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/09/23/financial/f164517D95.DTL&type=printable BLOGS Will California Crack Down On Rail-Yard Pollution? Will California crack down on toxic pollution from rail yards? Community and public health groups are planning a demonstration at Friday's Air Resources Board meeting in Diamond Bar to demand that the state enact tough regulations on the California's 18 rail yards. Trucks, trains and cargo-handling equipment spewing diesel emissions in the yards have caused high cancer risks, according to recent studies. Southern California authorities passed anti-idling rules on locomotives three years ago, but Union Pacific Railway and BNSF Railway got them overturned in court. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/09/railyard-pollution-california.html Whitman Would Suspend Global Warming Law. Republican gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman said in San Diego on Wednesday she would suspend Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's signature environmental initiative if elected. The former eBay CEO told an audience at Gen-Probe Inc. in Mira Mesa she would issue an executive order suspending AB 32 that restricts emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming, until its long-term economic consequences are better understood. Posted. http://weblog.signonsandiego.com/news/breaking/2009/09/whitman_would_suspend_global_w.html Will It Blend? Not If CARB Has Anything To Say About It. Will it blend? If the answer is no – as was the case with the boron steel used to create the latest Ford Fiesta – perhaps all that's needed is a more powerful blender (insert appropriate Tim Allen-esque grunting sounds here) complete with handlebars and a twist-grip throttle? Enter the Party Blender, which uses a gas-powered engine in lieu of a standard wimpy plug-in electric motor. Posted. http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/report-will-it-blend-not-if-carb-has-anything-to-say-about-it/print/ Global Warming Peace In Our Time? Uh, Not Quite… If you read only headlines, you might think China and the U.S. have agreed to declare global warming peace in our time, ala Neville Chamberlain in another era and another issue. After all, one nearly local newspaper reported this optimistic headline: “U.S., China seek to reignite global talks on climate change.” Posted. http://orangepunch.freedomblogging.com/2009/09/23/global-warming-peace-in-our-time-uh-not-quite/13031/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:00:12 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for September 25, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for September 25, 2009. 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. Calif. Bans High-Emission Paint Thinners, Solvents. Sacramento, Calif. — California air regulators approved strict regulations Thursday for aerosol air fresheners, paint thinners and solvents as a way to lessen smog-forming emissions and reduce a health threat. The state Air Resources Board voted 8-0 to ban the sale of products that emit high levels of so-called volatile organic compounds. The rules are the toughest state mandate in the nation and will take effect Dec. 31, 2013. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jSeKCCyX2gqhIIQSjYeiSikTIHAgD9ATTIG00 http://www.pe.com/localnews/sbcounty/stories/PE_News_Local_W_railyard25.474cd03.html http://www.inlandnewstoday.com/story.php?s=10727 http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jSeKCCyX2gqhIIQSjYeiSikTIHAgD9ATTIG00 http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/economy/ap/61201442.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/24/AR2009092403354.html http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/2009/09/24/state-orders-pollution-cuts-in-consumer-products/13293/ http://www.inlandnewstoday.com/story.php?s=10727 Calif. Clean-Air Program Designed To Boost Forests. California air regulators Thursday expanded the state's carbon-offset program to include forests across the country, creating the most far-reaching effort of its kind in the nation. The program is voluntary and was endorsed unanimously by the California Air Resources Board. Under it, land owners would receive so-called carbon credits for planting more trees, better managing their forests or agreeing not to convert their property to another use that would require cutting down trees. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jQZ0cv3hyN9eJBtkogASogrHJVTgD9AU10GG0 http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-logging25-2009sep25,0,4709581,print.story http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jQZ0cv3hyN9eJBtkogASogrHJVTgD9AU10GG0 http://blog.taragana.com/n/calif-air-regulators-establish-program-to-promote-forests-help-polluters-meet-emission-goals-178231/ http://www.modbee.com/state/story/867995.html http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/nation_world/20090924_ap_califcleanairprogramdesignedtoboostforests.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_13413337?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com http://www.fresnobee.com/641/story/1650461.html http://www.news10.net/news/green/story.aspx?storyid=67558&catid=62 Air Board To Weigh Train Pollution Measures. The California Air Resources Board on Friday will consider more than three dozen technical measures to reduce air pollution from locomotives and other equipment at the state's rail yards. Some Inland residents who live near rail yards say the measures are not aggressive enough. They plan to protest outside the meeting in Diamond Bar, said Penny Newman, executive director of the Glen Avon-based Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/sbcounty/stories/PE_News_Local_W_railyard25.474cd03.html http://egpnews.com/?p=12861 Schwarzenegger Backs Strong State Climate Bill. Despite calls to suspend California's aggressive plan to slash greenhouse gas emissions, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Thursday insisted that the state's work to combat climate change must soldier on. "No single issue threatens the health and prosperity of our nation (more) than climate change," Schwarzenegger said during an appearance at San Francisco's Commonwealth Club. While a "stalemate goes on" in Washington, Schwarzenegger said California must "push forward to finish the job." Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/25/MNEO19SA8F.DTL&type=printable Schwarzenegger Rejects Whitman's Call To Halt Climate Law. San Francisco -- California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger yesterday dismissed a fellow Republican's campaign pledge to block the state's global warming law. Meg Whitman, former CEO of eBay and leading GOP gubernatorial candidate, penned an editorial recently calling for a suspension of A.B. 32, which restricts the emissions of greenhouse gases, in order to protect California's economy (Greenwire, Sept. 24). Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/09/25/5 http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics-government/ci_13413719?source=rss http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/sep/24/schwarzenegger-defends-environmental-legacy/?printer=1/ http://www.modbee.com/24hour/topstories/story/867925.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13413719 Air Resources Board To Approve $50M In Climate Law Fees. The California Air Resources Board votes today on a first-ever fee to implement carbon regulations. The fee will raise about $50 million each year from regulated emitters to fund administrative expenses and repay the board for previous costs it incurred while developing programs under the state's greenhouse gas emission law. Officials postponed the vote three times because of the prospect of expensive litigation related to the state's proposed treatment of imported power (ClimateWire, July 24). Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/09/25/7 Regulation Report Languished For Nearly A Year. "Smoking gun" or bunkum, there's another question about that "quietly released" report on the supposed half-trillion-dollar cost and job-killing effects of regulations on California's small businesses, featured in today's Chronicle (Page D2): Why had it been sitting in Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's office for almost a year? The office of the Small Business Advocate, a department of the state Office of Planning and Research, had commissioned the report, initially called for in 2006 legislation by then-Democratic, now independent Assemblyman Juan Arambula of Fresno. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/25/BUK819RQHA.DTL&type=printable China Claims Edge Over US in UN Climate Change Talks. In spite of the fact that President Obama is facing an uphill battle - in his own party - on domestic climate change legislation; and, with China taking every opportunity to hide behind their "developing" status, both the US and China used the UN General Assembly to ramp up rhetoric on climate change. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/mnCarbonEmissions/idUS254285349520090925 Good News On Environment, But Can It Last? Washington (Reuters) - There's nothing like a recession to help clear the air of toxins and drive down pump prices -- but we all know it can't last. Or can it? Even some of the gloomier environmental prognosticators see the world's steep recession possibly prompting a lasting shift in consumer behavior that could form the basis of a more sustainable environment. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE58O4F720090925 Behind the Furor Over a Climate Change Skeptic. Washington — Alan Carlin, a 72-year-old analyst and economist, had labored in obscurity in a little-known office at the Environmental Protection Agency since the Nixon administration. In June, however, he became a sudden celebrity with the surfacing of a few e-mail messages that seemed to show that his contrarian views on global warming had been suppressed by his superiors because they were inconvenient to the Obama administration’s climate change policy. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/25/science/earth/25epa.html?_r=1&hpw=&pagewanted=print CARB Fines Waste Hauler $270,000 For Diesel Emissions. The California Air Resources Board recently fined one waste hauler $270,000 for allegedly failing to inspect its diesel fleet in 2005 and 2006. CARB fined Athens Disposal Co., of Athens, CA, for failed diesel inspections as well as “neglecting to install legally required emissions reduction devices from 2004 and 2008.” Posted. http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2009/Sept09/092109/092409-06.htm Stop Climate Change. Comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation will soon go before the Senate. I believe it is critically important for our senators to take immediate and bold action to pass legislation that will begin to solve the climate crisis we are now experiencing. Posted. http://www.sbsun.com/search/ci_13416470?IADID=Search-www.sbsun.com-www.sbsun.com Land Use Effects on Climate Described. Leaders of Ventura County’s open-space movement kicked off an effort Thursday to address climate change through land use decisions that cut gasoline use, driving down harmful emissions. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/sep/24/land-use-effects-on-climate-described/ New Groups Revive the Debate Over Causes of Climate Change. Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) may be grappling with health care, but in Montana a new advocacy group opposed to climate legislation called C02 Is Green is taking aim at the next big battle for Congress. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/24/AR2009092404797.html Blogs California Gubernatorial Hopeful Vows to Reverse Emissions Rules. Margaret C. Whitman, the former chief executive of eBay who declared her candidacy for the California governorship on Tuesday, hopes to roll back California’s law requiring deep cuts in the state’s greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/24/california-gubernatorial-hopeful-vows-to-reverse-californias-emissions-rules/?scp=2&sq=greenhouse%20gas&st=cse Carbon Registry To Improve Its Reporting. New York -- The world's largest corporate carbon registry says it will streamline its system for greenhouse gas emissions reporting while also allowing participating firms to do cross-comparisons between industries and competitors. The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), the U.K.-based nonprofit set up in 2000 to promote business attention to global warming, announced yesterday that it is teaming up with three software and technology consultancy giants to improve its carbon emissions reporting database. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/09/25/6 Is It About Carbon Or Not? Environmental groups are complaining, reports the L.A. Times' Eric Bailey, about new rules approved Thursday by the California Air Resources Board to govern forest landowners' sale of carbon credits on their property. The rules that the state imposes on such sales are very strict -- but not strict enough for the critics, who especially steamed that the protocols allow clear-cutting. Posted. http://blogs.redding.com/bross/archives/2009/09/is-it-about-car.html The Industrial City Of Vernon Has Abandoned A Three-Year-Old Proposal To Build A 943-Megawatt Power Plant Bitterly Opposed By The Communities That Surround It. In a written statement today, Vernon City Administrator Donal O’Callaghan said his city’s electrical utility would submit a new application for a 330-megawatt facility, one he promised would be the nation's “cleanest burning natural gas power plant.” Assemblyman John Perez (D-Los Angeles) described the announcement as a victory for residents who argued that the larger plant would emit thousands of tons of fine soot particles linked to cancer, heart disease and other illnesses. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/09/vernon-backs-off-controvesial-power-plant-proposal-in-favor-of-one-much-smaller.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:33:52 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for September 26-28, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board NewsClips for September 26-28, 2009. 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. Top State Emitters Of Greenhouse Gases Face Fees. Sacramento -- Companies that produce large amounts of greenhouse gases will have to pay new state fees under a decision made Friday - a key step in California's far-reaching program aimed at slowing global climate change. Right now the fees affect only about 350 companies, but experts say they are an important move in averting some of the most catastrophic possible results of climate change. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/26/MN6O19SPHD.DTL&type=printable http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jQZ0cv3hyN9eJBtkogASogrHJVTgD9AUIR8G4 http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13420093 http://www.environmentalleader.com/2009/09/28/california-initiates-carbon-fee-on-polluting-industries-nations-first/ http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090926/BUSINESS/909261052 Solo Hybrid Drivers May Lose Carpool Lane Privileges. Stickers allowing them in HOV lanes expire Jan. 1, 2011, but only the most economical may get extensions. The days may be numbered for hybrid car owners who have enjoyed traveling solo in California's carpool lanes. The stickers granting that privilege to 85,000 hybrid owners are set to expire Jan. 1, 2011. There are proposals in Sacramento to extend the deadline, but they would exclude most of the vehicles that originally qualified for the program, such as the Toyota Prius, the Honda Civic hybrid and the original Honda Insight. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-hybrid-stickers28-2009sep28,0,106024,print.story Battle Brews In California Over Expanding Carpool-Lane Access. One of California's most coveted motoring perks is up for grabs again. The yellow decals that give nearly 85,000 solo drivers of fuel-sipping hybrids – mainly Toyota Priuses – free access to the state's carpool lanes are set to expire at the end of 2010. Now, some lawmakers want the state to give out another round of the stickers in January 2011 to boost sales of the next generation of super-efficient vehicles. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/v-print/story/2210615.html Diesel Emission Fines Generated In San Gabriel Valley Help Fund Oakland-Based Program. When Industry-based Athens Services pays a recent fine for trash trucks that violated state diesel emissions laws, some of the money will help fund an Oakland-based community college program. Along with being required to dole out $200,000 in penalties to the California Air Resources Board - the agency that cited the Industry-based trash hauler - Athens must send a $33,750 check to the Peralta Community College District in Oakland. Posted. http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_13435275?source=rss http://www.whittierdailynews.com/news/ci_13435275 Leaders Warn Time Running Out For Climate Deal. Climate talks kicked off in Bangkok Monday with the U.N. urging nations to break the deadlock over a global warming deal that is supposed to be finalized in just 70 days time, and warning that failure to act would leave future generations fighting for survival. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/world/story/872106.html http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/09/28/world/AP-AS-Thailand-UN-Climate-Talks.html?scp=2&sq=carbon%20emission&st=cse http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13437145 Is 350 the New 450 When It Comes to Capping Carbon Emissions? When it comes to fighting climate change, pick a number -- any number. Nearly 200 countries have signed a U.N. treaty pledging to avoid "dangerous" climate change. But lately, it seems, "dangerous" is lost in translation. Fifteen years since that agreement took effect, scientists and governments are still grappling with what carrying out its promise means. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/09/28/28climatewire-is-350-the-new-450-when-it-comes-to-capping-c-6627.html Thermal Race Track Would Add Pollution, Kill Animals. While I agree that more jobs are needed, I don't want the proposed race track. Instead of a race track, that eastern part of the desert should seek green jobs. Look at La Quinta, which used land from an unused golf resort to make food. The race track claims it will create jobs, but I think there will be few, with the money going to the developers. Posted. http://www.mydesert.com/article/20090928/OPINION02/909280323/-1/newsfront/Thermal-race-track-would-add-pollution--kill-animals With Recession Causing Emissions Drop, Enviros Push For Tougher Targets. A political storm is brewing over three percentage points. As the U.S. Senate prepares to release major climate legislation this week, environmentalists are pushing to increase the bill's emission cuts by 2020. The climate bill that passed the House in June called for cutting greenhouse gas emissions 17 percent below 2005 levels in the next decade, but the Senate version authored by Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and John Kerry (D-Mass.) could hike the number as high as 20 percent, according to sources close to Capitol Hill negotiations. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/09/28/2 California's 'Green' Ink-Cartridge Recycling Fails To Cut Pollution, Or Costs. On paper, the recycling program was touted as a bold step toward California's green, climate-friendly future. A mountain of plastic and metal would be diverted from landfills. Greenhouse gas emissions would tumble. And one of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's climate change goals – trimming power use in state buildings by 20 percent – would nudge closer to reality as agencies snapped up new, more efficient office printers. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/378/v-print/story/2212196.html Tardy Autumn Finally To Bring Cooler Weather. Yes, I know that fall officially began last Tuesday with the autumnal equinox. But that was also the day that a seemingly endless heat wave descended on Orange County, sending temperatures above 100 degrees inland. But change is coming, and it’ll be not only noticeable but soothing. Posted. http://sciencedude.freedomblogging.com/2009/09/27/tardy-autumn-finally-to-bring-cooler-weather/59375/ Young Trainees Shine A Light In Solar Jobs. Alameda — Kwan Smith braved stifling summer temperatures one recent day while preparing a beautiful Clinton Avenue home for the installation of solar panels. Despite the heat, Smith didn't curse the sun. Rather, she was thankful for it. That's because the 19-year-old Oakland woman knows the planet's oldest energy source fuels the growing, cutting-edge solar industry about which she has become deeply impassioned. And, thanks to an East Bay green jobs program, it also has led her to a potential "green-collar" career. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_13428471 Calif. Clean-Air Program Designed To Boost Forests. Sacramento, Calif.—California air regulators Thursday expanded the state's carbon-offset program to include forests across the country, creating the most far-reaching effort of its kind in the nation. The program is voluntary and was endorsed unanimously by the California Air Resources Board. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13413337 Editorial: Cold, Calculated Lies Await Debate On Global Warming. So, have you enjoyed the debate over health care reform? Have you been impressed by the civility of the discussion and the intellectual honesty of reform opponents? If so, you'll love the next big debate: The fight over climate change. The House has already passed a fairly strong cap-and-trade climate bill, the Waxman-Markey act, which if it becomes law would eventually lead to sharp reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/editorials/v-print/story/2210294.html Opinion: Environmental Innovation Will Create Jobs, Not Curtail Them. Could following the next steps toward California's new clean-energy economy really lead to burdensome regulations and increased job loss? Or, instead, will the implementation of AB 32, the groundbreaking road map to that future, more likely lead to further innovation and leadership? How we answer these timely questions could determine our state's economic future. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_13421487?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com Political Blotter: Arnold Has A Hand In Shower's Hot Water. Arnold spies on his kids while they shower. But that's actually not as creepy as it sounds. (I think.) Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger addressed the Commonwealth Club of California at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco today to mark three years since he signed into law AB32, which set ambitious goals for the state to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in coming decades. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_13433842 Cassandras of Climate. Every once in a while I feel despair over the fate of the planet. If you’ve been following climate science, you know what I mean: the sense that we’re hurtling toward catastrophe but nobody wants to hear about it or do anything to avert it. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/28/opinion/28krugman.html?bl Better Bulbs To Become A Tool In Cutting Fossil-Fuel Subsidies. It's the wasteful habit the planet just can't shake: the never-changing incandescent light bulb. Flipping the lights on uses about a fifth of the world's electricity, according to the International Energy Agency. These lights cause emissions equal to those from 70 percent of the world's cars. And much of that is driven by the incandescent light bulb, a paragon of energy waste that makes up 70 percent of bulb sales worldwide. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/09/28/6 Questions Trail G-20 Pledge On Fossil. The pledge by G-20 leaders last week to phase out fossil fuel subsidies in the "medium term" is being cheered by environmentalists, but the vaguely worded pledge has raised a multitude of questions about its scope and implementation. "How meaningful this will be is very difficult to tell at this time," said David Pumphrey, senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think thank. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/09/28/3 Blue-Collar Environmentalists Rise Up In Calif. They fight heavy pollution from freight trains. Commerce, Calif. - It is 8:30 a.m. on a Sunday. Along streets of grimy stucco bungalows with bougainvillea, American flags, and “Beware of Dog’’ signs on chain-link fences, a couple of residents are hosing down lawns. It ought to be quiet, but it’s not. Behind the garden walls of Astor Avenue, there’s a chugging and a hissing and a clanking and a squeaking. Two yellow locomotives, hooked to cars piled high with metal containers, idle on the track of the Union Pacific. Their stacks spew gray plumes of smoke. Posted. http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/green/articles/2009/09/27/california_blue_collar_environmentalists_face_down_freight_trains?mode=PF Ben & Jerry's, GE Work On Greener Freezers For US. Think propane and butane are just for barbecuing? Think again: The common cooking fuels can also chill your drinks and ice cream with less energy and almost none of the global warming worries of current refrigerants. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/24hour/topstories/story/871149.html BLOGS Debating Hybrids’ Fast-Lane Privileges. States are beginning to address the question of whether hybrid and electric cars should be allowed in remain in carpool lanes as the number of such vehicles proliferates. That issue is under discussion in California, according to a report in The Sacramento Bee. Stickers allowing 85,000 solo-driven hybrids (mainly Toyota Priuses) into the state’s high-occupancy vehicle lanes expire at the end of next year. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/28/debating-hybrids-fast-lane-privileges/?pagemode=print ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:44:20 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for September 29th, 2009 From: sponedal@ARB.CA.GOV 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. Schwarzenegger Hosts Climate Summit This Week. Schwarzenegger Hosts Climate Summit This Week. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared in his second inaugural address that California was both a “nation-state” and a “good and global commonwealth.” To that effect, Schwarzenegger will host his second annual international climate summit this week in Los Angeles, which organizers have billed as a precursor to United Nations talks in December to establish new worldwide emissions targets. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/politics/story/2216240.html?mi_rss=State%2520Politics Tokyo Makes Environment A Priority In 2016 Bid. Copenhagen — Tokyo has spent months telling how important the environment is to its bid for the 2016 Games. Now it's showing it. Using a large, interactive globe that shows, among other things, the far-reaching spread of pollutants and possible effects of global warming, Tokyo's organizers said Tuesday their plans for the 2016 Games could be a model not just for future Olympics, but for cities worldwide. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/sep/29/oly-tokyo-2016-092909/?sports&zIndex=173999 http://www.contracostatimes.com/sports/ci_13443520 Pacifica looks to cut emissions with Climate Action Plan. PACIFICA — An inventory of greenhouse gas emissions has challenged the city's reputation as a "green" entity, but leaders are poised to reclaim the label by committing to actions that will sharply reduce emissions of carbon dioxide. At its meeting Monday night, the Pacifica City Council was expected to review a greenhouse gas emissions inventory that reflects city operations in 2005 and take the first steps in creating a Climate Action Plan that will recommend how the city — and residents — can cut back on harmful emissions. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/green-living/ci_13440820 Norfolk Southern unveils electric locomotive. ALTOONA, Pa.—Rail hauler Norfolk Southern Corp. on Monday unveiled a battery-powered prototype locomotive for use in its Pennsylvania rail yard, and the company said it has its eye on hybrid long-haul trains next. The 1,500 horsepower locomotive, dubbed NS 999, will be used to move cars around the rail yard, Norfolk Southern said. It uses 1,080 rechargeable 12-volt lead acid batteries to store power, and can run for about a day on a charge. It also recharges using the energy from braking. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13439251 Senate climate bill tougher than House version. WASHINGTON -- Draft Senate climate change legislation would require a 20 percent cut in greenhouse gases by 2020, far deeper than the reductions mandated in the House version. The draft obtained by The Associated Press remains subject to change. But the overall carbon reduction requirements are expected to stand. The Democratic bill is to be released Wednesday by the Senate Environmental Committee with a vote by the panel likely in late October. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/29/AR2009092901612.html Committee Bill Targets 20 Percent Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will unveil a bill Wednesday that aims for a 20 percent reduction in U.S. greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels by the year 2020, according to several sources and a close-to-final version of the bill obtained by The Washington Post. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/29/AR2009092901608_pf.html Senate to Unveil Climate-Bill Blueprint Wednesday. Washington -- Senate lawmakers Wednesday plan to unveil a blueprint for climate legislation that will mirror the House-passed bill in structure, but leave out many of the most important details. According to industry and government officials close to the matter, the legislation will outline a tougher near-term target for cutting greenhouse-gas emissions but won't include how valuable pollution credits will be distributed among affected industries. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125424031372849633.html#printMode San Francisco Tilts Toward Wind Power. The two famous windmills in Golden Gate Park could soon have a lot of company as a broad array of city officials, business leaders and environmentalists push for streamlined, modern versions to spring up at famous spots all over the city. Wind turbines could soon be built at Twin Peaks, Treasure Island, the Civic Center, Ocean Beach, the San Francisco Zoo, city parks and the airport as demonstration sites for how urban wind farms could help power San Francisco - and to educate residents in the hopes they'll put them on their rooftops. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/29/MNAO19U159.DTL&type=printable California Furniture Industry Seeks Formaldehyde Rule Extension. Says more time needed to clear non-compliant inventory. High Point — Furniture industry officials in California are still pushing for an extension of the deadline to sell products that don't meet the state's strict new limits for formaldehyde emissions. Furniture and other goods face a July 1 deadline. California's law - which the U.S. Senate is considering as a model for a possible national formaldehyde rule - is in the early stages in enforcement. Posted. http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/355704-California_furniture_industry_seeks_formaldehyde_rule_extension.php China Leads Way For Solar Energy. Next month, Santa Clara's Applied Materials Inc. is scheduled to open a giant solar energy R&D center. The company is investing up to $300 million in the facility. It will not be situated in California, nor in the United States, but in Xian, China. Because China's where the action is. "If the U.S. doesn't get serious, China's going to own this industry," said Applied Materials spokesman David Miller. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/29/BU3019SV07.DTL&type=printable Editorial: Hiding The Bad News. Governor Values Rep As Green Giant More Than Californians' Jobs. In response to a 2006 request from the Legislature, state officials hired two business professors at California State University Sacramento to study regulatory burdens facing small businesses. The report by Sanjay B. Varshney and Dennis H. Tootelian, released last week, concluded that the annual cost of regulation in 2007 was a staggering $134,122 per small business. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/sep/29/hiding-bad-news/?uniontrib Frontier Project draws attention to going green and saving resources, but at a cost. RANCHO CUCAMONGA - When it comes to going green, the Cucamonga Valley Water District pulled out all the stops. The district is near completion on a demonstration building with a conservation message that goes beyond low-flush toilets and drought-resistant plants. It might sound like an oxymoron, but the water district wants to go beyond water. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13442006 EPA seeks to limit plane deicing chemical runoff. DES MOINES, Iowa—Every winter, airports across the country spray millions of gallons of deicing chemicals onto airliners and allow the runoff to trickle away. When the chemicals end up in nearby waterways, the deicing fluid can turn streams bright orange and create dead zones for aquatic life. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13443465 EPA tells schools to test aging caulk for PCBs. WASHINGTON—Hundreds of school buildings across the United States have caulk around windows and doors containing potentially cancer-causing PCBs, the Environmental Protection Agency says. The danger to students is uncertain, and EPA does not know for sure how many schools could be affected. But the agency is telling schools that they should test old caulk and remove it if PCBs turn up in significant amounts. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13437907 Exelon Quits Chamber Over Climate Change. Power generator Exelon became the latest utility to drop its membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce because of the group's opposition to legislation that would limit emissions of greenhouse gases. "Inaction on climate is not an option," John Rowe, Exelon's chairman and chief executive, said in a speech at an energy-efficiency conference. "If Congress does not act, the EPA will, and the result will be more arbitrary, more expensive and more uncertain for investors and the industry than a reasonable, market-based legislative solution." Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/28/AR2009092803762.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:05:45 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for September 30th, 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for September 30, 2009. 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. 2nd Governors' Climate Summit convenes in LA. Government and business leaders are gathering in Los Angeles for the second Governors' Climate Summit hosted by California's Arnold Schwarzenegger and chief executives of other states. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at Wednesday's opening ceremonies. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_13451294?nclick_check=1 http://www.modbee.com/state/story/874564.html http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/sep/30/2nd-governors-climate-summit-convenes-in-la/ Way Behind the Curve. The United States Chamber of Commerce’s Web site says the group supports “a comprehensive legislative solution” to global warming. Yet no organization in this country has done more to undermine such legislation. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/30/opinion/30wed3.html?scp=1&sq=greenhouse%20gas&st=cse Many Support $100 Billion A Year On Climate Change. Many world leaders have expressed support for a proposal that would earmark $100 billion a year for the next decade for concrete actions to curb greenhouse gases and help countries cope with the impact of climate change, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13450169# http://www.modbee.com/24hour/topstories/story/874441.html Landmark 2nd Circuit Ruling May Open Gates for Climate Cases. Climate change lawsuits gained new urgency for environmentalists and industry groups alike last week when a federal appeals court issued a ruling that both sides see as a potential game changer. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/09/29/29greenwire-landmark-2nd-circuit-ruling-may-open-gates-for-48905.html Sens. Boxer, Kerry Brace for Delicate Talks as Climate Bill Emerges Today. The decision by Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) to seek steeper greenhouse gas emissions cuts than their House counterparts drew mixed reviews from senators yesterday, underscoring the challenges the pair will face after unveiling their climate bill today. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/09/30/30climatewire-sens-boxer-kerry-brace-for-delicate-talks-as-86069.html?scp=1&sq=carbon%20emission&st=cse http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/09/30/1 UN: Climate Change Impact on Agriculture Dire. A U.N. agency warns that the climate change will badly affect agriculture and hit developing nations hardest, leading to unreliable food production and higher prices. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13451671# http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/09/30/world/AP-EU-UN-Climate-Change-Agriculture.html?_r=1&scp=4&sq=climate%20change&st=cse What's That Smell In West Garden Grove? Garden Grove – For several months, residents in west Garden Grove have wondered about the "smell," especially when it was breezy. "It smelled like a city dump," said Tony Flores, president of the West Garden Grove Residents Association. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/base-grove-compost-2584640-garden-residents Commentary: Check The Price Tag First. A recent study, commissioned by the government, no less, revealed that it costs California small businesses an average of $134,000 a year to comply with state regulations. A previous study by the same university professors found regulations to enforce the state's Global Warming Solutions Act will cost small businesses another $50,000 a year. Merely complying with these arbitrary regulations can be the difference between profit and loss. Posted. http://headlines.ocregister.com/articles/government-44643-regulations-study.html Senate Climate-Change Bill Would Cut Greenhouse Emissions 20% by 2020. Reporting from Washington - The Senate's environment committee will take up an energy and climate-change bill today that calls for a 20% cut in U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, according to a draft copy of the bill. The measure, co-sponsored by Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and John F. Kerry (D-Mass.), will serve as the starting point for what promises to be a long and complicated series of negotiations. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-climate30-2009sep30,0,128921.story U.S. Chamber of Commerce Faces Revolt Over Its Opposition To Global Warming Legislation. As California Sen. Barbara Boxer prepares to unveil the Senate's climate change legislation on Capitol Hill today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce — a strong opponent of the global warming bill passed by the House and a likely foe of the Senate bill — faces a high-profile revolt by some of its members. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_13447658?source=rss&nclick_check=1 http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13447658 Gore Discusses Climate Impasse With Mexican Leader. Mexico City—Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore has met with Mexico's president to discuss the importance of breaking an impasse over a new global warming pact. The office of President Felipe Calderon says both leaders stressed the need to reach a new U.N. climate agreement at a conference in Copenhagen in December. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13447746# Report: Climate Change Means More Hungry Children. Johannesburg—Scientists fear climate change will mean 25 million more hungry children over the next four decades, with subsistence farmers in Africa and Asia particularly hard hit by global warming, according to a report issued Wednesday. The authoritative International Food Policy Research Institute said even without climate change, 113 million children under 5 years old will be malnourished in 2050 worldwide. With climate change, the figure would be 20 percent more. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13449323# Next Up For The Air Sistrict: Reducing Lone-Occupant Cars In Daily Commute. Central Valley businesses have been an integral part of the air basin's progress toward meeting critical air-quality mandates and improving the quality of life for all valley residents through cleaner air. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/opinion/community/x746311376/Next-up-for-the-air-sistrict-reducing-lone-occupant-cars-in-daily-commute Blogs Nike Resigns from Chamber Board. In another sign of the widening divide in the business community over climate change action, Nike announced Wednesday that it would resign its position on the board of the United State Chamber of Commerce. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/30/nike-resigns-from-chamber-board/ http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0909/27739.html Chamber Clarifies Stance on Climate Policy. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which has seen several of its members publicly withdraw from its ranks recently, in response to the organization’s position on climate change, issued the following statement from its president and chief executive, Thomas J. Donohue, on Tuesday. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/29/chamber-clarifies-stance-on-climate-policy/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 1 Oct 2009 12:18:35 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for October 1, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for October 1, 2009. 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. Environment Hot Topic At Governor's Global Climate Summit. Century City - The three-day Governors' Global Climate Summit will resume in Century City on Thursday, when Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will co-host a session on driving technological innovation and sustainable economic growth. The panelists will discuss how efforts to fight climate change and spur technological development also can drive economic progress. Other scheduled participants include Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski, Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle, Newfoundland Premier Daniel Williams and Theodore Craver Jr., chief executive officer of Edison International. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13459402 Schwarzenegger, Sierra Pacific Agree On Carbon-Offset Project. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and timber giant Sierra Pacific Industries on Wednesday evening announced the nation's largest forest carbon-offset project, meant to keep millions of tons of climate-warming gases out of the atmosphere over the next century. Forestry and some conservation groups said the deal shows the state's new rules on forest offsets, adopted last week by the Air Resources Board, will be attractive to landowners. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/v-print/story/2222060.html EPA Proposes Curbs On Industrial Greenhouse Gases. The agency's plan would target the sources of 70% of U.S. emissions. It sends a timely message to foreign allies in the fight against climate change -- and to lawmakers in Congress. The Environmental Protection Agency unveiled a detailed proposal Wednesday for using the government's regulatory powers to curb greenhouse gas emissions -- reassuring foreign allies of the U.S. commitment to fight climate change and warning Congress that the administration will act on its own if lawmakers fail to address the issue. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-senate-climate1-2009oct01,0,2592871,print.story http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/10/01/MNHR19V87L.DTL&type=green California Timber Firm To Market Its Forests As Weapon Against Global Warming. Sierra Pacific's announcement comes less than a week after the Schwarzenegger administration pushed through new rules allowing the company to sell carbon credits. The state's largest timber company Wednesday announced a groundbreaking agreement to begin marketing its vast forests as a weapon in the fight against global warming. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-logging-deal1-2009oct01,0,2925234,print.story Boxer Unveils Sweeping Climate Change Bill. Washington — Sen. Barbara Boxer unveiled ambitious legislation Wednesday to slash the nation's use of carbon-emitting fossil fuels and reduce the country's dependence on foreign oil. But the measure, which could emerge as a test of the three-term Democrat's leadership skills as she girds for a tough re-election fight next year, faces long odds to gain the 60 votes it needs to get through the Senate and on to the president's desk. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_13455739?source=rss EPA Moves To Regulate Smokestack Greenhouse Gases. Washington, (AP) --Proposed regulations would require power plants, factories and refineries to reduce greenhouse gases by installing the best available technology and improving energy efficiency whenever a facility is significantly changed or built. The Environmental Protection Agency proposal announced Wednesday applies to any industrial plant that emits at least 25,000 tons of greenhouse gases a year. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/09/30/national/w121450D86.DTL&type=printable EPA Wants More Oversight On Chemicals. Tens of thousands of chemicals found in everyday items, from toys and cell phones to food containers and medical devices, would face high levels of federal scrutiny and control under a set of guidelines unveiled Tuesday in San Francisco by President Obama's top environmental official.The effort to rewrite how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency evaluates and enforces the use of potentially harmful chemicals marks the most significant overhaul of the nation's chemical policies since the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/30/MN2U19UIJ8.DTL&type=printable The Senate Bill Tinkers With Touchy Issue -- Carbon Offsets. Call it carbon offsets, round two. Major climate legislation introduced yesterday in the Senate makes significant changes from a House version of the bill on offsets, or clean-energy initiatives that businesses can use to meet emission cuts outside their own facilities. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/10/01/1 Do U.S. Chamber Defections Reflect New Dynamic In Climate Debate? Recent high-profile departures from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce over its position on climate change may be more than a short-term, public-relations hit for the lobbying powerhouse, according to supporters of cap-and-trade legislation. Climate bill backers say the chamber's turmoil will reshape the debate on Capitol Hill. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/10/01/1 U.S. Prepares More Regulatory Moves In Case Climate Bills Stall. The Obama administration holds several potential trump cards if Congress ultimately deadlocks over climate legislation, current and former officials said yesterday. They cited existing powers of the federal government to push forward parts of the climate and clean energy agendas on its own. A large and obvious stick in the closet is U.S. EPA's ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/10/01/2 Agency Proposes CO2 Emission Permits For Big Sources. All heads were turned toward Capitol Hill yesterday morning as the Senate officially entered the climate debate. Then they got whiplash. Hours later, U.S. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson spoke in California to unveil a controversial proposal that would require the first greenhouse gas emissions permits from big industrial emitters, such as power plants, oil refiners and factories. "EPA is ready to work with Congress. But we are not going to continue with business as usual any longer. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/10/01/3 Locomotive Breath. The state moves to reduce diesel emissions in rail yards, but critics say it’s not fast enough. Five years ago, a study found that residents who lived near rail yards in California suffer a greater risk of cancer. The results reinforced the need for the state to implement mitigation measures, and last week the California Air Resources Board met to consider recommendations to reduce diesel emissions associated with rail yard activities. Posted. http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/PrintFriendly?oid=1282571 Fees From AB 32: Where Is The Money Going? It started out as a simple question. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) collected $57 million in fees to pay for administration of AB 32 (Global Warming Solutions Act) from 2007 to 2009. So we asked -- how was the money spent? It’s a basic rule that public agencies must justify how fee revenues are spent. How much for staff, equipment, travel, and consultants? Posted. http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?_c=yb3u4j2fcaltxw&xid=yb3sgob7judp2i&done=.yb3u4j2fcb5txw# Up In Smoke. Proposed wood-burning ordinance fails. In a mid-morning public hearing at City Council chambers last week, Nani Teves, a Chicoan and mom, stood before the Board of Governors of the Butte County Air Quality Management District asking the panel to reaffirm its commitment to residents. First, though, she voiced frustration over the longstanding indecision on introducing mandatory wood-burning rules aimed at bringing Chico—and thus the county—into compliance with air-quality standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency. Posted. http://www.newsreview.com/chico/PrintFriendly?oid=1290713 Agency Working On Fuel Ratings For Electric Cars – Letter. U.S. EPA is continuing to hammer out how it intends to rate the fuel efficiency of hybrid-electric and all-electric vehicles, according to an agency letter released yesterday. In the letter, written Sept. 23, the agency said it will "initiate a new rule-making to explore in detail the information displayed on the current fuel economy label and the methodology for deriving that information." Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/10/01/13 Opinion: The Climate Change Mess. Over lunch with The Post editorial board Wednesday, Swedish foreign minister Carl Bildt said that, when it comes to climate change, "we can't complain about the ambition of this administration," but that secretary of state Hillary Clinton has been "fairly candid with us about what's happening in the Senate." That is, not much. Posted. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/postpartisan/2009/10/the_climate_change_mess.html BLOGS Toyota's Two-Faced Stance on Climate Change. As the old saying goes: "You can't have your cake and eat it too." Or in the case of Toyota: "You can't have your green and fight it too." With a well-earned reputation as a leader in the development of fuel efficient cars it boggles my mind that Toyota continues to be a supporter of the US Chamber of Commerce - an organization that is leading the charge against President Obama's clean energy agenda. Posted. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kevin-grandia/toyotas-two-faced-stance_b_305479.html Strategies for Climate Change Adaptation. Swiss Re insures vulnerable economies against climate related disasters exacerbated by climate change. On the release of a recent report from the Economics of Climate Adaptation Working Group, a partnership linking several international and corporate agents working toward climate change solutions, the reinsurance firm Swiss Re — a contributor to the report — lays out the challenge facing many poor nations: Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/01/strategies-for-climate-change-adaptation/?pagemode=print Utility Replaces Some Coal With Switchgrass. More electricity is already coming from solar and wind sources, so why not from switchgrass? NRG Energy, a wholesale power generation company that operates in the United States, Australia and Germany, is experimenting with that possibility. The company announced on Wednesday that it has begun a pilot project to replace some coal with locally grown switchgrass and sorgham at its Big Cajun II plant in Louisiana. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/01/utility-replaces-some-coal-with-swtichgrass/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 5 Oct 2009 12:00:31 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for October 2-5, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for October 2-5, 2009. 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. Political Alliances Shift in Fight Over Climate Bill. The flurry of companies quitting the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is highlighting how the climate-change issue is straining traditional alliances in Washington, as some businesses seek to profit from overhauling the energy market and others try to cut deals to head off tougher regulation. Some companies and industry groups that have in the past worked with Republicans to fight efforts to curb the use of fossil fuels -- such as Detroit's auto makers -- are now expressing support for action on climate change. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125469865112162911.html#printMode Niello: Quit Hammering State's Small Businesses. This just in: California businesses are overregulated. No, really they're really overregulated. But don't take my word for it. In 2006, the Legislature passed a bill with bipartisan support to request an independent report on the total cost of regulation to the California economy. The study was headed by Sanjay Varshney, professor of finance and dean of the College of Business Administration at California State University, Sacramento. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/v-print/story/2227437.html Can Lean Times Also Be Green Times? Whitman argues that economic issues push environmental concerns aside. The governor has long said both need attention. As the giant cargo cranes at the Port of Long Beach loomed behind him, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger last week cut quickly to a debate gaining intensity in his Republican Party: Should the state's passion for environmental protection survive a foundering economy? Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-week4-2009oct04,0,7473507,print.story Feds To Review Ozone Standards. The Obama administration is reconsidering the federal health standard for ozone, a lung-irritating component of smog, to determine if the standard the Bush administration set last year goes far enough to protect health. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_ozone04.2c2db60.html Methane Watch Dog? The San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District plans to charge a $150 methane fee for every cow, bull and steer within its jurisdiction. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/opinion/letters/x2067559430/Methane-watch-dog Emissions Initiative In Whitman's Cross Hairs. Campaign promise has a tough target. Sacramento — If elected governor next year, Republican Meg Whitman vows to suspend California's landmark initiative against global warming on her first day in office. “As governor, I actually would place a moratorium on AB 32 by executive order until we fully understand the law's impact on our economy,” said Whitman, referring to the state law requiring a sharp reduction in greenhouse gas emissions linked to global warming. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/oct/05/emissions-initiative-whitmans-cross-hairs/ Ban On Wood Burning: Council May Rekindle Rule. With the Butte County Air Quality Management District's proposal to limit residential wood-burning losing steam last week, the Chico City Council may soon rekindle discussions on a mandatory burn ban in Chico on certain winter days. Posted. http://www.chicoer.com/news/ci_13468100 Pipe Break In Upper Ojai Results In Tons Of Air Pollutants. The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District is re-examining its excess pollution fees after an oil company was fined $6,500 for releasing multiple tons of air pollution over at least a six-month time frame. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/sep/30/pipe-break-in-upper-ojai-results-in-tons-of-air/ California Carbon Trading Program Addresses Forest Preservation Offsets. California Climate Change carbon trading program addresses forest preservation offsets. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger held an international Climate Change conference in Century City this week. 1,200 representatives from 70 states and provinces in the world attended. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-5908-Boston-Environmental-Policy-Examiner~y2009m10d3-California-carbon-trading-program-address-forest-preservation-offsets Carbon Storage New Factor For Timber. About 20,000 acres of Tuolumne County timber are part of an effort to capture some of the carbon dioxide believed to be changing the climate. Sierra Pacific Industries, a major lumber producer, announced last week that it will manage the land in a way that increases carbon stored in trees over the next 100 years. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/local/story/880464.html Leaders From Indonesia, Brazil Join 3 U.S. States in Deforestation Accord. Three U.S. governors and eight regional leaders from Brazil and Indonesia have drafted a memorandum they intend to make official today that calls on the presidents of their nations to write generous forestry provisions into an international climate change pact in Copenhagen in December. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/10/02/02climatewire-leaders-from-indonesia-brazil-join-3-us-stat-93701.html Investor Advocates Press Business Groups Over Climate Policy. Progressive investor funds and their allies are increasing pressure on powerful Washington business associations to alter their climate change policy positions, following the high-profile departure of three electric utilities from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/10/02/02greenwire-investor-advocates-press-business-groups-over-24521.html Hurdles Remain on Climate Change Goals. Like most members of President Obama's climate team, David Sandalow was one of President Bill Clinton's negotiators in Kyoto. And he carries an indelible lesson from the experience of signing off on the international climate pact there 12 years ago: "Only agree abroad to what you can implement at home." He had been elated at the deal by more than 180 nations in December 1997. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/04/AR2009100401881_pf.html Global Leaders Sign Declaration In Advance of Next Climate Agreement. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and United Nations officials today joined with 30 global leaders in Los Angeles, at the closing ceremony of the Governors’ Global Climate Summit 2 to sign a declaration committing to work together to pursue clean transportation and mobility, support national climate change legislation, include forests in climate policy development, acknowledge the need for adaptation efforts and recognize the role of subnational governments in the discussions on the next global climate agreement being negotiated in Copenhagen this December. Posted. http://www.imperialvalleynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6735&Itemid=23 Divisions in U.S. Over Emissions. If anyone in the global community was still straining to see where the fault lines lay in the American debate over climate change, last week will have provided some clarity. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/05/business/energy-environment/05iht-green05.html?scp=7&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse EPA Reconsiders 'Johnson Memo' on Carbon Emissions. U.S. EPA yesterday launched a formal reconsideration of a Bush-era memorandum detailing when the government should regulate carbon dioxide emissions from industrial facilities. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/10/01/01greenwire-epa-reconsiders-johnson-memo-on-carbon-emissio-66348.html Southern Calif. Port Pollution Drops Under Clean Truck Program. A "clean trucks" program at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in California has shown quick progress, with an 80 percent decline in diesel emissions expected by the end of 2010 -- a year ahead of schedule. "This is the most successful effort to clean a port in the world," said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. "I mean, think about it. Nobody thought it was possible to retrofit 5,000 trucks in a year, and we're at 5,500 and growing. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/2009/10/02/14/ Duke CEO Sends Message To Kerry, Boxer And Coal Industry. Duke Energy Corp. CEO Jim Rogers has a mixed message for U.S. senators considering global warming legislation. In an interview last week, the leader of the nation's third-largest electric utility said that a major climate bill released last week in the U.S. Senate heads in the right direction but needs an overhaul when it comes to nuclear power, natural gas and renewables. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/10/05/4 Fed. Stimulus Dollars Help Renewable Energy. It doesn't look like it has any redeeming qualities, but the field of garbage high above Pittsburg is actually the main ingredient for producing enough energy to power 2,200 Bay Area homes. Posted. http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=resources/lifestyle_community/green&id=7043992 Biofuels Producers Warn They Are Going to Fall Far Short of Federal Mandates. The emerging cellulosic biofuel industry, stung by frozen credit markets, ineffective federal loan programs and lagging federal policies, will fall far short of mandated production volumes over the next few years. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/10/05/05climatewire-biofuels-producers-warn-they-are-going-to-fa-82387.html NO: Will "Green Energy" Create Millions of Jobs in the US. NO: Green subsidies will create jobs by destroying others. Don't let the hype about "green jobs" fool you. The global warming bill approved earlier this year by the House of Representatives would destroy far more jobs than it could ever create. Posted. http://www.dailybreeze.com/lifeandculture/ci_13484727 Regional Force of Green Jobs Foreseen. Jobs are scarce and the climate is changing, but there is hope on the horizon that both those problems could be solved by the wave of green jobs predicted to touch every sector of the economy. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/oct/01/regional-force-of-green-jobs-foreseen/ New Script for India on Climate Change. New Delhi — When the United Nations convened its summit meeting on climate change last month, China and the United States, the two most important countries at the negotiating table, hewed to mostly familiar scripts, making promises without making too many specific commitments. Less familiar was the script followed by the third most important country at the table, India. India’s public stance on climate change is usually predictable — predictably obstinate and unwilling to compromise, at least according to many industrialized nations. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/04/world/asia/04climate.html?_r=1&em=&pagewanted=print Letters: Climate-Change Winds Blow Colder. The Senate is now drafting a global-warming bill even more economically Draconian than the recent version passed in the House. Our senators need to take stock of recent global-climate outcomes before they blindly proceed down this ridiculous path. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/ice-global-climate-2591045-sea-data Region Gets Funding For Green Projects. Long Beach Diesel pollution from ports, train engines, buses and construction machinery will be slashed and green jobs created with more than $26million in federal stimulus funding, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday with the Port of Long Beach as a backdrop. Posted. http://headlines.ocregister.com/news/funding-44844-million-retrofit.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13470519# Climate Change Puts National Parks At Risk. Washington — America's national parks are at risk of disappearing or being fundamentally changed as seas rise, glaciers melt, trees die and animal habitat changes as a result of climate change, according to a report Thursday from two environmental groups. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_13484234# Hybrid Car Owners In California May Lose Carpool Edge. The days may be numbered for hybrid car owners who have enjoyed traveling solo in California's carpool lanes. The stickers granting that privilege to 85,000 hybrid owners are set to expire Jan. 1, 2011. There are proposals in Sacramento to extend the deadline, but they would exclude most of the vehicles that originally qualified for the program, such as the Toyota Prius, the Honda Civic hybrid and the original Honda Insight. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_13471814# Cemex Suggests Last Year's Chromium 6 Scare Was Overblown. Santa Cruz - Administrators of the Davenport cement plant are alleging that the county health department may have overreacted to the discovery of chromium 6 at their facility last year and spent unnecessary money on the effort to ensure public safety, say county officials. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13472924# East County Trash Is Treasure For Other Areas. pittsburg — A new energy source for two Bay Area communities comes from piles of discarded trash stored in East Contra Costa County. A project by Massachusetts-based Ameresco that began Aug. 1 at Keller Canyon Landfill converts methane gas emitted from decaying household garbage into energy. The plant sells the electricity to Alameda Municipal Power — that city's municipal utility company — and Palo Alto. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13472262# Sierra Pacific Makes Largest Forest Carbon Transaction. California's largest private landowner, Sierra Pacific Industries, and Equator, LLC, a natural resources asset management firm, announced Thursday that they have entered into the nation's single largest pre-compliance forest carbon transaction to date. The transaction will consist of a series of projects focused on developing compliance-ready carbon offsets registered under the recently approved Climate Action Reserve forestry protocol, according to a press release issued Thursday. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13488678# BLOGS One Earth, One Dream, one EcoFest in Laguna. Laguna Beach plays host this weekend to the “One Earth, One Dream Ecofest,” a kaleidoscope of music, food, art and speeches meant to address environmental troubles around the planet. Posted. http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/02/one-earth-one-dream-one-ecofest-in-laguna/13619/ O.C. Green Building Efforts Soaring, Report Shows. Orange County applications for the coveted Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certifications exploded in 2007 and continued to show strong gains through this year — with Irvine the hands-down leader in applications and successful certifications. LEED certificates are awarded to buildings that showcase the most efficient and environmentally friendly design, construction, operation and maintenance systems. Posted. http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/02/new-report-shows-oc-leed-applications-soaring/13641/ Think Globally, Act Locally: Mayors Move On Climate Change. In a new report on efforts by U.S. cities to outdo the federal government on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels admits that even the early strides made by Seattle -- reducing the city's 1990 carbon footprint by 8% in 2005 -- don't allow the city to rest on its laurels. Today's gains could be tomorrow's losses. Real measures to slow the warming of the planet will take patience, persistence and a determination to press on despite setbacks. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/10/think-globally-act-locally-mayors-move-on-climate-change.html How Green Is Your Mobile Phone Company? In the crowded field of North American mobile phone companies, AT&T Wireless leads its competitors in efforts to reduce its environmental impact, according to a recent study by A.B.I. Research, a technology market research firm. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/05/whats-the-greenest-mobile-phone- company/?scp=3&sq=climate%20change&st=cse Denying Climate Change. Michael LePage, writer and editor at New Scientist recently wrote a segment titled "Get Real" in which he addressed the dangers of denying climate change. He defines such deniers as "those who either ignore the huge body of scientific evidence or, worse still, lie about it or misrepresent it to confuse people--a ploy that has been very successful." Posted. http://blogs.redding.com/dcraig/archives/2009/10/denying-climate.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 6 Oct 2009 11:26:42 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for October 6, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for October 6, 2009. 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. Apple Falls From Chamber Over Stance On Climate. You have to hand it to the folks at Apple Inc. Once they get the bit between their teeth, no matter how long it takes, a race to the front can be reasonably predicted. On Monday, the Cupertino company rocked the world - at least the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's world - by abruptly quitting the business lobby on account of the latter's "recent comments opposing the EPA's effort to limit greenhouse gases." Such comments, like putting climate change through a "Scopes monkey trial," already have prompted PG&E and others to exit the chamber. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/10/06/BU2I19UDE9.DTL&type=printable http://www.mercurynews.com/topstories/ci_13492186 http://www.insidebayarea.com/business/ci_13492190# http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13492186 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/05/AR2009100503098.html Obama Orders Agencies To Cut Emissions, Energy Use. Washington -- President Barack Obama ordered federal agencies on Monday to set ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cut energy use, save water and recycle more, urging a government that once ranked among the nation's largest polluters to "lead by example" on environmental protection and energy efficiency. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/2233683.html http://www.modbee.com/politics/story/882296.html# http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-obama-green6-2009oct06,0,6310034,print.story http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13490976# Clinton Gives Newsom Shot In The Arm. Former President Bill Clinton delivered a boost Monday to San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom's campaign for governor, formally endorsing him in next year's race and calling Newsom a national leader in green technology and energy. "San Francisco may be the greatest city in the entire country" on issues of environment and energy conservation, "and it may be because of (Newsom's) leadership," Clinton told a crowd of students at Los Angeles City College. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/10/05/MNP71A1E7J.DTL&type=printable Can Lean Times Also Be Green Times? Whitman argues that economic issues push environmental concerns aside. The governor has long said both need attention. As the giant cargo cranes at the Port of Long Beach loomed behind him, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger last week cut quickly to a debate gaining intensity in his Republican Party: Should the state's passion for environmental protection survive a foundering economy? Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-week4-2009oct04,0,7473507,print.story Locals Try Sinking Plan to Store CO2 Underground. Germany's Coal-Burning Plants Are Aiming to Cut Emissions by Burying Them -- and That Isn't Going Over Well in Some Towns. Brandenburg, Germany - Ulf Stumpe is scared of carbon dioxide -- but not the stuff blamed for global warming. What worries him is the CO2 a local energy firm wants to inject into the earth thousands of feet under his village. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125476964655765445.html#printMode Energy Efficiency Ranks High In Country's Plans; CO2 Is Seldom Discussed. The second of an occasional series on China. Dezhou, China -- A guide shows off row after row of gleaming, black, chrome-coated tubes used in the millions of solar thermal water heaters Himin Solar Energy Group produces each year. The corporate building alone saves 1 million kilowatt-hours by using solar heating, the guide informs his group. But when he is asked how many tons of carbon dioxide emissions the average solar water heater saves, silence fills the hall. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/10/06/1 Moderate GHG Cuts Could Ward Off Catastrophic Climate Damage – Study. Enacting "moderate" cuts in greenhouse gas emissions could dramatically lower the risk of severe future climate change, according to a new analysis by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. But there's a catch. Limiting Earth's total temperature rise to roughly 2 degrees Celsius -- the climate "guardrail" adopted by many governments -- means those emissions cuts would have to start soon, the study says. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/10/06/3 Pomona Boys and Girls Club helps residents save energy. Pomona - The young energy efficiency inspectors, dressed in bright colored t-shirts identifying them as members of the Boys & Girls Club of Pomona Valley, arrived ready for business last week. The four club members walked through the home of Raymond Ramirez and Daniela Macias looking for energy waste. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13488481# Agencies Told To Reduce Emissions. The federal government will require each agency to measure its greenhouse-gas emissions for the first time and set targets to reduce them by 2020, under an executive order signed by President Obama Monday. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/05/AR2009100502725.html New Report Details Costs of Cutting Greenhouse Gas Emissions. With enough technological advances, the world could get to a dramatically lower level of greenhouse gas emissions at a cost of between one and three percent of global GDP per year, according to a report issued Tuesday by a group of economists. That price tag is in line with previous economic estimates aimed at meeting more modest climate goals. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/06/AR2009100600018.html Colo. Company Looks To Salvage Neb. Ethanol Plants. Lincoln, Neb. -- A Colorado-based company could be in the market for abandoned ethanol plants in Nebraska. Gevo Inc. of Englewood, Colo., would retrofit the plants to make an alternative fuel called biobutanol. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/06/AR2009100601586.html Modesto May Trash Blue Bag Recycling Program. The city's blue bag recycling program could be headed to the big landfill in the sky. The City Council votes tonight on whether to trash the 12-year-old recycling program, which officials say isn't doing much to help the environment. The blue bag program allows residents to put recyclables in blue shopping bags and toss them into their black, 96-gallon garbage container. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/1618/story/882588.html?storylink=omni_popular Southern California Air Projects Get $26.5 M from Stimulus. U.S. EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Oct. 1 announced $26.5 million in funding for diesel emission reduction projects in Southern California under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This infusion of money will help the region finance projects to reduce diesel emissions, protecting public health and the environment across the region. Posted. http://eponline.com/Articles/2009/10/06/Southern-California-Air-Projects-Get-26.5-M-from-Stimulus.aspx?p=1 Commentary: Cool Cash To Be Made On Warming Mania. Many corporations hopped on the global warming bandwagon because, as skeptic Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., puts it, “This is about profit, not Gaia” (the Greek earth goddess). When government regulation seems inevitable, some corporate decision-makers reckon it's better to be at the table than on the menu. They seek, in Mr. Inhofe's words, “greater competitive advantage through regulatory means.” Posted. http://headlines.ocregister.com/articles/warming-45564-global-data.html EPA Chooses Capping For DDT Off Coast. Nearly 40 years after pesticide dumping stopped off the Palos Verdes Peninsula, federal environmental regulators have selected a long-delayed cleanup strategy to address the toxic mess left behind. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Monday that it has chosen a plan - first announced as an alternative in June - to begin capping a contaminated area of an underwater formation known as the Palos Verdes Shelf. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13493491# Editorial: Our View: High Cost Of Climate Fees. First of two-part editorial. California's climate police have begun charging businesses millions of dollars in global warming fees to enforce arbitrary regulations, even as their federal counterparts move to forcibly reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions with even more costly regulations. Two bills in Congress propose yet further convoluted schemes to drive up conventional energy costs by forcing further emission restrictions. Posted. http://www.appeal-democrat.com/articles/high-87305-climate-view.html Editorial: U.S. Chamber Is A Dinosaur On Climate Change. Silicon Valley's future, and the nation's, is clean technology. The news last week that venture investments in clean tech rose 10 percent from the previous quarter, and that the U.S. government has invested $60 billion in the sector, make that clear. But the U.S. National Chamber of Commerce, which purports to be the voice of the nation's businesses, has turned into a dinosaur when it comes to clean energy. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/search/ci_13474082?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com Black Carbon Spurs Melting Of Himalayan Glaciers. Tiny particles of soot from old diesel engines or wood stoves are "unequivocally having an impact on glacial melting" in the Himalayas, according to Chinese and Indian scientists. The results, to be announced this month in Kashmir, will point to how the soot, known as black carbon, has accelerated melting in the glaciers, which feed the river systems of more than half the world's people. The soot both absorbs heat while in the atmosphere and decreases the Earth's reflectivity when it settles on otherwise white glaciers. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/10/06/6/ Pledge To Scrap Emissions Law Difficult. California gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman's vow to suspend the state's global warming initiative may not be easy to implement, advocates say. The Republican candidate for governor has said she would move to suspend California's landmark 2006 law, signed by current Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, on the first day she took office. Posted. http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/10/05/Pledge-to-scrap-emissions-law-difficult/UPI-22451254762836/ CARB-Harassed Dealer: We Broke No Law. California dealer Balz Renggli says the state’s Air Resources Board is wrongly accusing his store, Moto Forza in Escondido, of once marketing modified dirtbikes as streetbikes, then registering them for street use. The allegations led to a $90,000 settlement in April. (Read that story here. [http://www.dealernews.com/dealernews/article/articledetail.jsp?id=624842&searchstring=carb]). Posted. http://www.dealernews.com/dealernews/LATEST+NEWS/CARB-Harassed-Dealer-We-Broke-No-Law/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/631526?contextCategoryId=48475 BLOGS Climate Costs: Can The World Really Afford to Roll Back Carbon Emissions? By and large, even in Oklahoma, the debate over how to tackle climate change boils down to a simple question: How much is this going to cost? That’s been true of the scrum all year in Congress, which has turned into dueling banjos of competing studies arguing that climate legislation will either cost a “postage stamp a day” or kneecap the entire U.S. economy. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/10/06/climate-costs-can-the-world-really-afford-to-roll-back-carbon-emissions/tab/print/ A New Trend: Paying For Parking ... Just About Everywhere. Could Californians soon be paying for parking at a grocery store or retail shopping center? Or even to park on a residential street? Local government officials statewide are expected to consider this and other policies in the near future that could put a price on public parking spaces that previously were free to Californians. Posted. http://www.publicceo.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=691:a-new-trend-paying-for-parking-just-about-everywhere&catid=148:environmental-issues-broad Water Bottles: What Do You Use? Lost in a sea of water bottles, and don’t know what to do? Well, here’s a look at your options based on one family’s experiences. Posted. http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/05/water-bottles-what-do-you-use/13747/ Global Warming Fad Not Just Cooling Off, But Dying. The furor about alleged global warming is declining even faster than global temperatures, which have been headed south for more than a decade. “The great global warming scare is over - it is well past its peak, very much a spent force, sputtering in fits and starts to a whimpering end,” writes Lawrence Solomon. He adds that most Americans don’t blame humans for climate change and consider whatever warming may have occurred as natural. Posted. http://orangepunch.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/05/global-warming-fad-not-just-cooling-off-but-dying/13349/ Water From Waste Now On Tap In Placentia. Orange County’s recently built system for converting sewer water into drinking water is running close to full capacity, and the water it produces is beginning to arrive in Placentia’s taps — likely resulting in slightly better water quality, according to the Orange County Water District. Posted. http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/05/waste-to-drinking-water-system-now-on-tap-in-anaheim/13707/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 7 Oct 2009 10:45:42 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for October 7, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for October 7, 2009. 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. Will Carbon Cap Ruin Business? Not For Foresters. Will California's drive to cut greenhouse-gas emissions succeed only in slashing businesses' profits and workers' job opportunities? That's what critics say, arguing that the cost of reducing carbon dioxide will be the knockout punch to our state's already wobbly kneed economy. At least one major company, however, is already cashing in on carbon. And ironically enough this green-business pioneer is environmentalists' Public Enemy No. 1. Posted. http://www.redding.com/news/2009/oct/07/will-carbon-cap-ruin-business-not-for-foresters/?print=1 SPI Offset Deal Scoffed At By Some Observers. About a week after a new state program was adopted to allow polluters to buy carbon offsets from logging companies, environmentalists say their fears are coming to fruition: logging companies earning millions of dollars for disguised clear-cutting practices. California’s largest private landowner and logging giant, Sierra Pacific Industries, recently entered into the nation’s largest forest carbon offset deal to date. Posted. http://www.uniondemocrat.com/2009100698021/News/Local-News/SPI-offset-deal-scoffed-at-by-some-observers Activists Sue Texas To Restrict Greenhouse Gases. Dallas—Environmental activists sued the Texas environmental agency Tuesday in an effort to force the state to regulate greenhouse gases, asking that coal-fired power plant projects be halted until that happens. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issues air pollution permits that set limits on toxic releases, but the agency says there is no need to regulate carbon dioxide. Texas emits more greenhouse gases, made up mostly of CO2 emissions, than any other state. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13497716# http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/07/AR2009100700037.html http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/2235903.html Senate Climate Bill Would Speed Emissions Reductions. Senate legislation designed to slow global warming would reduce greenhouse gas emissions more rapidly than competing legislation passed by the House of Representatives, according to a draft bill obtained by USA TODAY. Posted. http://www.news10.net/news/green/story.aspx?storyid=68201&catid=62 'Hot Button' Climate Issue Spotlights How U.S. Chamber Sets Policy. U.S. Chamber of Commerce staff decides the trade group's climate and energy policy positions without approval from the board of directors, Nike Inc. charged as it formulated a plan to call for greater chamber openness. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/10/06/06greenwire-hot-button-climate-issue-spotlights-how-us-cha-24103.html Senate Dems Opening to Nuclear as Path to GOP Support for Climate Bill. Key Senate Democrats signaled yesterday they are willing to negotiate with Republicans on nuclear power and expanded domestic oil and gas development if it helps in nailing down the 60 votes necessary for floor passage on a comprehensive global warming and energy bill. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/10/07/07climatewire-senate-dems-opening-to-nuclear-as-path-to-go-28815.html?pagewanted=print Climate Agency Sees China’s Efforts Paying Dividends. Little good can be said about the worst economic slump since the 1930s, but it has produced at least one piece of positive news: the downturn will make it a bit easier to slow the rise in emissions responsible for climate change. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/07/business/energy-environment/07emissions.html The Costs Of Climate Change Fight. California’s climate police have begun charging businesses millions of dollars in global warming fees to enforce arbitrary regulations, even as their federal counterparts move to forcibly reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions with even more costly regulations. Posted. http://www.desertdispatch.com/opinion/california-7030-change-climate.html Giants in Cattle Industry Agree to Help Fight Deforestation. Rio De Janeiro — Environmental groups hailed a decision this week by four of the world’s largest meat producers to ban the purchase of cattle from newly deforested areas of Brazil’s Amazon rain forest. At a conference on Monday in São Paulo organized by Greenpeace, the four cattle companies — Bertin, JBS-Friboi, Marfrig and Minerva — agreed to support Greenpeace’s call for an end to the deforestation. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/07/world/americas/07deforest.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print Aviation Industry Gets Climate Bill Clause To Disappear. At least for the moment, the aviation industry has convinced Congress that it's not like the other emitters. Originally, both the House and Senate considered adding language to their climate bills regulating the emissions from new aircraft and engines. U.S. EPA would be in charge of setting up the regulations, which would follow guidelines similar to those for fuel efficiency in cars and energy efficiency in appliances. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/10/07/3 U.S. Economy Could Worsen Climate Bill Prospects. Washington - Global warming legislation, already facing difficult odds in the U.S. Senate, looks even tougher to achieve because key lawmakers fear taking big steps on the environment when the economy is still shedding jobs. "I think standing in a deep economic hole is a difficult time to do big policy things that cause uncertainty," said Democratic Senator Byron Dorgan. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN06426695 Green Group Says U.S. Climate Bill Won't Hurt Farms. Washington (Reuters) - Global warming poses more of a threat to U.S. farm incomes than does the climate change bill passed by the U.S. House, which will have a "negligible" impact on American agriculture's bottom line, an environmental group said on Wednesday. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/07/AR2009100700074.html California Debates Over Energy Origins. Sacramento - California, the state that led the country in establishing a Renewable Portfolio Standard, is moving toward upping its RPS to 33 percent—but how it will get there is yet to be determined. After California voters in November 2008 rejected Proposition 7, a ballot initiative that would have required all electricity providers in the state to increase their renewable energy generation to 40 percent by 2020 and 50 percent by 2025, the state legislature in September 2009 passed two bills mandating utilities to get one-third of their power from renewable sources by 2020. Posted. http://www.sustainableindustries.com/energy/63610937.html Feds Award $2.7M For Wolverine Carbon Project. Traverse City, Mich.—An electric power co-op that wants to build a coal-fired plant in northern Michigan has received a $2.7 million federal grant for a project designed to prevent industrial carbon dioxide from contributing to climate change, officials said Tuesday. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13499503# http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/06/AR2009100603126.html Where's the Next Boom? Maybe in 'Cleantech'. Our economy sure could use the Next Big Thing. Something on the scale of railroads, automobiles or the Internet -- the kind of breakthrough that emerges every so often and builds industries, generates jobs and mints fortunes. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/10/07/business/AP-US-Meltdown-The-Next-Boom.html?_r=1&scp=5&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13498453# LBCC Gets Grants For 'Green,' Construction Training. Long Beach - Long Beach City College has been awarded about $2.4 million in grants to train students to work in the "green" transportation and construction industries. The three grants will help the college train about 400 workers over the next 18 months to handle jobs in the green transportation and construction sectors. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13498924# Toyota To Unveil Electric Concept Car In Tokyo. Toyota Motor Co. will unveil the newest version of its electric concept car at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month. The four-seat FT-EV II -- based on Toyota's iQ compact -- runs on lithium-ion batteries and has a top speed of more than 100 kilometers (62 miles) an hour. The firm, a pioneer of gas-electric hybrids, said it intends to launch an electric car in the United States by 2012. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/10/07/7 Opinion: Clean-Tech Investment Flowing To California Because Of Climate Change Policies. Over the past year in California, multinational corporations, private investment firms and even the Department of Defense have pumped more than a billion dollars into, of all things, algae. This recent influx of funds for research and development of this humble organism is also one of the clearest indicators to date that California is headed in the right direction when it comes to fighting climate change. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_13497367 Opinion: The Costs Of Climate Change Fight. California’s climate police have begun charging businesses millions of dollars in global warming fees to enforce arbitrary regulations, even as their federal counterparts move to forcibly reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions with even more costly regulations. Two bills in Congress propose yet further convoluted schemes to drive up conventional energy costs by forcing further emission restrictions. Posted. http://www.desertdispatch.com/opinion/california-7030-change-climate.html Opinion: Climate Change Is Already Making Us Sick. As Congress debates health care reform, we risk missing a critical opportunity to combat one of the greatest threats to human health — climate change. The urgency is driven by evidence that the effects of climate change are having immediate impacts on human health: The World Health Organization estimates that at least 150,000 people have died annually of causes related to climate change since 1970. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_13499695?nclick_check=1 Opinion: U.S. Chamber Of Commerce Feels The Heat. Companies are fleeing the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as though the association had the plague. PG&E, Exelon, PNM Resources, Apple - and this is all within the past two weeks. If the chamber keeps up its fierce opposition to climate change legislation, the defections should continue. According to a statement from chamber President Thomas Donohue, the chamber supports "strong federal legislation and a binding international agreement to reduce carbon emissions and address climate change." Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/10/07/EDV51A1SS5.DTL&type=printable Opinion: Our Three Bombs. I am a 56-year-old baby boomer, and looking around today it’s very clear that my generation had it easy: We grew up in the shadow of just one bomb — the nuclear bomb. That is, in our day, it seemed as if there was just one big threat that could trigger a nonlinear, 180-degree change in the trajectory of our lives: the Soviets hitting us with a nuke. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/07/opinion/07friedman.html?_r=2&sq=+Schwarzenegger&st=nyt&scp=3&pagewanted=print Heating Bills Should Drop This Winter. As the cold winds of a stormy economy blow across the Bay Area, there may be one consolation for residents: the area's major utility says heating bills will likely drop this winter. Pacific Gas & Electric residential customers will probably pay about $7 less for natural gas heat for the period of October through February, compared with the same time period in 2008, said PG&E spokesman Jeff Smith. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_13499756# http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13496770?nclick_check=1 Westlake Center Launches Easy-To-Understand Science Talks. A second series of easy-to-understand scientific lectures hosted by the Westlake Village-based Discovery Center for Science and Technology kicks off this month. Dubbed “Science Everyone Can Understand,” the Science Speaker Series, which begins Oct. 15, offers a selection of public talks on topics ranging from renewable energy sources to earthquakes, astronomical discoveries and climate change. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/oct/07/westlake-center-launches-easy-to-understand/ BLOG Slashing Carbon Emissions The Old Fashioned Way. They’ve inadvertently discovered how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions: Destroy the economy. We’ve been explaining that for some time, but now via the AFP news service we’re told “The global economic crisis will slash carbon emissions in 2009, opening a narrow opportunity to take decisive action on global warming, the International Energy Agency said Tuesday.” Posted. http://orangepunch.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/06/slashing-carbon-emissions-the-old-fashioned-way/13365/ Lumber Company Enters Carbon Market. Sierra Pacific Industries, the second largest lumber producer in the United States, has announced it is creating a carbon sequestration project on 60,000 acres of California forest land. The company said the project will be the biggest of its kind in the nation and will sequester an additional 1.5 million tons of carbon dioxide beyond what would have occurred given standard logging practices. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/06/lumber-firm-enters-carbon-market/?pagemode=print The Kelley Blue Book on Climate Change. Whenever anyone buys or sells a car in America, they are likely to settle on a price as listed in the Kelly Blue Book, the authoritative final word on automobile value since 1926. When you go to the doctor with an illness, your physician is likely to have the Merck Manual on her bookshelf. The Merck Manual was first published in 1899 as an important medical authoritative reference guide and aid to physicians and pharmacists. Posted. http://blogs.redding.com/dcraig/archives/2009/10/the-kelley-blue.html Chamber Representative Says Clean Energy Mandates Distort the Market. At a forum Monday at Columbia Law School’s Center for Climate Change Law, a representative of the United States Chamber of Commerce discussed his concerns about what he said were negative effects of clean-energy and efficiency mandates on the market. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/07/chamber-representative-says-clean-energy-mandates-distort-the-market/ Nissan Builds Viral Excitement for Leaf Electric Car. If you know anything at all about how battery cars work, your knowledge base isn’t going to be significantly increased by this Nissan-generated video (recently posted to YouTube). You are, however, likely to be impressed by the fast-moving graphics, whose pace may remind some viewers of the very successful viral video “The Story of Stuff.” Maybe your pulse rate will increase slightly, especially if you’re less than 40. And that’s basically the idea. Posted. http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/06/nissan-builds-viral-excitement-for-leaf-electric-car/?pagemode=print ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 8 Oct 2009 14:16:05 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for October 8, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV Newsclips for October 8, 2009. I apologize for the delay in getting today's clips out. California Air Resources Board News Clips for October 8, 2009. 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. Who's In And Who's Out Of Cap And Trade – Study. A new analysis backs up assertions by the Obama administration and congressional leaders that key climate regulations will encompass only the largest industrial emitters. The report, by Duke University's Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions, examined how many facilities are likely to emit more than 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/10/08/3 White House Aid Urges Cap-And-Trade System. Washington (Reuters) - It would be a "big mistake" for the U.S. Congress to approve an energy bill this year without placing a cap on greenhouse emissions, the White House's top climate and energy adviser said on Wednesday. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/07/AR2009100702090.html Algae As Fuel Slow To Grow. Bill Barclay anticipates that one day Americans will drive their cars on fuel made from algae. He thinks it could help reduce global warming, cut dependence on oil and provide a big payoff on the hundreds of millions of dollars in investment now flowing into algae research. But Barclay doesn't expect any of this to happen soon. With some of the nation's top algae biofuel experts meeting in San Diego this week, Barclay was one of a number of speakers to caution against expecting speedy results. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/oct/08/algae-fuel-slow-grow/?business&zIndex=179083 http://www.nctimes.com/business/article_887196f3-3cfa-5908-8e3a-1bdf081615c0.html http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/10/07/07climatewire-a-green-revolution-buds-slowly-in-algae-78519.html http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/10/08/4 Changing Alliances Shape Climate-Change Debate. The high-stakes fight over global warming legislation in Congress has forced American businesses to pick sides. And some old alliances are breaking as a result. Big-name companies such as Apple Inc. have resigned from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, dismayed by the group's efforts to block greenhouse gas regulations. Nike gave up its seat on the chamber's board. PG&E Corp. quit the group after a chamber executive suggested holding a "Scopes monkey trial" on the validity of global warming. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/10/08/BUN51A20MQ.DTL&type=printable U.S. Companies May Look Abroad To Fight Global Warming. Firms could save billions by combating deforestation abroad instead of cleaning up their own emissions at home, report says.U.S. companies could save tens of billions of dollars by investing in efforts to combat deforestation in developing nations instead of cleaning up their own domestic carbon dioxide emissions, according to a report released Wednesday. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-na-tropical-forests8-2009oct08,0,3659961,print.story 'Forest Offsets' By U.S. Firms Backed By Report. U.S. companies could save tens of billions of dollars by investing in efforts to combat deforestation in developing nations instead of cleaning up their own domestic carbon dioxide emissions, according to a report released Wednesday. The report, from the Commission on Climate and Tropical Forests, backs the use of "forest offsets" in the global effort to curb pollution that is heating up the atmosphere. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/10/08/MNVJ1A2OMT.DTL&type=printable Green Tech Execs Press For Climate Change Bill. Washington — Hundreds of green-energy company executives, including many from Silicon Valley, descended on Washington this week to urge members of Congress to pass a sweeping climate change bill, which they predicted would spur billions of dollars in clean-energy investments and ease the nation's dependence on foreign oil. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_13510349?source=most_emailed&nclick_check=1 Senators Seek Job Creation, Protection In Climate Bill. Washington -- A Senate Democrat who's been worried about the impact of impending climate and energy legislation on manufacturing said Wednesday that he'd back the historic legislation if it contains enough investment incentives and protection for American businesses. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, said those provisions, combined with limits on greenhouse gas emissions, would unleash private capital and create new businesses and a vast number of new jobs. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/2238777.html Senate Markup Schedule Hinges On EPA's Bill Analysis – Boxer. The Senate Environment and Public Works chairwoman said today that she won't schedule hearings and a markup of global warming legislation until U.S. EPA completes its analysis of the measure. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) explained that because the bill she has written with Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) is so close to the climate measure that passed the House in June, EPA's analysis should not take long. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/10/08/2 EPA Carbon Control Seen Fraught With Problems. Washington (Reuters) - The Obama administration has warned it could use the Environmental Protection Agency to help cut carbon emissions if Congress drags its heels, but legal and logistical problems could thwart that strategy. A Senate climate bill unveiled last week faces slim odds of being passed and signed into law soon, with the U.S. economy shedding jobs and coal-dependent states fearing it would raise prices for electricity and steel and hurt manufacturing. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE59664A20091007?sp=true Executives Urge Lawmakers To Pass Climate Bill. Washington -- Executives from about 150 companies, many involved in renewable energy technologies, heard a pep talk at the White House and then combed the halls of Congress on Wednesday to argue for passage of a climate bill that is facing an uphill fight in the Senate. The executives in scores of meetings with senators and their staffs sought to counter opponents' arguments that the climate bill, which will force a shift away from fossil fuels, also will lead to much higher energy prices and cost American jobs. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/business/v-print/story/884844.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13507213 Port of Oakland Favors Strict Truck Ban. Port of Oakland commissioners agreed Tuesday they want narrow exemptions when their ban on old "dirty-diesel" trucks entering the port goes into effect Jan. 1. In a 5-0 decision, port commissioners favored the stricter of two rule options that port administrators presented to carry out a ban agreed to by commissioners June 16. The port ban is intended to give teeth to a state ban, which requires diesel soot filters on truck models built from 1994 to 2003 if they are to enter California ports. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_13506048 Feds, Texas Officials To Discuss Air Pollution. Dallas - Federal regulators who ruled Texas' often-criticized oversight of industrial air pollution is out of line with federal law are taking the first step to change the state's air-permit rules. The Environmental Protection Agency is meeting Thursday with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, environmentalist groups and business leaders for the first time since announcing Sept. 8 that it wants to scrap major portions of the state permit program because it doesn't comply with the Clean Air Act. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13505258?nclick_check=1 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/07/AR2009100702262.html Cleantech: The Next Big Thing? San Francisco — Our economy sure could use the Next Big Thing. Something on the scale of railroads, automobiles or the Internet — the kind of breakthrough that emerges every so often and builds industries, generates jobs and mints fortunes. Silicon Valley investors are pointing to something called cleantech — alternative energy, more efficient power distribution and new ways to store electricity, all with minimal impact to the environment — as a candidate for the next boom. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13506440 Midwest Govs. See Clean Energy Cooperation Need. Detroit—Governors from across the Midwest are working together to promote clean energy industry and infrastructure in the region despite heated competition between their states for new investment and jobs. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13503955 County Gets $1.6 Million For Green Jobs Training. The Humboldt County Workforce Investment Board has been awarded $1.6 million for green jobs training in Humboldt and Del Norte counties. Part of Governor Schwarzenegger's Cali Energy Workforce Training Program, the grants will prepare 200 people for hands-on jobs like assessing buildings for energy efficiency improvements, installing solar panels and green plumbing. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13512836 Former Adversaries Launch Carbon Credit-Trading Project. A group of timber and paper supply companies and environmental organizations announced Thursday a pilot project to allow landowners who selectively log their forests to earn carbon credits they can trade on the open market. Such a trading system is part of legislation before Congress that would cap greenhouse gases nationwide. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/08/AR2009100802077.html A Green Scheme. Yes, the exterior siding is made from recycled materials, the roof of recycled metal and the floors of reclaimed wood. And there are dual-flush toilets (that will each save 6,000 gallons of water annually) in the five bathrooms of the CharityWorks GreenHouse opening Saturday in McLean. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/07/AR2009100700850.html Constellation to Build Solar Power System. Constellation Energy Group of Baltimore said that it will build a photovoltaic system to generate solar power at an entertainment complex adjacent to the New England Patriots' stadium in Massachusetts. The power system will generate about 525 kilowatts at Patriot Place, the 1.3-million-square-foot entertainment, retail and dining complex next to the NFL team's Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/07/AR2009100703686.html Rich Nations Need To Ante-Up In Climate Talks: U.N. Bangkok (Reuters) - Poorer countries are helping shape a broader pact to fight climate change but their efforts are being stymied by rich nations' lack of commitment on finance and tougher emissions cuts, the U.N. said on Thursday. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/08/AR2009100800559.html Climate Will Dramatically Shift World Fish Populations. Climate change is poised to dramatically alter the global distribution of commercially caught fish, according to new research. The study, published today in the journal Global Change Biology, is the first attempt to examine climate change's potential effects on fisheries worldwide. It projects how the shifting ocean temperatures will affect 1,066 species, ranging from tiny krill to sharks. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/10/08/5 Coastal Panel Grants San Diego Waiver On Pollution, A Potential $1.5 Billion Savings. In a striking change of direction, the California Coastal Commission Wednesday voted 8-4 to give San Diego its third exemption from pollution standards set by the federal Clean Water Act. Just two months ago, commissioners overwhelmingly to deny the five-year waiver from “secondary” treatment levels at the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant. The facility processes sewage from more than 2.2 million people in and outside of the city's limits. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/oct/07/striking-change-direction/?metro County Supervisors To Navy: Clean Up All Your Contamination In Morris Dam. A Navy plan to clean up only part of the contamination it left near Morris Dam is inadequate, according to County Supervisor Michael Antonovich. "A half-hearted effort at cleanup does not resolve the issue of toxics getting into the water supply. We need 100 percent clean up," Antonovich said. At the urging of the supervisor, the County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Tuesday a motion calling for 100 percent cleanup of the arsenic, perchlorate and other heavy metals the Navy is responsible for dumping at the site. Posted. http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_13508712?source=rss BLOGS San Diego Motorcycle Dealer Responds To CARB Press Release. In response to a press release issued by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as one of the effected parties, I feel compelled to comment to what was an inaccurate and very misleading press release issued by CARB. In 2004 my dealership GP Motorcycles retailed some model year 2004 and 2005 Husqvarna off-road motorcycles. After the fact I learned that license plates had been issued for these units by the State of California Dept of Motor Vehicles. Posted. http://blogs.dirtrider.com/6577436/industry-buzz/san-diego-motorcycle-dealer-responds-to-carb-press-release/index.html Cleantech Counterpoint: How California Can Learn From Spain’s Clean Power Folly. Renewable energy has for years been hailed as the predominant solution to California’s energy dilemma, a sentiment that more recently has been supported by public policy as well. But while there’s no question that sustainable energy is exciting, if Spain’s experience is any example, misplaced government mandates, aggressive special interests and taxpayer-funded subsidies for the clean power industry would cost us dearly. Posted. http://earth2tech.com/2009/10/07/cleantech-counterpoint-how-california-can-learn-from-spains-clean-power-folly/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:04:24 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for October 9-12, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for October 9-12, 2009. 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. Opinion: My View: State Rules Stymie Economy? Don't Trust Professors' Study. A new study by two professors at California State University, Sacramento, estimates that the burden on California's economy resulting from state regulations amounts to a shocking $500 billion - nearly one-third of the state's output. Disturbingly, this result is based on one of the worst examples of schlock science we've ever seen. And chillingly, it is already being held up by a number of state leaders as a shrill rallying cry in the partisan fight over the state's regulatory environment. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/story/2246790.html Opinion: Reject Study That Inflates Clean-Power Costs. California has faced environmental challenges in the past and has turned them into economic opportunity. In so doing, it has led the nation. Thirty years ago, air pollution was so severe that in the Inland Empire and other locations, the health of residents was at risk. Our state's response yielded cleaner air and a bustling economic landscape. During this time, the state has been moving to cleaner, more efficient sources of energy. And far from deterring economic growth, this process has been a critical driver of it. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/opinion/localviews/stories/PE_OpEd_Opinion_S_op_11_harrison_loc.43ebfc1.html Opinion: Yes We Can (Pass Climate Change Legislation). Conventional wisdom suggests that the prospect of Congress passing a comprehensive climate change bill soon is rapidly approaching zero. The divisions in our country on how to deal with climate change are deep. Many Democrats insist on tough new standards for curtailing the carbon emissions that cause global warming. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/11/opinion/11kerrygraham.html?bl=&_r=1&adxnnl=1&pagewanted=print&adxnnlx=1255366949-D5fJAvrQz8HygHTeD+OYxg Schwarzenegger Releases Some Bills; Plans New Water Special Session. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and lawmakers failed to reach final agreement on ways to solve the state's water problems Sunday, but the governor nevertheless released scores of bills after concluding some progress had been made. Schwarzenegger's action reversed a threat last week in which he vowed to kill "a lot" of the 704 bills on his desk unless he and legislators reached an agreement. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/capitolandcalifornia/v-print/story/2247261.html Schwarzenegger Signs Feed-In Tariff, Spate Of Enviro Bills. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) signed a number of environment-related bills today, including a feed-in tariff and a law barring the state from introducing time-variable electricity rates until 2013. Schwarzenegger had threatened to veto about 700 bills unless state lawmakers reached a deal on repairs to the state's aging water system. Lawmakers are meeting today in a special session to consider a water bond and other measures. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/10/12/4 Enviros Waging 'Orchestrated Pressure Campaign' on Climate Bill -- U.S. Chamber CEO. U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Donohue charged today that recent defections of high-profile companies from his group are part of an "orchestrated pressure campaign" by environmental groups and signaled that his influential business association won't shift its stance on climate change policy. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/10/09/09greenwire-enviros-waging-orchestrated-pressure-campaign-28715.html?pagewanted=print Climate-Change Protesters Scale UK Parliament. London — Several dozen environmental activists scaled Britain's Parliament building Sunday to draw attention to climate change. Greenpeace said 55 of its members were atop the building, where they could be seen holding yellow banners reading "Change the politics, save the climate." One flew a giant flag from a turret in the shadow of the Big Ben clock tower. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iyGbDP8vPMv8YpmtasZlabeOIfzgD9B90JHO0 http://www.modbee.com/world/story/889516.html Debate Follows Bills to Remove Clotheslines Bans. Canton, Ohio — After taking a class that covered global warming last year, Jill Saylor decided to save energy by drying her laundry on a clothesline at her mobile home. “I figured trailer parks were the one place left where hanging your laundry was actually still allowed,” she said, standing in front of her tidy yellow mobile home on an impeccably manicured lawn. But she was wrong. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/11/us/11clothesline.html?sq=ian%20urbina%20articles&st=cse&scp=1&pagewanted=print Cool Air Reduces Bay Area Smog This Year. Bay Area residents breathed cleaner air this year as cooler summer temperatures produced fewer smoggy days. Ozone, the irritant in smog that stings eyes and lungs, violated the federal public health standard in the nine-county region on eight days this year, compared with 12 days in 2008, the region's air pollution agency reported Thursday. The smog season ended Oct. 2. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_13517226 http://www.contracostatimes.com/traffic/ci_13517226 Political Blotter: Study Says California Saves By Fighting Global Warming. Hot on the heels of Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner's energy-efficiency event yesterday and the running battle between Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and would-be governor Meg Whitman over whether to halt California's work toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions, a new study suggests California will save money and jobs by fighting climate change. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_13534548 No Deal On Crucial Issues As UN Climate Talks End. Bangkok—The United States was heavily criticized Friday at the U.N. climate talks in Bangkok for failing to offer emission cuts or financing for developing countries—both considered crucial to reaching a global warming pact this year. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13522427 Report: CO2 Hasn't Been This High For 15 Million Years. A UCLA researcher has analyzed fossilized algae and says the rocks prove that the level of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere has not been this high for at least 15million years. Aradhna Tripati, a UCLA assistant professor of Earth and space studies, published her findings Friday in the online edition of the journal Science. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13536968?nclick_check=1 Obama Urged to Intensify Push for Climate Measure. President Obama is coming under renewed pressure internationally and in the United States to throw his weight behind climate-change legislation, which advocates fear has suffered in light of the president's sweeping domestic agenda. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/11/AR2009101102108.html Climate Plan Sends Air Of Unease Across Rust Belt. Sugarcreek, Ohio -- Nestled in Ohio's Amish country, Bill Belden's 124-year-old family owned brick company has thrived on the region's rich red clay and shale, and cheap energy from abundant coal. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/11/AR2009101100210.html IEA Calls For Fast Action On Carbon Storage In Developing World. Developing countries need more than 2,000 carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) plants by midcentury to stave off catastrophic global warming, an International Energy Agency report out today will say.The report, set to be released at the Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum in London, calls for 100 large-scale, fully deployed CCS plants around the world in the next decade and 3,400 by 2050. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/10/12/1 http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/10/12/12climatewire-iea-calls-for-fast-action-on-carbon-storage-50514.html?scp=2&sq=greenhouse%20gas&st=cse Carbon Capture Deployment Must Begin Within Decade – Chu. Carbon capture and sequestration technology must be ready for global commercial use by 2019 at the latest, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu said today."I believe we must make it our goal to advance carbon capture and storage technology to the point where widespread, affordable deployment can begin in eight or 10 years," he wrote in a letter to fellow energy ministers gathered in London to promote collaboration on the technology. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/10/12/7 Agriculture And Algae Coexist Uneasily In Imperial Valley. Calipatria, Calif. -- With 360 days a year of pure, unclouded sun, California's Imperial Valley has the potential to become the Silicon Valley of renewable energy. Assuming, for example, that a technology based on extracting oil from algae proves itself on a commercial scale, this place has much of the right stuff. It has an overabundance of labor. The arid region bordering Mexico has a 24.5 percent unemployment rate. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/10/12/2 World Leaders Worry Copenhagen Won't Deliver Comprehensive Climate Deal. Copenhagen -- Politicians from the European Union, Denmark and India fretted this weekend that negotiators from rich countries and developing nations are too far apart with too little time left to strike a global climate deal that would include binding cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/10/12/4 Climate Models Miss A Nitrogen Deficiency That May Accelerate Warming. Carbon dioxide isn't as good a plant fertilizer as many climate models predict, according to a new Department of Energy study. The finding means that global warming could turn out worse than expected. Plants breathe in carbon dioxide, just as people inhale oxygen. As a result, mounting atmospheric CO2 levels will accelerate plant growth, most climate models show. This phenomenon, which has been used by some coal companies to justify creater CO2 emissions, would appear to reduce the severity of climate change. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/10/12/5 Fight Brewing Over Possible Rider to Weaken Air Pollution Regs for Ships. Clean air advocates are girding for a battle over a possible amendment to the annual U.S. EPA spending bill that would weaken the agency's ability to regulate air pollution from oceangoing vessels. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/10/08/08greenwire-fight-brewing-over-possible-rider-to-weaken-ai-29131.html Court Upholds Air Pollution Rule. An appeals court has upheld a rule holding developers accountable for air pollution resulting from their projects, officials said Thursday. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091009/A_NEWS/910089980/-1/NEWSMAP#STS=g0pedsrt.16eh CARB Fines Company For Not Reporting Cargo Handling Equipment. The California Air Resources Board has fined one port cargo mover for failing to report engine information. APL Eagle Marine Services was fined $35,625 after a CARB investigation allegedly revealed the company failed to properly report its diesel-powered cargo handling equipment at terminals at the Port of Oakland and the Port of Los Angeles. Posted. http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2009/Oct09/100509/100809-09.htm Regional Energy Alliance Puts V.C. Ahead Of Curve. In response to the governor’s Climate Change Summit, local readers will be interested in knowing that a collaborative effort has been under way for nearly a decade in Ventura County, working behind the scenes to advance the region in energy efficiency, renewable energy and positioning for the green economy. Posted. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/oct/11/regional-energy-alliance-puts-vc-ahead-of-curve/ Rare Events: BBC Questions Global Warming And Gore Takes Questions. In the climate change world late last week, there were two uncommon events.bFirst, the BBC uncharacteristically published an article titled “What happened to global warming? ” The article by BBC climate correspondent, Paul Hudson, notes, among other things, that the warmest year on record was 1998, not 2007 or 2008, and the climate models did not predict this fact. This is noteworthy because during the past 11 years man-made CO2 levels have continued to rise. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-17018-Environmental-Headlines-Examiner~y2009m10d12-Rare-events-BBC-questions-global-warming-and-Gore-takes-questions Tall ship Lady Washington Needs Cleaner Engine. Aberdeen, Wash.—The tall ship Lady Washington is known for its sails but it's the diesel engine that keeps the historic replica on schedule. Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority, which operates the ship, is raising $100,000 to replace the engine with one that meets California exhaust emission standards. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13515858 Oakland Port To Ban Older Trucks. The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners last week adopted a strict truck ban effective Jan. 1, 2010. Drayage trucks with engine year models earlier than 1994 will be banned at the Oakland seaport, and drayage trucks with engine year models between 1994 and 2003 have to be retrofitted with diesel particulate filters to enter Port of Oakland maritime facilities. Posted. http://www.etrucker.com/apps/news/article.asp?id=82398 Green Walls Taking Root In Green Building Design. Pittsburgh—The next big thing in green building design might be to turn an existing idea on its side. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. recently installed a green wall the size of two tennis courts on one side of its headquarters. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13543121 BLOGS California to Charge Fee for Emissions. Beginning late next year, California pollution regulators will charge companies for emitting greenhouse gases. The statewide fee — believed to be the first in the country — will help California pay for the monitoring and regulation of its carbon emissions required by its climate change law. Under that law, the state must slash its greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/12/california-to-charge-fee-for-emissions/ California: Escaped Parolees? Maybe, But At Least Your Car Will Be Cool. First there was the "No black cars" scare (which turned out to be bogus) of early 2009, now critics of California's Air Resources Board (CARB) are at it again. This time the concern is that glazed windows that block 45 to 60 percent of the energy from the sun from entering a vehicle will cause cell phones, GPS devices and even ankle bracelets for parolees to be adversely affected. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-10697-SF-Autos-Examiner~y2009m10d10-California--Escaped-parolees--Maybe-but-at-least-your-car-will-be-cool Obama Inaction On Climate Change Frustrating. John Kerry met with Obama saying he wants to "hear from him directly" on Climate Change. "The bottom line is there's no way to negotiate a bill like this without the involvement of the Administration that they've promised - and they've been producing," Kerry said. "If we're going to talk about oil and gas, we need to know that the Administration will sign off." Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-5908-Boston-Environmental-Policy-Examiner~y2009m10d12-Obama-inaction-on-Climate-Change-frustrating Road Pricing To Beat Climate Change. Road pricing should be introduced to beat climate change states a new report. A new report from The Committee on Climate Change suggests that, amongst other measures, road pricing should be introduced into the UK in order to reduce driving and thus help to beat climate change. The Committee on Climate Change said the Government is unlikely to be able to meet the target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 34 per cent by 2020 unless there is a radical step change in power generation, transport and homes. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-23632-UK-Headlines-Examiner~y2009m10d12-Road-pricing-to-beat-climate-change Conservatives And Global Warming: Liberal Beyond A Reasonable Drought. In the Friday segment of “Real Time with Bill Maher”, Bill did a commentary with the clever title “Beyond a reasonable drought.” It was a blistering indictment of Republican party skeptics, and Maher said that they should "stop pretending climate change is a future problem." In the past, Maher has asked pertainent questions on the issue, like: “why is caring about the planet a ‘liberal’ issue?” It seems to be the million dollar question. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-5266-Seattle-Environmental-Policy-Examiner~y2009m10d11-Conservatives-and-global-warming-liberal-beyond-a-reasonable-drought BBC: Global Warming Stopped in 1998. I am indebted to Tory Bear for pointing out a startling little article online at the BBC. For some strange reason it didn’t get much fanfare at the corporation, which is a shame because it does merit reading. Paul Hudson, the Beeb’s climate correspondent, writes under the headline “What happened to Global Warming?” “This headline may come as a bit of surprise, so too might that fact that the warmest year recorded globally was not in 2008, 0r 2007, but in 1998.” Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/iainmartin/2009/10/12/bbc-global-warming-stopped-in-1998/ The World Needs More CO2, Not Less. Leighton Steward, author of a new book called Fire, Ice, and Paradise, is a geologist who is bringing up some very interesting points about the global warming debate, especially with the "cap-and-trade" bill that is being eagerly pushed through the corrupt halls of Congress. Steward has been in the Capitol this week arguing that what the world needs is more carbon dioxide emissions, not less. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-8131-Sunset-District-Libertarian-Examiner~y2009m10d11-The-world-needs-more-CO2-not-less ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:51:19 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for October 13, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for October 13, 2009. 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. Gov. Schwarzenegger and Secretary Salazar Sign MOU to Expedite Renewable Energy Development in Calif. Sacramento /California Newswire/ — Further laying the groundwork for California to reach its environmental goals, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar in order to expedite the siting of California renewable energy projects. Posted. http://californianewswire.com/2009/10/12/CNW5651_192812.php Schwarzenegger Signs 2 Renewable Energy Bills, Vetoes Others. California will require utilities to pay consumers for generating more solar and wind power than they use and will boost the payoff for certain solar facilities. The laws take effect Jan 1. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has approved two major initiatives that will require utilities to pay consumers for generating extra power and will boost the payoff for certain solar facilities. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-solar13-2009oct13,0,2315712,print.story Lesson from Cali Clean Power Veto: Transmission Still a Choke Point for Energy Goals. Hundreds of bills escaped California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s veto power last night ahead of a midnight deadline to act on a mountain of legislation — but not a pair of long-debated clean energy bills. As expected, the governor killed two items, which would have required utilities in California to get at least a third of their energy from renewable sources by 2020, but with limits for how much of that goal they could meet with power generated out of state (at an Arizona solar farm, for example). Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/earth2Tech/idUS333067385020091012 Governor Signs Bill Easing Rules For Small Polluters. Los Angeles - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a bill expected to reduce air quality regulations and costs on thousands of small industrial polluters throughout much of the Southland - including dozens of gas stations, restaurants and public agencies in Long Beach and surrounding communities. The controversial bill, authored by State Sen. Roderick Wright, whose district includes Long Beach, was signed by the governor in the closing minutes of this year's legislative session late Sunday. Posted. http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_13545538?source=rss http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13545538 Figuring Out The True Cost Of Complying With California Regulations. A study puts the tab for the state's economy at $492 billion a year. But critics say the study doesn't take into account the benefits the regulations may have. Make no mistake, small-business owner Jane Skeeter isn't happy about the heavy burden she says government regulations put on her architectural-glass manufacturing plant in Chatsworth. She knows that plenty of other California businesses have left the state for cheaper locales with fewer costly rules. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-smallbiz13-2009oct13,0,6051355,print.story Don't Forget The Other GHGs, Scientists Say. When it comes to climate change, carbon dioxide isn't the only target. That's the message of a new analysis urging policymakers to consider "fast-acting" climate policies for lesser-known greenhouse gases and particles that contribute to warming. The paper, published yesterday by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, focuses on four different strategies its authors say could prevent abrupt climate change over the next few decades. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/10/13/6 Obama's Climate - Change Hopes Get A Boost. United Nations/London (Reuters) - Official Washington sounded more upbeat on Monday than it has for weeks in sizing up U.S. President Barack Obama's chances of progress on a climate-change bill in Congress this year. U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer predicted the committee she leads would approve a bill before a U.N. climate summit in Copenhagen in December while Obama's Energy Secretary Steven Chu said he hoped all of Congress would pass a law by then. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/10/12/world/international-uk-climate.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print S.1733 Senate Climate Change Bill Gains Support Of Lindsey Graham Of The GOP. Though the Senate’s version of climate change legislation, S.1733, faces more time in committee, there appears to be the blossoming of slight bipartisan support for this legislation. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) has come out in support of this bill. In doing so, he has split with the general consensus of his party. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-11326-Liberal-Examiner~y2009m10d12-S1733-Senate-Climate-Change-bill-gains-support-of-Lindsey-Graham-of-the-GOP The Global Warming Consensus Cools. "What happened to global warming?" read the headline - on BBC News on Oct. 9, no less. Consider it a cataclysmic event: Mainstream news organizations have begun reporting on scientific research that suggests that global warming may not be caused by man and may not be as dire and eminent as alarmists suggest. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/10/13/ED7O1A4IQU.DTL&type=printable EPA Air Chief Says GHG Registry Could Spur Emission Cuts. The public release of data revealing top U.S. industrial sources of greenhouse gases could spur companies to voluntarily slash their emissions, according to U.S. EPA's top air official. Air chief Gina McCarthy said EPA's new rule requiring large sources of greenhouse gases to report emissions could have an impact similar to that of the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), which since its inception in 1987 has been credited with spurring substantial reductions in toxic emissions. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/10/13/2 California Team Leads In Solar Decathlon. Students from Santa Clara University and the California College of the Arts join together to build a house that is energy-efficient but doesn't scrimp on comfort. The village on the National Mall looks like something out of science fiction: dozens of unusually shaped buildings with solar panels protruding from their rooftops. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-solar-decathlon13-2009oct13,0,3214846,print.story Editorial: Deserting War On Warming. Political and economic realities threaten the Obama administration and the European Union's mutual quest to combat global warming. Temperatures aren't helping much, either. Globally the warming trend effectively ended more than a decade ago. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/nations-emissions-economic-2604528-warming-global Solar Users To Feel Surge In Wallet. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed two solar energy bills that will make it possible for consumers and businesses to actually make money if they generate surplus electricity. The bills, long sought by California's renewable energy industry and among hundreds signed by the governor late Sunday night, could radically change the relationship between businesses and homeowners and their local utility company, making them paid producers and suppliers of electricity. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13546308 BLOGS Green job, Energy Bills Could Give A Jolt To Southern California. A legal logjam that has stopped regional regulators from issuing smog credits for a variety of projects could be broken by new legislation signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger – one in a stack of environmental bills signed by the governor Sunday that could help stimulate the Southern California economy. Posted. http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/12/green-job-energy-bills-could-give-a-jolt-to-southern-california/14149/ Firms Announce Major Offsets Transaction. In what its participants call the largest deal of its kind in the United States, Goldman Sachs Group, Blue Source and CE2 Carbon Capital are expected to announce on Monday that they have completed a $12 million carbon offsets transaction.The offsets originate from several emissions-reducing projects managed by Blue Source, a Salt Lake City company that also develops carbon capture and storage projects. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/12/firms-announce-major-offsets-transaction/?pagemode=print Schwarzenegger Signs Solar Bills AB 920 And SB 32. Late last night, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed two major solar initiatives involving a feed-in tariff for utility companies and surplus electricity generated by customers. It was the last day to sign bills from this year’s legislative session. AB 920 requires utility companies to pay households or businesses for any extra electricity produced by the customer’s solar power system. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/10/schwarzenegger-signs-solar-bills-ab-920-and-sb-32.html http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/shopping_blog/2009/10/schwarzenegger-solar-california-ab-920-sb-32.html Power Hub: Tres Amigas and the Future of Clean Energy. Clovis, New Mexico, might just be the cornerstone of a clean-energy revolution. It might also be the epicenter of a political battle over how America embraces green energy. Clovis is the site chosen for the Tres Amigas electricity-transmission project, as our colleague Rebecca Smith reports today in The Wall Street Journal. The idea is to build a powerful substation in New Mexico using advanced supercondctors that could physically connect the three otherwise isolated power grids—the Eastern, the Western, and Texas grids. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/10/13/power-hub-tres-amigas-and-the-future-of-clean-energy/tab/print/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:03:32 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for October 14, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for October 14, 2009. 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. EPA Releases Bush-Era Global Warming Report. Washington - A controversial e-mail message buried by the Bush administration because of its conclusions on global warming surfaced Tuesday, nearly two years after it was first sent to the White House and never opened. The e-mail and the 28-page document attached to it, released Tuesday by the Environmental Protection Agency, show that in December of 2007 the agency concluded that six gases linked to global warming pose dangers to public welfare, and wanted to take steps to regulate their release from automobiles and the burning of gasoline. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/10/14/MN4M1A5875.DTL&type=printable http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/2252231.html http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i-ucDlUd12j2c9AuIkLx_7Lw2rggD9BAJ1A81 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/13/AR2009101303897.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13551941 http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/10/13/13greenwire-epa-releases-bush-era-endangerment-document-47439.html http://www.modbee.com/politics/story/891882.html Toyota Will Fight Utilities For Low-Carbon Credits In Calif. San Francisco -- Automakers, not electric utilities, should receive emissions credits granted under California's low-carbon fuel standard, to reflect the risk the car companies have taken to manufacture more efficient vehicles, a top executive at Toyota Motor Engineering said last week. In a filing with the state's Public Utilities Commission, Kevin Webber, general manager for Toyota Motor's regulation and certification division in Ann Arbor, Mich., said the auto industry has "absorbed the costs to develop, manufacture and market advanced technology vehicles to meet California's requirements." Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/10/14/4 New CARB Rule Mandates Metallic Window Coating; GPS, Electronics Affected? Leave it to the California Air Resource Board to craft another interesting mandate in the name of eco-friendly vehicles. As part of its new "Cool Cars" program for 2012, CARB will require all vehicles sold in California to sport a special metallic glaze on all windows. Posted. http://rumors.automobilemag.com/6595764/green/new-carb-rule-mandates-metallic-window-coating-gps-electronics-affected/index.html Carbon Labeling Bill Tanks For Second Time In Calif. San Francisco -- Missing from the hundreds of bills singed into law this weekend by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) was a measure that would have permitted manufacturers to stamp consumer products with carbon data. The bill, from state Assemblyman Ira Ruskin (D), would let businesses attach carbon labels to products in much the same way nutritional data is listed on food packaging. The carbon labels would list the total greenhouse gas emissions created in harvesting, manufacturing, selling and transporting products. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/10/14/7 Voluntary CO2 Offsets Doing Little To Reduce Emissions. Voluntary carbon offsets purchased by companies have done little to reduce carbon dioxide emissions worldwide, market participants said at a carbon industry conference yesterday. While voluntary credits totaling 123 million tons, valued at $705 million, were traded on the carbon market in 2008, overall only 34.69 million tons of voluntary offset credits have been retired so far, according to industry estimates. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/10/14/10 Boxer: Climate Bill Ready. A major Senate climate change bill is written and ready to be debated before the Environment and Public Works committee, the chairwoman of the panel said Tuesday. Sen. Barbara Boxer’s legislation would distribution of tens of billions of dollars of pollution allowances to power plants, manufacturing, and other industries. It will mirror cap and trade legislation passed by the House in late June with, she noted, “a few tweaks.” The legislation has been sent to the Environmental Protection Agency for analysis, which should be completed by the end of the month. Posted. http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=5004CF13-18FE-70B2-A8FEAB37A01B3502 Governor Signs Six Bills By Oropeza. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger this week signed into law six bills by state Sen. Jenny Oropeza that deal with greenhouse gases, idling school buses, mammogram machines and honoring a pioneer of the gay rights movement. The Republican governor also vetoed three bills by the Long Beach Democrat, including proposed regulations and reforms for illegal taxicabs and alcoholic-beverage licensing. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13554289?nclick_check=1 EPA Air Chief Says Carbon Registry Could Spur Emissions Cuts. The public release of data revealing top U.S. industrial sources of greenhouse gases could spur companies to voluntarily slash their emissions, according to U.S. EPA's top air official. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/10/13/13greenwire-epa-air-chief-says-carbon-registry-could-spur-26767.html Valley Officials Warn Gusts Bring Poor Air Quality. Bakersfield, Calif.—Gusty winds accompanying the storm blowing through California are being blamed for unhealthy air quality in portions of the San Joaquin Valley. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District issued a warning on Tuesday saying blowing gusts are causing unhealthy levels of particulate pollution in Kings, Tulare and Kern counties. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13553174http://www.modbee.com/state/story/892215.html http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/oct/13/valley-officials-warn-gusts-bring-poor-air/ http://www.bakersfield.com/news/local/x948484105/Dust-storm-prompts-health-warning State Grant Retires Polluting School Buses. Four new school buses in the Kings Canyon Unified School District will be unveiled at Orange Cove High School on Thursday, replacing older models that were found to produce excessive air pollutants. Posted. http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/index.php/environment/2567-state-grant-retires-polluting-school-buses.html EPA Fines Stockton Metalworks Firm. A company that produces metal powder has been fined $193,996 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for failing to file paperwork about its emissions. Valimet Inc., on Sperry Road, is required to file emissions reports with the EPA because it processes a certain quantity of potentially toxic materials, including aluminum and copper. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091014/A_NEWS/910140310/-1/A_NEWS14#STS=g0sagir9.19vw World Bank Looks to Help Developing Nations With Carbon Capture and Storage. Norway and the World Bank are in discussions over setting up a new trust fund to help developing countries create and deploy carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/10/14/14climatewire-world-bank-looks-to-help-developing-nations-73229.html Colleges Are Battlegrounds For Coal Fight. Environmentalists are taking the fight over coal beyond Capitol Hill and onto college campuses. The Sierra Club is targeting coal-fired power plants located at 60 college campuses. Setting its sights initially on 22 schools, the group is recruiting student activists to gather signatures on petitions, ask faculty members to endorse their cause, organize rallies outside administration buildings and lobby school leaders. There are more aggressive messages, as well, like students dumping coal on the administration doorsteps. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/10/14/1 Midwestern Senator Puts Manufacturing Issues at Forefront of Climate Debate. In the quest to secure 60 votes for cap-and-trade legislation, bill sponsors can point to almost any member of the Democratic Senate majority as a "must have" vote. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/10/14/14climatewire-midwestern-senator-puts-manufacturing-issues-33943.html Show Promotes Cleaner Energy. Sacramento State has partnered with the Sacramento Area Regional Technology Alliance to host the third annual Clean Technology Showcase on Friday. The event will showcase more than 100 local environmentally conscious businesses and their products. Posted. http://media.www.statehornet.com/media/storage/paper1146/news/2009/10/14/News/Show-Promotes.Cleaner.Energy-3802201.shtml Hybrid Cars May Include Fake Vroom for Safety. For decades, automakers have been on a quest to make cars quieter: an auto that purrs, and glides almost silently in traffic. They have finally succeeded. Plug-in hybrid and electric cars, it turns out, not only reduce air pollution, they cut noise pollution as well with their whisper-quiet motors. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/14/automobiles/14hybrid.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse Colo. Gov Touts 'New Energy Economy' At Conference. Denver—Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter says his state's efforts to build a new energy economy can provide a model for addressing climate change and other challenges facing the country and world. Ritter spoke Tuesday on the last day of the Association for the Study of Peak Oil and Gas conference in Denver. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13553854 Calif. Considers Strict Energy Standards For TVs. Sacramento, Calif.—California utilities and environmental groups Tuesday urged state energy regulators to ban the most power-hungry televisions from stores as a way to lower electricity demand. A rule before the California Energy Commission would impose the nation's first energy-efficiency requirements for flat-screen TVs, a mandatory standard that is expected to be copied by other states. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13552829 http://www.modbee.com/state/story/892216.html Texas Heavy Industries Worry About EPA Crackdown. Dallas -- For 15 years, environmentalists have complained that state regulations have allowed the powerful oil and chemical industries to skirt Clean Air Act standards in Texas, the nation's foremost producer of industrial air pollution. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/14/AR2009101400091.html Warmer Planet, Fewer Crops? This column has focused on the effects of food production on climate change. But what about the effects of climate change on food production? After all, few things are as sensitive to changes in weather as agriculture. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/13/AR2009101300419.html The Chamber's Numbers Game. The nation's largest business lobby may be much smaller than it appears. A review of archival press releases suggests that the US Chamber of Commerce—which will not disclose the names of its members—has vastly overstated its size in recent years, helping to make its controversial positions on health care and climate change look like a consensus of American businesses. In testimony before Congress, statements to the press, and on its website, the Chamber claims to represent "3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions." In reality, the number is probably closer to 200,000. Posted. http://www.motherjones.com/print/28242 ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:18:00 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for October 15, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for October 15, 2009. 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. Capitol Weekly, Letters to the Editor, October 15, 2009. Dear Editor: Dorothy Rothrock (Capitol Weekly, Oct. 1) claims that she can’t find how the California Air Resources Board spent $47 million dollars to pay for administration of AB 32 from 2007 to 2009. Ms. Rothrock and her trade association attack ARB’s credibility as a way to deflect the legislative requirement that they pay their fair share of the cost of implementing AB32. She could have saved thousands in legal fees by reading the documents posted on ARB’s website explaining exactly where and how the money was spent. Posted. http://www.capitolweekly.net/features/lettersToTheEditor.php?_c=ycazwdpo0v5gzm Highway Contractors, Enviros Strike Deal On Clean Diesel. The construction industry urged Congress today to let states mandate the use of clean-diesel equipment for federally funded highway construction. The Associated General Contractors of America joined the Clean Air Task Force in urging lawmakers to include the change in the next highway and transit bill that will serve as the de facto national transportation strategy for several years. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/10/15/4 White House Eyes Bilateral Deals With China, India. The White House is aiming to garner fresh commitments to combat global warming from China and India during back-to-back summits in November. On the eve of a December meeting in Copenhagen, the Obama administration is attempting to hammer out which action each country will take."China and India are both critically important to achieving our international goals on carbon reduction. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/10/15/6 Curbing Climate Change by Sealing Gas Leaks. To the naked eye, there was nothing to be seen at a natural gas well in eastern Texas but beige pipes and tanks baking in the sun. But in the viewfinder of Terry Gosney’s infrared camera, three black plumes of gas gushed through leaks that were otherwise invisible. “Holy smoke, it’s blowing like mad,” said Mr. Gosney, an environmental field coordinator for EnCana, the Canadian gas producer that operates the year-old well near Franklin, Tex. “It does look nasty.” Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/15/business/energy-environment/15degrees.html?_r=2&hp=&adxnnl=1&pagewanted=print&adxnnlx=1255626386-6zrz8ZLq2KkVfkI8grvZBA Biggest Obstacle to Global Climate Deal May Be How to Pay for It. As world leaders struggle to hash out a new global climate deal by December, they face a hurdle perhaps more formidable than getting big polluters like the United States and China to reduce greenhouse gas emissions: how to pay for the new accord. The price tag for a new climate agreement will be a staggering $100 billion a year by 2020, many economists estimate; some put the cost at closer to $1 trillion. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/15/science/earth/15climate.html?pagewanted=print Editorial: Time For Truce On Renewables. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Democrats who control the Legislature have plenty to disagree about. So it's a shame they can't even get together on an important issue on which they say they agree. California has long been a leader in pushing the electricity industry to use renewable sources of energy to power the state's grid. Current law calls for the utilities to use renewables for 20 percent of their electricity production by 2010. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/v-print/story/2254311.html Energy Agency to Deepen Links With Emerging Giants. Paris — The International Energy Agency, a forum for developed economies, announced a series of steps Wednesday to deepen cooperation with three nations of growing importance to global energy markets: Russia, China and India. The initiatives were made at the semi-annual meeting here of energy ministers, where officials also took stock of progress in negotiations on reducing carbon emissions before a climate change summit in Copenhagen in December, as well as trends in energy prices. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/15/business/energy-environment/15iea.html?_r=1&sq=environment&st=cse&scp=10&pagewanted=print Youths Attend Governors’ Global Climate Summit. As part of the California Climate Champions program, I was one of a dozen young people chosen to represent the youth perspective at the Governors’ Global Climate Summit 2 in Los Angeles last week. The international political conference, co-hosted by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and six other state governors, included representatives from all over the world, eager to hear of the views of young people during presentations and in one-on-one conversations. Posted. http://www.toacorn.com/news/2009-10-15/Community/Youths_attend_Governors_Global_Climate_Summit.html Not All Alaska Ports Support Limits On Cruise Ship Emissions. Washington -- Some Alaska ports of call have asked the Environmental Protection Agency to rethink - or at least slow down - its plans to impose stricter air quality requirements for cruise ships and other large oceangoing vessels. The EPA wants all large vessels to stop using so-called bunker fuel within 200 nautical miles of U.S. shorelines, saying that reducing air pollution from the dirty fuel could save the lives of 8,300 people each year, help an additional 3 million people avoid respiratory problems and clear hazy skies as far inland as the Grand Canyon. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/2254375.html BLOGS A Greenhouse Gas That Is Already a Commodity. For years, many environmental groups and experts on the growing human contribution to the planet’s heat-trapping greenhouse effect have sought to turn carbon dioxide into a commodity by giving it a rising price. Through a so-called cap and trading system, those making extra-deep cuts in emissions can profit by selling what amounts to their extra credit to those who cannot afford to cut their own gas releases so deeply or quickly. Posted. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/14/a-greenhouse-gas-thats-already-a-commodity/?pagemode=print Farm Bureau Aims to Kill Climate Bill. American Farm Bureau The American Farm Bureau, a large agricultural lobby, is gearing up a campaign to defeat climate legislation now pending in Congress. The politically influential American Farm Bureau, the self-described “national voice of agriculture,” has outlined a new campaign effort to derail Congressional bills to combat climate change. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/14/farm-bureau-targets-cap-and-trade/?pagemode=print Study Says China Is Ripe for Carbon Storage. Researchers have identified a number of potential geologic formations that could be used to store CO2 emitted by China’s coal power plants and other industries. (Click to enlarge.) China has vast underground repositories that could store more than a century’s worth of carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants and industrial facilities, according to a report to be released by the United States Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/15/study-says-china-is-ripe-for-carbon-storage/?pagemode=print Business Leaders Talk Copenhagen. At a meeting in Washington yesterday, top executives of several multinational companies emphasized the importance of climate negotiations — and of a constructive role from China. Tony Cenicola/The New York Times “I don’t think there’s any question that we want Copenhagen to be a success,” said Jim Rogers, the chief executive of Duke Energy. “I don’t think there’s any question that we want Copenhagen to be a success,” said Jim Rogers, the chairman and chief executive of Duke Energy, a major Southern utility. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/14/business-leaders-talk-copenhagen/?pagemode=print A Headline That Will Make Global-Warming Activists Apoplectic. The BBC is responsible. The article, by the climate correspondent Paul Hudson, is called “What Happened to Global Warming?” Highlights: For the last 11 years we have not observed any increase in global temperatures. And our climate models did not forecast it, even though man-made carbon dioxide, the gas thought to be responsible for warming our planet, has continued to rise. Posted. http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/15/a-headline-that-will-make-global-warming-activists-apoplectic/?pagemode=print Branson on the Power of Biofuels and Elders. Sir Richard Branson, the entrepreneur, balloonist, spaceflight booster and social-environmental campaigner, held forth in a conversation with Alan Murray of The Wall Street Journal today, touching on a host of ways to make and lose money and try to build a better planet. Mr. Branson spoke excitedly about the planned December rollout of his commercial spacecraft and plans for his family, including his parents, to be the first to take a suborbital ride. Posted. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/15/branson-on-space-climate-biofuel-elders/?pagemode=print ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:11:43 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for October 16-19, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for October 16-19, 2009. 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. Fiscal Impact Of State Climate Law Disputed. A local academic has emerged as the leading source of dark forecasts in a recession-fueled debate over whether California's war on global warming will hurt or help its economy. Sanjay Varshney, dean of the business school at California State University, Sacramento, predicts dire consequences if the state moves forward with plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions. His figures – dismissed by some economists – have been cited by business groups and politicians calling on the state to delay carrying out AB 32, the state's landmark climate change law. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/capitolandcalifornia/story/2262347.html Environmental Concerns Delay Solar Projects In California Desert. Several companies seek to build renewable-energy facilities on public land -- a goal backed by the White House -- but the slow permit process and fears over imperiled species have hindered construction. Across the desert flatlands of southeastern California, dozens of companies have flooded federal offices with applications to place solar mirrors on more than a million acres of public land. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-solar19-2009oct19,0,2039806,print.story Another View: Failure To Agree Hurts Green Industry. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Democrats who control the Legislature have plenty to disagree about. So it's a shame they can't even get together on an important issue on which they say they agree. California has long been a leader in pushing the electricity industry to use renewable sources of energy to power the state's grid. Current law calls for the utilities to use renewables for 20 percent of their electricity production by 2010. Posted. http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/opinions/ci_13589627 Energy Firms Are Split on Bill to Battle Climate Change. Washington — As the Senate prepares to tackle global warming, the nation’s energy producers, once united, are battling one another over policy decisions worth hundreds of billions of dollars in coming decades. Producers of natural gas are battling their erstwhile allies, the oil companies. Electrical utilities are fighting among themselves over the use of coal versus wind power or other renewable energy. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/19/business/energy-environment/19fuel.html?_r=1&bl=&pagewanted=print Local Assaults on the Global Climate Problem. New York — This month, the mayor of Mesa, Arizona, a city of about 500,000 inhabitants in the American Southwest, became the 1,000th local leader to sign on to a climate change agreement under the United States Conference of Mayors. In signing the compact — initiated in 2005 by Greg Nickels, the mayor of Seattle and the president of the conference — local leaders commit to reducing their cities’ carbon emissions in concert with the national goals laid out by the Kyoto Protocol: a 7 percent reduction over 1990 emissions levels by 2012. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/19/business/energy-environment/19iht-green19.html?sq=environment&st=cse&scp=4&pagewanted=print Mcdonnell Confronts Climate Change. Republican gubernatorial candidate Robert F. McDonnell said Saturday he thinks the globe is warming but wouldn't fix blame on man-made carbon emissions as its cause. Posted. http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/oct/18/climate-change-confronts-mcdonnell-after-rally/?feat=home_top5_commented Climate Concerns Turn City's Smell Into Cash Cow. The smell of manure hangs over Greeley as it has for half a century. These days it's more than just a potent reminder of the region's agricultural roots and the hundreds of thousands of cattle raised on the city's outskirts. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2032/story/896916.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13584253 Pranksters Pose As U.S. Chamber, Unveil Climate 'About Face'. A group masquerading as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce issued a statement proclaiming the business group's support for Senate climate change legislation. The stunt -- which included a fake press conference that was attended by about 20 reporters -- led to news stories reporting that the chamber supported climate legislation and also wanted it to include a carbon tax. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/10/19/1 U.S. Chamber Of Commerce Backs Climate Change Bill. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce said on Monday it will no longer opposes climate change legislation, but wants the bill to include a carbon tax. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/10/19/us/politics/politics-us-chamber-climate-legislation.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/19/AR2009101901259.html Courts Follow Landmark 2nd Circuit Ruling With 2 GHG Decisions. Less than a month after a federal appeals court in New York issued a historic ruling regarding citizen and government enforcement of greenhouse gas emissions, decisions in two similar cases have come down. Their divergent results could have immediate implications for future climate change lawsuits." We now have rulings out of the 2nd Circuit and the 5th Circuit that, together, represent mounting legal authority that the Constitution is not a barrier to climate tort litigation," said Bruce Myers, a senior attorney with the Environmental Law Institute. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/10/19/2 Boston Globe: An Ambitious Climate Bill. The highly anticipated Senate climate-change bill sponsored by Sens. John Kerry and Barbara Boxer makes noteworthy improvements on the similar bill passed by the House last summer. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20091018/OPINION/910169907 Beijing Sees Clearer Skies, But Much Room To Improve. Beijing's air quality is beginning to show signs of improvement after a string of nearly perfect October days and reports that the city has greatly reduced the number of days with dangerously high pollutants. Through September, the government counted 221 "blue-sky days" in which the 0-to-500 pollution index was below 101, the highest number since daily measurements were first published in 1998. At the same time, the city said it has recorded only 2 days with elevated pollution levels, the lowest number in a decade and 17 fewer than were recorded in 2000. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/10/19/21 GUEST OPINION: Combatting Greenhouse Gases. It’s easy for community leaders to join the fight against climate change. It’s much more difficult for us to take the actions necessary to make real differences. Example: In 2005, Sonoma County and all nine cities in its borders adopted resolutions that set goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 25 percent below 1990 levels by 2015. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20091019/OPINION/910169913 Beijing’s Air Is Cleaner, but Far From Clean. This city’s network of arterials, five ring roads that are fed by nine more freeways, is barely two decades old, but it is already sclerotic. Roughly four million vehicles clog Beijing roads, seven times the number about 15 years ago. On any given day, another 1,500 new vehicles join the crush. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/17/world/asia/17beijing.html 'Green Energy' Will Destroy More Jobs Than It Creates. Don't let the hype about "green jobs" fool you. The global warming bill approved earlier this year by the House of Representatives would destroy far more jobs than it could ever possibly create. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/national/story/897765.html Another View: Failure To Agree Hurts Green Industry. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Democrats who control the Legislature have plenty to disagree about. So it's a shame they can't even get together on an important issue on which they say they agree. Posted. http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/opinions/ci_13589627 New Program Aims To Encourage Weatherization Of Homes. The White House Monday will release a plan to remove some of the obstacles that prevent middle-class Americans from getting energy audits and making their homes more energy-efficient. America’s nearly 130 million homes generate about 20 percent of the nation's emissions of carbon dioxide, the principal heat-trapping gas, says a report being released Monday by the White House Council on Environmental Quality and Vice President Joe Biden's Middle Class Task Force. McClatchy obtained an early copy. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/politics/story/898272.html New Plan Promotes Making Homes More Energy-Efficient. Washington The White House today will release a plan to remove some of the obstacles that prevent middle-class Americans from getting energy audits and making their homes more energy-efficient. Posted. http://headlines.ocregister.com/news/energy-47296-house-program.html The Year Of Living Green. New York Colin Beavan sat under the light of a single bulb, freaking out. Along with his wife and young daughter, he had just spent a year trying to reduce the family's environmental impact to almost zero. With a flip of a switch, they had cut their Manhattan apartment off from the electrical grid. They had stopped using anything disposable or buying anything new. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/beavan-family-once-2608879-year-conlin Rush To Comply With New Year's Ban On Dirty Trucks At Port of Oakland. In mid-August Mamdoh Ibrahim was nervous but excited. Since June, the trucker had been wading his way through the application process to get a state grant to buy new air filters for two big rigs his business uses to haul cargo to and from the Port of Oakland. He wasn't through yet, but he had been assigned a project number, which was a hopeful sign. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_13581934 http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_13581934 UK's Brown Urges Progress On Climate Pact. London—Failure to strike a new global deal on reducing greenhouse emissions would be catastrophic, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Monday, urging other national leaders to attend this year's climate summit in Denmark. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13592983 VT Willow Harvest Promises Cheap Biomass Fuel. Middlebury, Vt.—Middlebury College used to heat its buildings with oil, then switched to wood chips. Now it has planted a sustainable and relatively cheap fuel source—willow shrubs —that could help cut demand on the state's forests. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13589688 Sunnyvale's Picarro Positioning Itself To Be Leader In Monitoring Greenhouse Gases. From a nondescript strip mall in Sunnyvale, a company called Picarro is positioning itself to be a leader in greenhouse gas monitoring and reporting. With Congress under pressure to act on global warming legislation before December's United Nations climate change conference in Copenhagen, there's a lot of talk about the emerging "cap-and-trade" economy. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/technology/ci_13569519 Rising Seas Threaten Shanghai, Other Major Cities. Shanghai—This city of 20 million rose from the sea and grew into a modern showcase, with skyscrapers piercing the clouds, atop tidal flats fed by the mighty Yangtze River. Now Shanghai's future depends on finding ways to prevent the same waters from reclaiming it. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13589710 NASA Flies Over Antarctica To Measure Icemelt. Above Antarctica—Hoping to better understand how a melting Antarctica could swamp the planet, a NASA plane outfitted with lasers and ground-penetrating radar made its first flight over the icy continent on Friday. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13577749 Berlin Landmark Backdrop For Climate Protest. Berlin—Environmental activists have hung a giant banner from a prominent Berlin landmark, the Victory Column, urging Germany's leader to take the lead in combatting climate change. A group of Greenpeace activists descended on ropes from the landmark's viewing platform to put in place the nearly 50-foot (15-meter) banner Friday. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13576487 US Seeks Tougher Protections For Polar Bear. Washington—With global warming shrinking Arctic sea ice that polar bears depend upon for survival, the United States is seeking to remove another major threat: international trade in the bears' fur and other parts. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13577187 U.S., Britain Say Global Climate Deal Possible. London (Reuters) - The world can still agree a deal in December to curb greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for a warmer world, co-chairs of a meeting of major polluters in London -- Britain and the United States -- said on Sunday. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/18/AR2009101800986.html U.S. Hunters, Anglers Lobby For Climate Bill. Dallas/Washington (Reuters) - An unlikely lobbying group is pressing the U.S. Senate to curb greenhouse gas emissions: American hunting and fishing groups who fear climate change will disrupt their sport. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/18/AR2009101800966.html Republican Senator Says Open To U.S. Climate Bill. Washington (Reuters) - A senior Republican in the United States Senate, conservative Senator Lisa Murkowski, said she would consider voting for a "cap and trade" climate change bill Democrats are pushing if it also contains a vigorous expansion of nuclear energy and domestic oil drilling. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/17/AR2009101700831.html Maldives Sends Climate SOS With Undersea Cabinet. Male (Reuters) - The Maldivian president and ministers held the world's first underwater cabinet meeting on Saturday, in a symbolic cry for help over rising sea levels that threaten the tropical archipelago's existence. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/17/AR2009101700571.html BLOGS State OKs basing car insurance on actual mileage driven. California motorists will soon have the option of having their auto insurance based on the actual miles they drive every year, state Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner announced today. Posted. http://ocbiz.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/16/state-oks-basing-car-insurance-on-actual-mileage-driven/15307/ Clashes and Arrests at Coal Plant Protest in England. Activists in Europe are aggressively practicing civil disobedience, and more, in their actions against the coal industry. In the latest confrontation, police in the English county of Nottinghamshire arrested more than 50 protesters at a coal-fired power station over the weekend when scuffles broke out with climate campaigners. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/19/clashes-arrests-at-coal-plant-protest-in-england/?pagemode=print Report Shows Hidden Costs of Energy. Most people can easily quote the price of gasoline or how much they pay for their power bills at home. But what’s the cost of energy production and consumption on health? “Hidden Costs of Energy: Unpriced Consequences of Energy Production and Use,” a new report from the National Research Council, a branch of the National Academies, attempts to put a dollar figure on what economists call externalities. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/19/report-shows-hidden-costs-of-energy/?pagemode=print Carbon Capture Is "Essential" for Developing World, And Still a Pipe Dream. Unproven and Expensive. Here's a climate conundrum. Last week, the International Energy Agency said in a report (pdf) that to avoid climate catastrophe, 2,000 carbon capture and sequestration (CSS, or sometimes "clean coal") plants need to be built in developing countries by 2050. And fortunately, it turns out that China, the biggest coal burner, is a great place to bury greenhouse gases. "Study Says China Is Ripe for Carbon Storage," is the headline of the Green Inc story. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/10/clean-coal-essential-developing-nations-untested-expensive.php?dcitc=th_ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:18:13 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for October 20, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for October 20, 2009. 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. Hopes Fade for Comprehensive Climate Treaty. Washington — With the clock running out and deep differences unresolved, it now appears there is little chance that the climate change negotiations in Copenhagen in December will produce a comprehensive and binding new treaty on global warming. The United States and a number of other major emitting countries have concluded that it is more useful to take incremental but important steps toward a global agreement rather than to try to jam through a treaty that is either too weak to address the problem or too onerous to be ratified and enforced. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/21/science/earth/21treaty.html?_r=1&hp=&pagewanted=print Chu Backs Price Collar On Carbon Permits. Washington (Reuters) - U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu on Tuesday threw his support behind setting a price floor and ceiling on carbon dioxide pollution permits that are part of climate control legislation pending in Congress." I personally would support a price collar because it gives more stability, and it's a damper on some of the manipulative stuff" that some members of Congress fear could develop in the market, he told the Reuters Washington Summit. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/Washington09/idUSTRE59J3W120091020 Public Hearings Convene on First U.S. Greenhouse Gas Pollution Standards. Washington, Public hearings commence this week on the nation's first greenhouse gas pollution standards. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) officials will hear public testimony on proposed new historic fuel economy benchmarks and national greenhouse gas emissions limits for passenger vehicles: October 21st in Detroit, October 23rd in New York City, and October 27th in Los Angeles. For more information on the public hearings, see www.epa.gov/otaq/climate/regulations.htm. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS180818+20-Oct-2009+PRN20091020 On Road to 60 Votes for Climate Bill, Senate Swells With Fence Sitters. The fence is getting a bit more crowded. Despite two significant moves over the last month -- a bill introduction and the emergence of a possible bipartisan partnership -- the number of senators unwilling to commit to voting for comprehensive climate and energy legislation continues to grow. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/10/20/20climatewire-on-road-to-60-votes-for-climate-bill-senate-43836.html?scp=3&sq=carbon%20emission&st=cse Opinion: Time for Inaction on Global Warming. Congress should consider the costs before passing "cap and trade." "Global" and "warming" are perhaps the two most important words used to justify the approaching governmental control of our economy. In reality, global warming is barely occurring: In the 30 years starting in 1977, warming amounted to 0.32 degree Fahrenheit per decade, and in the next hundred years it is estimated to be about half a degree per decade. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704500604574482191245495128.html# Forest Study Sees Upside Of Climate Change. Warmer temperatures may spur tree growth in some regions of the Pacific Northwest, which could mean reduced carbon in the air, researchers say. While gradually warming global temperatures long have been seen as an environmental threat, a study released Monday suggested that the forests of the Pacific Northwest could see a substantial gain in productivity as the thermometer climbs. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-trees-warming20-2009oct20,0,172619,print.story A Balanced View of Global Warming. There's been a shift in Global Warming from denial being the mainstream view, to acceptance being mainstream, and denialists finding themselves suddenly as the minority gadflies looking in. Both extremes are probably wrong. Although they accept Global Warming, New Scientist magazine says we can expect 1-2 decades of cooling because of normal Oceanic current variations. Posted. http://www.opednews.com/articles/A-Balanced-View-of-Global-by-Scott-Baker-091019-344.html Enthusiasm for Natural Gas Cools. MADRID — Developing countries around the world are increasingly turning to natural gas as their alternative transportation fuel of choice. But early official embrace of the technology in industrialized nations has mostly cooled, because risks inherent in mass deployment outweigh the benefits, especially in regard to climate change. After a decade of double-digit annual growth, according to several estimates, more than 10 million vehicles worldwide are now powered by methane derived from natural gas or organic waste. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/21/business/global/21rencar.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print Potential Grows for Biomass Energy. San Francisco — Woody biomass provides just 0.94 percent of all U.S. energy now, supplying the equivalent of 3.5 million American homes. But Bob Cleaves, president of the Biomass Power Association, a group in Portland, Maine, that represents about 80 plant-burning incinerators in 16 states, says available raw material would allow the industry to double its output. New incinerators are already being planned in many states. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/21/business/global/21renforest.html?ref=global-business&pagewanted=print Stanford Moves Aggressively To Cut Energy Use, Reduce Carbon Impact. The long-range Energy and Climate Plan includes higher-than-required energy standards for new buildings, retrofitting of existing buildings, a transformation of the campus energy plant, and programs to teach students, faculty and staff how to cut energy use. In an effort to tackle the threat of global climate change head on, Stanford University has developed an ambitious, long-range, $250 million initiative to sharply reduce the university's energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://news.stanford.edu/news/2009/october19/stanford-carbon-footprint-101909.html?view=print Fossil Fuels’ Hidden Cost Is in Billions, Study Says. Washington — Burning fossil fuels costs the United States about $120 billion a year in health costs, mostly because of thousands of premature deaths from air pollution, the National Academy of Sciences reported in a study issued Monday. The damages are caused almost equally by coal and oil, according to the study, which was ordered by Congress. The study set out to measure the costs not incorporated into the price of a kilowatt-hour or a gallon of gasoline or diesel fuel. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/20/science/earth/20fossil.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print ATA and Port of Long Beach Reach Settlement. Arlington, Va., - The American Trucking Associations (ATA) Executive Committee and the Port of Long Beach Harbor Commissioners have each approved a Settlement negotiated between Port officials and ATA and trucking industry representatives. The Settlement is based upon motor carrier registration process, referred to as a Registration and Agreement, which will replace the Port's Concession Agreement. The settlement is also expected to end litigation with the Port of Long Beach, however litigation with the Port of Los Angeles will continue. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS11619+20-Oct-2009+PRN20091020 Foreign Automakers Urge California To Drop 'Cool Cars' Plan. Washington -- The battle over California's "cool cars" standards isn't over. The largest foreign automakers asked California to drop its proposal to require cars sold in the Golden State, staring in the 2012 model year, to limit the amount of solar energy entering vehicles. Late Monday, the state said it had no plans to do so. The Association of Automobile Manufacturers, the trade association representing Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co., Nissan Motor Corp., Hyundai Motor Corp. and other foreign automakers, said in a letter released today that it wanted the California Air Resources Board to reconsider its plans. Posted. http://detnews.com/article/20091019/AUTO01/910190389&template=printart Officials Hint at Progress Negotiating Climate Deal. A two-day meeting of officials from countries responsible for the bulk of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions ended Monday in London with hints that rich and developing nations might be able to bridge at least some of their differences on issues hobbling agreement on a new climate treaty. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704500604574482191245495128.html#printMode Report Looks At Hidden Health Costs Of Energy Production. Generating electricity by burning coal is responsible for about half of an estimated $120 billion in yearly costs from early deaths and health damages to thousands of Americans from the use of fossil fuels, a federal advisory group said Monday. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/politics/story/899491.html Haas School To Offer Green Tech Program. UC Berkeley has created an institute within its Haas School of Business to tap the growing student interest in green tech, bringing together research on clean-energy technology, policy and economics. The Energy Institute at Haas combines the efforts of several existing programs at the university, which has moved aggressively in recent years to expand its research and course offerings in alternative energy. The university announced the institute's creation Monday. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/10/20/BA3D1A7RM1.DTL&type=printable Michigan Limits Mercury From Coal-Fired Plants. Michigan's coal-fired power plants will be required to make drastic cuts in mercury emissions under regulations announced Monday. The rules developed by the Department of Environmental Quality are designed to implement a policy Gov. Jennifer Granholm announced three years ago to slash the generators' mercury output 90 percent by 2015. Coal-fired plants produce 60 percent of Michigan's electricity. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13595909# http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/19/AR2009101903038.html On the Waterfront: Trucking Re-Regulation Becoming A National Issue. What began a few years ago as an effort to rid Southern California's port communities of the soot-spewing container trucks poisoning local skies has morphed into a national battle to re-regulate sections of the trucking industry. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13596505# 8 South Asian Nations Resist Binding Emission Cuts. New Delhi—Eight South Asian countries have agreed they can't be part of any climate change deal that sets legally binding limits on their emissions, an Indian official said Tuesday. India, Pakistan and six other nations will present a coordinated stance at a key global meeting in Copenhagen in December to stick with the Kyoto Protocol, agreed in 1997, Indian Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said after a two-day meeting of regional environment ministers. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13600140# http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/20/AR2009102000785.html Auto X Prize Cuts Green-Car Contest Pool In Half. New York—The organizer of a $10 million contest to develop next-generation green vehicles said Monday it narrowed down its list of competitors by half, with qualifying teams ranging from Indian car giant Tata Motors to a team of Cornell University engineering students. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13594463# http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/19/AR2009101901743.html Planet Panel. Excerpts from comments by The Post's panel of experts on climate change. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/19/AR2009101902908.html Biden: Fix That Drafty Roof. Just in time for the first New England snow, Vice President Biden today announced a new federal initiative to encourage Americans to weatherize their homes, thereby reducing heating bills and carbon emissions and helping to produce jobs. Posted. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2009/10/19/biden_fix_that_drafty_roof.html?wprss=44 Biden To Model Solar Finance Plan On Berkeley's. The solar financing plan that originated in Berkeley in 2007 will become a national model, Vice President Joe Biden said Monday. Biden's program, known as Recovery Through Retrofit, creates a framework for cities, counties and states to set up tax districts that allow residential and business property owners to install solar panels and make other energy improvements, repaying the investment over a 20-year property tax assessment. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/10/20/BAKT1A7R72.DTL&type=printable BLOGS California's Over-Regulation of Auto Industry to Kill Jeep Wrangler? California's Air Resources Board (CARB) is setting difficult goals in it's Cool Cars regulations. Turns out it might just help Jeep sales. There was a rumor going around recently that CARB (the California Air Resources Board) would in essence ban "black" cars because of their natural tendency to trap heat inside and thus require more "energy" to cool the car. As one would expect, I didn't see any mention of how that would work in cold climates where heating would require less energy because of the black car's ability to keep heat in. Posted. http://4wheeldrive.about.com/b/2009/10/19/californias-over-regulation-of-auto-industry-to-kill-jeep-wrangler.htm Warming Climate Could Promote Forest Growth. A warming planet is expected to bring a host of ills, including rising seas, spreading deserts and disease infestations. Yet it's not all bad news, apparently. Researchers at Oregon State University looked at a variety of climate models and found that higher-elevation forests in the Pacific Northwest can be expected to vigorously expand their growth with warmer temperatures -- up to 500% a year, under some scenarios. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/10/warming-climate-could-promote-forest-growth.html Are Solar Panels Really Black? And What Does That Have to Do With the Climate Debate? Nathan Myhrvold is a polymath’s polymath, the former chief technology officer at Microsoft who, by the time he was 23, had earned, primarily at UCLA and Princeton, a bachelor’s degree (mathematics), two master’s degrees (geophysics/space physics and mathematical economics), and a Ph.D. (mathematical physics). He is co-founder of Intellectual Ventures, a firm comprising many other scientists, including climate scientists, whose counterintuitive views on global warming and its possible solutions are explored in the final chapter of SuperFreakonomics. Posted. http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/20/are-solar-panels-really-black-and-what-does-that-have-to-do-with-the-climate-debate/?pagemode=print On CO2, Small Steps for Big Emitters? John Broder has written an update on the climate-treaty talks and I have a story in The Times summarizing the sixth meeting of the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate, through which the Obama administration has sought to facilitate efforts to create a new global climate treaty by seeking common ground among a smaller set of countries with the biggest emissions. My article cites a morning speech delivered to the gathering by Prime Minister Gordon Brown of Britain in which he stressed that the atmosphere does not negotiate Posted. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/19/on-co2-small-steps-for-big-emitters/?pagemode=print O.C. Passed Over In EPA Green-Building Contest. That’s right — no winners from O.C. are posted in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s green-building contest, which honors construction in three categories: student design, professional design and creation of green jobs. Posted. http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/19/oc-passed-over-in-epa-green-building-contest/14497/ Does Energy Star Label Have A Dark Side? Some manufacturers could be getting away with slapping an “Energy Star” label on appliances that don’t deserve it, a new Energy Department audit shows. According to a story Monday in the New York Times, an internal audit showed that the Energy Department does not adequately check out products that carry the label, which is supposed to signal a high degree of energy efficiency to consumers. Posted. http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/19/does-energy-star-label-have-a-dark-side/14509/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:56:37 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for October 21, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for October 21, 2009. 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. Fill It Up With Electricity, Please. ELECTRIC cars are coming in big numbers for the first time. Again. The prediction has been here before, almost every time governments have worried about oil supplies and air pollution. Manufacturers dabbled with electrics after the oil shock of 1979-80. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/22/automobiles/autospecial2/22ELECTRIC.html As Hybrid Buses Get Cheaper, Cities Fill Their Fleets. IF you wonder whether hybrid-electric vehicles will ever catch on, simply ask one of the millions of people who ride in them every day. Hybrid-electric buses, that is. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/22/automobiles/autospecial2/22BUS.html http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/2009/10/21/17 PD Editorial: Roaring Motorcycles. It's time to crack down on illegally modified exhaust systems. Clearly, there’s no shortage of opinions about motorcycle noise. We had our own gripes before we published an op-ed column by John Johnson Jr. of the Los Angeles Times about riders who illegally modify their bikes to make them louder (“Those noisy hog days of summer,” Sept. 23). “Visit any coastal community or travel mountain roads on a summer weekend and you will see them: desktop rebels rumbling along in vast, growling herds,” Johnson wrote. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091020/OPINION/910209948&Title=PD-Editorial-Roaring-motorcycles&template=printart Chinese Official Warns Copenhagen Climate Talks May Fail. BEIJING – Prospects for a global climate-change agreement at a summit in Copenhagen in December dimmed further after a senior Chinese climate-talks negotiator said talks may fail unless developed countries change their demands. The comments by Lu Xuedu, deputy director of China's National Climate Center and a senior official in China's climate-talks delegation, added to fears that the outlook for agreement in Copenhagen are worse than just a few weeks ago, after preliminary climate talks in Bangkok laid bare a growing divide between richer and poorer nations. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125612559252798713.html?mod=googlenews_wsj#printMode China, India Sign Climate Change Cooperation Accord. India signed an agreement with China, the world’s biggest polluter, to increase cooperation on tackling climate change after the countries rejected calls from rich nations to set binding caps on carbon emissions. The memorandum of understanding was signed today in New Delhi by India’s environment minister Jairam Ramesh and Xie Zhenhua, vice minister at China’s National Development and Reform Commission. The agreement comes ahead of a United Nations climate-change summit in Copenhagen in December. Posted. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aFyFHkF6C3Fs http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_13608337# Climate Bill Aids Authors' States. A little noticed Environmental Protection Agency analysis shows that the pending climate-change bill in Congress would particularly benefit the states represented by its primary authors. The analysis, obtained by The Washington Times, shows that the states that would benefit most from the climate legislation that passed the House in June include California and Massachusetts. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/oct/20/climate-bill-aids-authors-states/ As Time Runs Short for Global Climate Treaty, Nations May Settle for Interim Steps. With the clock running out and deep differences unresolved, it now appears that there is little chance that international climate change negotiations in Copenhagen in December will produce a comprehensive and binding new treaty on global warming. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/21/science/earth/21treaty.html?em Obama to Give Senate Climate Bill a Push with MIT Speech. President Obama will try to push the Senate climate bill forward Friday with an energy-themed speech at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, just days before the start of a marathon series of hearings featuring testimony from top administration officials. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/10/21/21climatewire-obama-to-give-senate-climate-bill-a-push-wit-53858.html?scp=2&sq=carbon%20emission&st=cse Gore: China, US Must Cooperate On Climate Change. Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore said Wednesday that cooperation between China and the U.S., the world's two biggest emitters of greenhouse gases, is crucial to tackling the climate change crisis. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/world/story/901625.html Global Warming Could Spur Growth in Northwest Forests – Study. Over the next century, global warming could boost forest growth in the Pacific Northwest, a new study has found. Warming temperatures could lead to a significant increase in the productivity of high-elevation forests in the region, researchers at Oregon State University and the Forest Service's Pacific Northwest Research Station found. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/10/20/20greenwire-global-warming-could-spur-growth-in-northwest-43219.html Livestock Accounts for Half of Greenhouse Gases, Study Claims. Livestock production accounts for at least half of human-caused greenhouse-gases emissions, according to a study by Washington-based researcher Worldwatch Institute that disputes a 2006 United Nations report. Cattle, pigs and other domesticated animals discharge gases that are the equivalent of at least 32.6 billion tons of carbon dioxide, or 51 percent of world emissions, wroteRobert Goodland, former lead environmental adviser at the World Bank, and Jeff Anhang, a World Bank researcher. Posted. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aNpVC3cew7oU# Greenhouse-Gas Output Rose 1% in Industrialized Nations in 2007. Greenhouse-gas output in developed nations rose 1 percent in 2007 from a year earlier, underscoring the need to reach an effective agreement to fight global warming at a Copenhagen summit in December, the United Nations said. Emissions in the 40 countries required to report the gases under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change have now risen by 3 percent since 2000, the global body said. In the smaller group of 37 nations that are party to the Kyoto Protocol climate treaty, emissions rose by 0.1 percent in 2007, it said. Posted. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a8iryo54aIZQ# http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/2009/10/21/5 Ships, Planes Should Cut Emissions Up to 20%, EU Says. The European Union proposed that the shipping and airline industries reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by as much as 20 percent over the next decade as part of any new United Nations accord to fight global warming. Ships would have to cut greenhouse gases by a fifth in 2020 compared with 2005 and airlines would need to trim discharges by 10 percent during the period under the EU proposal to the UN. European environment ministers endorsed the negotiating position at a meeting today in Luxembourg. Posted. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601100&sid=aEs.JZVa9xp8# http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/2009/10/21/7 LOIS HENRY: CARB Can't Ignore Credibility Problems. Credibility is power. When you have it, it's like a rock in your fist. But despite its power, it can be as fragile as an eggshell -- handle it with care or it'll shatter into a gooey mess. That's what I believe the California Air Resources Board members have on their hands as they bull forward with the diesel emissions rules they passed last December based on a health report written by CARB researcher Hien Tran. Tran lied about having a Ph.D in statistics from Davis. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/news/columnist/henry/x1260873480/LOIS-HENRY-CARB-cant-ignore-credibility-problems# Wind Industry Uses Federal Grants To Add Capacity. Denver—Armed with nearly $1 billion in federal grants, wind farm developers installed more capacity and got projects off the drawing board in the third quarter. Yet turbine manufacturers struggled amid excess supply, a trade group reported Tuesday. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13602160# Lighter, Cheaper, LED Light Bulbs Are Starting To Enter The Marketplace. Just when you were finally warming up to the idea of swapping out your old light bulbs with compact fluorescent ones, you may soon find a new alternative at your local hardware store. Retailers are starting to carry bulbs built around light-emitting diodes, or LEDs. These bulbs promise to last longer and use less energy than even compact fluorescents (CFLs), which already are much longer-lived and power-efficient than standard incandescent bulbs. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/2268389.html Air Quality Board To Consider Voluntary Wood-Burning Regulations. A month after rejecting mandatory wood stove and fireplace restrictions in the Chico area, the Butte County Air Quality Management District board will Thursday be asked to approve a voluntary program for the third year. District staff is asking that the "Check Before You Light" program be revived for the period from November through February. The program asks residents of the Chico urban area to check pollution forecasts before lighting a residential wood fire during those four months, and to refrain from lighting a fire if bad air quality is expected. Posted. http://www.chicoer.com/news/ci_13607482 Utilities Vow Expedited Push To Accommodate Plug-In Vehicles. The nation's largest electric utilities will "move forward aggressively" to build infrastructure and provide customer services needed to accommodate plug-in electric vehicles, an industry group pledged today. The Edison Electric Institute unveiled a pledge to expedite full-scale commercialization and deployment of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) at a PEV conference in Detroit. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/10/21/10 Obama Battery Grants May Help GM Market Cheaper Electric Cars. General Motors Co. and other automakers may be moving closer to the $30,000 electric car, $10,000 cheaper than it has estimated, as Obama administration subsidies cut battery costs by as much as half. Energy storage costs are falling because of $2.4 billion in federal grants, leaving companies including GM, Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler Group LLC poised to win buyers with more-affordable plug-in and electric autos, said Mark Duvall, director of electric transportation at the Electric Power Research Institute. Posted. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aHxVR7B_zrtk# BLOGS BP Chief Sees Decades of Fossil Fuel Use. Tony Hayward, the chief executive of the oil giant BP, said Tuesday at the Oil & Money conference in London that his company’s forecasts suggest that fossil fuels will still satisfy about 80 percent of global energy needs in 2030. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/21/bp-chief-sees-decades-of-fossil-fuel-use/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:50:53 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for October 22, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for October 22, 2009. 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. China Hopeful About Copenhagen Climate Talks. Beijing, China -- China wants to increase cooperation with the U.S. and other nations to reach a deal at global climate talks in December, Vice Premier Li Keqiang said Thursday. Li's comments come less than two months ahead of the global climate conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, that seeks an international agreement on a treaty to cut greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/10/22/international/i044606D69.DTL&type=printable http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/23/world/asia/23china.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print Britain Publishes Doomsday Climate Change Vision. London (AP) -- Two British Cabinet ministers showed off a doomsday vision of disappearing cities and rising seas on Thursday, part of an effort to push nations to strike a new pact on curbing emissions of global warming gasses. Foreign Secretary David Miliband and his brother, Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband, published an online map detailing the predicted impact of a 4 degrees Celsius (7 degrees Fahrenheit) rise in global temperatures. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/10/22/world/AP-EU-Britain-Climate-Map.html?sq=climate%20change&st=cse&scp=3&pagewanted=print Future Dangers for a Maritime City. From its description Rising Currents: Projects for New York’s Waterfront, a six-month research program being inaugurated early next month at the Museum of Modern Art, sounds like the kind of dry, somnolent workshop someone would dream up for a convention of civil engineers. Conceived to address the potential effects of rising water levels and apocalyptic storms on the city, the program is modeled on the principles of “soft infrastructure,” which proposes flexible ecological systems as an alternative to “hard” solutions like concrete dams and storm barriers. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/22/arts/design/22currents.html?sq=global%20warming&st=cse&scp=7&pagewanted=print U.N. Finds Greenhouse Gases On The Rise Before Economic Collapse. Greenhouse gas emissions in wealthy countries shot up between 2006 and 2007, according to the most recent U.N. figures released yesterday. The data, which show a 1 percent spike, do not reflect the impact of the global recession, and they come on the heels of a more recent study projecting that the economic crisis will force down global warming pollution to about 2007 levels. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/10/22/7 Fewer Americans Believe In Human-Induced Global Warming – Poll. A declining percentage of Americans believe there is solid evidence that human activities, including burning fossil fuels, are causing global temperatures to rise, according to a newly released poll by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press. However, the poll shows that more respondents support carbon dioxide controls than oppose them. Asked if they back setting emissions limits and making companies pay for their emissions, even if it may mean higher energy prices, 50 percent said they were in favor and 39 percent said they were opposed. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/10/22/4 Talking Turkey on Cap-and-Trade. With the Senate starting work on its version of a cap-and-trade system to limit carbon emissions, opponents are gearing up for a fight. "This cap-and-trade is a turkey," said Sen. Kit Bond, R-Mo., yesterday. "I don't care how many gee gaws you put on it, that baby's never going to fly." Bond and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, yesterday unveiled a new study that claims the Senate cap-and-trade proposal amounts to a $3.6 trillion fuel tax. Posted. http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/news-print.asp?news_id=68236 Ask The Experts: Think 'Green' For Automotive Job Opportunities. The recession may be waning, but job hunting is still hard work. This week, career counselor Terri Carpenter of Sacramento Works offers advice to jobless readers. My husband lost his job as a shop foreman at a Ford dealership last November. He has been unable to find anything else since. His legacy is the fact that he can fix anything! Do you have any recommendations for career redirection or insight into what types of careers might be in the forefront in (coming) years? Your husband might consider a "clean diesel" training program or one of the clean energy industry's training programs for specialty jobs, such as a mechanic for hybrid/alternative fuel vehicles. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/business/story/2267488.html The End of California? Dream On! California, you may have heard, is an apocalyptic mess of raging wildfires, soaring unemployment, mass foreclosures and political paralysis. It's dysfunctional. It's ungovernable. Its bond rating is barely above junk. It's so broke, it had to hand out IOUs while its leaders debated how many prisoners to release and parks to close. Nevada aired ads mocking California's business climate to lure its entrepreneurs. Posted. http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1931582,00.html Plug-In Cars Are Almost Here, but Charging Stations Lag. Detroit — Even though several automakers plan to begin selling electric vehicles next year, their sales may be limited by the lack of a national infrastructure to support them, speakers at a conference here on plug-in cars said on Wednesday. Utilities that serve most of the nation’s electricity customers said they were aware of the issue, and would take several steps, including working to help develop plans for charging stations, and would use battery-powered vehicles themselves. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/22/business/22electric.html?_r=2&ref=todayspaper&pagewanted=print The Road To Zero Mpg Starts With A 'Hybrid Household,' Nissan Says. For some, the key to clean driving might be a hybrid car. For others, the better path may be a "hybrid household." Many households already have different cars for different purposes -- a compact car for fuel-saving rides and an SUV for handling the kids, for example. That model might also work for all-electric cars such as the Nissan Leaf, a five-seat sedan scheduled to hit the mass market in 2012. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/10/22/2 State May Push For TVs To Use Half The Energy. Sacramento - California regulators, concerned over the proliferation of flat-panel television sets that guzzle electricity, could soon impose first-in-the-nation laws that restrict how much power televisions can consume. In some cases, televisions use more energy than refrigerators, regulators said during a legislative hearing Wednesday on a proposal to force television manufacturers to cut the power TVs use in California in half by 2013. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/10/22/MNIB1A8C5P.DTL&type=printable The Air Up Here: Why Emissions Checks Are Not Required For Most Tahoe Vehicles. Incline Village, Nev. — Lake Tahoe is the land of the environmental impact study. From building a new resort, changing a road or developing a new regional plan, practically every development that could affect the lake's environment is tested and tried. But when it comes to vehicle emissions, testing and trying is negligible. Most vehicles registered in the Lake Tahoe Basin are not required to have an emissions test. Posted. http://www.sierrasun.com/article/20091021/NEWS/910219986/1066&ParentProfile=1051 BLOGS Time To (Finally) De-Guzzle Our Cars? Californians will get the last word in a trio of public hearings that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation launch this week over whether and how to slash the fuel appetite of the nation's car fleet. In the wake of President Obama's May 19 accord with California regulators, U.S. automakers, the United Autoworkers and environmental groups, the federal agencies will listen to public comments in Detroit today, in New York on Friday and in Los Angeles on Tuesday. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/10/fuel-economy-standards.html Keeping Natural Gas in Pipelines, Not the Air. The Environmental Protection Agency issued its latest report on the Methane to Markets program aimed at encouraging industries to capture “fugitive” emissions of the one greenhouse gas that’s a valuable fuel, methane. (Nearly all of natural gas is methane.) The illustration above shows the emissions captured so far in international partnerships and those identified but not yet pursued. The gains are substantial, and — as we reported recently — and often profitable. Posted. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/22/keeping-natural-gas-in-pipelines-not-the-air/?pagemode=print ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:05:31 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for October 23, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for October 23, 2009. 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. California’s Push for Electric Cars May Raise Costs for Power. California’s push to lead U.S. sales of electric cars may result in higher power rates for consumers in the state, as a growing number of rechargeable vehicles forces utilities to pay for grid upgrades. The impact of the vehicles on electricity fees is being reviewed this month by California’s Public Utilities Commission as the most populous U.S. state will require Toyota Motor Motors Co., Honda Motor Co., Ford Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. to sell more vehicles that can be powered at electric outlets from late 2011. Posted. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=avRy8RxhwZwg# Let's Give BMW's Electric Car A Free Plug. COURTESY OF an Upland reader, I got a ride in what may be the car of the future, a plug-in electric vehicle. The BMW Mini E is in the testing phase and isn't for sale. But Lois Sicking was driving one. She's an air pollution engineer for the California Air Resources Board and is on the panel writing regulations for all-electric vehicles. To see a plug-in electric vehicle, it helps to know someone with (ahem) connections. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13617592 Denmark Urges Agreement On Climate Change Funds. New Delhi, India (AP) --Denmark urged the European Union, the United States and other rich countries to commit to financing for a new climate change deal, saying Friday that billions of dollars are needed. The appeal came days after the EU failed to agree on how much it should offer poor nations for their cooperation in trying to cut carbon emissions and how to spread the burden among the group's 27 member states. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/10/22/international/i015053D52.DTL&type=printable http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jTiP6DEuUe7oDmmFc1DQI2jyCUoAD9BGR7481 Poll: Americans' Belief In Global Warming Cools. Washington (AP) --The number of Americans who believe there is solid evidence the Earth is warming because of pollution is at its lowest point in three years, according to a survey released Thursday. The poll of 1,500 adults by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press found that only 57 percent believe there is strong scientific evidence the Earth has gotten hotter over the past few decades, and as a result, people are viewing the situation as less serious. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/10/22/national/w070205D46.DTL&type=printable http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j0Dfi1PwgKNZQDYaYPjMSBUepM7A http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/22/AR2009102201811.html To Cut Global Warming, Swedes Study Their Plates. Stockholm — Shopping for oatmeal, Helena Bergstrom, 37, admitted that she was flummoxed by the label on the blue box reading, “Climate declared: .87 kg CO2 per kg of product.” “Right now, I don’t know what this means,” said Ms. Bergstrom, a pharmaceutical company employee. But if a new experiment here succeeds, she and millions of other Swedes will soon find out. New labels listing the carbon dioxide emissions associated with the production of foods, from whole wheat pasta to fast food burgers, are appearing on some grocery items and restaurant menus around the country. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/23/world/europe/23degrees.html?_r=1&em=&pagewanted=print http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/10/23/MN931A9K35.DTL We Can Afford To Save The Planet. Here is the good news on the climate front: The Europeans have ratcheted down their emissions targets, the Chinese are getting serious about solar power and energy efficiency, and Washington is lumbering toward a carbon cap. These are steps toward the long-held goal: cutting global warming pollution 80 percent by 2050. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/22/AR2009102204193_pf.html EPA Must Finalize Mercury Rule By Nov. 2011 – Settlement. U.S. EPA will issue a final rule requiring strict plant-specific controls for mercury and other hazardous air pollutants at power plants by November 2011, according to a consent agreement filed yesterday in a federal district court. The agency must issue a proposed rule by March 16, 2011, and a final rule no later than Nov. 16, 2011, under the settlement filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The consent decree comes after years of legal battles over whether EPA must require strict maximum achievable control technology (MACT) for toxic pollutants at coal- and oil-fired power plants. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/10/23/1 Obama Says 'Consensus Is Growing' On Comprehensive Bill. President Obama said today that a "consensus is growing" on Capitol Hill to pass comprehensive energy and global warming legislation, citing recent bipartisan Senate talks aimed at merging domestic oil and gas drilling with a long-sought effort to cap U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. "This should not be a partisan issue," Obama said during a 15-minute speech at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Mass. "Everyone in America should have a stake in legislation that can transform our energy system into one that's far more efficient, far cleaner and provides energy independence for America." Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/10/23/2 Opinion: Ruse Of Global Warming. Many of us feel man-made global warming is a ruse exploited by big government advocates as part of their social engineering ideology. After much arm twisting in the House of Representatives, the energy "cap and trade" bill narrowly passed this summer. Fortunately, due to a national public outcry, it has stalled in the Senate to date. Unfortunately, California Assembly Bill 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, was passed by our Democratic Legislature, despite warnings of significant increases in our utility bills. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/opinion/letters/x1260873783/Ruse-of-global-warming# Calculating Emissions Is Problematic. An accounting problem in the way some greenhouse gas emissions are calculated could critically hobble efforts to reduce them in coming years as nations move to combat global warming, scientists warn in a new report. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/23/science/earth/23biofuel.html?scp=1&sq=carbon%20emission&st=cse Carbon Advantage Of Biofuels May Be Overstated. The world's policymakers and scientists have made a critical error in how they count biofuels' contribution to human-generated greenhouse-gas emissions, according to a paper published Thursday in the journal Science. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/22/AR2009102202889.html EPA Proposal To Cut Great Lakes Ship Emissions Stirs The Waters. A horn blasts, seagulls screech and tourists clap as the longest ship in the Great Lakes, the 308-meter Paul R. Tregurtha, glides through Duluth's canal and heads into Lake Superior, loaded down with coal bound for Midwestern power plants. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/22/AR2009102204345_pf.html States Invest More in Energy Efficiency. States are backing big energy-efficiency programs, spurred by the belief that they could hold down heating and electricity bills, as well as cut greenhouse-gas emissions. The programs, usually funded by surcharges on utility bills, help customers weatherize their homes and install new lighting systems, among other things. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125616727379000149.html?mod=WSJ_hps_sections_news#printMode When It Comes To Climate Change, Rely On The Facts. Some people eagerly respond to impassioned statements about climate change, such as British Prime Minister Gordon Brown's warning we cannot compromise with Earth. Others appreciate stunts, for example, a recent Maldive Islands cabinet meeting that convened under water to signal worries about climate change. To me, though, nothing resonates more than the evidence, the simple, straightforward facts. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/world/story/904681.html Update: Warming Continues To Affect Far North. Global warming is messing with the planet's thermostat. That warning came Thursday from Richard Spinrad, head of research at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in releasing the annual update of science's Arctic report card. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2032/story/903601.html Mayor’s Environmental Record: Grand Plans and Small Steps Forward. He has dreamed of windmills atop skyscrapers, planted magnolia trees with Bette Midler and basked in the effusive praise of Al Gore. More than any mayor before him, Michael R. Bloomberg has made the environment a central theme in his vision of urban life — a surprising turn for a man who is a billionaire known mainly for his business savvy when he came into office. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/23/nyregion/23green.html?hp Goal Is More Environmental Friendliness. Homemakers dry clothes the old-fashioned way, with a line, a few clothes pins and a lot of fresh air. Schoolteachers encourage students to collect paper scraps from home to create classroom art projects. Those blessed with green thumbs teach impoverished communities how to grow cheaper, healthier foods in their own backyards. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/green-living/ci_13609464 Freewheeling: U.S. Cities Challenge: Going Green -- Getting The Gray Out. Motor matters. In what could develop into a model program for other U.S. cities across the country, New York City goes green with electric vehicles. New York City is growing greener. And we're not talking about Central Park. Mayor Michael Bloomberg recently announced three new developments in the city's use of alternative fuel vehicles. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_13613280?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com When Growers Pollute. Now that winter is approaching, environmental agencies in the county will start to see pollution and environmental problems coming from indoor marijuana grows in Mendocino County. County Environmental Health and the Mendocino County Air Quality Management District staff often see diesel-soaked soil, a sheen on water or get reports of odors from marijuana plants. Wayne Briley is acting operations specialist with the county Environmental Health Division. Posted. http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/ci_13624223# Leece To Protect Businesses. She Hopes To Use Position To Slow Down Enforcement Of Bills That Would Be Costly For Business Owners. ** Correction: Article misidentified state Sen. Tom Harman’s political party affiliation. He is a Republican. Costa Mesa Mayor Pro Tem Wendy Leece says she’ll use her new position with the League of California Cities to fight to protect businesses from environmental legislation that, in her opinion, is driving businesses out of the Golden State. Posted. http://www.dailypilot.com/articles/2009/10/23/politics/dpt-leece102209.prt Mike Holmes: Air Apparent — How Clean Is Yours? Would you believe the air inside your home is more polluted than the air outside - in some cases 100 times dirtier? And that new homes usually have poorer indoor air quality than older homes? Newer homes are designed and built tighter to increase energy efficiency and reduce air leakage. That's great in terms of saving money, but we also trap everything in the air, like the VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) that off-gas from furniture and building materials, mould, allergens, pet dander, dust mites and the residual odours from cooking and pets. Posted. http://www.nationalpost.com/homes/story.html?id=2133753 BLOGS Auto Dealers Challenge California’s Tailpipe Regulation. The National Automobile Dealers Association represents 17,000 car and truck dealers, whose interests have occasionally diverged from the carmakers (represented by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers). This is quite apparent in their approach to the federal combined fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards for vehicles announced by the Obama administration last May and set to go into effect in model year 2012. A public hearing on those standards will be held in New York on Friday. Posted. http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/23/auto-dealers-challenge-californias-tailpipe-climate-regulation/ Angling for Europe’s ‘Green Capital’ Award. The European Commission on Friday began soliciting applications for its 2012 and 2013 European Green Capital Award. With four out of five Europeans now living in urban areas, the title — established in 2006 — is aimed at recognizing the local environmental efforts of cities of 200,000 or more inhabitants. Roughly 35 applied for the 2010 and 2011 designations, which ultimately went Stockholm, Sweden and Hamburg, Germany, respectively. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/23/angling-for-europes-green-capital-award/?pagemode=print Why the World Disagrees on Climate Change. Mike Hulme, a climate expert and the author of a new book, says we have “almost exactly orthogonal positions emerging about what the preferred strategies should be” to combat climate change. With a global summit on the topic, COP15, less than two months away — and the prospects for reaching an agreement there growing increasingly dim — it would seem ripe territory for analysis, and Mr. Hulme examines why different societies approach the topic from sharply different vantage points shaped by culture, spirituality, history and politics. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/23/why-the-world-disagrees-on-climate-change/?pagemode=print Of Climate Change and Nuclear Power. “Emotion replaces thought and practicality” when it comes to opposition to nuclear power, argues Stewart Brand. Nuclear power should play an essential role in our efforts to mitigate climate change, argues Stewart Brand, the founder of the Whole Earth Catalog and longtime environmental activist. Mr. Brand, a professed “eco-pragmatist,” makes the case for nuclear power in his latest book, “The Whole Earth Discipline,” where he draws on the work of several scientists, including Saul Griffith, the MIT-trained material scientist and inventor. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/23/of-climate-change-and-nuclear-power/?pagemode=print Poll Shows Public Cooling On Global Warming. What’s Your Opinion? With Sen. Barbara Boxer set to chair a series of hearings on her and Sen. John Kerry’s climate change bill, a new poll is out today that says there’s been a “sharp decline” in the percentage of Americans who see evidence of global warming. Posted. http://totalbuzz.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/22/poll-shows-public-cooling-on-global-warming-whats-your-opinion/23863/ California Dreaming: Is Energy Efficiency Really That Easy? So energy efficiency is again the talk of the town, with a number of states banking on the idea that using less electricity adds up to more power in the end. Rebecca Smith reports today in The Wall Street Journal on a spate of interest from states from California to Maine in starting or beefing up energy-efficiency programs. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/10/22/california-dreaming-is-energy-efficiency-really-that-easy/tab/print/ The Power Of Markets And The Nature Of EDF. One of the great things about being a City Brights blogger on sfgate.com is hearing what people who read The Gate think about environmental issues, especially those facing California and the West. My view, as I've argued in my first two 'California Dream 2.0' posts, is that we don't have to choose between jobs or the environment, prosperity or the environment, people or the environment. The California-smart approach is jobs, prosperity and people because of the environment. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/dfesta/detail?entry_id=50158 ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:02:43 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for October 24-26, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for October 24-26, 2009. 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. Fisker Automotive May Reopen Idled GM Plant. The Irvine carmaker, which received a U.S. loan, reportedly will make plug-in hybrids at a factory in Delaware, Vice President Joe Biden's home state. The White House is expected to announce this week that an Irvine automaker will be setting up shop in a recently idled General Motors plant in Vice President Joe Biden's home state of Delaware. A source in the vice president's office said Sunday that Biden would be making an announcement at the closed plant on Tuesday but would not provide further details. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-fisker26-2009oct26,0,7917351,print.story U.S. Needs More Health Preparedness For Climate Change. Washington - Climate change will mean new health problems for the United States, but public health officials play only a limited role in decisions about how to cope with the changing environment, a report said on Monday. A study by the Washington-based health advocacy group Trust for America's Health predicted that warming temperatures will mean more infectious diseases while changes in rainfall are likely to bring new disease and safety challenges whether from floods, storms, droughts or wildfires. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE59P32S20091026 Only Five States Have Plans to Address the Health Impact of Climate Change, New Report Finds. Washington- Trust for America's Health (TFAH) released a new report today that finds only five states have published a strategic climate change plan that includes a public health response. This includes planning for health challenges and emergencies expected to develop from natural disasters, pollution, and infectious diseases as temperatures and sea levels rise. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS155440+26-Oct-2009+PRN20091026 Opinion: Trading In 'Cap And Trade' Focusing on specific industries rather than capping overall emissions work better for modernizing nations, although it may result in higher greenhouse gas levels in developed countries. The international climate negotiations that have been grinding on for years may have crossed a Rubicon of sorts. That's because a new model of engagement for some nations is receiving wide attention. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-flannery26-2009oct26,0,4683246,print.story Global Events Mark Magic Number On Climate Change. Activists held events around the world Saturday to mark the number they say the world needs to reach to prevent disastrous climate change: 350. The number represents 350 parts per million of carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere that some scientists say is the safe upper limit. The atmosphere currently reaches about 390 parts per million, according to research by NASA climate scientist James Hanse cited by 350.org. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-naw-climate-action26-2009oct26,0,1291322,print.story http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_13634831# ICF International Wins More Than $5M in Federal Government Awards in Climate Change and Sustainability Support. Wins Reflect Increasing Federal Commitment to Sustainable and Climate Friendly Practices. FAIRFAX, Va.-ICF Incorporated, LLC, a subsidiary of ICF International (NASDAQ:ICFI), announced today that it has won five new contracts totaling over $5 million to support a variety of U.S. federal agencies with climate change and sustainability efforts. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS97283+26-Oct-2009+BW20091026 UN Leader Hopes US Will Act Soon On Global Warming. Seattle - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says the United States has to lead if the world hopes to deal with global warming. Ban is making a two-day visit to Seattle as part of a trip to improve the American public's relations with the UN. He will receive an honorary degree from the University of Washington on Monday, after meeting earlier in the day with Bill and Melinda Gates to discuss ways to reduce maternal death rates around the world. In an interview Sunday with The Seattle Times, Ban said he's hopeful the U.S. Senate will soon adopt legislation to limit carbon emissions. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h91wb9SK28bdLP0d99R5_jl_u9fAD9BIS2980 http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13643762# Internal Affairs: Barbara Boxer is no Ted Kennedy. As chairwoman of the main Senate committee taking up global warming legislation, Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., looks to be on the, ahem, hot seat in the coming weeks and months. And she's trying, probably wisely, to lower expectations for herself, given the long odds the measure faces of clearing the Senate's hurdle of 60 votes needed to stop a filibuster. What might have been less wise for Boxer was comparing her plight on climate change to that of the legendary late Sen. Ted Kennedy, who tried but failed over several decades to pass universal health care legislation. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_13630074 Study: Warmed NW Forests May Yield Less Timber. Grants Pass, Ore. — A new study suggests warming temperatures predicted over the next century could boost tree growth on Northwest forests, but less so at lower elevations where most of the timber is and temperatures are already warm. Researchers from Oregon State University and the U.S. Forest Service calculated an increase in forest growth rates in Oregon and Washington of between 2 percent and 12 percent by the end of the century, when climate models predict temperatures to be between 0.9 degrees and 6.7 degrees higher than they are now. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g37LAQxruSQDxgxeFvJvmV_L9c0gD9BIRBP00 http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13639204# White House Confronts the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The group has long been a powerful player in Washington. But the Obama White House is critical of the group's positions and seeks to develop its own pipeline to the business world. The Obama White House, stepping in where other Democrats feared to tread, has launched a potentially risky fight with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce -- attempting to bypass the nation's most powerful business organization and develop independent ties to corporate America. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-chamber25-2009oct25,0,3957713,print.story Obama Says Winner Of Clean-Energy Race Will Lead Global Economy. Speaking at MIT, the president addresses the twin challenges of combating climate change and trying to keep the U.S. competitive in the race to develop and sell new energy systems. Over the next three years, Americans will be required to replace nearly all their traditional light bulbs with cooler, more energy-efficient bulbs under a 2007 bill signed by President Bush. But almost all of the 100 production lines needed to churn out new bulbs are expected to be built overseas. Similar scenarios are likely to play out for wind turbines, solar cells and other parts of the emerging global market for clean energy. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-obama-energy24-2009oct24,0,5382149,print.story Voluntary Wood Fire Rules Approved For Chico. Chico — Voluntary restrictions on fireplace and wood stove use in the Chico area will be in effect this winter, as a result of action this morning by the Butte County Air Quality Management District. The district reinstated the "Check Before You Light" program that asks Chicoans to check an air pollution forecast before starting a wood fire in their home. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13619479?nclick_check=1# Nuclear Energy Becomes Pivotal In Climate Debate. Washington—Nuclear energy, once vilified by environmentalists and facing a dim future, has become a pivotal bargaining chip as Senate Democrats hunt for Republican votes to pass climate legislation. The industry's long-standing campaign to rebrand itself as green is gaining footing as part of the effort to curtail greenhouse gases. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13638860# Arcata Forest Signs On To New Carbon Program. Arcata has committed just over 20 percent of its community forest to grow trees and store carbon, part of a contract with the Pacific Gas and Electric Co. meant to reduce greenhouse gases. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13638659# Thompson Introduces Energy Legislation. North Coast Congressman Mike Thompson recently introduced legislation he hopes will reduce the nation's energy consumption. Thompson's bill, House Resolution 3918, would provide a 30 percent tax credit for the purchase of thermal energy storage systems for homes and businesses. The energy storage technology allows consumers to purchase electricity during off-peak hours and save it to use during peak usage periods, which would reduce consumers' electricity bills and greatly enhance the reliability of alternative energy sources, including solar and wind power. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13642700# Western States Stress Energy Cooperation. Jackson, Wyo.—State lawmakers from around the West are gathering in the northern Wyoming resort town of Jackson over the next few days to figure out how to get better coordinated on energy issues. Many are also interested in showing a united front as Congress considers bills that could put a damper on the nation's longterm appetite for coal. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13640882# Boxer's Climate Proposal Mirrors House on Allocations, EPA Cost Projections. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) kept lawmakers and lobbyists up late Friday night to release a 923-page climate change and energy bill with new details on how to distribute emission allocations that largely follows the lead of the House-passed climate bill. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/10/26/26climatewire-boxers-climate-proposal-mirrors-house-on-all-78469.html?scp=2&sq=carbon%20emission&st=cse The Plots Thicken in Senate Climate Deliberations. Now the real Senate bargaining begins on a climate bill. Late Friday night Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) released a complete draft of the global warming bill prepared by her Environment and Public Works Committee, with details on how emission allowances would be distributed around the economy in a mandatory cap on greenhouse gases. The latest version sets the stage for Boxer to move the measure through the committee quickly. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/10/26/26climatewire-the-plots-thicken-in-senate-climate-delibera-82154.html?scp=1&sq=carbon%20emission&st=cse Nuclear Energy Becomes Pivotal In Climate Debate. Nuclear energy, once vilified by environmentalists and facing a dim future, has become a pivotal bargaining chip as Senate Democrats hunt for Republican votes to pass climate legislation. The industry's long-standing campaign to rebrand itself as green is gaining footing as part of the effort to curtail greenhouse gases. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/business/story/906746.html Senate Global Warming Bill Is Seeking to Cushion the Impact on Industry. The Senate bill aimed at reducing global warming pollution will initially grant billions of dollars of free emissions permits to utilities and industry but will require the bulk of the money be returned to consumers and taxpayers, according to newly released details. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/25/us/politics/25climate.html A Habit to Break. A year ago, New York State joined nine other Eastern states from Maryland to Maine in an innovative program to control greenhouse gases by charging power plants a fee to emit carbon dioxide. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/26/opinion/26mon4.html Global Warming Is Hoax That Hurts Country. More than 31,000 scientists and researchers have signed a petition stating that there is no convincing scientific evidence that human release of greenhouse gases is causing global warming. The founder of the Weather Channel, John Coleman, has referred to global warming as the "greatest scam in history." Posted. http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/article/20091026/OPINION03/910260328/1014/OPINION/Global+warming+is+hoax+that+hurts+country Global Demonstrations Push for Reduced Carbon Levels. Activists around the globe are staging thousands of demonstrations Saturday aimed at prodding policy-makers to cut carbon concentrations to below their current levels, at a time when many U.S. officials and experts are trying to dampen expectations for international climate talks that culminate in Copenhagen in December. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20091024/NEWS/910249995 Viewpoints: Carbon-Cap Machinery Needlessly Complex. Now that Sens. Barbara Boxer and John Kerry have introduced their climate change bill, the real debate about the best policy to address global warming can get started. But the more I look at legislation for a cap-and-trade program, the more it looks like a Rube Goldberg device – one of those amusing contraptions that employ all manner of moving parts in a complicated, convoluted process that performs a simple task. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/325/v-print/story/2277935.html Letters To The Editor. Climate's About Us, Not 'Me'. Re "Forecast is dire – or is it?" (Page A1, Oct. 19): The "study" by the academic economist, funded by business interests, warning of financial concerns from following the mandates of Assembly Bill 32, is a prime example of how short-sighted people who oppose measures to alleviate the negative affects of man-made climate change seem to be. This important issue is not about fiscal costs today, economic survival or "me." It is about the survival of the human race (at least life as we know it) and "we." Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/326/v-print/story/2275542.html Winterizing Your Carbon Footprint. Winter’s approach poses an environmental challenge for North Coast residents who will flick on lights sooner and crank up thermostats, using more energy and generating more greenhouse gases. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20091023/LIFESTYLE05/910229965 Zero-Emissions Ultracapacitors Recharge in Minutes. When the bus driver started the new electric engine, it was so quiet he turned the key twice to make sure it was running. "It was really quiet. That was one of the first things I noticed," said Arvil Gonzalez, an American University graduate student who took a test ride in the ultracapacitor minibus when it arrived last week for a campus demonstration. "It felt more like being pulled in a wagon than riding in a bus." Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/oct/26/zero-emissions-vehicles-recharge-in-minutes/ Solar Act Aims To Lower Ag Costs, Pollution. An amendment included in the Solar Technology Roadmap Act passed in the House of Representatives yesterday could reduce agricultural costs and reduce air pollution in the Valley. Posted. http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/index.php/energy/2743-solar-act-aims-to-lower-ag-costs-pollution Disclosure Forms Don't Tell Full Story. Coal's big lobbying group this August sent workers to 264 cities to attend state fairs, visit Kiwanis meetings and set up tables at college campuses, all part of a campaign aimed at powering advocacy for the fuel. That activity in eight states led to media coverage, a plus for the group, the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity, or ACCCE. "Likely members of Congress would have seen those stories and read those stories and seen there was support for coal," said Lisa Camooso Miller, an ACCCE spokeswoman. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/2009/10/26/1/ Senate Bill's Farming, Wildlife Provisions Disappoint Conservation Coalition. Despite pressure from conservation and agriculture groups, Senate Democrats made few changes to natural resource and farming provisions in the climate and energy bill they unveiled Friday. The bill from Environment and Public Works Chairwoman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) includes the same percentage of emission allocations for domestic wildlife and natural resource protection as the House version, far less than environmental groups had hoped. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/10/26/2 U.S. Emission Proposals Favor European Refiners – Study. Congressional proposals for capping U.S. greenhouse gas emissions would hurt domestic refiners and could create price advantages for imported gasoline, according to a new study by an industry consulting firm. Wood Mackenzie Ltd.'s report examines the House-passed climate bill -- which now has a similar Senate counterpart -- and the third phase of the European Union's emission trading system, which begins in 2013. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/10/26/6 BLOGS eMeg Pushes Environment Issues Into the Gov Race. We’re not sure what possessed Meg Whitman to call for the suspension of AB 32 – California’s landmark greenhouse gases reduction law – although clearly some highly-paid, airhead adviser assured her that it would help her among conservative voters in the Republican primary for governor. Posted. http://www.calbuzz.com/2009/10/emeg-pushes-environment-issues-into-govs-race/ Climate Change Initiatives Still Face Major Hurdles. In a speech at MIT Friday, President Obama praised the efforts of Congressional leaders to move forward climate change legislation, ahead of hearings this week in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on the Kerry/Boxer cap and trade bill. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-19285-Chicago-Economic-Policy-Examiner~y2009m10d25-Climate-change-initiatives-still-face-major-hurdles# Global Warming Poll Finds Puzzling Trend. A recent climate change poll by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press has spawned collective head-scratching in the media, including with yours truly. The poll found that fewer Americans believe Earth is warming, regardless of cause, compared to a similar poll conducted in April 2008. In the latest poll, 57 percent of respondents said there is solid evidence that Earth's average temperature has warmed over the past few decades, a sharp decline from the 71 percent in the 2008 poll. Posted. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalweathergang/2009/10/climate_change_poll_puzzles_ex.html Just the Mailman. Every scientific theory either rises to the level of consensus or else it is abandoned. Every single one. Consensus implicates a consilience of evidence and a preponderance of evidence for the best explanation. Consensus is how science works, and it is the difference between truth as we know it and poorly supported speculation we don't. The difference between science and its denial. Posted. http://blogs.redding.com/dcraig/archives/2009/10/just-the-mailma.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:36:41 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for October 27, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for October 27, 2009. 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. UN Signals Delay In Climate Change Treaty. United Nations - Just weeks before an international conference on climate change, the United Nations signaled it was scaling back expectations of reaching agreement on a new treaty to slow global warming. Janos Pasztor, director of the secretary-general's Climate Change Support Team, said Monday "it's hard to say how far the conference will be able to go" because the U.S. Congress has not agreed on a climate bill, and industrialized nations have not agreed on targets to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions or funding to help developing countries limit their discharges. Posted.http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/10/26/international/i225726D43.DTL&type=printable http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13648584 EPA Moves To Dismiss Legal Challenge To Calif. Waiver. The Obama administration moved yesterday to dismiss a legal challenge from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and auto dealers seeking to block California's regulation of carbon emissions from cars and trucks. In a motion filed in the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, U.S. EPA argued that the chamber and the National Automobile Dealers Association lack legal standing to challenge the agency's decision. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/10/27/5 Kerry: US Leadership At Stake In Climate Debate. Washington, - The lead author of a Senate climate bill says action to combat global warming will raise energy prices, but also create jobs and that inaction could cause even worse economic and security problems. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., said "America's leadership is on the line here" as he urged members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on Tuesday to approve a bill that would cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by mid-century. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/10/27/national/w003114D34.DTL&type=printable http://www.sacbee.com/830/story/2284237.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13649361 Ark. Energy Companies Make Case For Climate Bill. Little Rock, Ark. - An industry group said Monday that alternative energy companies need Congress to pass the climate bill so they will be assured of a long-term market, one that will ultimately lower energy costs and employ 25,000 in Arkansas by 2020. The bill, which is before the Senate, includes a cap-and-trade system that would require factories, refineries and power generation plants to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other climate-changing pollution. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/10/27/financial/f045704D39.DTL&type=printable http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13650173 AP IMPACT: Statisticians Reject Global Cooling. Washington, - Have you heard that the world is now cooling instead of warming? You may have seen some news reports on the Internet or heard about it from a provocative new book. Only one problem: It's not true, according to an analysis of the numbers done by several independent statisticians for The Associated Press. The case that the Earth might be cooling partly stems from recent weather. Last year was cooler than previous years. It's been a while since the super-hot years of 1998 and 2005. So is this a longer climate trend or just weather's normal ups and downs? Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/10/26/national/a093202D13.DTL&type=printable Opinion: Fido, A.K.A. The Climate Criminal. Some climate-change activists would take your dog away -- and spend trillions on other efforts -- rather than come up with solutions that could actually work to offset carbon levels. The government cannot have my dog. Don't tell that to the authors of the new book, "Time to Eat the Dog?: The Real Guide to Sustainable Living." The authors calculate that dog owning is much worse than SUV driving for the planet. So when you see a car heading to the dog park with some very happy labs drooling out the window, you should think "climate criminals." Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-goldberg27-2009oct27,0,296900,print.column My View: Clearer Thinking Needed On 'Cool Cars'. In what some might see as a rare and refreshing bow to public pressure, the California Air Resources Board this spring backed away from a proposal to force vehicle manufacturers and painters to use only new, high-tech reflective paints for coating cars and trucks sold in the Golden State. Even the Big Kahuna of conservative talk, Rush Limbaugh, had weighed in on the issue, labeling the CARB regulators "tyrants." Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/v-print/story/2283635.html Obama To Detail Stimulus Spending On 'Smart Grid'. A $3.4-billion chunk will go toward grants to modernize the U.S. power system to more easily use renewable resources. The president will speak at a solar facility in Arcadia, Fla. President Obama and administration officials today will announce $3.4 billion in spending projects to modernize the nation's electric power system. The president will offer details on funding for the "smart grid" during an appearance at a solar plant in Arcadia, Fla. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-obama-energy27-2009oct27,0,1707538,print.story EPA, Baja Government Join For Air-Quality Studies. Tijuana — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Baja California yesterday announced their collaboration in two air-quality studies on the U.S.-Mexico border in California. One study will evaluate the condition of a network of 13 air-quality monitoring stations in Baja California. The stations, set up with support from the EPA and the California Air Resources Board, were turned over to the state of Baja California in 2007. The second study involves updating a 1999 emissions inventory, focusing on Tijuana, Rosarito Beach, Tecate and Mexicali. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/oct/27/epa-baja-government-join-air-quality-studies/?tijuana&zIndex=189807 Baucus Has 'Serious Reservations' With Senate Bill. Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus said today that he has "serious reservations" about a major global warming bill and warned fellow Democrats to water down the measure in hopes of getting it through the Senate. Speaking at the start of an Environment and Public Works Committee hearing where he is the second highest-ranking member, the Montana Democrat said he wanted to weaken the bill's 2020 target for greenhouse gas emissions -- now 20 percent below 2005 levels. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/10/27/1 A 'Gutsy Deal' Bets Global Emissions Trades Have A Future. Australia and China have joined forces in a sweeping package of carbon mitigation projects aimed at slashing 1.4 million tons of CO2 from the atmosphere, and which analysts said bodes well for the uncertain post-2012 emissions trading market. World Energy Solutions, a company that runs online exchanges for energy and low-carbon commodities, announced the agreement today for one fuel-switching project and two biogas projects in China. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/10/27/3 Honeywell Joins U.S. CAP. Honeywell International Inc. today joined the U.S. Climate Action Partnership, a coalition of major companies and environmental groups that supports a binding cap on U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. The 31-member coalition now has influential players within the insurance, mining, chemicals, automobile and energy sectors as it lobbies Congress to pass legislation that boosts renewable energy production and slashes emissions of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/10/27/13 Global Temperatures Are Not Declining -- AP Survey. An analysis by several independent statisticians finds no evidence to support recent reports and books suggesting that global temperatures are declining. Global warming skeptics have pointed to recent opinion columns, a BBC news story posted on the "Drudge Report" and a new book by the authors of the best-seller "Freakonomics" as evidence that the world is cooling rather than warming. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/10/27/12 At Google, Chu Announces Grants For 'Out-Of-The-Box' Global Warming Projects. Fulfilling a campaign pledge to tap Silicon Valley innovation to combat global warming, Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced Monday at Google's headquarters the first federal grants for high-risk, high-reward clean-tech ventures — including revolutionary technologies like using bacteria to create gasoline. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13644411 http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_13644696 New Documentary Attempts To Counter 'Inconvenient Truth'. Al Gore's 2006 documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth," was a critical, financial and political smash. The Oscar-winning film of the former vice president's slide show and lecture on global warming made almost $50 million at the box office and is widely credited with raising public awareness and propelling political action on climate change. Now, climate change skeptics and critics of efforts to curb industrial emissions of greenhouse gases are answering Gore's effort with a movie of their own. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/10/27/6 U.S. Chamber Sues Activists Over Climate Stunt. The U.S. Chamber filed a lawsuit yesterday against activists who last week staged a fake news conference announcing that the business trade group had changed its policy on climate legislation. The suit filed in federal district court cites trademark and copyright infringement and said that the Yes Men group staged the press conference stunt for financial gain. "The defendants are not merry pranksters tweaking the establishment," Steven Law, the chamber's chief legal officer and general counsel, said in a statement. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/10/27/2 Western Lawmakers Focus On Regional Collaboration. Jackson, Wyo.—Lawmakers from many western states agreed Monday that they should consider collaborating on developing technology to capture and store the carbon gas that's generated from burning fossil fuels. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13646116 Ailing Planet Seen As Bad For Human Health. Advocates' report links climate change to worsening of diseases. Climate change will make Americans more vulnerable to diseases, disasters and heat waves, but governments have done little to plan for the added burden on the health system, according to a new study by a nonprofit group. The study, released Monday by the Trust for America's Health, an advocacy group focused on disease prevention, examines the public-health implications of climate change. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/26/AR2009102602402_pf.html State On Right Track To Greener Televisions. Walk into an appliance outlet and expect to see washers, refrigerators and water heaters all bearing labels stating their energy appetites. But a trip past the banks of flat-screen televisions is different: There are no such energy labels or limits on these consumer toys. The California Energy Commission wants to rope in flat screens, following successful mandates that made refrigerators and washing machines far more efficient at no greater cost. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/10/26/EDAT1A9TBI.DTL&type=printable Commuters, Born To Be Mild. Are they looking out for the environment, trying to attract attention or just compensating for not riding their bikes enough as kids? Whatever the case, people are taking to the streets in new and unusual means of transit. An examination. SMART CAR. - Chief benefit: Eases parallel parking, impresses Greenpeace volunteers. - Major drawback(s): Surprisingly middling mpg (33 city); high cost ($12K and up); does not come with clown suit. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/2284114.html Two Things I Learned During My Tour of Sapphire Energy. Sapphire Energy has tried to maintain a relatively low profile since it established its headquarters in San Diego—especially since last fall when the media seized on reports that Bill Gates’ Cascade Investment had joined a $100 million secondary round of venture funding for the algae biofuels startup. So when Sapphire opened its San Diego headquarters for a public tour during the Algae Biomass Summit that was held here earlier this month, I jumped at the opportunity. Posted. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/oct/27/wwwxconomycom47766/?xconomy Giant Solar Conference Fires Up In Anaheim. If big, impressive-sounding numbers are any indication, the solar power industry is booming – even as the nation’s economy struggles to shake off recession. Some very big numbers indeed are being tossed around by the organizers of Solar Power International 2009, billed as ”America’s largest solar event,” which begins Tuesday at the Anaheim Convention Center. Posted. http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/26/giant-solar-conference-fires-up-in-anaheim/14815/ Calif. Utility Wants To Buy More Solar Power. Los Angeles - California's largest utility said it plans to boost the amount of solar power it buys from residents and businesses as the state pushes for wider use of alternative energy.Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger predicted that Monday's proposal by San Francisco-based Pacific Gas & Electric Co. would open the way for more companies and homeowners to install rooftop panels to generate power. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/10/26/financial/f171054D49.DTL&type=printable Ecuador to Europe: Pay Us Not To Drill In Amazon. Quito, Ecuador—Ecuador's president is in London this week to promote a unique proposal: pay his country $3 billion not to drill for oil in a pristine Amazon reserve. Germany and Spain have expressed interest in President Rafael Correa's idea, which environmentalists say could set a precedent in the fight against global warming by lowering the high cost to poor countries of going green. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13645971 Redwood Research Grants Remain Available. Save the Redwoods League has extended its deadline for research proposals on redwoods to Nov. 13. Grant candidates can apply to receive up to $15,000 for scientific research promoting the understanding and conservation of redwoods. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13649427 BLOGS U.S. Households as Greenhouse Gas Purveyors. A new study out this week suggests that the United States could reduce its greenhouse emissions by nearly 8 percent in the next decade if Americans undertook a short list of behavioral changes, from carpooling to insulating their homes to drying clothes outside instead of in a tumble dryer. In the study, released online by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers led by Thomas Dietz, a professor of sociology and crop and soil sciences at Michigan State University, looked at 17 different “household actions” to determine if they could have a significant effect on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/27/us-households-as-greenhouse-gas-purveyors/?pagemode=print Water Use by Solar Projects Intensifies. California Energy Commission Two proposed projects in the California desert will require millions of gallons of water to operate. The West’s water wars are likely to intensify with Pacific Gas and Electric’s announcement Monday that the utility will buy 500 megawatts of electricity from two solar power plant projects to be built in the California desert. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/27/water-use-by-solar-projects-intensifies/?pagemode=print World Without Ice. Much of the public debate about the climate centers on ice: Is it melting? How fast? What does that mean? Henry Pollack, a geophysicist at the University of Michigan, was a member of the IPCC panel of scientists that shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with former vice-president Al Gore. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/green/detail?entry_id=50340 ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:20:56 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for October 28, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for October 28, 2009. 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. CARB Fines Socal Waste Removal Co. $219,500. The California Air Resources Board fined waste removal company EDCO Disposal Corporation $219,500 for emissions violations during 2005 and 2006. An ARB investigation showed Southern California based, EDCO was in compliance with the state's trash truck emissions rule, but had failed to perform the annual smoke inspection test on some of its diesel trucks as required by law at its Agua Mansa, Armour, Buena Park, Escondido, Fallbrook, Federal, Long Beach, Ramona and San Marcos facilities. Posted. http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/index.php/the-business-journal-state-news/38-state/2761-carb-fines-socal-waste-removal-co-219500 Obama Says Momentum Growing For Climate-Change Legislation. At a Florida solar farm, the president urges lawmakers to pass a measure that limits carbon emissions. Critics call his visit a public relations exercise. Arcadia, Fla. President Obama declared Tuesday that a "consensus is building" around climate-change legislation and characterized opponents as preoccupied with the past instead of a "clean-energy future." Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-obama-energy28-2009oct28,0,3149332,print.story Refiners Warn Of 'Staggering' Costs, Job Losses From Senate Bill. The CEO of refining giant Valero Energy Corp. warned today that the Senate climate legislation would give a competitive advantage to foreign refiners and cost U.S. jobs. Addressing the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Valero's Bill Klesse alleged that the Senate bill and its House counterpart would create large new costs that would drive domestic gasoline and diesel production offshore, cause job loss, and reduce U.S. energy security. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/10/28/1 White House Wooing Business Execs On Cap And Trade. Obama administration officials met with business executives at the White House today to rally support for climate and energy legislation in Congress. It was the third such meeting this month, and administration officials promise more to come as U.N. negotiators prepare to gather in Denmark to broker a successor to the Kyoto Protocol. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/10/28/2 House-Senate Negotiators Adopt 'Cow Tax' Amendment. House and Senate conferees on the appropriations bill funding U.S. EPA for fiscal 2010 approved an amendment yesterday to block agency efforts to require Clean Air Act permits for greenhouse gases emitted by livestock. The amendment was agreed to last night as part of the $32.2 billion House-Senate conference package to fund EPA, the Interior Department and the Forest Service for fiscal 2010. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/10/28/3 Opinion: In Today's Pages: Immigration, Global Warming And Afghanistan. Departing Police Chief William Bratton prods immigration culture warriors today with an op-ed explaining why the LAPD doesn't, and shouldn't, participate in the controversial 287(g) program, which gives local law enforcement officers the powers of federal immigration agents. Turning police into de facto Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents harms community policing and discourages witnesses who might be illegal immigrants from coming forward. Posted. http://opinion.latimes.com/opinionla/2009/10/in-todays-pages-.html Letter to Editor: Lead Us Not Into the Temptation of Climate Change. It was cheering to read the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew describing the spiritual dimension of protecting the environment ("Our Indivisible Environment," op-ed, Oct. 26). There is strong support in the religious community for respecting God's earth, in both word and deed. The rationale for doing so can be found, among other places, in the Old and New Testaments as well as in statements from Baptist, Lutheran, Episcopal and other churches. Judaism and Islam also share the approach of stewardship of creation. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704335904574497720858597560.html?mod=googlenews_wsj# White House Steps Up Climate Efforts. Washington — The Obama administration and some Senate Democrats expressed fresh urgency on Tuesday about the need to address climate change and refashion the nation’s energy economy. But they faced determined opposition from Republicans, new concerns from some Democrats and reminders of the financial, technological and political hurdles in remaking the way the nation produces and consumes power. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/28/us/politics/28climate.html?_r=1&sq=climate%20change&st=cse&scp=5&pagewanted=print Envoy: No China-US Climate Pact From Obama Visit. Shanghai -- President Barack Obama's visit to China next month is not likely to yield a separate accord on countering global warming, though both countries are pushing for progress for upcoming global talks in Copenhagen, the top U.S. envoy on climate change said Wednesday. ''I don't think we're going to get an agreement per se,'' said Todd Stern, the U.S. special envoy for climate change. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/10/28/world/AP-AS-China-US-Climate-Change.html?sq=climate%20change%20or%20global%20warming&st=cse&scp=3&pagewanted=print http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13657417?nclick_check=1 Inexact Land Use Theory Could Limit Promising Potential of Biofuels, Favor Continued Fossil Fuels Use. Franklinton, N.C.- Suggestions that the increased use of fuel produced from biomass will automatically lead to increased deforestation globally ignores existing science, continued technological advances, and numerous international policies and principles under development to regulate biofuels, according to experts at Novozymes, a Danish manufacturer of enzymes used to produce biofuels. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS118261+28-Oct-2009+BW20091028 UN Lowers Expectations For Copenhagen Climate Deal. * Officials, diplomats don’t expect a legally binding deal on reducing emissions. United Nations: The United Nations on Monday lowered expectations for clinching a legally binding agreement at a UN climate change summit in Copenhagen in December, saying it might take longer to secure a final deal. For months Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and other top officials at the United Nations have been urging industrialized and developing nations to overcome their differences so they can “seal the deal” and get a binding agreement in Copenhagen. Posted. http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/print.asp?page=2009\10\28\story_28-10-2009_pg4_1 Europe Faces Oversupply Of Kyoto Carbon Credits. A vast surplus of carbon emissions credits from the Kyoto Protocol in Central and Eastern Europe has the potential to dramatically disrupt CO2 caps, a senior European official said yesterday. These "hot air" credits are available largely in Central and East European countries, which saw their economies -- and carbon emissions -- collapse during the 1990s, resulting in an oversupply of permits. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/10/28/8 Palm Oil Initiative May Split Over CO2 Emissions. A British consortium of companies and environmental groups used to certify sustainable sources of palm oil is divided over the need to control carbon dioxide emissions as part of its standards. The fissure is threatening to break up the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) within days. Such a divide would have implications for the British government, which is relying on the fuel suppliers to provide additional biofuels, many of which stem from palm oil. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/10/28/8 SEC Reverses Bush-Era Policy On Climate Disclosure. In a policy reversal long sought by shareholder advocates, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ruled yesterday that investors can directly call on public companies to describe the financial risks they face from global warming. A staff bulletin, issued a month before the start of the 2010 corporate proxy season, reversed a Bush administration policy of tossing out resolutions asking companies to disclose their climate-related financial exposure. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/10/28/5 Deal Struck On Great Lakes Ship Pollution. Traverse City, Mich.—Congressional negotiators reached a deal Tuesday that would effectively exempt 13 ships that haul iron ore, coal and other freight on the Great Lakes from a proposed federal rule meant to reduce air pollution. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13652448 UN Climate Chief Doubts Full Treaty This Year. Amsterdam—The U.N. climate change chief says reaching a final global warming treaty will be impossible this year, but that the principles of that accord must be determined at a conference in December. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13658786 Chavez's new appeal to Venezuelans: Save Energy. Caracas, Venezuela—A nation built atop a sea of energy is struggling to keep the lights on. Demonstrators angrily brandish surge-damaged blenders, televisions and stereos outside the offices of Venezuela's state utility company. Others burn electricity bills in the streets to protest recurring blackouts. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13658837 Ailing Planet Seen As Bad For Human Health. Climate change will make Americans more vulnerable to diseases, disasters and heat waves, but governments have done little to plan for the added burden on the health system, according to a new study by a nonprofit group. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/26/AR2009102602402.html?hpid=topnews The Tiny Leader of the Pack. Bangalore, India — Depending on whom you ask, this tiny company is either the next big thing in automobiles, or a maker of glorified golf carts. What is indisputable is that as the whole automotive world seems to be racing suddenly toward the age of electricity, the Reva Electric Car Company is in the lead, ahead of better-known local competitors like Tata Motors and global giants like General Motors and Toyota. Daimler and Toyota are supposed to start trials of electric versions of the Smart Car and the Prius, respectively, by the end of the year. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/28/business/global/28reva.html?_r=1&ref=energy-environment&pagewanted=print Fisker To Build Hybrid Cars At Idled Del. GM Plant. Wilmington, Del. — Luxury automaker Fisker Automotive is buying a shuttered General Motors assembly plant in Delaware to produce plug-in hybrid electric cars, officials said Tuesday. The California-based company has signed a letter of intent with Motors Liquidation Co. (MLC), formerly known as General Motors Corp., to purchase the Wilmington plant for $18 million after a four-month evaluation period. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j6ZzZOiZq-4Ngwz4bZyNB7iV-yrAD9BJNFR00 http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=arP5LCH.J88s BLOGS Selling Offsets By Mobile Phone in Ethiopia. Veli Pohjonen Small farmers near Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, are testing a carbon offset market facilitated by mobile phones. One of the most daunting hurdles for the trade in carbon offsets is the logistical challenge of connecting customers — typically carbon dioxide emitting companies based in America or Europe — with offset producers in places like South America, Asia, and Africa. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/28/selling-offsets-by-mobile-phone-in-ethiopia/?pagemode=print Divided Senate Takes Up Boxer's Climate Change Legislation. Washington - Leading Senate Democrats and top Obama administration officials today defended legislation aiming to overhaul the nation's energy policy, saying the proposal is essential to address the threats of global climate change and usher in thousands of new, green jobs. Republicans, meanwhile, continued their assault on the so-called cap-and-trade bill during a congressional hearing today on Capitol Hill. Posted. http://blogs.pe.com/news/digest/2009/10/divided-senate-takes-up-boxers.html Climate Change Policy and Safe Investing. Countries that provide robust incentives for the renewable energy industry create a more attractive environment for investors, a new study suggests. Countries that adopt policies obliging utilities to purchase a percentage of their power from renewable sources at above-market prices — also known as a “feed-in tariff” — represent the safest harbors for investors looking to finance clean-energy ventures, according to a broad-ranging risk analysis released Monday by Deutsche Bank’s global asset management group and Columbia University’s Earth Institute. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/27/climate-change-policy-and-safe-investing/?pagemode=print Calm Before The Storm. Emissions law sure to usher in new era of power plays over land-use decisions. The state of California wants you to drive less and live closer to work. But who will have the last word on how this happens? Senate Bill 375, a piece of sweeping anti-greenhouse-gas-emissions legislation signed in September 2008 by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, may mean a future of fewer automobiles on California’s roadways and future development projects that create tighter-spaced, denser communities tied to public transit. Posted. http://www.sdcitybeat.com/cms/story/detail/calm_before_the_storm/8629/ Meat Industry Says Lord Made Pig’s Ear Of Global Warming Comment. Farmers and meat companies across Britain reacted with a mixture of anger and exasperation yesterday after one of the world’s leading climate change campaigners urged people to become vegetarian to help to fight global warming. The offensive by Lord Stern of Brentford in The Times was especially timely as about 100 leading meat and farm industry figures sat down to breakfast in the elegant Cholmondeley Room in the House of Lords to celebrate champions in the pig industry. Posted. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6893037.ece ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:01:45 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for October 29, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for October 29, 2009. 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. Burning Home Fires Will Be A Crime On Bad-Air Nights In Bay Area. Light a fire at home, pay a $400 fine. Burning wood fires in home fireplaces and stoves on bad air nights in the Bay Area becomes illegal again as of Sunday, when the region enters its second cold-weather season with lighting up banned during Spare the Air alerts. The crackdown, aimed at protecting public health from smoke, has two significant changes this year, the Bay Area Air Quality Management announced Wednesday: Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13664939?source=rss Reality Sets In; Senate Allocation Pie Smaller Than House Climate Bill's. At first glance, global warming legislation unveiled last week by Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) appeared to mirror the House-passed climate bill when it came to the critical question of how to distribute valuable emission allowances. But a closer look reveals that the two measures are actually quite different. Boxer's press release offered numerous details for how she wanted to slice up nearly three-quarters of the cap-and-trade program's allowances among power plants, petroleum refiners, automakers and other powerful industry interests. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/10/29/29climatewire-reality-sets-in-senate-allocation-pie-smalle-73100.html EU Leaders Debate Climate Aid To Poor At Summit. Brussels, Belgium - European Union nations struggled Thursday to decide how much climate aid to offer poor nations, with Hungary and Poland demanding that richer EU states pay a larger share of the costs of enticing more governments to sign a new global climate change pact. Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt — who is chairing a two-day EU summit in Brussels — said the bloc's credibility was on the line, and failure to make a clear financial offer could jeopardize the U.N. climate conference in Copenhagen in December. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/10/29/international/i074309D45.DTL&type=printable http://www.modbee.com/business/story/912441.html#ixzz0VLgSA4VT Reuters: Senate Republicans Weigh Delaying Climate Bill. Washington (Reuters) - Progress on climate change legislation in the U.S. Senate could be delayed by a group of Republicans who are considering boycotting upcoming committee work sessions, a spokesman for the lawmakers said on Thursday. A "boycott is on the table as an option," said Matt Dempsey, a spokesman for Republicans on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. "We're certainly heading in that direction." Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE59Q0JY20091029 Global Pollution-Fighters Find Scant Success. New York - Twelve of the worst pollution problems in the developing world are being cleaned up, demonstrating that tens of thousands of others also could be improved, according to a report released on Wednesday. The clean-up sites, ranging from Ukraine's Chernobyl nuclear disaster area to the polluted streets of Delhi, were in the fourth annual World's Worst Polluted Places Report issued by the New York-based Blacksmith Institute and Green Cross Switzerland. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE59R4BE20091029 Idling School Buses Spew Black Carbon, Fine Particles. Idling school buses spew tons of exhaust into the air, putting children at risk when they leave school at the end of each day. In New York City alone, idling vehicles emit as much pollution as nine million diesel trucks driving from the Bronx to Staten Island. But the city's laws requiring them to shut down their engines in school zones are poorly enforced. Posted. http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/idling-school-buses California Focus: Let The State Choose Your TV? Proposed energy-efficiency rules could effectively ban plasma sets. There are many things to consider when choosing a television to buy. Some consumers care about color contrast. Others want high resolution. And still others prefer a thin panel. California regulators, however, want to eliminate these choices. As early as next week, the state's Energy Commission will vote on standards that would force consumers to give priority to one attribute over all others: energy efficiency. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/california-energy-efficiency-2627686-standards-commission# Tesla Won't Have To Pay Sales Tax On Equipment. Tesla Motors won't have to pay sales tax on $320 million worth of manufacturing equipment for building its electric cars, under an agreement California Treasurer Bill Lockyer announced Wednesday. Tesla will purchase the machinery, but title to the equipment initially will be held by the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority, which doesn't have to pay sales tax on equipment used to make advanced vehicles. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/10/28/BU971AC134.DTL http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/2009/10/29/12 E.U. Calls For Strict Emission Limits On Small Trucks. The European Union proposed rules yesterday that would further limit that amount of carbon dioxide released by light trucks and vans, beginning in 2014. The rules, released by the European Commission, the E.U.'s executive arm, would increase the average cost of vans $5,250 by 2020, with fuel savings offsetting these extra costs, the commission said. Vans and light trucks constitute 11 percent of road vehicle sales in Europe. The commission made certain that it did not include loopholes in the regulation that would allow gas-guzzling passenger vehicles to fall under the emission rules, said Stavros Dimas, the E.U. environment minister. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/10/29/17 BP, GE To Build 'Clean Coal' Plant In Socal. Oil giant BP and General Electric Co. announced plans yesterday to collaborate on a 250-megawatt coal-fired power plant that would employ integrated gasification technology and carbon dioxide capture in Southern California. The plant, to be built near Bakersfield in oil-rich Kern County, is the result of a technology licensing agreement between GE Energy and Hydrogen Energy International, a joint venture of BP and mining giant Rio Tinto. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/10/29/5 Deal Struck On Great Lakes Ship Pollution. Congressional negotiators reached a deal Tuesday that would effectively exempt 13 ships that haul iron ore, coal and other freight on the Great Lakes from a proposed federal rule meant to reduce air pollution. The Lake Carriers' Association, which represents the 55 U.S.-flagged vessels that operate on the lakes, had asked for at least a partial exemption from rules proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency that would require large vessels operating within 200 miles of a U.S. coast to use cleaner — and costlier — fuel and improve engine technology. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/10/27/national/a134457D35.DTL&type=printable Enviro Groups' Lawsuit Seeks Protection For Pika In Calif. San Francisco -- Environmental groups have sued a California agency for failing to protect an alpine mammal that may be an early casualty of climate change. Earthjustice and the Center for Biological Diversity filed briefs in state court yesterday against the California Fish and Game Commission for a series of decisions that have left five species of the American pika unprotected by the state's Endangered Species Act. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/10/29/21 Body Burden Study for Northwest Berkeley. The ongoing debate about toxic emissions in northwest Berkeley and their health impacts may be closer to resolve with the advent of a project that will collect blood samples during the next several months. This community effort is funded by the Clarence E. Heller Charitable Foundation to provide a better understanding of the toxic impacts from the area’s poor air quality. The principal focus of this study centers on those who live, work, and attend schools and childcare facilities downwind from Pacific Steel Casting, a local foundry and Berkeley’s biggest air polluter. Posted. http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2009-10-29/article/34008?headline=Body-Burden-Study-for-Northwest-Berkeley Being Eco-Friendly Has Never Been Easier. A somewhat idiosyncratic automaker, Subaru is best known for its all-wheel-drive vehicles that have found favour with loyal niche groups. But, as it doesn't do hybrids or diesels -- for the North American market, at least -- it might appear as though Subaru's products aren't reaching out to the environmentally conscious or fuel thrifty. PZEV could change at least one of those things, as the word continues to get out. Here's the lowdown: PZEV, which Subaru introduced early last year to several of its models, stands for Partial Zero Emission Vehicle. Posted. http://www.montrealgazette.com/technology/Being+friendly+never+been+easier/2158567/story.html Appeals Court Backs State Washing Machine Rules. A federal appeals court revived California's effort Wednesday to increase water efficiency in home washing machines, a plan that state regulators say would ease the water shortage and save households money. The state Energy Commission's water-use requirements for new washers, the first in the nation, were scheduled to take effect in 2007. But the U.S. Energy Department under President George W. Bush vetoed the rules in 2006, saying California had not presented evidence supporting the need for the regulations. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/10/29/BA1A1ABSL7.DTL&type=printable Dust Prompts Pollution Warnings. State air pollution officials warned Tuesday afternoon that blowing dust may produce unhealthy air throughout the San Joaquin Valley. Short-term exposure to small particles of pollution such as dust can trigger asthma attacks, bronchitis and respiratory infections, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District said. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091028/A_NEWS/910280319/-1/a_news14#STS=g1dtn4fz.zag Bay Bridge Closure Shows Drivers Are Resistant To Transit. The startling fact about the Bay Bridge closure is how few drivers opted to use public transit for their commute. BART and the ferries garnered some 30,000 extra passengers and the rest of 100,000 or so Bay Bridge users chose to either stay at home or drive around on other bridges. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-11025-Bay-Area-Public-Transportation-Examiner~y2009m10d28-Bay-Bridge-closure-shows-drivers-are-resistant-to-transit Marin Foundation To Fund $10 Million In Climate Change Projects. The Marin Community Foundation will fund $10 million worth in climate change-related projects during the next five years, according to an announcement today. “We want Marin to do more than just play its part,” said foundation President Thomas Peters. “We want to spur Marin residents to set the standard for how an entire community rallies around a global issue. In doing so, we’ll be building on decades of world-renowned environmental stewardship in the county.” Posted. http://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/16286/marin-foundation-to-fund-10-million-in-climate-change-projects/ Obama Needs to Show Leadership on Climate Treaty. The following editorial appeared in the San Jose Mercury News on Tuesday, Oct. 27: Saturday's demonstrations in 181 countries were a reminder of the looming United Nations Climate Change Conference, set to begin Dec. 7 in Copenhagen with the goal of replacing the expiring Kyoto accord. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/world/story/910630.html#ixzz0VLm0nySV UN Climate Chief Doubts Full Treaty This Year. Reaching a final global warming treaty will be impossible this year, but the political ingredients of a deal must be settled at a conference in December, the U.N.'s top climate official said Wednesday. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/10/29/world/AP-EU-Climate-Change.html?_r=1&scp=10&sq=global%20warming&st=cse California Must Commit To More Renewable Energy. California is building its global reputation for environmental awareness and clean energy leadership, with much of the action centered here in Silicon Valley. However, more substantial and tenacious leadership at the state level is needed to keep California, and the Silicon Valley, at the cutting edge. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/peninsula/ci_13662307 Is The End Near For Humanity? If catastrophic climate change is for real and is as devastating as most of the world’s scientists say it could be, most of us would be killed prematurely by its effects. The naysayers tell us it’s a big hoax; it’s just big corporations finding a new way to make money, and more government taking over our lives. And anyway, for us to build an entirely new alternative energy system would create more enormous debt that our children and grandchildren would have to pay back. Posted. http://rosevillept.com/detail/133566.html?content_source=&category_id=&search_filter=&user_id=&event_mode=&event_ts_from=&event_ts_to=&list_type=&order_by=&order_sort=&content_class=1&sub_type=&town_id= Good For More Than The Environment. Not long after Sustainable Contra Costa announced its formation and its mission — to help county residents better use their natural resources — the nonprofit group promptly honored a handful of those already dedicated to providing education and resources for sustainable living. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/green-living/ci_13660914 BLOGS Some Tough Thoughts on Climate Policy. Two readers with different backgrounds who both accept that humans could disrupt the climate shared strong feelings of discouragement after the Obama administration’s “evidence-based revival meeting,” as Cathy Zoi, the head of the Energy Department office on efficiency and renewable energy, described Wednesday’s White House forum on energy and climate. Posted. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/29/some-tough-thoughts-on-climate/ Do Green Jobs Create Greener Americans? Most “green job” training programs aim to teach low-income workers the job skills necessary to join the nascent clean-tech economy: energy-efficiency retrofitting, wind turbine maintenance, brownfield remediation and so forth. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/29/do-green-jobs-create-greener-americans/?scp=5&sq=climate%20change&st=cse Global Warming Fact Of The Day (Or, “Oops” As It’s Come To Be Known). This is another of those global warming oops moments. You know, when the props holding up this phony catastrophe get kicked out and its credibility start falling. Again. It seems Habibullo Abdussamatov, the top guy at the space research unit of St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo Astronomical Observatory in Russia, has published a paper that concludes it is the sun’s irradiance that’s the primary factor responsible for earth’s climate variations, not carbon dioxide. Posted. http://orangepunch.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/28/global-warming-fact-of-the-day-or-oops-as-its-come-to-be-known/13683/ Summing Up Global Warming. The American public is downplaying global warming even as the American Congress is ratcheting up its supposed seriousness. It’s a good time for a quick summary of the situation, courtesy Patrick J. Michaels of the Cato Institute: “Does the most recent science and climate data argue for precipitous action? (No.) “Is there a suite of technologies that can dramatically cut emissions by, say, 2050? (No.) “Would such actions take away capital, in a futile attempt to stop warming, that would best be invested in the future? (Yes.) Posted. http://orangepunch.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/28/summing-up-global-warming-2/13669/ The Bronze Medal Goes To... China and the United States are the world's first and second largest emitters of carbon dioxide. Just behind the two behemoths comes...Indonesia? That's right. The tiny island nation, whose forests are particularly carbon rich, is being deforested so quickly that its emissions put it on the playing field with huge economic powerhouses. The news puts increased pressure on the debate surrounding an idea called REDD, or Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/green/detail?entry_id=50490 U.N. Climate Chief Says Money for Poorer Nations Is Key to Copenhagen. Bloomberg News “Finance is the key to a deal in Copenhagen said the U.N.’s climate chief, Yvo de Boer. The head of the United Nations climate office said Wednesday that richer nations must pledge funds to poorer nations to make progress on a new agreement to curb global warming this yearPosted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/29/un-climate-chief-says-money-for-poorer-nations-is-key-to-copenhagen/?pagemode=print ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:29:56 -0700 Subject: newsclips -- California Air Resources Board News Clips for October 30th, 2009. From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for October 30, 2009. 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. Cleaner-Trucks Mandate Will Create Hardships at Port of Oakland. Ablelom Zerfiel sat in the cab of his 1992 Freightliner, waiting in a long line to drop off his empty cargo container at the Port of Oakland. After driving for 12 years, Mr. Zerfiel is used to delays, low pay, grueling hours and the fickleness of the dispatch company that arranges his jobs. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/30/us/30sftruckers.html Boxer, Republicans Spar Over Climate Bill Timing, Economic Studies. Senate Democrats are still aiming for a committee markup on global warming legislation next week despite Republican calls for a slower pace on the sweeping measure. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/10/29/29greenwire-boxer-republicans-spar-over-climate-bill-timin-70389.html Will U.S. Go Empty-Handed To World Climate Talks? Without a new law requiring cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, the U.S. could end up going empty-handed to the international climate talks in December. Many nations are watching to see whether the Senate will make progress on a climate and energy bill that would spell out the U.S. national emissions-reduction plan. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/2292702.html http://www.modbee.com/politics/story/913217.html#ixzz0VQsNmVRo Republicans May Stall Climate Change Bill. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman Barbara Boxer said late Thursday that she wants to hold drafting sessions as early as Tuesday on the climate change bill pending before her committee, but the meetings could be delayed by Republican stalling tactics. Posted. http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/oct/30/boxer-pushes-ahead-on-climate-measure/ Refiners Warn of 'Staggering' Costs, Job Losses From Senate Climate Bill. The CEO of refining giant Valero Energy Corp. warned today that the Senate climate legislation would give a competitive advantage to foreign refiners and cost U.S. jobs. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/10/28/28greenwire-refiners-warn-of-staggering-costs-job-losses-fro-487.html British Launch Ad Campaign to Raise Fading Climate Concerns. The U.K. government has launched a guilt-laden advertising campaign after a series of opinion polls showed that the majority of the public has not bought into climate change despite years of political haranguing and millions of pounds spent on information and advertising. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/10/30/30climatewire-british-launch-ad-campaign-to-raise-fading-c-28845.html Senate Climate Markup Set for Tuesday but Will Any Republicans Show? The Senate global warming debate appears headed for a partisan standoff early next week with Republicans threatening to boycott a key committee vote and Democrats weighing their options on an alternative route to advance the bill to the floor. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/10/30/30climatewire-senate-climate-markup-set-for-tuesday-but-wi-24178.html?scp=5&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse EU Split Over Climate Change Goal. The European Union fought Thursday to live up to its self-proclaimed leadership on combating climate change, with the 27 EU leaders at odds over how much to offer poorer nations to join the global battle. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-belgium30-2009oct30,0,466943.story Editorial: Climate Zealots Likely To Be Told To Cool Their Heels. The world can breathe a sigh of relief. Unnecessary economic destruction at the hands of climate zealots is likely to be averted at least another year. An international treaty to combat global warming almost certainly won't be reached this year, despite U.N. and climate change extremists' insistence that agreement on worldwide greenhouse gas-emission limits must be reached at December's 190-nation climate summit in Copenhagen, Denmark. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/nations-climate-global-2628801-warming-emission Ask AP: Geo-Engineering, Bernard Madoff's Assets. Purposely polluting the upper atmosphere? Reflecting sunlight with giant space mirrors? These aren't the tactics of a Hollywood supervillain — they're controversial "geo-engineering" ideas that some say would help combat global warming. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/10/30/national/a030039D15.DTL#ixzz0VR1S6nd5 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/30/AR2009103000708.html The Earth Cools, and Fight Over Warming Heats Up. Two years ago, a United Nations scientific panel won the Nobel Peace Prize after concluding that global warming is "unequivocal" and is "very likely" caused by man. Then came a development unforeseen by the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, or IPCC: Data suggested that Earth's temperature was beginning to drop. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125686509223717691.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_LEFTTopStories PRUDEN: Great Pumpkin Soon Upon Us. The Senate is losing its grip on unreality, so it may be up to whoever can teach manners to cows and pigs to save us from the consequences of global warming. (We're supposed to call it "climate change" now, but some of us, being strict constructionists, remain faithful to the original text as set down by the founding father, Al Gore.) Posted. http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/oct/30/pruden-great-pumpkin-soon-upon-us/ Methane's Role In Global Warming Underestimated. Greenhouse gas calculations blame carbon dioxide too much for global warming, and methane too little, suggest researchers Thursday. Posted. http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/environment/2009-10-29-methane-global-warming_N.htm Washington's Carbon Rules Need Refining. Wall Street gets shouted at, but Washington at least doles out financial support. Oil refiners don't even get that. Bill Klesse, chief executive of Valero Energy, visited the Senate this week warning about the damage climate-change legislation could do to the U.S. refining sector. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125682675875515995.html PG&E's Climatesmart Program Draws Little Interest. A 2-year-old PG&E program to help customers offset the size of their carbon footprint has drawn little interest and consumer advocates are arguing it should be allowed to expire at the end of the year. Only 30,000 households and businesses have enrolled in "ClimateSmart," which allows residential and commercial customers of the San Francisco-based utility to add a tax-deductible "donation" to their monthly bill that allows PG&E to buy carbon offsets. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/valley/ci_13670571 http://www.insidebayarea.com/green-living/ci_13670571 Winter Spare the Air Season Begins Sunday, November 1. In an effort to protect public health, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District will open the Winter Spare the Air season on Sunday, November 1, and begin enforcing a regulation that restricts wood burning in the Bay Area through February 28, 2010. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS248841+29-Oct-2009+PRN20091029 Fire Control Season Begins. Starting Sunday, people who plan to light their fireplaces should check first with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. It is resuming the Check Before You Burn program, which tells valley residents whether fireplace use is allowed each day. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2384/story/913544.html#ixzz0VQrIPYTE http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1692363.html Our Green-Energy Future. The October issue of The Atlantic magazine includes an interesting article, “The California Experiment,” by Ronald Brownstein. The title refers to what the author sees—in the midst of “busted budgets, failing schools, overcrowded prisons, gridlocked government”—as the state’s singular success: tackling climate change and, in doing so, creating a new energy economy. Posted. http://www.newsreview.com/chico/content?oid=1309968 Blogs Boxer Aims for Tuesday Markup on Climate Bill. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) plans to take up climate legislation in her committee Tuesday, according to a senior aide -- if the Republicans don't stand in her way. Posted. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitol-briefing/2009/10/by_juliet_eilperin_senate_envi.html California Wins Lawsuit For More Water/Energy-Efficient Clothes Washers. Washing machines account for 20% of an average household’s water use in California, but that may change now that the California Energy Commission has prevailed in a years-long lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Energy, which had prevented the commission from adopting a more water- and energy-efficient standard for clothes washers. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/10/california-wins-lawsuit-for-more-water-energyefficient-clothes-washes.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 10:50:38 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for November 2, 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for November 2, 2009. 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. Soot Causes Lung Problems, Period. Lois Henry's Oct. 21 column, "State air board can't ignore credibility problems," is another attempt to change the conversation about the reason the California Air Resources Board is working to cut diesel emissions: public health. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/opinion/community/x1780569587/Soot-causes-lung-problems-period Waste company fined $219,000 for skipping smoke tests. A waste disposal company with offices in Buena Park was fined $219,500 for failing to perform yearly smoke tests on some of its diesel trucks. EDCO Disposal Corporation paid the fine after being accused by the state Air Resources Board of skipping the tests in 2005 and 2006 on some of the trucks at a variety of Southern California locations, including Buena Park. The company is based in Lemon Grove. Posted. http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/30/waste-company-fined-219000-for-skipping-smoke-tests/14901/ Sacramento Air Quality District Revives Burn Rules. The effort to keep Sacramento air clean by limiting fireplace smoke on certain days is now in effect. The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District's "Check Before You Burn" program began Sunday and continues through Feb. 28. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/latest/story/2299619.html Air Pollution Warning on Fires. Air pollution officials are once more asking people to check before lighting up a fire as cooler weather sets in. The annual Check Before You Burn program begins Sunday. Residents are asked to call (800) 766-4463 (SMOG INFO) to find out if conditions allow for burning. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091031/A_NEWS/910319997/-1/NEWSMAP#STS=g1jgcfdi.8ba Focus Turns To Pure Carbon Dioxide Emissions. As Congress debates legislation to slow global warming by limiting emissions, engineers are tinkering with ways to capture and store carbon dioxide, the leading heat-trapping gas. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/01/MN6M1ADGH4.DTL#ixzz0ViyEayXf A Bid to Cut Emissions Looks Away From Coal. As Congress debates legislation to slow global warming by limiting emissions, engineers are tinkering with ways to capture and store carbon dioxide, the leading heat-trapping gas. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/01/science/earth/01carbon.html?scp=1&sq=carbon%20emission&st=cse Emission mission. About four years ago, the U.S. Army began a pilot project to figure out the greenhouse gas bootprint at its base in Fort Carson, Colo. How much carbon does the Army generate at the base, flying around in helicopters or driving vehicles? How much greenhouse gas from the nearby power plant is attributable to the electricity supplied to Fort Carson? Posted. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/nov/01/emission-mission/ Last Round Of Climate Talks Before Copenhagen. Negotiators from nearly 180 countries hope to nail down the outline of a plan to provide tens of billions of dollars a year to fight climate change, in their final round of talks before a decisive conference in Copenhagen next month. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/02/MNPN1ADMG7.DTL#ixzz0ViyZJERS Climate delegates call on US for robust policy. The United States came under increased pressure Monday to come up with a plan for fighting climate change and to offer an internationally acceptable policy for curbing pollution hastening global warming. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13693479 EU Seeks Clear US Position on Climate Change. European Union leaders want President Barack Obama to clarify the U.S. position on climate change as they meet in Washington this week. Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt says the EU is looking for "a clear position" from Obama before the December U.N. climate summit. Sweden holds the rotating EU presidency. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13694026?nclick_check=1 http://www.modbee.com/world/story/917095.html#ixzz0Viock0Qv EU can't agree on how much climate aid to give. BRUSSELS—European Union leaders failed to agree Friday on how much to give poorer nations to counter the effects of a warming climate—squandering the last chance that global greenhouse gas talks in December will produce real results. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13675776 Boxer, Kerry Split Work on Climate-Change Bill. The fate of President Obama's climate change plans may rest in the hands of Sen. Barbara Boxer, but these days the California Democrat is leaving most of the heavy lifting to a colleague. As head of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Boxer could have been the main player on climate change legislation that would set progressively tighter limits on the heat-trapping carbon dioxide emissions blamed for global warming. Instead, she has ceded much of the limelight to Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., her partner on the mammoth bill. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/10/31/MND01AD31N.DTL#ixzz0ViyvMwPQ Boxer Pushes Ahead With Climate Markup Tomorrow; GOP Still Plans to Boycott. Full-blown partisan warfare is expected tomorrow when Democrats try to begin a markup of global warming legislation in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee despite plans by the panel's seven Republicans to skip the meeting altogether. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/11/02/02climatewire-boxer-pushes-ahead-with-climate-markup-tomor-33656.html?scp=4&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse Climate Bill Faces Hurdles in Senate. The climate-change bill that has been moving slowly through the Senate will face a stark political reality when it emerges for committee debate on Tuesday: With Democrats deeply divided on the issue, unless some Republican lawmakers risk the backlash for signing on to the legislation, there is almost no hope for passage. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/01/AR2009110102593.html Republicans Move To Delay Climate Bill Progress. All seven Republicans on the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee plan to boycott next week's work session on a climate-change bill, an aide said on Saturday, in a move aimed at thwarting Democratic efforts to advance the controversial legislation quickly. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/31/AR2009103101048.html Scientists Seek 'Plan B' for Fighting Climate Change. Some geoengineering schemes to fight climate change would probably succeed in cooling the planet, scientists said here Friday -- but whether we should ever deploy them is still an open question. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/11/02/02climatewire-scientists-seek-plan-b-for-fighting-climate-16296.html?scp=3&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse The Failure of the Climate Bills. Supporters of the climate bill passed by the House and the similar bill under consideration in the Senate — including President Obama — say that the cap-and-trade approach would guarantee greenhouse-gas reductions. But this claim ignores flaws in both bills that would undermine even their weak emissions-reduction targets. Posted. http://www.napavalleyregister.com/articles/2009/11/02/opinion/editorial/doc4aee5327f39ef997585537.txt Relationships in Global Warming. It seems these days that everyone has bought into the idea of global warming. Congress is busy debating a cap and trade bill and the Kyoto Protocol has become the international standard for dealing with greenhouse gasses. Environmentalists are predicting the end of life on the planet if we do not do anything about it. Posted. http://www.ocbj.com/industry_article_pay.asp?aID=142068 Higher Temperatures Will Harm Many Crops, Report Says. Global warming would be bad news for all those amber waves of grain, and for the corn and soybeans that are plentiful throughout the Midwest. "The grain-filling period" - the time when the seed grows and matures - "of wheat and other small grains shortens dramatically with rising temperatures. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/politics/story/916468.html#ixzz0VipEItPy Kirkwood as Alternative Energy Lab: Ski Area Joins Fight Against Global Warming. Few businesses feel as threatened by global warming as the ski industry. And few resorts are poised to go to the same lengths – and expense – to combat it as Kirkwood and the hardy folks who make their homes in the snowy, windswept Kirkwood Meadows. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/378/story/2297062.html The Carnivore’s Dilemma. IS eating a hamburger the global warming equivalent of driving a Hummer? This week an article in The Times of London carried a headline that blared: “Give Up Meat to Save the Planet.” Former Vice President Al Gore, who has made climate change his signature issue, has even been assailed for omnivorous eating by animal rights activists. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/31/opinion/31niman.html Are Organic Dry Cleaners Really Better For The Environment? Q: Every day my baby spits up all over my clothes, rendering them unwearable until they make a trip to the dry cleaner. Lately, I've been seeing organic dry cleaners pop up all over town, so I'm thinking of trying that. Are these dry cleaners truly better for me, for my baby and for the environment or is it all a hoax? Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/2299092.html Low-Carbon Future Won't Come Cheap. Ready for your monthly power bill to double? If not, you might start counting kilowatts today. While predictions are all over the map, that doubling is a fair guess about what businesses and homeowners can expect over the next decade or so as California gets serious about reducing greenhouse gases and shifting our utilities over to renewable power sources. Posted. http://www.redding.com/news/2009/nov/01/low-carbon-future-wont-come-cheap/ Electric Vehicles How To Start Or Transition To An EV Career. In many of the Green events, conferences and networking functions I attend, people ask me how they can transition into the green economy; how they can capitalize on their current skill-set, experience and education to 'break' into the green industries. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-12791-Bay-Area-Green-Careers-Examiner~y2009m10d31-Electric-Vehicles--How-to-start-or-transition-to-an-EV-career Green School Machines. The engine on the bus is green, green, green. The Newport-Mesa Unified School District’s new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Fueling Station opened this week. Posted. http://www.dailypilot.com/articles/2009/10/30/education/dpt-greenbus103109.txt Tanker spills oil into San Francisco Bay. A mechanical failure during the fueling of a tanker caused an oil spill Friday morning, leaving a two-mile slick south of the Bay Bridge and evoking memories of a much larger spill two years ago. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_13677415 Sen. Udall Sees Nukes As Part Of Energy Solution. DENVER—U.S. Sen. Mark Udall is sponsoring a bill that would authorize research into modular, small-scale nuclear power plants to help meet energy needs while cutting carbon emissions. The Colorado Democrat said in a speech Thursday in the Senate that the threat of climate change requires an "all-of-the-above solution." Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13677503 Wolverton: Tech group looking backward on efficiency rules. For an organization that prides itself on representing one of America's most forward-looking industries, the Consumer Electronics Association has sounded more like the stodgy old Chamber of Commerce lately. A case in point is the tech trade group's response to California's proposal to make televisions more energy-efficient, scheduled for final approval this week. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/business/ci_13670807 Blogs Let's Talk Leaf Blowers. It's autumn and leaves do fall. Many people turn to gas-powered leaf blowers. The machines create noise and carbon emissions with the dubious trade-off of sparing human elbow grease. But how bad are they really. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/green/detail?entry_id=50575#ixzz0ViwWzzQE ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 11:44:42 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for November 3, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for November 3, 2009. 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. Altamont Landfill's Gas Fuels Garbage Trucks. A company that manages landfills has a new source of fuel for its garbage trucks - rotting trash. At the Altamont Landfill near Livermore, Waste Management Inc. has installed a $15.5 million system that collects gas given off by decomposing garbage and turns it into fuel. The company unveiled the system on Monday. Built by German engineering company the Linde Group, the project strips impurities from the gas, chills it to 260 degrees below zero and turns it into a liquid. Specially equipped garbage trucks burn it as fuel. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/03/BUM81AE52U.DTL&type=printable http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20091102-717218.html http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/11/03/business-general-industrials-us-waste-management-green-trucks_7079558.html http://www.mercurynews.com/business-headlines/ci_13696048 Pay-By-The-Mile Auto Insurance Advances In California. Car insurance by the tankful? Not quite, but California moved a step closer last month to pay-as-you-drive policies that could allow motorists to buy insurance like they do gasoline – a little at a time. Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner released regulations permitting and authorizing mileage verification for pay-as-you-drive, without dictating what form such plans must take. The goal is to use per-mile pricing to entice Californians not to drive so much, thus easing air pollution, relieving traffic congestion and lowering the number of traffic collisions. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/capitolandcalifornia/v-print/story/2300940.html A Rosy View Persists In Copenhagen -- 'A Lot Can Be Achieved'. Copenhagen -- The job of Denmark's Connie Hedegaard, as chairwoman of the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December, is to lead negotiators from some 190 countries toward a deal that would replace the Kyoto Protocol. With only three weeks before the conference begins, there is a crescendo of voices around the world declaring that her job is impossible. Hedegaard disagrees. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/11/03/1/ Merkel On Climate Change, And The Partisan Divide. German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged Congress and the Obama administration to take bold steps to address global warming Tuesday, even as Senate Democrats and Republicans feuded over whether to press ahead with their chamber's version of a climate bill. Speaking at a joint session of Congress, Merkel described climate change as one of the "great tests" of the 21st century. Posted. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitol-briefing/2009/11/merkel_on_climate_change_and_t.html Heavy Energy Users Reject Current Senate Climate Bill. Energy-intensive manufacturers took aim at the Senate climate bill yesterday, rejecting its current form as insufficient to keep jobs and production in the United States. "There's no way that we could support it in its present construct," said Cal Dooley, president of the American Chemistry Council, in a press call with the aluminum, steel and forest products industries. The four groups critiqued S. 1733, the "Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act," for not giving them enough allowances, on a relaxed enough schedule, to adjust to a carbon policy. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/11/03/5 Dems To Ignore GOP Boycott Of Climate Bill. Washington -- Democratic leaders of a key Senate committee vowed Monday to forge ahead with climate change legislation despite a planned boycott by Republicans on the panel. Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., said the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee she heads would begin working on the global warming bill today - with or without the Republicans. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/03/MNLB1AE5J1.DTL&type=printable Senate Panel's Climate Markup in Holding Pattern. A partisan standoff over Senate global warming legislation clouded the start of the Environment and Public Works Committee's markup of the sweeping proposal today with just one Republican in attendance. Chairwoman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and several other Democrats began the markup with opening statements begging Republicans to participate and questioning the sincerity of their boycott. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/11/03/03greenwire-senate-panels-climate-markup-in-holding-patter-82243.html?pagewanted=print Europeans Press US For Climate Deal. Washington — European Union leaders are looking for momentum on a global climate change deal out of a summit with President Barack Obama on Tuesday. The White House meeting comes just a month ahead of a global meeting on climate change in Copenhagen as world leaders negotiate a follow-on agreement to the Kyoto Protocol. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j70T55-6ovy42md_QM2jbhMgiCxwD9BO72TG0 GOP Warns Boxer On Climate Bill. The top Republicans on six committees with jurisdiction over the Senate climate bill have sent a letter to Environment and Public Works committee Chairman Barbara Boxer urging her to back off of her decision to force the bill through the committee without Republican participation. Democrats will need bipartisan support to overcome a possible filibuster of the legislation when it reaches the full Senate. Sen. John Kerry, (D-Mass.), and Lindsay Graham, (R-S.C.) have been working to build GOP support for the bill. Posted. http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=B6A9F67F-18FE-70B2-A89397350842E891 GOP Senators Absent At Start Of Climate Debate. Washington -- Republicans boycotted the start of committee debate Tuesday on a bill to curb greenhouse gases, protesting that the bill's costs have not been fully examined. The action put a spotlight on the difficulties Democratic leaders face in moving climate legislation this year. Republican Sen. George Voinovich of Ohio attended the session for 15 minutes to explain the GOP's argument for staying away. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/11/02/national/w161504S00.DTL&type=printable Republicans Walk Out Of Senate Hearing On Climate-Change Bill. GOP senators demand a full EPA analysis of the measure, which could take five weeks. Democrats say the EPA's partial study is sufficient. Republicans today boycotted the start of a Senate hearing on climate-change legislation. The Republican members of the Environment and Public Works Committee are demanding a full Environmental Protection Agency analysis of the climate bill. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-climate-gop-boycott4-2009nov04,0,3318325,print.story Mt. Kilimanjaro Ice Cap Continues Rapid Retreat. The ice atop Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania has continued to retreat rapidly, declining 26 percent since 2000, scientists say in a new report. Yet the authors of the study, to be published Tuesday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reached no consensus on whether the melting could be attributed mainly to humanity’s role in warming the global climate. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/world/africa/03melt.html?_r=1&sq=climate%20change&st=cse&scp=10&pagewanted=print TV Energy Regulations Will Harm Innovation. How much energy does the average flat panel TV use? Given the intensity of the California Energy Commission's efforts to ban many popular big-screen televisions from California homes, you might be surprised to learn that the average flat-panel TV uses less energy (142 watts) than two regular 75-watt household lightbulbs. Listening to the commission’s rhetoric over the last few months, you also might believe that your entertainment center is causing an energy crisis. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/03/ED7H1AE46C.DTL&type=printable Feds Say Muni Workers Let Fuel Spill Into Bay. Muni workers disabled an alarm system that would have notified them that at least 39,000 gallons of diesel fuel were leaking from a refueling station and endangering the bay, according to a complaint released Monday by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The federal agency is seeking a $250,000 settlement from San Francisco stemming from the 2005 incident for violating the Clean Water Act. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/03/BAN91AE2U9.DTL&type=printable Editorial: MTA's Train Wreck Of A Deal. A rail-car contract with Italian manufacturer AnsaldoBreda has finally run off the rails. Ignoring the advice of this page, transit experts and both the current and former heads of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the MTA board in September awarded a $300-million contract to Italian company AnsaldoBreda to build 100 rail cars at a new factory it promised to construct near the Los Angeles River. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-railcars3-2009nov03,0,5119021,print.story Relationships in Global Warming. Viewpoint. It seems these days that everyone has bought into the idea of global warming. Congress is busy debating a cap and trade bill and the Kyoto Protocol has become the international standard for dealing with greenhouse gasses. Environmentalists are predicting the end of life on the planet if we do not do anything about it. So, perhaps the lone voice in the darkness should ask the question “Is it true?” There is a lot of hype about carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere and its effect on the planet’s temperature. Posted. http://www.ocbj.com/industry_article_pay.asp?aID=142068 Ain’t It 'Cool' News? CARB’S Latest Embarrassing Scheme. "There's no trick to being a humorist" - Will Rogers once said - "when you have the whole government working for you." Even though he observed this decades ago, Rogers' quote sure says a lot about the comedy club of contemporary California. And it would be downright funny if it wasn't so seriously troubling. Posted. http://foxandhoundsdaily.com/print/5697 BLOGS Old Ships Exempt From New Pollution Rules. Shutterstock A new rule requires freighters operating in coastal and inland waters to use low-sulfur diesel fuel, but some are exempt. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has opted to exempt 13 Great Lakes steamships from a new rule requiring freighters operating in coastal and inland waters to move to low-sulfur diesel. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/02/old-ships-exempt-from-new-pollution-rules/?pagemode=print ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 11:33:47 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newclips for November 4, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for November 4, 2009. 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. CARB Levies $700,000 Total In Diesel Fines To Two CA Companies. The California Air Resources Board recently hit two in-state businesses with heavy fines for their alleged failure to comply with state diesel rules. CARB fined EDCO, a Southern California-based trash-hauling company, $219,500 for failing to perform annual smoke inspections on some of its diesel trucks. The company has facilities in Agua Mansa, Armour, Buena Park, Escondido, Fallbrook, Federal, Long Beach, Ramona and San Marcos. Posted. http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2009/Nov09/110209/110309-04.htm Cancer Risk In San Bernardino Neighborhood Triggers Medical Study At BNSF Rail Yard. Researchers and regulators are focusing what some say is unprecedented attention on a low-income, predominately Hispanic community of about 7,000 people living with pollution from a west San Bernardino rail yard. Alarmed by an analysis that found an unacceptable cancer risk in the neighborhood, the state is considering new air pollution rules for the rail yard. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_rail04.40d864f.html# Warming Will Displace 150M People By 2050 – Report. Global warming will force 150 million people to become "climate refugees" in the next 40 years, according to a new report from the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF). Climate-related natural disasters displaced more than 20 million people in 2008, the foundation said. The EJF reports that nearly 10 percent of the world's population is at risk of displacement by climate change. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/11/04/6 State Energy Commission To Vote On TV Power Standards. State energy officials are nearing a decision on a ban on new energy-hogging televisions. The first-in-the-nation regulations would phase in starting in 2011 and would set a cap on the amount of power a TV can draw. Large sets would be allowed to use more power than small ones. All models larger than 58 inches would be exempt from the regulations, though they may be covered in the future. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/v-print/story/2303689.html Energy Dept. Awards Money for Electric Cars. The federal government and some states are plugging into the future of electric cars with subsidies to develop charging stations. But their plans are generating opposition. The U.S. Department of Energy awarded $2.4 billion in stimulus money in August to build electric vehicles and support them with charging stations. Posted. http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-11-03-electric-cars_N.htm Obama Administration Weighs The Costs Of Doing Nothing. Economists have sparred for years over what price tag to put on the societal danger of carbon dioxide emissions. Now the Obama administration is quietly struggling to reach its own conclusion. The answer promises to weigh heavily on a slew of future regulations that directly and indirectly combat climate change. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/11/04/1 UN Climate Talks Focus On How To Cut Emissions. Barcelona, Spain — African nations pushed wealthy countries at U.N. climate talks on Wednesday to explain how they intend to cut their greenhouse emissions under the landmark global warming agreement being negotiated. Yet as delegates from 192 nations retreated behind closed doors in Spain, fears arose over just what will be accomplished this year on fighting climate change. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i9u9GMQj8IuTIkIKDmsiGSXq4KuAD9BOPEJ80 http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE5A11Q720091104 Honeywell's UOP and China National Petroleum Corp. to Collaborate on Biofuels Projects in China. Companies will evaluate Chinese feedstocks for the production of green diesel and green jet fuels, evaluate installation of units to produce renewable fuels and improve ethanol energy efficiency. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS147286+04-Nov-2009+PRN20091104 Editorial: ARB's Cool-Car Scheme Deserves To Be Put On Ice. Sacramento can be a caricature of bumbling, well-intentioned, paternalistic nonsense. The problem is, when government agencies like the state Air Resources Board stumble ahead with hare-brained schemes, it creates real-life costs and harm. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/air-board-one-2634385-sacramento-new Truckers Scrambling After Grant Money Dries Up. Ramon Cerdas makes a modest living for his family as a trucker hauling cargo in and out of the Port of Oakland. He sometimes waits hours in line to enter the gates, and hours at a terminal to pick up or drop off a load. After paying taxes, gas, insurance and other expenses, he's left with enough to pay the rent and necessities, but not much more. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/top-stories/ci_13705593 Study Links Children to Air Pollution. Research produced by Summer Undergraduate Research Fund students has won a top honor from the Association of Pacific Coast Geographers. Competing against more than a dozen universities, the geography students took home the association’s President’s Award for Outstanding Student Poster Presentation. Posted. http://uscnews.usc.edu/health/study_links_children_to_air_pollution.html Atlanta Named Most Toxic U.S. City, Las Vegas is Least Toxic. Las Vegas has far from a clean reputation, but in Forbes' list of America's Most Toxic Cities, Las Vegas is named the least toxic of 40 major metropolitan areas. Forbes ranked the cities based on the number of Superfund sites in the principal city, number of facilities that release toxic chemicals, amount of toxic chemicals released in the area and air quality ranking. Following Las Vegas as the top 10 least toxic cities are Sacramento, Riverside, Austin, Seattle, San Diego, Virginia Beach, San Jose, New York and Phoenix. Posted. http://www.greenbiz.com/print/28432 Climate Change On The Back Burner? Climate change has slipped so far down on the agenda that at least one key committee chairman has suggested it might have to wait until after the 2010 elections. A number of factors are conspiring against the Senate version of the bill: a Republican boycott on the Environment and Public Works Committee, a new EPA analysis that could take at least five weeks and wide-ranging disagreements among six competing Senate committee leaders who have jurisdiction. Posted. http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=BC86C808-18FE-70B2-A863046BCFDBB1DB Senate Republicans Boycott Climate Meeting. Their move, shortly before German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged Congress to act on the issue, underscores the difficulty of negotiating legislation on global warming. German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged Congress on Tuesday to take dramatic action to stop climate change, but the political difficulties were evident as Republicans boycotted a Senate committee meeting on a global warming bill. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-climate4-2009nov04,0,6435485,print.story TIMELINE-How The World Found Out About Global Warming. A U.N. conference in Copenhagen next month is due to agree a new pact to combat global warming after mounting evidence that human activity is disrupting the climate. The following is a timeline of the discovery of global warming. 300 BC - Theophrastus, a student of Greek philosopher Aristotle, documents that human activity can affect climate. He observes that drainage of marshes cools an area around Thessaly and that clearing of forests near Philippi warms the climate. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSL3445896 Stunts And Stalling Mark Senate Climate Odyssey. There was frustration, there was pleading, there was accusation of bad faith. And at the end of the day, there was a stark answer: empty chairs on the Republican side of the room. So went the first day Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairwoman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) hoped to mark up her climate bill, S. 1733, in an episode that could presage a long game of chicken. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/11/04/2 Most Economists Give 'Clear Endorsement' For U.S. Emission Curbs – Survey. Most economists say the United States should commit to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions regardless of other countries' actions, according to a survey released today. New York University's Institute for Policy Integrity queried nearly 300 economists who have published articles on climate change and got responses from 144 of them. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/11/04/6 EPA Sets Hearing Schedule On GHG 'Tailoring Rule' U.S. EPA will hold two public hearings this month over its proposed rule "tailoring" greenhouse gas regulations to affect only the biggest emission sources. EPA will hold hearings Wednesday, Nov. 18, in Arlington, Va., and another Thursday, Nov. 19, in Rosemont, Ill., the agency said in a Federal Register notice today. The draft rule issued in September would require facilities that release more than 25,000 tons of greenhouse gases a year to install "best available control technology" (BACT) to limit their greenhouse gas releases. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/11/04/7 Groups Press U.S. and China on Carbon. Beijing - Three prominent American research organizations that are pushing for greater cooperation between the Obama administration and China on the issue of climate change say the two governments should make a priority of supporting the use of carbon capture technology and the creation of a market for carbon. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/04/science/earth/04carbon.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print UN Climate Talks Focus on How to Cut Emissions. African nations pushed wealthy countries at U.N. climate talks on Wednesday to explain how they intend to cut their greenhouse emissions under the landmark global warming agreement being negotiated. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/11/04/world/AP-Climate-Talks.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=carbon%20emission&st=cse Climate Debate Has Rocky Start For US Senate Panel. European leaders pressed Congress and the White House on Tuesday to unite on a plan to combat global warming, even as a Republican boycott forced a delay of votes in a key Senate committee, demonstrating the deep partisan rift. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/business/story/919111.html#ixzz0VudYZmSL Diesel Truck Regulations Delayed Until 2010. Owners of heavy-duty diesel trucks working on New York state projects just got a little breathing room. They won't have to comply with a new state law that requires filters to reduce harmful air emissions on older vehicles until 2010. The state Department of Environmental Conservation has put off enforcing the law until next year because doing so now would be a “hardship” on contractors and material suppliers that use the diesel vehicles on state-sponsored construction projects, said Deputy Commissioner Alison H. Crocker. Posted. http://albany.bizjournals.com/albany/stories/2009/11/02/daily23.html?t=printable Navistar Opposes Request For Delay In Diesel-Exhaust Case. Chicago - Navistar International Corp. (NAV) said it's opposed to delaying its court challenge of federal guidelines for complying with new, tougher standards for diesel-engine exhaust. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency late last month asked a federal appeals court to postpone proceedings on Navistar's case for 60 days while the agency reconsiders its compliance guidelines. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20091104-712429.html Opinion: Clean Air Or Cheap Energy? We should be raising the prices of oil products instead of trying to lower them (currently through a foolish and ineffective price control edict), if we were at all serious about cleaning up the polluted air we breathe (particularly in Metro Manila) and reducing the country’s emissions of noxious gases. We should be raising taxes on gasoline, diesel, and other oil products, and on electricity produced by coal plants, if we wanted to discourage the use of fossil fuels and encourage the use of "clean" fuels. Posted. http://beta.bworldonline.com/main/content.php?id=899 Why the Hydrogen Feud Needs to End: Analysis. Hydrogen fuel cell research is in the midst of a tumultuous debate. Proponents of the fuel continue to sink money into research and marketing—citing promising statistics and lab-grown developments. Opponents refute optimistic claims with their own numbers, asking that researchers shift time and money to more promising technologies, like batteries. So what exactly is the state of hydrogen fuel cell research? Unfortunately, that depends on whom you ask. Posted. http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/industry/4335827.html?nav=RSS20&src=syn&dom=yah_buzz&mag=pop Obama's EPA Is a Regulator Reborn. To appreciate the extent to which the Environmental Protection Agency under President Obama is a regulator reborn, consider this: EPA officials have begun to cut air pollution by invoking the Clean Water Act. Posted. http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/nov/04/epa-uses-water-act-to-fight-dirty-air/ Disney Co. Spending $7M On Conservation Projects. Seeking to help fight climate change, the Walt Disney Co. says it will spend $7 million in partnership with three conservation groups to protect tens of thousands of acres of forest lands in the Congo basin, the Amazon basin and in two regions of the United States. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/business/story/918955.html#ixzz0VuWp3oOg http://www.vcstar.com/news/2009/nov/03/disney-co-spending-7m-on-conservation-projects/ http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/disney-invests-4-million-to-save-forests/ Tech Group Looking Backward On Efficiency Rules. For an organization that prides itself on representing one of America's most forward-looking industries, the Consumer Electronics Association has sounded more like the stodgy old Chamber of Commerce lately. A case in point is the tech trade group's response to California's proposal to make televisions more energy-efficient, scheduled for final approval this week. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/world/story/919750.html#ixzz0VuYZYyXN Green Screens May Be Future. Californians are nearly outnumbered by their televisions. Thirty-five million sets entertain us five hours a day. Add the numbers up, and TVs probably account for a large portion of your household energy use - up to 10 percent, including accessories such as DVD players, game consoles and digital recorders. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091104/A_NEWS/911040334/-1/a_news14#STS=g1mceaqs.fyh More Wineries Focus on Going Green. Rodney Strong Wine Estates announced last month that it is now "carbon neutral." The Sonoma County winery joins several in California, South America and New Zealand that, through conservation and investment in clean energy (by buying carbon credits), have reduced their carbon emissions enough to essentially zero out their contribution to greenhouse gases. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2009/11/03/ST2009110301548.html GUEST OPINION: There's Nothing Green about Measure A; Vote No. The proponents of Measure A and their hired gun “environmentalist,” Patrick Moore, are deceiving the public about the potential impacts of Measure A. Careful evaluation of Moore and the proposed development demonstrate that Measure A is anything but “green.” Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20091030/OPINION/910309938 Environmental Groups Turn In Paperwork For DMV Fee To Fund California State Parks. Hoping to break the recent cycle of proposed state parks closures, a coalition of California environmental groups took the first major step Tuesday toward qualifying a measure for next November's ballot that would roughly double the state parks budget by imposing a new annual fee on vehicle registration. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/green-living/ci_13705417 Blogs California's Climate Future, Part Two. In my last two blogs I have been offering a glimpse into our collective climate future based on the work of the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) and its report, Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States. But since this report is nearly 200 pages long, and my blogs are somewhat shorter than this, I am not quite finished with it. Posted. http://blogs.redding.com/dcraig/archives/2009/11/californias-cli-1.html Of China, Texas and Green Jobs. Bloomberg Readers complained about green jobs associated with a proposed Texas wind farm going to China.When a coalition of investors and wind developers from the United States and China announced plans for a large-scale wind project in West Texas last week, many of our readers expressed outrage that a portion of the financing might well come from the $22 billion set aside in the economic stimulus package for clean energy projects — and green jobs. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/of-china-texas-and-green-jobs/?pagemode=print Groups Push U.S. and China on Carbon Capture and Storage Technology. Three prominent American research organizations that are pushing for greater cooperation between the Obama administration and China on the issue of climate change say the two governments should make a priority of supporting the use of carbon capture technology and the creation of a market for carbon. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/04/groups-push-us-and-china-on-carbon-capture-and-storage-technology/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 12:15:59 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- News Clips for November 5, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for November 5, 2009. 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. OP-ED BY MARY NICHOLS - Healthy Environment And Economy. California has long been regarded as a pioneer in the field of air quality regulation. Our ever-expanding population of 37 million people and 26 million vehicles, combined with our unique geography and climate, has forced us – the Air Resources Board – to become experts at how to reduce air pollution emanating from an amazing variety of sources. As a result, new cars and trucks generate 99 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than they did 40 years ago. Posted. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/nov/05/healthy-environment-and-economy/ EDITORIAL: Unhealthy CARB. Consumers nationwide should protest to a hyperactive California regulatory agency on the verge of ruining automobile global positioning systems and other safety features. Because California is such a large market, car manufacturers trying to comply with Golden State mandates might change auto designs nationwide. At issue is a rule being considered by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) threatening to require all cars and light trucks sold in California after 2012 to feature metallic reflective window glazing to keep interiors cool and thus use less air conditioning. Less AC, goes the theory, would mean lower carbon emissions. Posted. http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/nov/05/unhealthy-carb//print/ Editorial: Pay-As-You-Drive Insurance. PERSUADING MOTORISTS to voluntarily drive less and thereby reduce gasoline consumption, air pollution, traffic congestion and motor vehicle accidents is a concept that deserves public and private support. California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner agrees. To that end, he has released regulations allowing mileage verification for pay-as-you-drive green insurance policies. Insurance premiums in California are currently based partly on miles driven as estimated by drivers. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/opinion/sanmateo/ci_13713160 Children Closest To Harbor Trade Roadways Suffer More Respiratory Issues, Study Says. Long Beach - A new study on the health impacts of pollution caused primarily by trucks, trains and ships servicing the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles finds children living closest to harbor trade corridors suffer from respiratory ailments significantly higher than previously thought. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13712841 http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_13712841 http://uscnews.usc.edu/health/pollutions_impact_may_be_underestimated.html Is The Business Climate Changing When It Comes To Global Warming? A pair of big California companies made national headlines last month when they pulled out of the US Chamber of Commerce over that business group’s stand on global warming. The departure of Apple Computer and Pacific Gas & Electric has proved to be a public relations black eye for the venerable organization. These moves could prove to be a taste of things to come. Posted. http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?_c=ye35cub9swdytk&xid=ye2kaf0hmgl617&done=.ye35cub9swwytk Revisions to the California State Implementation Plan, California Air Resources Board Consumer Products Regulations. -- SUMMARY: EPA is finalizing approval of revisions to the California Air Resources Board portion of the California State Implementation Plan (SIP). These revisions were proposed in the Federal Register on June 26, 2009 and concern volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from consumer products. We are approving State rules that regulate these emission sources under the Clean Air Act as amended in 1990 (CAA or the Act). Posted. http://www.tmcnet.com/scripts/print-page.aspx?PagePrint=http%3a%2f%2fwww.tmcnet.com%2fusubmit%2f2009%2f11%2f04%2f4463610.htm Senate Democrats Advance Climate Bill Without GOP. Washington - Senate Democrats sidestepped a Republican boycott Thursday, pushing a climate bill out of committee in an early step on a long and contentious road to passage. Other committees still must weigh-in on the measure, but the partisan antics early on threatened to cast a pall over the bill - Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13720217 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/05/AR2009110502195.html?hpid=topnews http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dcnow/2009/11/senators-moving-on-energy-without-gop.html New Business Group Backs Climate-Change Bill. A new group of businesses - including retail giant Gap Inc. and several large utility companies - joined the lobbying fray over climate change on Wednesday, arguing that Congress must pass legislation to limit greenhouse gases as soon as possible. American Businesses for Clean Energy will push for passage at the same time that other business groups, most notably the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, try to block or change global warming bills wending their way through Congress. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/05/BU0V1AF8FM.DTL&type=printable Senators Call For Financial Reform Before Cap And Trade. If supporters of creating a cap-and-trade program to address global warming want to grab the attention of skeptics on Capitol Hill, they might start by convincing the nation's most famous financier, Warren Buffett. "We have to work it out so that Warren Buffett understands why he's better off under a trading system than he is under a command-and-control system," said Bill Tyndall, Duke Energy Corp.'s senior vice president for policy. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/11/05/1 UN Climate Pact Work Moves On, Deadline In Doubt. Barcelona, Spain—Negotiators at a U.N. climate conference in Spain further defined plans for reducing greenhouse emissions and continued work on a draft climate change treaty, with next month's deadline for a legal document increasingly in doubt. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13710675 3 Senators Join Forces To Rescue Climate Bill. Washington—Three senators with differing political views are working behind the scenes to rescue troubled climate legislation. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., together with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Sen. Joe Lieberman, a Connecticut independent, said Wednesday they would work with the White House to patch together a bill that could pass the Senate. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13712265?nclick_check=1 EPW Dems End-Run Boycotting GOP, Vote 11-1 For Emissions Bill. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Democrats quashed a three-day-long Republican boycott and passed global warming legislation today using a procedural move that could undermine support from moderate senators if the bill reaches the floor. Chairwoman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and 10 Democrats signed off on the climate bill -- without considering amendments -- after trying without success to wait out Republicans. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/11/05/1 Committee Action 'The End Of The Beginning' The decision today by Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Democrats to pass their sweeping climate and energy bill in spite of a Republican boycott set off a flurry of reactions on and off Capitol Hill -- with both supporters and opponents agreeing on only one thing: The cap-and-trade bill is a long way from the finish line. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), who gave EPW Chairwoman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) permission to report out the legislation without a single Republican voting on it, said the move is "a critically important step toward crafting a good strong clean energy and climate bill. Posted. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/11/05/2 Climate Insurance Is In The Cross Hairs As Negotiators Prep For Copenhagen. Advocates for nations vulnerable to climate change are accusing the United States of trying to "kill" a prominent global warming provision that would create a massive insurance program for countries that face rising destruction from natural disasters. The controversial measure -- which currently is part of the voluminous draft treaty text leading up to international climate talks in Copenhagen -- seeks financial payments for countries that might slip underwater sometime this century, as well as for those that increasingly suffer from drought, floods and cyclones. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/11/05/2 C02 Emissions From Deforestation Are Exaggerated – Study. In a potential blow to those who seek to protect forests in less-developed countries, a new study suggests that carbon dioxide emissions caused by tropical forest destruction have been significantly overestimated. Research led by Guido van der Werf, an Earth scientist at VU University Amsterdam and published in the journal Nature Geoscience says the figure the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change presented in 2007 is an overestimate. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/11/05/10 CEO: Utilities Must Join Climate-Change Debate. Bismarck, N.D. -- The chief executive of a North Dakota-based electric power cooperative says utilities must be engaged in the climate-change debate and use their unified voice. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/05/AR2009110502376.html Climate Legislation Is Running Into a Chilly Reception. Manhattan, Kan. -- A curious debate has broken out among American environmental groups, as the U.S. Senate finally, balkily starts to focus on the threat of climate change. Is this really the time to talk about the threat of climate change? Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/05/AR2009110502134.html?hpid=moreheadlines California Moves From Silicon Valley To Truck Electric Ladyland. Calfornia – US – The news this week that Electric Vehicles International, formerly of Austin, Texas was moving to Stockton will come as no surprise to watchers of electric truck development. The Golden State has always been the place most associated with both technological and environmental matters and the newest industry combines both in a neat package. Posted. http://www.handyshippingguide.com/print/846 Stockton Charges Into Trucks. Electric vehicles will be produced on Army Court. Stockton - Electric Vehicles International unveiled plans Wednesday to produce all-electric trucks and delivery vans, as well as a two-seat electric city car and plug-in hybrid car conversions, at its new Stockton assembly plant in coming months. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger dropped by the company's 50,000-square-foot facility on Army Court to hail EVI as part of a new environmental industry bloom, much like electronics revolution that created the Silicon Valley. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091105/A_BIZ/911050319#STS=g1nue1xq.h4o Clunkers Data Shows Trade-Ins Gained Marginal Mileage. The federal government's $3 billion "cash-for-clunkers" program to boost the fuel efficiency of vehicles on American roads supported only marginal gains in mileage in most vehicle swaps, according to an analysis by the Associated Press. Government data show the program mostly involved the trade-in of old Ford or Chevrolet pickups for new ones that got only slightly better gas mileage. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/11/05/7 http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13712099 Exxon Is Latest Oil Major Lured By Coal-Seam Gas Potential. Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM) has joined a growing list of major energy companies looking to exploit an emerging source of natural gas once seen mainly as the bane of coal miners. The world's largest publicly traded company by market capitalization said last week it has acquired about 2 million acres of coalbed-methane resources in Germany, its first foray into the exploration of gas trapped in coal seams in Europe. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20091104-719004.html NC Regulators Will Not Revoke Duke Energy Permit. Raleigh, N.C.—North Carolina regulators have denied a request by environmental groups to revoke Duke Energy Corp.'s permit for coal-fired generators at its new power plant in the western part of the state. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13711673 EPA fines Long Beach Property Owner $8,000. A Long Beach property owner was fined nearly $8,000 for violating federal lead-based paint disclosure requirements at six rental properties, the Environmental Protection Agency reported Wednesday. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13711880 BLOGS Cal Cities Fare Well In 'Toxic Cities' Rankings. California got an environmental black eye when the American Lung Association ranked the air quality of American cities and placed six of the state's urban areas on the list of those with the highest levels of ozone pollution. Now Forbes magazine has expanded the environmental rankings to include such factors as the number of Superfund toxic waste cleanup sites and the number of industrial facilities releasing toxic chemicals into the air to generate an "overall toxic cities ranking" of the nation's 40 largest urban areas. And California does pretty well. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/capitolalertlatest/026821.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 11:27:07 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for November 9, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for November 9, 2009. 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. EDITORIAL: 'Cool Cars' Backfire. A state rule requiring tinted windows is an example of regulatory overreaching. There's a law of diminishing returns for environmental regulation: As more specific rules are applied to ever-smaller details, the negative consequences can outweigh the benefits. California air and energy regulators, whose pioneering methods of reducing pollution and greenhouse gases have made residents justifiably proud are approaching that tipping point. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-coolcars8-2009nov08,0,7403489.story EDITORIAL: Technology Gain While Mpg Drags. Here's a daunting thought in this age of rapid technological advancement. Fuel economy in the U.S. vehicle fleet has changed little since the days of the Ford Model T. In a recent study, Michael Sivak and Omer Tsimhoni at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute calculated the distance driven and fuel consumed for the U.S. fleet of vehicles – including cars, light trucks, buses and heavy trucks – between 1923 and 2006. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/story/2314024.html OPINION: Grass-Fed Beef Emissions. Nicolette Hahn Niman (“The Carnivore’s Dilemma,” Op-Ed, Oct. 31) is simply wrong in suggesting that grass-fed beef produces less methane than feed-lot meat. It is the other way around, with grass-fed animals producing up to three times more methane. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/09/opinion/lweb09meat.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse OPINION:Cargo Peril. Southern California should not have to suffer unnecessary illnesses to serve the cause of international trade. The cargo traffic that flows through the region creates serious health hazards, and curbing that threat requires the cooperation of state, local and federal officials. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/opinion/editorials/stories/PE_OpEd_Opinion_S_op_07_ed_trafficasthma1.4bfc706.html EDITORIAL: Pay Less If You Drive Less. Persuading motorists to voluntarily drive less and thereby reduce gasoline consumption, air pollution, traffic congestion and motor vehicle accidents is a concept that deserves public and private support. California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner agrees. To that end, he has released regulations allowing mileage verification for pay-as-you-drive green insurance policies. Posted. http://www.timesheraldonline.com/editorial/ci_13746194 http://www.contracostatimes.com/opinion/ci_13720723 Our View: Cool Car Proposal Nonsense. Sacramento can be a caricature of bumbling, well-intentioned, paternalistic nonsense. The problem is, when government agencies like the state Air Resources Board stumble ahead with hare-brained schemes, it creates real-life costs and harm. Posted. http://www.appeal-democrat.com/articles/air-88391-car-board.html Our View: Climate Bill May Become Cold Case. A global warming bill to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions finally passed out of a key Senate committee last week, but in a way that may spell its demise — at least for this year. Posted. http://www.appeal-democrat.com/articles/view-88482-become-bill.html Editorial: Climate Change Bill Is In Trouble. Political tactics tie up the Senate version, and efforts to salvage it may be too little too late. If you think the partisan divide over healthcare reform is ugly, take a look at the animus in the Senate as debate continues on a key climate change bill. So wide is the gulf that long-held Senate traditions on decorum are breaking down. And as Washington fiddles, the Earth burns. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-climate8-2009nov08,0,2966561.story Solarcity Aims To Make Solar Power More Affordable. Foster City, Calif. — Lyndon Rive, a former member of the U.S. National Underwater Hockey team, didn't have a mother who doted on him. She worked until 11 p.m. most nights and didn't go to his boyhood sporting events. Corporate Pulse: Executive Suite front page. Yet, Rive considers her the "best mother in the world" and not because she retired at age 45 as a millionaire. "She always supported me in whatever I wanted to do," Rive says. Posted. http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/management/entre/2009-11-09-solarcity09_CV_N.htm Obama Names San Francisco City Leader to Head EPA Regional Office for California. President Obama on Thursday selected a prominent San Francisco environmental leader to run the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency region that oversees California and large sections of the West. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_13724469 Bee Exclusive: State's Recycled Paper Trail Not So Green For Climate. Near Mark Oldfield's desk at the California Department of Conservation sits a ream of copy paper that is more than a routine office commodity. Made in part from recycled fiber, it is a symbol of the state's green spirit, one ream among thousands backing the department's claim that it is a champion of the environment – and complies with state law requiring it to buy recycled paper. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/v-print/story/2314229.html Guest Contributor: $2.4 Million For Diesel Vehicles; Filters Also Option. Healdsburg – State air-quality regulators and factory representatives briefed local businesses on new regulations and retrofit options as some older diesel-powered vehicles must be retired in the next two years. More than 100 Sonoma County businesses came to hear Brandon Rose, air pollution specialist with the California Air Resources Board; Anthony Fournier, supervising environmental planner with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District; and Peter Tuckerman, president of Sacramento-based equipment vendor and servicer Emissions Retrofit Group. Posted. http://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/16581/guest-contributor-2-4-million-for-diesel-vehicles-filters-also-option/print/ Some Utilities Push Congress to Act on Carbon Emissions. Utility executives are stepping up calls for legislation to cap greenhouse-gas emissions, fearing that if Congress doesn't act, the EPA will establish rules that would be costlier and less effective. The executives' desire for prompt action is colliding with Washington's focus on other issues and growing reluctance to tamper with power-industry costs during a weak economy. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125773125612937565.html# Bay Area Agency Says Check Before You Burn. The seasonal gravitation toward wood stoves and roaring fires has the Bay Area Air Quality Management District on the offensive to ensure people understand and abide by a year-old ban on burning solid fuels during the worst air days. Posted. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20091108/ARTICLES/911089977/1349?Title=Burn-notices-go-high-tech Tehama County Will Consider Pollution Fees. Tehama County will consider Tuesday whether to impose fees on new construction to reduce the effects of air pollution. The county Board of Supervisors, sitting as directors of the Air Pollution Control District, will review the proposal for the second time in two weeks. Posted. http://www.redding.com/news/2009/nov/08/tehama-county-will-consider-pollution-fees/ http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13729294 EPA To Impose Standards on PVC Plant Emissions. The Environmental Protection Agency will set new nationwide emission standards for makers of polyvinyl chloride, commonly known as the plastic PVC, under a settlement with environmental groups announced Thursday. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/business/story/922044.html#ixzz0WNh3GZYq http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13722174?nclick_check=1 GOP's Graham Steps Out On A Limb On Climate Change. When it comes to combating global warming, Sen. Lindsey Graham is right where he loves to be - ahead of the curve, in the mix on a major issue, at the table for high-level, bipartisan talks behind closed doors. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/politics/story/924661.html#ixzz0WNi37fNY Senate Climate Battle Shifts Onto New Turf. The Senate climate debate shifts into a higher gear this week as advocates look beyond the partisan gridlock that engulfed the Environment and Public Works Committee and onto the broader quest of finding 60 votes for floor passage. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/11/09/09climatewire-senate-climate-battle-shifts-onto-new-turf-83157.html There's No Climate for A Change Treaty. Intelligent people agree that, absent immediate radical action regarding global warming, the human race is sunk. That is a tautology because those who do not agree are, definitionally, unintelligent. Posted. http://www.vcstar.com/news/2009/nov/08/theres-no-climate-for-a-change-treaty/ San Francisco's Top Tourist Attraction Is Nation's 'Greenest' — And Perhaps Most Hip — Museum, Offering Worlds Of Information For The Whole Family. In the year since the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park reopened, it has emerged as the city’s top cultural tourist attraction, drawing more visitors than Alcatraz to the country’s “greenest” museum. Posted. http://www.vcstar.com/news/2009/nov/08/cool-science/ Daly City Considering 'Green' Building Ordinance. Daly City — The city could soon require new homes built here to feature environmentally conscious elements. Under the proposed Green Building Ordinance, developers of new residential structures would need to show their project will have a certain level of eco-friendly measures before being granted a building permit. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/ci_13739750?source=most_emailed W.Va.'s Sen. Rockefeller Stands Behind Coal. Charleston, W.Va.—U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller says current federal energy legislation doesn't do enough to protect West Virginia's coal industry. The Democrat wants to invest in new technologies, protect coal from unfair overseas trade practices and block environmental regulators from going beyond what's required by law for coal plants. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13747015 World Leaders Needed At Talks To Cut Climate Deal. Barcelona, Spain—After two years of tough U.N. climate talks often pitting the world's rich against the poor, negotiators said Friday a new global agreement now rides on industrial nations pledging profound emissions cuts next month in Copenhagen. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/science/ci_13728019 Tim Hunt: When Government And Green Logic Don't Mix. GARBAGE OR, more properly, trash sorting is the talk of the town in Pleasanton. The City Council, in its mad rush to go green, forced the local garbage company to change its previously "state of the art" sorting system. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/columns/ci_13722369 Issues To Resolve For Copenhagen Climate Talks. A list of key points negotiators hope to clarify before meeting for a decisive U.N. climate conference next month in Copenhagen, Denmark. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13728878 Tenn. Gov: Biofuels Project Criticism 'Outrageous'. Nashville, Tenn.—Gov. Phil Bredesen says a legislative staff member who attacked a state-backed initiative to turn switchgrass into ethanol is playing politics and endangering chances to land a large investment for East Tennessee. The report on the University of Tennessee's Biofuels Initiative presented to the Fiscal Review Committee on Wednesday was highly critical of changes in the project since it was first announced. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13729373 Study asks: Will Warmer World Bring Harmful Smoke? Ann Arbor, Mich.—As global warming makes wildfires more likely, scientists are trying to learn how bad the smoke is for the health of people who live downwind. Researchers at Michigan Technological University's research center in Ann Arbor are heading the study. A $452,000 federal stimulus grant from the National Institutes of Health funds the first year. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13727913 Green Product Options, Interest Gaining Ground. Green is no longer simply the word of the moment. Instead, it is a trend with staying power. At least, that’s what many kitchen and bath dealers and designers are indicating through their increasing interest in all things sustainable and environmentally sound. Posted. http://www.kitchenbathdesign.com/print/Kitchen-and-Bath-Design-News/Green-Product-Options--Interest-Gaining-Ground/2$5401 Blogs No Clear Map for Democrats on Path to New Energy Plan. On health care, President Obama and fellow Democrats face a straightforward calculus: sign an overhaul bill into law or suffer grave political damage. On energy, it is not so simple. Posted. http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/09/no-clear-map-for-democrats-on-path-to-new-energy-plan/?scp=3&sq=global%20warming&st=cse History of the Global Warming "Hoax". Whenever I hear someone say that Global Warming or Climate Change is a hoax, I wonder if they realize this "hoax" is nearly two centuries old. Two years before Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died, Jean Baptiste Joseph Fourier, a French mathematician and physicist discovered what we now call "the greenhouse effect." Posted. http://blogs.redding.com/dcraig/archives/2009/11/history-of-the.html History of the "Hoax" (Part Two). In my last blog, I took us through an ultra-brief history of 142 years of global warming science from 1824 through 1956. Before I continue this historical review of the "hoax," it might be educational to focus on one interesting aspect of this phenomenon. Posted. http://blogs.redding.com/dcraig/archives/2009/11/history-of-the-1.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:59:15 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for November 10, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for November 10, 2009. 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. Violations At Salinas Terminal Result In $21,675 Fine. Santa Maria-based Rancho Harvest has been fined $21,675 for failing to inspect its diesel trucks at a Salinas fleet center for compliance with the state's smoke emissions standards, the California Air Resources Board said today. Investigators said the company failed to conduct diesel truck smoke tests in 2006 and 2007 at the Salinas facility, as required by state law. The fine was levied last month. Posted. http://www.thecalifornian.com/article/20091109/NEWS01/91109019/1002/Violations+at+Salinas+terminal+result+in++21+675+fine Betraying Its Once-Proud Legacy: CARB Enters The Theater Of The Absurd With Its "Cool Cars" Regulations. Only in California. The former golden land has turned into a bankrupt state, where tax authorities have just sneaked in a 10% increase in withholding, giving them a neat interest-free loan until next April. Numerous actual tax increases have also been imposed this year. Still, the state controller recently noted that revenue in the budget year had already fallen more than $1 billion short of assumptions. Posted. http://www.healthnewsdigest.com/news/Environment_380/Betraying_Its_Once-Proud_Legacy_CARB_Enters_The_Theater_Of_The_Absurd_With_Its_Cool_Cars_Regulations.shtml Britain Unveils Plans For New Nuclear Power Stations. The British government on Monday unveiled plans to launch one of the world's most ambitious expansions of nuclear power capacity, calling for the construction of 10 new plants in the coming years to help meet surging energy demands in the era of global warming. After years of resisting construction of new nuclear plants, the British plan underscored how nations around the world are scrambling to find ways to generate more energy while also slashing the emissions that cause climate change. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/09/AR2009110902195_pf.html Climate-Change Panic Down Under. Kevin Rudd's attack on 'skeptics' is instructive-and bodes poorly for Copenhagen. Tough economic times have a way of clarifying political priorities and forcing people to distinguish among needs, wishes—and fantasies. So you might think a politician as canny as Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd would know better than to blame his country's new-found skepticism about the risks of global warming on something other than an evil conspiracy. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704402404574525031879821944.html?mod=googlenews_wsj#printMode Your Neighbor's Saving Energy; Why Aren't You? We all know carpooling is good for the Earth. So highway departments build high-occupancy vehicle lanes and companies offer prime parking spaces for employees who share rides. But carpooling is unlikely to save the environment. It's too hard. So say scientists who have studied how people confront environmental and energy challenges. Carpooling, they say, has low "plasticity" -- that is, people are unwilling to do it -- so its "reasonably achievable emissions reductions" are low, as well. Unfortunately, that is not how U.S. policymakers see it. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/11/10/1 UN and INTERNATIONAL UN's Ban To Lobby US Congress On Climate Change. United Nations - U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will visit Washington on Tuesday to lobby U.S. congressional leaders and government officials over next month's climate change summit in Copenhagen, U.N. officials said. The world body wants to clinch a deal at Copenhagen to set new greenhouse gas emissions goals but hopes are fading that a legally binding treaty among all U.N. members can be finalized at the Dec. 7-18 U.N. summit in the Danish capital. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN09271643 Texas Gov. Perry: Cap-And-Trade Would Harm State. Austin, Texas—Texas Gov. Rick Perry told renewable energy industry officials that a cap-and-trade climate bill in Congress would increase taxes and devastate the state's energy sector. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13748373 A Parley Between The Globe's 2 Largest Emitters. Climate change will claim center stage when President Obama travels next week to China and throughout Asia, administration officials said yesterday. But experts both in the United States and China cautioned that the two countries are unlikely to announce agreements on greenhouse gas mitigation targets or money to help spark a low-carbon economy. Those issues loom over the international climate talks set to begin next month in Copenhagen and by most accounts are not going to be resolved quickly. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/11/10/4 IEA Issues Warning On Global Warming, Energy Investment Needs. Nations must invest $37 trillion in energy technologies by 2030 to stabilize greenhouse gas emissions at sustainable levels and meet energy needs, the International Energy Agency warned today. IEA's "World Energy Outlook" raises the stakes for U.N. climate talks in Copenhagen, Denmark. Delaying the shift to low-carbon energy by just a few years, it says, will make it impossible to avert catastrophic temperature rises. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/11/10/2 Heavyweight Corporate Coalition Urges Senate To Boost Int'l Offsets. A coalition of corporate heavyweights urged key senators today to boost international offsets in pending climate legislation. Eighteen companies -- ranging from major utilities and mining companies to technology groups and chemical businesses -- urged lawmakers to ensure that climate legislation includes major roles for offsets to reduce the costs imposed by a cap-and-trade program for greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/11/10/3 Merkel Wants Climate Action From US, China, India. Berlin—German Chancellor Angela Merkel called Tuesday for the U.S., China and India to make substantive pledges of action against global warming in order to prevent the failure of next month's climate summit in Copenhagen. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13753418 Energy Agency Warns Of Falling Investment. Paris—The global financial crisis has led to a dangerous drop in energy investment around the world which could choke off the nascent economic recovery, the International Energy Agency said Tuesday. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13753433 Carbon Storage? Not Under My House! Barendrecht, Netherlands—The people of this small Dutch town are not against pumping tons of carbon dioxide into the ground to fight global warming. They just wish it wasn't right beneath their houses. "Who wants to live in Barendrecht if one of these CO2 things is built?" said retiree Marianne van Heugten. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13753892 Gore Skeptical Of 'Clean Coal' In Dominican Address. Former Vice President Al Gore voiced support Monday for the Obama Administration's plan to build a "supergrid" that could carry the electricity generated by solar, wind and other renewable resources from remote parts of the nation to America's cities. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13751818 Report: Extreme Weather Will Be Seen On Yangtze. Beijing—Increased droughts, floods and storms will hit China's Yangtze River Basin over the next few decades, the result of rising temperatures globally, according to a report released Tuesday. Climate change will trigger extreme weather conditions along the country's longest river, but strategies can be taken to control it, said the report, issued by the environmental group WWF-China. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13750581 Planet Panel. Excerpts from comments by The Post's panel of experts (William O'Keefe, chief executive of the George C. Marshall Institute, and a former chief operating officer the American Petroleum Institute and Bernard Finel is a senior fellow at the American Security Project.) on climate change. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/06/AR2009110603538.html Obama Willing To Go To Copenhagen For Climate Deal. Washington -- President Barack Obama said Monday that he'd be willing to attend an international climate summit in Copenhagen next month if it appears a deal is in the offing and his presence there would help clinch it. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/politics/story/926883.html Agency Reduces Forecast for Oil Consumption. The International Energy Agency has reduced its long-term forecast for global oil consumption as countries increase the use of alternative energy sources and as the economic crisis slows demand. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/11/business/energy-environment/11oil.html Carbon Markets Struggling to Emerge From Communism's Rubble. A surplus of U.N. carbon emission credits piling up across Central and Eastern Europe is threatening to destabilize nascent carbon markets across the world and dampen efforts to curb global warming, market experts and politicians say. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/11/09/09greenwire-carbon-markets-struggling-to-emerge-from-commun-7546.html Afloat in the Ocean, Expanding Islands of Trash. ABOARD THE ALGUITA, 1,000 miles northeast of Hawaii — In this remote patch of the Pacific Ocean, hundreds of miles from any national boundary, the detritus of human life is collecting in a swirling current so large that it defies precise measurement. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/10/science/10patch.html Blogs Pay Up, Prosperous Nations. Global Warming Bill Is Due. A top Nigerian climate change official (yeah, they have officials for this stuff these days), said today that developed countries - that’s us - must pledge cash - that’s yours - to help his country deal with the effects of global warming. Posted. http://orangepunch.freedomblogging.com/2009/11/09/pay-up-prosperous-nations-global-warming-bill-is-due/14041/ Fresh Demands From ‘Front-Line States’ in Climate Fight. The “climate divide” between countries that are rich and poor, insulated from climate impacts and vulnerable to them, was on vivid display in the Maldives over the last few days. Posted. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/10/fresh-demands-from-front-line-states-in-climate-fight/ Universities Look for Heat Underground. In an effort to cut their carbon footprints, a handful of universities around the country are turning to ground-source heat exchangers and geothermal heating — sometimes with the help of federal financing. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/09/universities-turn-to-geothermal/ Climate Fight: EPA Sends Global Warming Finding to White House. Congress might be a long way from passing legislation to fight climate change, but the Obama administration appears one step closer to creating its own regime for controlling greenhouse gases. On Monday, the Environmental Protection Agency announced it sent the White House Office of Management and Budget its proposed finding that greenhouse gases endanger human health and welfare. Adoption of that endangerment finding is the legal precursor to regulating such gases under the Clean Air Act. Posted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/11/09/climate-fight-epa-sends-global-warming-finding-to-white-house/tab/print/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:11:25 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for November 12, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for November 12, 2009. 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. New Solar Panel Promises Cheaper Power. The roof of a North Sacramento plastics factory will host the biggest West Coast installation of a new type of solar panel. The technology, built by Fremont's Solyndra Inc., uses racks of solar cells roughly the size and shape of long fluorescent light tubes. The shape allows the panels to harvest sunlight from any angle, including what's reflected from the white rooftops common on large commercial buildings. The technology promises to cut the cost of solar power. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/378/story/2320164.html Teens Work On Artificial Tree Towers' To Help Environment. Kansas City, Mo. -- When is a tree that acts like a tree not a tree at all? When it's a metal tower that absorbs, transforms and stores carbon dioxide and is made by two teenage math and science whizzes as a research project on climate change. Tyler Clark, 17, of St. John, Kan., and Ben Davis, 16, of Wichita, Kan., both high school juniors attending the Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science at Fort Hays State University, expect to build what are being called "artificial tree towers." The towers will reduce the carbon footprint and play a role in slowing global warming. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/2318804.html Rules Allowing Forest Clearcuts Must Go, Group Tells Air Board. Clearcutting in Sierra Nevada timberland will do nothing to protect the planet from climate change, an environmental group contends. The Center for Biological Diversity is asking the state to rescind new rules that allow the practice as part of climate-friendly forestry. The rules aim to increase the amount of carbon that is absorbed by trees rather than drifting into the atmosphere, where it could contribute to global warming. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/local/v-print/story/930381.html Editorial Notebook: Don't Be A 'Blofeld' With A Leaf Blower. Autumn is supposed to be a season of quiet splendor, a time to reflect on the rhythms of nature as leaves fall from their boughs. Yet reflection is difficult when some guy with a gas-powered leaf blower is kicking up a storm of choking dust. It's a cloud that many of us encounter regularly while walking and bicycling through the city. Some in leafy Sacramento have suggested an all-out ban on leaf blowers. I'm not ready to go there yet. But given the season, it may be a good time for a sneak preview of a book I'm drafting, titled "Leaf Blowing for Dummies." Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/v-print/story/2320074.html Poop Power. Fire Up Ol’ Bessie, Ma, We’re Gonna Save The Planet! Eat manure for money? Sounds gross, but that’s exactly what the bacteria at Tollenaar Holstein in Elk Grove are doing, and it’s paying off for owners Jon and Tami Tollenaar. They’ve got 2,000 head of cattle on their 300-acre ranch, but not as many cow patties as you might think. That’s because much of the animal waste is processed in an anaerobic digester that converts cow manure into energy. Fuel produced by the machine feeds a generator that provides more than enough electricity for the dairy’s operations. Surplus power is sold to SMUD, and the proceeds now account for 5 percent of the dairy’s revenue. Posted. http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/PrintFriendly?oid=1317547 SLO County Employees Could Work From Home. Working from home will likely be an option for San Luis Obispo County employees starting next year. With a 5-0 vote Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors directed administrative office staff to create countywide policies for employee telecommuting and flexible work schedules for possible implementation next year. Utilizing alternative work schedules will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1999 levels by 2020 as mandated by the state. Posted. http://www.santamariatimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_2ee6cae4-ce96-11de-87af-001cc4c03286.html Low-Emission Technologies Need Assist From Policymakers – Report. Several low-emission technologies have the potential to transform the transportation sector within five years if policymakers and regulators can help clear hurdles to commercial markets, according to a new report. The report, released Tuesday by the consulting firm Accenture, identifies 12 technologies -- including algae-based biofuels, next-generation internal combustion engines and electrification -- that it considers most likely to quickly transform the fuels sector. But those technologies will need help, the report says. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/11/12/6 Denmark Invites 191 Leaders To UN Climate Talks. Copenhagen, Denmark - Denmark sent invitations Thursday to 191 world leaders to attend next month's U.N. climate conference in Copenhagen, officials said. The invitations, signed by Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen, were dispatched through diplomatic channels. "Your personal attendance is a pivotal contribution to a successful outcome" of the Dec. 7-18 conference, said the letter from Loekke Rasmussen, who will chair the talks aimed at reaching a new global accord to replace the 1997 Kyoto Protocol to curb emissions of greenhouse gases blamed for global warming. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/11/12/international/i054901S77.DTL&type=printable http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13770692 Building A Business Around A Transportable, 'Green' Refinery. To some, the word "biodiesel" evokes memories of college stunts -- a few starry-eyed students collecting grease at a local restaurant before sputtering cross-country in a van. A small company based in California has other ideas: It wants to build small refineries that can bring the fuel -- and electricity -- to billions of rural people who may not even have access to the grid. According to the International Energy Agency, about 1.5 billion people, or 1 in 5, have no access to electricity. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/11/12/4 Study Claims Up To $13B In Profits For Farmers In Cap And Trade. Farmers hold divided views on how climate policies will affect their bottom line, a fact that has injected itself deeply into the debates on Capitol Hill. A new University of Tennessee study predicts profits -- up to $13 billion a year -- in a cap-and-trade plan, provided the right incentives fall into line. Except for rice, eight of nine major crops, including soy, wheat and corn, would benefit from the program over the next 15 years, it found. "Agriculture comes out a winner, environmentally and economically, in this scenario. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/11/12/5 Melting Ice Could Aid In Offsetting Global Warming – Study. The melting ice in Antarctica has opened a new area of sea where tiny marine plants have bloomed and are absorbing extra carbon from the atmosphere, according to a group of British scientists. "We need to factor this natural carbon absorption into our calculations and models to predict future climate change," said Lloyd Peck of the British Antarctic Survey. "So far, we don't know if we will see more events like this around the rest of Antarctica's coast, but it's something we'll be keeping an eye on." Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/11/12/7 Editorial Roundup: Excerpts From Recent Editorials. Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Leader, on climate change: It's easy to see why people don't want to believe that global warming is real or that we can do anything about it. ... Climate change is real, though, and judging from the loss of polar ice, it's advancing even faster than scientists predicted. ... Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13762735?nclick_check=1 NBC Enlists Prime-Time Programs In Green Message. New York—NBC gives new meaning to the phrase "green screen" next week, spreading a pro-environmental message across five of its prime-time entertainment programs. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/entertainment/ci_13761900 Carbon Capture Projects Around The World. A quick survey of carbon capture projects and efforts around the world. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13754133 Warming Drives Off Cape Cod's Namesake, Other Fish. Portland, Maine—Fishermen have known for years that they've had to steam farther and farther from shore to find the cod, haddock and winter flounder that typically fill dinner plates in New England. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13769701 Tiny Car Has Big Potential. The tiny Nano cars made by India's Tata Motors are starting to hit the road in that country after a land dispute forced the relocation of the car's manufacturing plant and delayed its launch. Analysts say the Nano could rock the international auto industry and put millions of new Indian drivers on the road. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/11/AR2009111127526.html Pollution Penalties. In a strategy laid out in draft form Monday, the Obama administration listed possible punishments for states in the Chesapeake Bay watershed that miss their deadlines for reducing pollution. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/09/AR2009110903172.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:37:02 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for November 14-16, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for November 14-16, 2009. 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. Nuts & Bolts. 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid. The bottom line: The 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid is more of a fashion statement than it is an environmental, conservation or performance statement. Equally good fuel economy, with emissions low enough to meet the tough air quality standards of the California Air Resources Board, can be had through the company's advanced diesel offerings, such as the E320 BlueTec sedan. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/13/AR2009111302852_pf.html OPINION: Clearing The Air. ‘Cool cars’ backfire,” Editorial, Nov. 8 Re “ You mischaracterize the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) new standard to reduce air conditioning use in cars. The standard is performance-based and allows automakers to develop their own approach to meet the targets. Five automakers already offer "cool windows" technology as a standard feature without interfering with cellphone or GPS use. Pittsburgh Glass Works, Guardian Industries and 3M are already commercializing new products that comply with the 2012 target. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/letters/ OPINION: The Times Makes A Very Insightful Observation About The CARB Regulation: "Don't mandate specific technologies, just set broad standards and let manufacturers or polluters figure out how to meet them." What The Times misses is that this approach has been going on for years. As far back as 2005, CARB has affected international shipping by dictating specific technologies and fuels rather than limiting emissions. This approach creates a disincentive for innovation, a competitive disadvantage for the goods-movement industry in California and uncertainty for the industry. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/letters/ So You Want A Green Career? The giant push for eco-friendly practices has created job opportunities for those with little or no experience. Although the recession has emptied shopping malls and filled jobless centers, the call has only gotten louder for renewable energy, environmentally gentle products and eco-friendly practices -- and for people to make all of that happen. President Obama has said that he hopes to create 5 million green jobs within a decade. The U.S. Conference of Mayors estimates that the "green economy" could account for as much as 10% of job growth over the next 30 years. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-cover-greenjobs15-2009nov15,0,2216970,print.story Nissan Is Turning Over A New Zero-Emission Leaf. The electric car, which made its U.S. debut Friday in L.A., is set to go on sale in select markets in the U.S., Europe and Japan next year and go global in 2012. On the vast expanse of asphalt outside Dodger Stadium, Nissan Motor Co.'s new electric car made its U.S. debut Friday, zipping quietly through a maze of orange cones on its way to what the Japanese automaker hopes will be the top of the clean transportation class. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-nissan-leaf14-2009nov14,0,424493,print.story How Can China, U.S. Address Climate Change? President Obama will make his first visit to China this week. This is probably the most important bilateral talk before the climate negotiations in Copenhagen, where the world will be pressing both the United States and China to act. California, the world's eighth-largest economy, is seen as a model of policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/16/ED7K1AK0MD.DTL&type=printable Changing Climate, Changing Lives. Desperate Climate Times Call For Oddball Measures. As global warming concerns grow, scientists are taking seriously some of the seemingly crazy proposals of geo-engineering. One suggestion: Launch a million tiny mirrors into space. Every minute. If there were some kind of panic button to stop global warming, what would it look like? How about billions of tiny mirrors, launched into orbit to deflect solar rays away from Earth? Or big, fluffy clouds, artificially whitened so they reflect more sunlight back into space? Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-fg-climate-weird-science15-2009nov15,0,1992457,print.story http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-fg-climate-weird-science15-2009nov15,0,2255836.story VIDEO: New Locomotives Cause Less Pollution. The National Railway Equipment Co. based out of Illinois, is producing new "ultra low emissions locomotives" that produce far less toxic and noise pollution than their older counterparts. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2009/11/13/VI2009111302983.html Brazil: Emissions Cut Is Pledged. Brazil will try for a minimum reduction of 36 percent in its greenhouse gas emissions from projected levels in 2020, the government said Friday, pledging a deep cut weeks before a United Nations climate summit meeting. The pledge, while not binding, aims to encourage other nations to adopt aggressive cuts and make a global deal more likely at the meeting in December in Copenhagen. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/14/world/americas/14WebBriefs-BrazilBrf.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13781394 Obama Hobbled in Fight Against Global Warming. Washington — President Obama came into office pledging to end eight years of American inaction on climate change under President George W. Bush, and all year he has promised that the United States would lead the way toward a global agreement in Copenhagen next month to address the warming planet. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/16/science/earth/16climate.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print Now What Do The Copenhagen Climate Talks Mean? Obama and other leaders acknowledge the U.N. conference next month will not produce a final agreement. But that could accelerate progress in the U.S. -- and beyond. By acknowledging over the weekend that the world would have to wait at least until next year for a legally binding treaty to curb global warming, President Obama and fellow Pacific Rim leaders dramatically lowered expectations for next month's climate negotiations in Copenhagen. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg--obama-climate-qa16-2009nov16,0,141475,print.story Summit Urged To Set Climate Accord Deadline. Copenhagen, Denmark - Next month's summit on climate change in Copenhagen must set a deadline for a legally binding document, Denmark's climate minister said Monday. Connie Hedegaard said it is very important to set the deadline "as soon as possible" in the text to be agreed upon in the Danish capital. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/11/16/international/i041421S49.DTL&type=printable Obama: US, China Must Cooperate On Global Issues. Shanghai - President Barack Obama says there are very few global challenges that can be solved unless the U.S. and China cooperate. Obama says climate change is one of the most critical challenges. As nations prepare for next month's climate change conference in Copenhagen, Obama says leaders will be watching what the U.S. and China do. He says "that is the burden of leadership that both of our countries now carry." Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/11/15/international/i214138S31.DTL&type=printable APEC Urges New Growth Model, Climate Pact Progress. Singapore - Open trade and people-centered strategies are key for sustained, stable growth, President Barack Obama and Asia-Pacific leaders said Sunday, pledging to persist with stimulus spending until a global recovery is assured. The leaders wrapped up the annual meeting of the 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum with a joint pledge to resist protectionism. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/11/14/financial/f092754S33.DTL&type=printable World Leaders Agree To Delay Climate Pact. Singapore - President Obama and other world leaders have decided to put off the difficult task of reaching a climate change agreement at a global climate conference scheduled for next month, agreeing instead to make it the mission of the Copenhagen conference to reach a less specific "politically binding" agreement that would punt the most difficult issues into the future. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/15/MN7Q1AKHTE.DTL&type=printable In Asia, Obama Talks Climate, Arms Control. Singapore — President Barack Obama and nearly two dozen fellow leaders from Europe and the Asia-Pacific region agreed Sunday that next month's much-anticipated international climate change meetings will be merely a way station — not the once hoped-for end point — in the difficult search for a worldwide global warming treaty. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13793071 Denmark: Copenhagen Talks Must Set Deadline For Legally Binding Climate Deal. Copenhagen — With a global warming pact out of reach this year, a key climate summit in Copenhagen next month must set a deadline for a legally binding treaty, Denmark's climate minister said Monday. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-climate,0,2714950.story Clinton: No Binding Climate Deal At Denmark Talks. Manila, Philippines—Next month's climate change summit in Copenhagen is not likely to produce a legally binding treaty to cut the greenhouse gas emissions that are widely blamed for global warming, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Friday. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13779178 Obama Urges All Nations To Fight Climate Change. Tokyo—President Barack Obama is calling on all nations to accept responsibility for fighting climate change. But he says he's not expecting that it will be easy to reach an agreement at a climate change summit next month in Copenhagen. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13783385 Debate Over Climate Bill's Impact On Jobs Sharpens. A think tank with close ties to the White House on Friday spun assertions about manufacturing job losses tied to a climate bill in the opposite direction, claiming big future job gains in the clean energy sector. "When you have a 10-and-a-half percent rate of unemployment or more, it's sort of an all-of-the-above strategy," said former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.), who is now a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/11/16/3 China Tussles With E.U., U.S. Over Drive To Cut Gas Emissions. China is coming up against harsh criticism from the United States and European Union for its efforts to curb pollution. China decided last year to begin levying a 40 percent tax on coke used to make steel, which prompted the United States and European Union to formally cry foul to the World Trade Organization last week, saying the tariffs unfairly inflate prices for overseas buyers. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/11/16/7 Carbon-Cutting, Southern-Style. The southern United States has a new mountain of data on how to cut greenhouse gas emissions cheaply. Last week, the Center for Climate Strategies released a sweeping report analyzing the carbon-cutting potential of 23 activities in the region, such as nuclear power and "soil carbon management." Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/11/16/4 Drop In Nevada Carbon Dioxide Emissions Reported. Las Vegas—An environmental advocacy group says carbon dioxide emissions in Nevada fell 12.5 percent from 2004 to 2007. Environment Nevada released a report Thursday attributing the decrease in emissions to the shutdown of a coal-fired power plant near Laughlin. The group also reported decreases in emissions in the residential, industrial, commercial and transportation sectors. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13780913 Temperature Records: More Highs Than Lows. Washington—Record high temperatures are occurring more than twice as often as record lows. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_13771576 Nevada Researcher Gets Grant To Study Ice Cores. Reno, Nev.—A scientist at the Desert Research Institute in Reno has been awarded more than $3.2 million in grant funding to study ice cores and climate change in the Arctic and Antarctic. Joseph McConnell is a research professor in DRI's Division of Hydrologic Sciences and director of its Ultra-Trace Chemistry Laboratory. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13783035 Hawaii's Famed White Sandy Beaches Are Shrinking. Kailua, Hawaii—Jenn Boneza remembers when the white sandy beach near the boat ramp in her hometown was wide enough for people to build sand castles. "It really used to be a beautiful beach," said the 35-year-old mother of two. "And now when you look at it, it's gone." Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13788773?nclick_check=1 Pests On Move Worldwide As Climate Warms. A look at some other pests that are benefiting or could benefit from global warming: _Ticks that transmit Lyme disease are spreading northward into Sweden and Canada, once too cold for them. _Giant Humboldt squid have reached waters as far north as British Columbia, threatening fisheries along much of the western North American coast. _Malaria-carrying mosquitoes are now found in South Korea, the Papua New Guinea highlands, and other places previously not warm enough for them. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gypLZyj7WBqeMf0f9Xn7CHSeODgwD9C0DOV80 New Greenpeace Chief Has Fought Apartheid, Poverty. Johannesburg, -- An anti-apartheid campaigner who on Monday became the head of the environmental group Greenpeace says he will use his activism know-how to spur governments into reversing climate change, stressing that unless dramatic steps are taken "all the world is going to sink." Kumi Naidoo is the first African to head Greenpeace, said Gerd Leipold, his predecessor. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/11/16/international/i003539S82.DTL&type=printable EDITORIAL: Under The Chamber's Cyber-Skin. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is overreacting to a parody tweaking its stance on global warming. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has emerged in recent years as a vigorous proponent of strong intellectual-property laws, joining the entertainment industry, publishers and software developers in pushing the government to do more to combat counterfeit goods and digital piracy. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-yesmen16-2009nov16,0,5432875,print.story OPINION: Ethiopia, Malnutrition and Climate Change. Focusing on global warming at the expense of food aid is immoral. Global warming has captured the attention of politicians around the world. The following article is part of a series leading up to the December United Nations conference in Copenhagen on how ordinary people in different countries view the issue: Konget Mekonen and his wife Mulegata Tesfaye laugh when they are asked what would improve their standard of living. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704431804574537391296901758.html?mod=googlenews_wsj#printMode EDITORIAL: President Obama in China. Economy, Security and, Yes, Human Rights Ever since Richard Nixon opened the door in 1972, all presidents have faced a balancing act with China. For President Obama, who arrived in China on Sunday, the challenge is even tougher and more urgent. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/16/opinion/16mon1.html?sq=global%20warming&st=cse&scp=4&pagewanted=print Letters To The Editor. Recycling is easy - and important. San Francisco's mandatory recycling law has been in effect for two weeks, and it's about time. Though our city leads the nation with the most comprehensive mandatory recycling law, the step we've been missing is green recycling in apartments. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/15/EDA01AI0HS.DTL&type=printable Polluter Pays: Dutch Government Will Slash Road Tax In Favor Of Tax-Per-Kilometer. Amsterdam — The Dutch government plans to bring the polluter-pays principle into the home garage. Rather than an annual road tax for their cars, drivers will soon pay a few cents for every kilometer (mile) on the road, in a plan aimed at breaking chronic traffic jams and cutting carbon emissions, the Cabinet decided Friday. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-eu-netherlands-car-tax,0,123541.story For Some Smokers, Even Home Is Off Limits. The movement to ban smoking in New York City has grown so quickly that no place seems immune — certainly not restaurants or bars, and public beaches and parks may not be far behind. Now the efforts are rapidly expanding into the living room. More landlords are moving to prohibit smoking in their apartment buildings, telling prospective tenants they can be evicted if they light up in them. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/16/nyregion/16smoke.html?_r=1&hp=&pagewanted=print Jellyfish Swarm Northward In Warming World. Kokonogi, Japan - A blood-orange blob the size of a small refrigerator emerged from the dark waters, its venomous tentacles trapped in a fishing net. Within minutes, hundreds more were being hauled up, a pulsating mass crowding out the catch of mackerel and sea bass. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/11/15/international/i094115S54.DTL&type=printable http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_13794935 Mitzelfelt: Put Solar Project Somewhere Else. Environmental groups and County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt say a massive solar energy project planned for a site near the Nevada border should be built elsewhere to protect pristine desert habitat that is home to several endangered species. Posted. http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_13794772?source=rss Wind Farm Plan Irks Activists. Towers would be built in remote McCain Valley. A 25-turbine wind farm looms over Interstate 8 in East County. A 100-tower farm is proposed for federal land near Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. A remote corner of East County is shaping up as a battleground between companies pushing wind farms as clean and cheap power generators and activists who view them as a blight on the landscape. Posted. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/nov/15/wind-farm-plan-irks-activists/ Lesson To Be Learned From Deforestation. The Nazca people of Peru - famous for their huge line drawings on a desert plateau that are fully visible only from the air - set the stage for their collapse around the year 500 by deforesting the plain, allowing a flood free rein through the Rio Ica valley, researchers have found.. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/15/MN6O1AE200.DTL&type=printable Blogs California’s Green Car Roadmap to 2050. One hundred percent of car sales will be zero emission vehicles in 2050. That’s the vision of the California Air Resources Board, explained in a meeting in late October to review the state's zero emission vehicle (ZEV) strategy. At the meeting, the agency outlined the roadmap for getting there. What’s the basis of the CARB plan? It’s not an estimate of how rapidly ZEV technologies like battery and fuel cell-powered vehicles are likely to develop. Posted. http://www.hybridcars.com/incentives-laws/california-green-car-roadmap-2050-26231.html Global Warming After Copenhagen. Via The Blackboard we learn that world leaders have abandoned any hope of reaching an agreement at December's meeting of the great and the good to fight global warming. And although there will be blather and bother and deadlines drawn, it's really time to sit down and have a good think about this. Here in the United States we should break apart the omnibus climate change package and focus on individual initiatives that make a difference. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-9111-SF-Environmental-Policy-Examiner~y2009m11d15-Global-warming-after-Copenhagen# Yard Equipment: What You Don’t Know. Did you know that Prior to the use of catalytic converters in January 2007, it was estimated that engines with less than 50 horsepower accounted for 7 percent of smog emissions in California, the equivalent of about 3 million cars? It’s old news that our environment is full of pollutants from automobiles, heavy equipment, factories, and trash, but you probably didn’t know that your lawn mower may be contributing as well. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-29935-Riverside-County-Buzz-Examiner~y2009m11d16-Yard-equipment-what-you-dont-know# ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:30:46 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for November 17, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for November 17, 2009. 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. Omega Waste Fined By State. The California Air Resources Board fined commercial recycler Omega Waste Management Inc., also known as Specialized Fibers, $7,950 last month for diesel emission violations during 2007 and 2008. A resource board investigation showed that Omega Waste Management, Inc. of Corning failed to properly inspect its heavy-duty diesel on-road vehicles and failed to comply with the solid waste collection vehicle rule’s retrofit and emission control labeling requirements. Posted. http://www.corning-observer.com/news/waste-6366-omega-diesel.html New Climate Law Analysis To Reflect Economic Downturn. California's economic case for tackling climate change will change next month when it releases a new analysis that includes the cost of several new programs and the current economic downturn. California came under fire from economists last year when it released an optimistic economic analysis of the state's 2006 global warming law, A.B. 32. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/11/17/6 Webb Blasts Cap And Trade. Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) slammed major climate legislation yesterday and sharply criticized cap and trade as a concept. The Virginia Democrat, one of a handful of potential swing voters on an ultimate global warming package, said he would not support climate legislation sponsored by Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) that just passed through the Environment and Public Works Committee. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/11/17/5 Protestors Rally Against Deal Between Long Beach Port And Trucking Industry. Long Beach - A coalition of environmental and labor groups, truck drivers and community activists rallied outside Long Beach port headquarters Monday evening to denounce a recently signed deal between port executives and the trucking industry that protestors insist violates state law and undermines the port's authority to enforce a plan to rid the harbor of polluting big rigs. Posted. http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_13801548?source=rss New Emissions Guidelines Worries Truckers. Oakland, CA - Truckers are packing a meeting room in Oakland. They're worried about the tough new emissions standards set by the California Air Resources Board that will go into effect at the port of Oakland at the first of the year. Truckers expressed their concerns to local and state air quality officials as well as the Port of Oakland. They are looking for last-minute relief from new state emission standards they say could cost them their livelihoods. Posted. http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/east_bay&id=7122215&pt=print California Air Resources Board Releases Results of Electronic Signal Testing on Reflective Glass; Finds No Interference with Ankle Bracelets or Cell Phones, GPS Units Affected in Some Cases. As part of its work toward enacting auto glass regulations in the state of California, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has released information on testing it has conducted on the reflective glass that could be required by the legislation and its impact on electronic frequencies and signals. Posted. http://glassbytes.com/newsCARB20091116.htm U.S. Official Expects Commitment to Climate Financing. Washington -- A United Nations summit on climate change scheduled for next month is likely to yield a financial commitment by rich countries to help poor countries fight the effects of warmer temperatures, President Barack Obama's top adviser on energy and climate change said Tuesday. The official, Carol Browner, stopped short of saying how much the U.S. would commit to help developing countries adapt to and mitigate rising greenhouse-gas emissions. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125847489735152229.html?mod=googlenews_wsj#printMode Survey: Gov'ts See Climate Change As Aid Challenge. Nairobi, Kenya — A global network of aid agencies says world powers consider climate change the most significant challenge to humanitarian work. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies says rich, middle-income and poor nations expect aid agencies to face more demands caused by climate change-related emergencies such as floods. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hNArs-idaw9nPlMIl9Vwon40cWUQD9C19E180 Green Wave Energy Is Trying To Turn Wind Power Market On Its Axis. The company and investors are banking on the unconventional design of its microturbines that can generate energy by capturing breezes from any direction. The potential for profit is blowing in the wind, and Green Wave Energy Corp. plans to catch it. Among its secret weapons: an 11-foot-tall, blazingly white, nearly indestructible prototype generator that produces as much as 11 kilowatts of electricity using gusts of wind. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-smallbiz-greenwave17-2009nov17,0,6806836,print.story U.S. vs. China: Working Together on Global Warming? Global warming is a problem that spans the entire world, but when it comes to figuring out how to stop it, the burden will largely fall on two countries: the U.S. and China. The U.S. is the world's largest historic carbon emitter, responsible for putting more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere over the past century and a half than any other nation. China recently surpassed the U.S. as the current top emitter, and will be responsible for more greenhouse gases in the future than any other country. Posted. http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/printout/0,29239,1929071_1929070_1940013,00.html# Editorial: From Copenhagen To Nopenhagen For Climate Treaty. In a major blow to the campaign against the presumed threat of global warming, world leaders acknowledge that a legally binding global treaty won't be approved at next month's 192-nation climate conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. The concession Sunday significantly delays U.N. efforts to orchestrate a treaty to limit greenhouse gases to replace the Kyoto treaty, which expires in 2012. Nations like the United States and poorer nations share the blame for the missed deadline. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/common/printer/view.php?db=ocregister&id=219678 Copenhagen's Collapse. The climate change sequel is a bust. 'Now is the time to confront this challenge once and for all," President-elect Obama said of global warming last November. "Delay is no longer an option." It turns out that delay really is an option—the only one that has world-wide support. Over the weekend Mr. Obama bowed to reality and admitted that little of substance will come of the climate-change summit in Copenhagen next month. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704431804574540002267533772.html Low-Emission Locomotives May Boost Public Health. A new crop of "ultra-low emission" short-haul locomotives could have significant public health benefits, according to rail industry officials and federal health experts, who suggest that they could help decrease the risk of cancer and heart and respiratory disease for people living near rail yards. Switcher engines that move train cars between tracks in rail yards make up a small percentage of the trains in service nationwide. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/16/AR2009111603882_pf.html Capitol Corridor Train Engine Overhauled To Burn The Cleanest Among Passenger Trains in California. A cleaner era in train travel begins in the Bay Area today with the debut of an engine overhauled for $826,000 to burn cleaner than any other diesel passenger train in California. The Bay Area and Sacramento air pollution districts are joining the federal Environmental Protection Agency this morning in an Oakland news conference to roll out the train locomotive for service on the Capitol Corridor line from San Jose to Sacramento. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13807446 Bristlecone's Growth May Reflect Global Warming. Bristlecone pines, those ancient and iconic trees on many of California's mountaintops, reflect the impact of global warming in a curious way - not by dying off like coral reefs in the world's oceans, but by growing faster than at any time in the past thousands of years, scientists have discovered. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/17/BAI61ALAHV.DTL&type=printable U.S., China Ventures Target 'Clean Coal,' Shale Gas. Several U.S. companies today announced "clean coal" ventures with their Chinese counterparts to develop and deploy "clean coal" technologies, and the United States and China moved to explore China's potential to develop its shale gas resources. Announcements by General Electric Co., Peabody Energy Corp. and AES Corp. came alongside President Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao's unveiling in Beijing of a $150 million research center to promote development of clean energy technologies in the two countries, the world's largest greenhouse gas emitters. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/11/17/3 Fort Ord Burn Causes 'Unhealthy Levels' Of Smoky Air Over Highway 68. The last prescribed burn of the year at the former Fort Ord came without a hitch, but lingering smoke around Highway 68 reached "unhealthy levels" Monday, officials said. The burning of nearly 200 acres of vegetation was part of continuing efforts to safely remove unexploded munitions. "When you have a fire like this, it almost creates its own weather," said Richard Stedman, Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District director. The smoke was widely dispersed during the burn, he said. Posted. http://www.thecalifornian.com/article/20091117/NEWS01/911170306/1002/Fort-Ord-burn-causes-unhealthy-levels-of-smoky-air-over-Highway-68 Clean Air Act Turns 19; Important Clean Air Milestones Reached, More Remain. EPA has made strides on incinerators, cement kilns just in the last 10 months alone. Washington, D.C. -- Take a deep breath, and say Happy Birthday. The Clean Air Act—our nation’s strongest law for cleaning up toxic air pollution—just turned 19 years old. The first iteration of the Clean Air Act became law in 1955 but it wasn’t until decades later, November 15, 1990, that the law became what it is now. Posted. http://www.healthnewsdigest.com/news/Environment_380/Clean_Air_Act_Turns_19_Important_Clean_Air_Milestones_Reached_More_Remain_printer.shtml NRCS Funds Available. Farmers in Sonoma, Marin, Napa and Solano counties are eligible to apply for federal funds to help reduce emissions from diesel engines and other air pollution sources. The USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Services, or NRCS, program will provide up to $37.5 million in funding annual over four years nationwide. Posted. http://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/16777/nrcs-funds-available/ National Health Ranking Show Golden State Checks In At 23rd. Put down that cigarette, stop munching that fully loaded burrito, and pay attention here. The 20th edition of a national health reports ranks California 23rd among the 50 states in health rankings, up one notch since 2008. Posted. http://sanfrancisco.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2009/11/16/daily27.html Burn Restrictions Differ By County. Fireplace restrictions began on November first in some Northern California counties. But they vary widely. In Sacramento County, Monday was a "Stage Two - All Burning Prohibited" day according to the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District. The restriction forbids wood burning in fireplaces, with rare exceptions allowed. But San Joaquin and Stanislaus County air managers did not declare any restrictions on Monday. Posted. http://www.fox40.com/news/headlines/ktxl-news-fireplace,0,2703336.story Led By China, Carbon Pollution Up Despite Economy. Despite a global economic slump, worldwide carbon dioxide pollution jumped 2 percent last year, most of it from China, new figures show. Scientists were surprised because typically during a recession, pollution declines. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2032/story/937141.html#ixzz0X8yComVA BLOGS On Climate Change Efforts, China Is Key. It is time to accept that the choices of China and India, not the United States, will determine the world’s future carbon emissions. America’s environmental actions will achieve their biggest returns if they influence the future carbon emissions of the billion-plus-person polities of Asia. During my children’s lifetimes, if not my own, China, and probably India, will surpass the United States in economic importance. Posted. http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/17/on-climate-change-efforts-china-is-key/?pagemode=print ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:37:43 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for November 18, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for November 18, 2009. 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. No More Money, No Extensions For Port Of Oakland Haulers. Hope turned to anger and desperation Monday night after more than 100 truckers crowded into a jammed meeting room at the Port of Oakland. They were wishing for a miracle but left after hearing the worst: There is no more money to help them pay for diesel truck filters, and there will be no extension to the Jan. 1 deadline to comply with strict new air quality regulations. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_13809049 http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13811332?nclick_check=1 California's Imperial County Meets Ozone Standard. El Centro, Calif.—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says Imperial County now meets the federal ozone standard. The EPA said Tuesday that the improved air quality is based on readings from 2006 to 2008. It credits stricter state and federal engine and fuel standards for lower vehicle emissions. Tighter controls on local factories and power plants have also helped. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13809521 http://www.modbee.com/state/story/937678.html Obama: Rally The World For Climate Deal Next Month. Beijing—President Barack Obama, with China's leader at his side, lifted his sights Tuesday for a broad interim accord at next month's climate conference that he said will lead to immediate action and "rally the world" toward a solution on global warming. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_13806215 http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/11/18/world/AP-Climate.html?scp=7&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse Ethanol Makers Push For 15% Blend; Automakers Want More Tests. Months more are needed before the auto industry could endorse higher ethanol blends in the existing car fleet, an industry official said yesterday. Facing saturation of their market at today's allowed level of blends, ethanol producers are lobbying hard for U.S. EPA to allow gas stations to mix more ethanol into petroleum fuels -- from today's E10, or 10 percent ethanol, to E15, or 15 percent. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/11/18/2 AP Poll: Sometimes It Isn't Easy Being Green. Washington - A solid majority of Americans recognize the need to help the environment, although there are some things — like buying a hybrid car or taking mass transit — that people often talk about, but don't necessarily act on. That's shown in a survey of more than 1,000 adults that sought to gauge attitudes about the environment. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/11/17/national/w114751S99.DTL&type=printable Groundwork Meeting For Copenhagen Summit Concludes. Environment ministers from 44 countries, including China and the United States, wrapped up two days of closed-door talks in Copenhagen yesterday meant to lay out the groundwork needed for a deal at the U.N. climate summit next month. "This was not a decision-making forum, but the ministers realize that we have come very close to the deadline. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/11/18/7 107 Counties Exceed Proposed SO2 Limit. People in 107 counties breathe air with sulfur dioxide levels that exceed the lower limits of pollution standards proposed by U.S. EPA. The agency announced plans yesterday to toughen the national ambient air quality standard for SO2, one of six "criteria pollutants" regulated under the Clean Air Act. EPA recommended setting a limit between 50 parts per billion (ppb) and 100 ppb averaged over an hour, which the agency said would help protect against health damage caused by short-term pollution spikes. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/2009/11/18/18 SPIN METER: Feds Buy Green Cars, Auction Rejects. If you missed out on Washington's cash incentive program to trade in your old clunker, Uncle Sam still has a deal for you: The government will sell you rejects from its own fleet, even as it makes dealers scrap all those old cars that were collected from the public. The sale of the federal castoffs at auction is nothing new; deals for the consumer mean income for the government. But in swapping out old government cars for new models under the economic stimulus package, officials also are claiming environmental benefits that don't add up. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/11/18/national/w001358S98.DTL&type=printable UN: Fight Climate Change With Free Condoms. London—The battle against global warming could be helped if the world slowed population growth by making free condoms and family planning advice more widely available, the U.N. Population Fund said Wednesday. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/science/ci_13814234 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/11/18/international/i041035S10.DTL http://www.vcstar.com/news/2009/nov/18/un-fight-climate-change-with-free-condoms/ http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,575608,00.html Redwood City Startup Wins Green Contest. Startup companies with ways to save energy and make plastic from wastewater took top honors Tuesday evening in the 2009 Cleantech Open, an annual contest to find and nurture promising environmental entrepreneurs. The open offers its winners some attention, some cash and the opportunity to work with established businesses and executives to help develop their ideas. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/18/BU1B1AM5FG.DTL&type=printable Ben Franklin on Global Warming. FEW would argue that the debate on global warming engenders a lot of emotion. What else are we to make of comments that “within the last 40 or 50 years there has been a very great observable change of climate,” that “a change in our climate ... is taking place very sensibly” and that “men are led into numberless errors by drawing general conclusions from particular facts”? Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/18/opinion/18gelber.html?_r=1&scp=4&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse "Clean Trains" Now Running from Oakland to the Capitol. People who operate the Capitol Corridor train service now say they have the cleanest locomotive on the block, and they expect to put more so-called “clean trains” on the line as time goes on. Posted. http://www.kcbs.com/-Clean-Trains--Now-Running-from-Oakland-to-the-Cap/5705159 What They Really Believe. If you follow the debate around the energy/climate bills working through Congress you will notice that the drill-baby-drill opponents of this legislation are now making two claims. One is that the globe has been cooling lately, not warming, and the other is that America simply can’t afford any kind of cap-and-trade/carbon tax. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/18/opinion/18friedman.html?scp=4&sq=global%20warming&st=cse U.S., China May Come To Talks With Emission-Reduction Goals. Buried in the text of Tuesday's joint declaration between President Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao was a hopeful clause about climate talks: The Obama administration is likely to offer emission-reduction targets at next month's climate summit, as long as the Chinese offer a proposal of their own. U.S. reluctance to set a short-term emissions goal has been a sticking point in the U.N.-sponsored talks for nearly a year. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/17/AR2009111702931_pf.html Long Beach Wetlands Found To Be Polluted With PCBs. Long Beach, Calif.—The Environmental Protection Agency says high levels of a cancer-causing chemical have been found in a Long Beach wetlands—a discovery that could hinder a restoration project. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13807151 Colo. Company Starts Work On Biofuel Facility. Denver -- A Colorado company that has developed a process to convert wood to fuel is starting construction of what will eventually be a commercial-scale production plant. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/18/AR2009111801193.html U.S., China May Come To Talks With Emission-Reduction Goals. Buried in the text of Tuesday's joint declaration between President Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao was a hopeful clause about climate talks: The Obama administration is likely to offer emission-reduction targets at next month's climate summit, as long as the Chinese offer a proposal of their own. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/17/AR2009111702931.html San Bernardino County Supervisor Opposes Solar Energy Project In Mojave Desert. Brad Mitzelfelt says the 4,000-acre system would provide jobs in Las Vegas and electricity in San Francisco, but negatively affect the desert's environment. A solar energy project proposed for development on public land in the Mojave Desert would create jobs mostly for Las Vegas and electricity for San Francisco at the expense of the relatively pristine area of east San Bernardino County where it would be built, San Bernardino County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt said. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-solar18-2009nov18,0,69136,print.story Bay Area Can 'Breathe Easy' as GSC Logistics Aggressively Targets Fleet Exhaust Fumes. As part of its 'go green' efforts, GSC Logistics, Inc., (GSC) the industry's forward-thinking logistics provider, has retrofitted its entire fleet to ensure that the lowest levels possible of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions enter the atmosphere in the Greater Bay Area. Posted. http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/bay-area-breathe-easy-gsc-logistics-aggressively-targets-fleet-exhaust-fumes/ Paying More for Flights Eases Guilt, Not Emissions. In 2002 Responsible Travel became one of the first travel companies to offer customers the option of buying so-called carbon offsets to counter the planet-warming emissions generated by their airline flights. But last month Responsible Travel canceled the program, saying that while it might help travelers feel virtuous, it was not helping to reduce global emissions. In fact, company officials said, it might even encourage some people to travel or consume more. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/18/science/earth/18offset.html?_r=2&ref=todayspaper&pagewanted=print Farmers Reduce Emissions. The results are in from the first year of a new air quality program for farmers: 2,523 applications were submitted for the program to clear Central Valley skies by offering incentives to retire old inefficient engines and adopt cultural practices to improve air quality. Posted. http://westernfarmpress.com/news/emission-reduction-1117/ Port Dominance Slipping Away. As America’s trade with the Far East — principally China — expanded massively during the 1980s and 1990s, California reaped the benefits as the gateway for both exports and imports. With trade emerging as a major component of the state’s very diverse economy, traffic and payrolls blossomed at its major ports. Posted. http://www.santamariatimes.com/news/opinion/editorial/article_22c50ea4-d401-11de-adda-001cc4c002e0.html California Earns So-So Grades in Health Survey. Vermont is the healthiest state in the nation, Mississippi is the worst and California is in the middle of the pack, according to a report released Tuesday ranking the overall health of residents in every state. Posted. http://www.vcstar.com/news/2009/nov/17/california-earns-so-so-grades-in-health-survey/ Calif. May Ban Energy-Hogging TVs. The most power-hungry television sets could soon be banned from store shelves in California as state energy regulators on Wednesday consider a first-in-the-nation mandate intended to lower electricity demand. Posted. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/11/18/tech/main5696931.shtml EU-Russia Summit to Focus on Energy, Trade. Leaders of the European Union and Russia were holding a summit Wednesday on energy security, climate change, trade and human rights - with both sides hoping the talks would help patch up battered relations. Posted. http://www.vcstar.com/news/2009/nov/18/eu-russia-summit-begins-in-sweden/ Blogs Copenhagen Climate Change Summit Expectations Slashed. The Obama administration is backpedaling rapidly on the eve of the Copenhagen conference for negotiating a replacement for the soon to expire Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emission controls. Deputy National Security Adviser for Economic Affairs Michael Froman said Monday “It was unrealistic to expect a full, legally binding international agreement to be reached between now and when Copenhagen starts in 22 days.” Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-19285-Chicago-Economic-Policy-Examiner~y2009m11d18-Copenhagen-climate-change-summit-expectations-slashed# No Free (CO2) Lunch for Frequent Fliers? Elisabeth Rosenthal has a fascinating story in The Times examining the growing debate over whether there’s a legitimate way to ride an Airbus or 777 without remorse over the resulting emissions of greenhouse gases.. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/18/no-free-co2-lunch-for-frequent-fliers/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:51:34 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for November 19, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for November 19, 2009. 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. A Carbon Target For Copenhagen. It's time for the Obama administration to make a commitment on emissions reductions. CLIMATE CHANGE was at the top of President Obama's agenda in China Tuesday, just three weeks before representatives from 192 countries meet in Copenhagen for a much-anticipated international climate conference. And he came tantalizingly close to saying what the rest of the world has been waiting years to hear: that next month the United States, the largest per capita emitter of greenhouse gases, will finally come to the table with a specific carbon reduction target. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/18/AR2009111803318.html U.S. And China Reach Accord On Data Collection. The United States and China have agreed to cooperate on developing an inventory of China's greenhouse gas emissions, the Environmental Protection Agency announced Wednesday, an initiative that appears be a response to criticism of Beijing's data collection. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/18/AR2009111803058.html http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/11/19/7 Companies Ranked On Efforts To Cut Emissions. Even as they struggle through a withering recession, a growing number of companies are taking action to fight climate change, according to an annual survey released Wednesday. Compiled by the nonprofit group Climate Counts, the survey of 90 big American companies found that most were addressing the issue, either by cutting their energy use, measuring their output of greenhouse gases, adopting policies to reduce emissions or pushing for federal legislation to do the same. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/19/BU2S1AMM81.DTL&type=printable http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/11/19/8 Regional Workshop In Ontario Discusses Reducing Greenhouse Emissions. Ontario - It was just the beginning, the start of discussions on a new state law that targets reducing greenhouse gas emissions from passenger vehicles for 2020 and 2035. Local government and planning officials on Wednesday gathered at the Ontario Convention Center to talk about how future growth will impact the progress of implementing Senate Bill 375. That bill, which went into effect on Jan. 1, requires cities and counties to work together to reduce vehicle greenhouse emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13818398 Study: Oceans Less Efficient At Absorbing CO{-2}. The Earth's oceans, which have absorbed carbon dioxide from fuel emissions since the dawn of the industrial era, have recently grown less efficient at sopping it up, new research suggests. Emissions from the burning of fossil fuels began soaring in the 1950s, and oceans largely kept up, scientists say. But the growth in the intake rate has slowed since the 1980s, and markedly so since 2000, the authors of a study write in a report in today's issue of Nature. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/19/MNCC1AMS6P.DTL&type=printable Canada Won't Set Climate Regulations Until Global Deal Is Reached. Canada will not set firm government regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions until global and North American climate change deals have been reached, Environment Minister Jim Prentice said yesterday. "I think it's fair to say that this all needs to knit together," Prentice said during a teleconference call from Copenhagen, where he was meeting with other environment ministers ahead of next month's major U.N. climate conference. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/11/19/11 Calif. Senate Hopeful Hedges On Climate Change. Republican California Senate hopeful Carly Fiorina received a boost yesterday from Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), the ranking member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, who endorsed her bid to challenge Chairwoman Barbara Boxer. But Fiorina's spokeswoman tried to distance the candidate from Inhofe's stated skepticism about climate change. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/11/19/6 Colo. Local Leaders Urge Action On Climate Change. Breckenridge, Colo. -- Ski officials at one of the nation's most-visited resorts are calling on Congress to finish work on a climate-change bill. Summit County officials joined representatives from the Breckenridge Ski Resort for a slopeside announcement Wednesday calling on the U.S. Senate to pass a climate change bill. The House has voted to create a cap-and-trade system to reduce carbon emissions. The measure is still pending in the Senate. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/19/AR2009111901869_pf.html A Climate Threat, Rising From The Soil. Degraded peatlands in Indonesia unleash vast amounts of carbon.Taruna Jaya, INDONESIA -- Across a patch of pineapples shrouded in smoke, Idris Hadrianyani battled a menace that has left his family sleepless and sick -- and has wrought as much damage on the planet as has exhaust from all the cars and trucks in the United States. Against the advancing flames, he waved a hose with a handmade nozzle confected from a plastic soda bottle. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/18/AR2009111804162_pf.html Meteorologists' Climate Change Survey. Published in the October 2009 issue of “Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society” (BAMS), a new survey indicates that a significant number of professional meteorologists doubt that manmade sources of greenhouse gases are the cause of global warming. The survey was vetted by an advi¬sory board of climate experts, including representatives from NOAA, the NWS, UCAR, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Pew Center for Global Climate Change, and many members of the AMS. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-3089-LA-Ecopolitics-Examiner~y2009m11d19-Meteorologists-Climate-Change-Survey# Televisions Must Use Less Energy, California Regulators Tell Makers. The California Energy Commission on Wednesday approved the nation's first mandatory energy-efficiency standards for televisions. The rules phase in starting in 2011 and set a cap on the power a TV can draw. Large sets can draw more power than small ones. All models larger than 58 inches are exempt from the regulations, though they may be covered in the future. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/business/v-print/story/2334618.html http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/2333141.html http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-big-screen-tvs19-2009nov19,0,4027697.story?track=rss http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/11/18/financial/f011205S05.DTL&type=green Former USC Intern Fights for Cleaner Air. Fifteen-year-old Otana Jakpor’s essay on how she spent her time with USC would include leading demonstrations on how to map demographic data and conducting research on diesel emissions from locomotives and other rail yard equipment. The high school senior recently interned at the Southern California Environmental Health Sciences Center directed by Frank Gilliland at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, where she focused on using U.S. Census Bureau information to map and study the demographics of populations living near rail yards. Posted. http://uscnews.usc.edu/health/former_usc_intern_fights_for_cleaner_air.html Companies To Probe 'Symbiotic' Link Between Algae, Coal-Fired Power Plants. An algae-based biofuels startup and an industrial gas company announced a partnership yesterday aimed at developing a symbiotic relationship between coal-fired power plants and algae biofuel production. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/11/19/10 BLOGS California's Biggest Carbon Emitters. Carbon addiction is the same as any other in at least one respect: the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. For greenhouse gases, reducing emissions requires knowing what you're putting out to begin with. It was toward this end that this week the California Air Resources Board released the first comprehensive data on large-scale industrial carbon emissions in the state. Not surprisingly, the top emitters tend to fall into two categories: power plants and oil refineries, with cement manufacturers not far behind. Posted. http://blogs.kqed.org/climatewatch/2009/11/18/californias-biggest-carbon-emitters/ Global Warming: California Pushes Ahead. While Congress dithers over federal climate change legislation, and nations squabble over a global treaty, the nation's most populous state is doggedly pushing ahead with its own regulations to control the greenhouse gas emissions that are heating up the Earth's atmosphere. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/11/global-warming-california-pushes-ahead.html New Study: Climate Bill Would Boost Economy by $111 Billion, Create 1.9 Million Jobs. Looks like I spoke too soon about the words 'new report' always being a sign of bad news these days--because this new study reveals some pretty encouraging information. It's an analysis of clean energy reform by researchers at Yale, Berkley, and the University of Illinois which reveals that if its provisions are kept strong, a climate bill will expand the economy by over $111 billion by 2020, and create nearly 2 million jobs in the process. Posted. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/11/new-study-climate-bill-boost-economy-create-jobs.php?dcitc=th_rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+treehuggersite+(Treehugger) ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:42:06 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for November 23, 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for November 20-23, 2009. 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. What Are The Largest Sources Of Global Warming Emissions In California? The list is out. When it comes to global warming, California has started keeping score. The state Air Resources Board last week finished tallying and made public the list of the largest greenhouse gas emitters in the state, and two East Bay refineries sit atop the list. The first-of-its-kind rankings show that oil refineries, power plants and cement plants lead all industrial facilities statewide in pumping out carbon dioxide, a byproduct of burning fossil fuels that has been building up in the Earth's atmosphere in increasing concentrations. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/politics-government/ci_13848546?source=rss http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_13848547 http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13848546?nclick_check=1 California Cap-And-Trade Reporting: How’s That Going? The California Air Resources Board says 591 out of 605 facilities that are required to report their greenhouse gas emissions completed the reports in 2008, and CARB staff is “working with the remaining facilities” to complete their reporting by December. California’s Cap and Trade program is part of the state’s Global Warming Solutions Act that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed in 2006. Several of CARB’s emissions-based programs, including cap and trade and cash for clunkers, have been implemented or proposed at the federal level. Posted. http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2009/Nov09/111609/112009-05.htm Study Sees Transit Saving Californians' Energy, Cutting Greenhouse Gas. A New Study says Californians could save billions each year and cut greenhouse gas emissions by developing neighborhoods within easy access of public transportation. The study – "Windfall for All: How Connected, Convenient Neighborhoods Can Protect Our Climate and Safeguard California's Economy" – was conducted by Oakland-based TransForm, formerly the Transportation and Land Use Coalition. TransForm is a coalition that includes nonprofits, environmental advocates and labor unions. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/business/v-print/story/2338759.html Mixed Results For 'Clunkers' In Capital Area. In The Sacramento Region, "Cash For Clunkers" Translated Into "Trade That Old Domestic Car For A Foreign Brand." The federal program aimed at improving air quality while benefiting U.S. automakers largely missed at least one of its marks locally. Eight of the 10 most popular local trade-ins during Cash for Clunkers were built by U.S. automakers, a Bee review of new federal data shows. All of the 10 most popular vehicles purchased locally with vouchers from the program were built by Japanese or Korean outfits. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/ourregion/v-print/story/2341787.html Editorial: Grant Port Of Oakland Truckers an Extension. SOMETHING HAD to be done to reduce the toxic emissions from trucks that pick up and deliver cargo to ports throughout the state. For far too long, truck emissions have put residents who live near ports — as well as truckers themselves — at greater risk of developing asthma, cancer and other respiratory ailments. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/opinion/ci_13833639 Oakland Port Grants Exhausted. One thousand truckers in California’s Port of Oakland have learned they won’t get grants to upgrade their trucks for the port’s Jan. 1 deadline, but state officials are trying to help operators obtain loans and offer career assistance. Posted. http://www.etrucker.com/apps/news/article.asp?id=83398 Calif. Air Board May Rethink Diesel Retrofit Rules. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) may take another look at diesel retrofit rules adopted a year ago because the lead researcher overstated his credentials. One San Diego member of the board says he would support a new study. Posted. http://www.kpbs.org/news/2009/nov/20/air-board-may-rethink-diesel-retrofit-rules/ http://www.constructionequipment.com/article/CA6708403.html Editorial: The Air Board’s Shame / Staff Never Revealed Internal Scandal Before Crucial Vote. On Dec. 12, 2008, the California Air Resources Board unanimously approved groundbreaking new rules governing diesel emissions. Members rejected complaints from the trucking industry about their heavy cost and from some academics who said CARB grossly exaggerated the health risk posed by the emissions. Posted. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/nov/22/air-boards-shame-staff-never-revealed-internal-sca/ LOIS HENRY: Lies Tarnish Air Boards Credibility. It's not the lie, it's the cover up that'll get you. How many times does this wisdom have to be pounded into the heads of bureaucrats? The scandal over how a lead researcher behind California's new diesel truck rules lied about his credentials continues to grow. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/news/columnist/henry/x140060577/LOIS-HENRY-Lies-tarnish-air-boards-credibility Climate Plan Tweaked To Be Compatible With New CEQA Rules. The release of a draft roadmap for meeting climate-protection goals for Napa County has been delayed until December so that the plan can be adjusted to fit changes coming early next year in state law on environmental-impact project analysis. Posted. http://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/16911/climate-plan-tweaked-to-be-compatible-with-new-ceqa-rules/ Top U.N. Scientist Laments U.S. Pace on Climate Actions. The United Nations' top climate scientist does not expect any major breakthroughs on global warming next week when President Obama hosts Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, because the United States has not acted to curb its greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/11/20/20greenwire-top-un-scientist-laments-us-pace-on-climate-ac-69126.html?pagewanted=print Climate Is `In More Trouble Than We Thought'. Washington - Since the 1997 international accord to fight global warming, climate change has worsened and accelerated - beyond some of the grimmest of warnings made back then. As the world has talked for a dozen years about what to do next, new ship passages opened through the once frozen summer sea ice of the Arctic. In Greenland and Antarctica, ice sheets have lost trillions of tons of ice. Mountain glaciers in Europe, South America, Asia and Africa are shrinking faster than before. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13848524 Ukraine's 'Hot Air' Bedevils Global Climate Deal. Konstantinovka, Ukraine—Vladimir Gapor is a plumber by trade, but now he's a scavenger, prying bits of scrap steel from the ruins of his old factory and selling them for a pittance. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_13840894 UN Says Greenhouse Gases Reach Record High In 2008. Geneva—Greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere reached record highs in 2008, with carbon dioxide levels increasing faster than previously, the U.N. weather agency said Friday. Levels of greenhouse gases, believed to be responsible for global warming, have been rising every year since detailed records started being kept in 1998, the World Meteorological Organization said. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_13850580 UN Climate Chief Holds Out Hope For Global Pact. United Nations—The U.N. climate chief has a message for naysayers about the Copenhagen climate conference next month: It will succeed. Yvo De Boer, the U.N. official who is shepherding the talks, sought to assure reporters Thursday that the long-anticipated United Nations-led meeting Dec. 7-19 isn't a failure even before it's started. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13825386 Editorial: Economics, Not Threats, Key To Fighting Global Warming. AT FIRST GLANCE, Tuesday's agreement between President Barack Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao to promote green technology might appear to be a major step toward reducing carbon dioxide emissions in an effort to combat global warming. It was not. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/opinion/ci_13833633 Hackers Leak E-Mails, Stoke Climate Debate. London - Computer hackers have broken into a server at a well-respected climate change research center in Britain and posted hundreds of private e-mails and documents online—stoking debate over whether some scientists have overstated the case for man-made climate change. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_13841174 http://www.modbee.com/technology/story/943882.html#ixzz0XhcWhwVp http://www.examiner.com/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner~y2009m11d23-Global-warming-skeptics-seize-emails-that-cast-doubt-on-climate-change Forest Service Says Trees Can Slow Climate Change. Washington - National forests can be used as a carbon "sink" with vast numbers of trees absorbing carbon dioxide to help slow global warming, the Forest Service chief said Wednesday, but that goal must be balanced. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13816048 As The World Gets Ready To Act On Climate Change, U.S. Hangs Back. With just over two weeks to go before global climate negotiations in Denmark, the United States has yet to decide whether it can meet international expectations and offer to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a certain amount in the next decade. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/politics/story/944119.html#ixzz0XhanMoSI Warming's Impacts Sped Up, Worsened Since Kyoto. Since the 1997 international accord to fight global warming, climate change has worsened and accelerated - beyond some of the grimmest of warnings made back then. As the world has talked for a dozen years about what to do next, new ship passages opened through the once frozen summer sea ice of the Arctic. In Greenland and Antarctica, ice sheets have lost trillions of tons of ice. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/11/23/science/AP-SCI-Climate-09-Post-Kyoto.html?_r=1&scp=6&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse http://www.modbee.com/business/story/943873.html#ixzz0XhVU0qRC American Carbon Rules Raise Concerns. While environmentalists are for the most part applauding efforts by the United States to reduce imports of carbon-emitting energy sources, lawyers who facilitate trade and compliance for producers based mostly in Western Canada’s oilsands have significant concerns. Posted. http://www.lawtimesnews.com/200911235854/Headline-News/American-carbon-rules-raise-concerns EU Urges Us, China to Deliver Carbon Targets. The European Union on Monday urged the U.S. and China to deliver greenhouse gas emissions targets at next month's climate conference in Copenhagen, saying their delays were hindering global efforts to curb climate change. Posted. http://www.vcstar.com/news/2009/nov/23/eu-urges-us-china-to-deliver-carbon-targets/ Bio-Fuel Growth Raises Concerns About Forests. Forests are a treasure trove of limbs and bark that can be made into alternative fuels and some worry the increasing trend of using that logging debris will make those materials too scarce, harming the woodlands. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/11/23/us/AP-US-Forests-as-Fuel.html?scp=2&sq=california%20air%20resources%20board&st=cse http://www.modbee.com/business/story/944547.html#ixzz0XhWTPSSl County Looks To Next Fall For Energy Retrofit Loan Program. Napa County homeowners who have been asking local planning officials when they can use innovative property-tax-bill-based financing for energy-efficiency projects similar to the program started in Sonoma County earlier this year likely will have to wait until next fall for the opportunity. Posted. http://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/16909/county-looks-to-next-fall-for-energy-retrofit-loan-program/ U.S. Carmakers Continue Long Lag In Efficiency – EPA. Light-duty vehicles featured better fuel economy and emitted less CO2 for the fifth year in a row, U.S. EPA said in an annual report on Friday. But the averages mask substantial variation among automakers. Honda is a three-year leader in fuel economy based on 2007 and 2008 numbers and 2009 projections. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/11/23/6 Gradual Adoption Planned For Electric Car, Nissan Says. New York — The head of the Nissan-Renault alliance said last week that customers' adoption of electric vehicles will be a slow and gradual process, with traditional gasoline-powered cars continuing to dominate the market for many years. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_13841517 Shell Urges White House To Delay Renewable Fuels Mandate. Oil company representatives are pressing the White House for a one-year delay in implementing a controversial regulation that would expand the nation's biofuels mandate beginning in January. On Nov. 10, two Shell Oil employees met with administration officials to express concerns with U.S. EPA's proposed renewable fuel standard, according to White House meeting records. Five White House Office of Management and Budget officials and one EPA official attended. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/11/23/2 Blogs Will The Air Resources Board Remake Cities? One skeptical member --- glad there's at least one -- thinks the state agency is veering in that direction, and doesn't like it, reports Paul Shigley of the California Planning and Development Report: Posted. http://blogs.redding.com/bross/archives/2009/11/will-the-air-re.html CARB Unveils DriveClean, a New Web Tool to Help Consumers Pick Green Cars. California has just updated its Air Resources Board website to give consumers a wide range of information about all the alternative power cars coming out next year, from electric cars to diesel hybrids. Posted. http://gas2.org/2009/11/20/carb-unveils-driveclean-a-new-web-tool-to-help-consumers-pick-green-cars/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:03:07 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for November 24, 2009 From: sponedal@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board Newsclips for November 24, 2009 . 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. CLIMATE CHANGE California's preliminary 'cap and trade' plan is due today. The state Air Resources Board today plans to unveil a preliminary draft of the nation's first "cap and trade" program for cutting emissions of greenhouse gases. Posted. http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/AP/story/1349195.html Carbon will mature as inflation hedge. LONDON (Reuters) - The $126 billion global carbon market will mature so that investors will use it as a hedge against equities and inflation, Bache Commodities Ltd.'s emissions trading head told Reuters in an interview. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AN35420091124 Seven Global Warming Misconceptions. A variety of misconceptions about human-induced global warming still make the rounds of media and cocktail conversation. The 26 world class climatologists who wrote the Copenhagen Diagnosis decided to dispel seven of the most common of them in the report, which is the first comprehensive update of leading peer-reviewed climate science in the three years since the last report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change was finalized. Posted. http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/GlobalWarming/global-warming-common-misconceptions/story?id=9159877 Polluters under pressure as US ponders climate talks target. WASHINGTON — The United States is to announce concrete targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions as pressure mounts on polluters to find a formula for success two weeks ahead of a crucial climate summit. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hIPLgd843zEGTkJPMU6LMD5MBHdg Over 100 floating icebergs spotted: Global warming a factor. Wellington, New Zealand – A maritime warning was issued today after at least 100 icebergs were spotted floating towards New Zealand. Orion captain Andy Nielsen told The Associated Press, the largest iceberg is reported to be about 1.2 by 0.9 miles and more than 425 feet high and are floating in a major ocean shipping lane. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-28320-World-News-Examiner~y2009m11d23-Over-100-floating-icebergs-spotted-Global-warming-a-factor EPA Weighs Going After Big Carbon Polluters. With the Senate caught up in an intense health care debate, it is becoming increasingly likely that the upper chamber will not take up a climate bill for full consideration before the upcoming UN climate talks in Copenhagen, let alone before the end of the year. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/mnCorporateResponsibility/idUS361599571720091124 Climate change quickens, seas feared up 2 metres. OSLO, Nov 24 (Reuters) - Global warming is happening faster than expected and at worst could raise sea levels by up to 2 metres (6-1/2 ft) by 2100, a group of scientists said on Tuesday in a warning to next month's U.N. climate summit in Copenhagen. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSGEE5AN1H2 A deal on climate change? Not exactly. PARIS (Fortune) -- Lars G. Josefsson showed up at the UN General Assembly in New York City in September with a petition signed by 244,500 people that called for action on climate change, including the fixing of a global price for carbon emissions. Posted. http://money.cnn.com/2009/11/23/news/economy/climate_change.fortune/ Turning a Lens on Climate Change. After studying geography in college, James Balog embarked on a nature-photography career that merged his love of mountaineering, science and art. Mr. Balog has photographed everything from nuclear missile silos in the agrarian West to figure studies of chimps. His latest project, "Extreme Ice Survey," is a time-lapse photographic record of climate change as seen through glacial melting at 15 sites in the northern hemisphere. Edited excerpts follow. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB20001424052748704779704574553860954043166.html Is a change in climate unstoppable? It sounds utterly contrary to what we might think: If we use less energy, civilization will actually increase the emissions blamed for global warming. That's one of the controversial findings of the University of Utah's Tim Garrett, who applied simple physics in an unconventional way to look at worldwide energy use. Posted. http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_13852986 FUELS World’s largest landfill gas-to-liquid natural gas plant on line. Waste Management and Linde North America have commissioned what they say is the world’s largest landfill gas-to-liquid natural gas plant at the Altamont Landfill near Livermore, Calif., producing enough fuel to power about 300 Waste Management waste and recycling collection vehicles. Posted. http://www.biomassmagazine.com/article.jsp?article_id=3256 Growth Energy Wants California's Public Comment Period Reopened. Growth Energy has called on the California Air Resources Board to allow the public to comment on all documents pertaining to their low-carbon fuel standard rulemaking that were not disclosed and should influence the final rule. Posted. http://californiafarmer.com/story.aspx?s=33389&c=8 ENERGY Nuclear power regains support. LONDON -- Nuclear power -- long considered environmentally hazardous -- is emerging as perhaps the world's most unlikely weapon against climate change, with the backing of even some green activists who once campaigned against it. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/23/AR2009112303966.html BLOGS Biggest California CO2 emitter is… The biggest greenhouse gas emitter in California isn’t in California. A string of PacifiCorp power plants are the biggest emitters of carbon dioxide included in the state’s 2008 inventory of carbon sources tied to state use. Posted. http://blogs.reuters.com/environment/2009/11/23/biggest-california-co2-emitter-is/ Does “Cool Cars” Rule Block Wireless Signal? Cali Says No. A new rule in California meant to help keep vehicles cool in the sun (and thus cut the need for fuel-chugging air conditioners) could interfere slightly with signal reception for GPS devices, but probably won’t block most mobile phone signals. Posted. http://earth2tech.com/2009/11/24/does-cool-cars-rule-block-wireless-signal-cali-says-no/ Green Business and Indigenous Rights. A new report released over the weekend calls attention to the plight of indigenous communities affected by climate change mitigation measures. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/24/green-business-and-indigenous-rights/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:48:34 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for November 25, 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for November 25, 2009. 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. State Proposes Trading Program to Cut Emissions. California officials on Tuesday issued the nation's first blueprint for a broad-based cap-and-trade plan, an innovative and controversial effort to use market forces to control global warming. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-global-warming25-2009nov25,0,4880852.story http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/nov/25/air-board-previews-emission-strategy/ http://www.sacbee.com/politics/story/2348577.html http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/25/science/earth/25climate.html http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/11/25/25climatewire-agency-defers-decision-on-allowances-in-calif-5070.html http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/25/science/earth/25climate.html?scp=3&sq=global%20warming&st=cse http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/11/25/1/ http://www.reuters.com/article/companyNewsAndPR/idUSN2431862620091125 http://www.environmentalleader.com/2009/11/25/california-drafts-its-own-cap-and-trade-plan/ http://www.legalnewsline.com/news/224254-california-releases-draft-cap-and-trade-regulations http://www.rechargenews.com/business_area/politics/article199811.ece http://www.mercurynews.com/business-headlines/ci_13860419?nclick_check=1 http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2009/11/california-pushes-capandtrade-program.html http://www.ecoseed.org/en/component/content/article/5271 http://www.mnn.com/home-blog/green-news-roundup/blogs/holiday-briefing http://californianewswire.com/2009/11/24/CNW6170_214626.php http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10404990-54.html http://www.insidebayarea.com/green-living/ci_13860419 Emissions Target Puts Obama In Political Bind. The United States will propose a near-term emissions reduction target at the U.N. climate change summit in Copenhagen next month, a senior administration official said Monday. President Obama will announce the target "in coming days," the official said. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/24/MNOB1APC2I.DTL#ixzz0XtYzXZSJ Obama to Offer Firm Pledge on Emissions Cuts in Copenhagen. WASHINGTON — President Obama will travel to Copenhagen at the start of the United Nations conference on climate change on Dec. 9 just before flying to Oslo to accept the Nobel Peace Prize, White House officials said Wednesday. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/26/us/politics/26climate.html Studies: Fighting Global Warming Reduces Diseases. Cutting global warming pollution would not only make the planet healthier, it would make people healthier too, newly released studies say. Slashing carbon dioxide emissions could save millions of lives, mostly by reducing preventable deaths from heart and lung diseases, the studies show. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/11/25/science/AP-SCI-Climate-Health.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse http://www.modbee.com/2032/story/947448.html#ixzz0XtKKoMW6 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/11/25/national/w041532S66.DTL http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hDsfpLRdv3WM8A9W-SZLudDDB9tgD9C6I7FG0 http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_13864520 Fewer Americans believe in global warming, poll shows. The percentage of Americans who believe global warming is happening has dipped from 80 to 72 percent in the past year, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll, even as a majority still support a national cap on greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2009/11/24/ST2009112403099.html?hpid=topnews Eat less meat 'to reduce climate change and save thousands of lives'. It was released as Andy Burnham, the Health Secretary, warned that global warming poses a “real and present danger” to the health of millions. The report suggests that tens of thousands of lives a year could be saved in Britain alone by cutting the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere. Posted. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/6653675/Eat-less-meat-to-reduce-climate-change-and-save-thousands-of-lives.html Obama to Outline US Climate Goals at Copenhagen. Dousing rampant speculation, President Barack Obama has decided to travel to Copenhagen next month and spell out U.S. goals for curbing greenhouse gas emissions at a widely anticipated, high-stakes global climate summit. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2028/story/947574.html#ixzz0XtOjhFTl Obama to Attend Beginning of U.N. Climate Meeting. U.S. President Barack Obama will go to Copenhagen for a U.N. climate change meeting on December 9, hoping to add momentum to an international process despite slow progress on a domestic bill to cut carbon emissions. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/11/25/us/politics/politics-us-climate-obama.html?scp=2&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Stolen E-Mails Sharpen a Brawl between Climate Scientists and Skeptics. The University of East Anglia said yesterday that it was cooperating with police and launching its own internal probe into how thousands of e-mails and documents from its Climatic Research Unit ended up on the Internet last week, sparking an ongoing fight between climate scientists and skeptics who say the data breach suggests ethical lapses in the research community. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/11/24/24climatewire-stolen-e-mails-sharpen-a-brawl-between-clima-19517.html http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/green/detail?entry_id=52312&tsp=1 David A. Fahrenthold: Ads Change Minds on Climate Change. For marketers, climate guilt isn't the easiest thing to sell. Part of the audience doesn't have it and doesn't want it; they think climate change is fake, fuzzy or too far in the future to care about. Another segment of the audience already has too much of it. They believe in climate change so fervently that they're too paralyzed or resigned to respond to new messages. Posted. http://www.montereyherald.com/opinion/ci_13864141 Clean Energy, Better Homes Cut Pollution, Save Lives. Better home insulation and ventilation and using electricity instead of fossil fuels could reduce indoor pollution and save thousands of lives, especially in low-income countries like India, a study has found. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUST302343 Product Displacement: The Inside Scoop On 9 Household Items. Remember the 1980s? Sure you do — it was the decade of big hair, metal bands and acid-wash jeans. 1985 was also the public debut of the hole in the ozone layer. Scientists warned that the layer was being weakened by, among other things, the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) found in aerosol cans like the ones used to style the aforementioned big hair. Posted. http://www.mnn.com/the-home/household-products/stories/product-displacement-the-inside-scoop-on-9-household-items My Word: Oakland's Opportunity to Be Green and Be Economically Vibrant. OAKLAND HAS an amazing opportunity to be a worldwide leader in equitable climate action. With crucial international climate talks in Copenhagen set for December, the Oakland Climate Action Coalition is showing how strong climate policy can build a safe, economically vibrant, and socially just city. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/opinion/ci_13858554 Bay Area Landfills either Closing or Expanding. Sonoma County trash trucks last rumbled through the gates of the Mecham Road dump four years ago. Now, haulers dump Sonoma's trash 60 miles away in Solano County's Potrero Hills Landfill. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/25/MNM71APQCL.DTL#ixzz0XtZM6dSD As Truck Fleets Move Toward Hybrids, School Buses Still Many Years Away. TodaysTrucking.com reported today that, according to Boulder, Colo, research firm, hybrid sales will jump to more than 830,000 vehicles five years from now compared to 300,000 vehicles in 2009. The U.S. market is expected to lead all other countries. Posted. http://www.stnonline.com/blogs/school-bus-bay/1568-as-truck-fleets-move-toward-hybrids-school-buses-still-many-years-away Viewpoints: Governor Can Do More For Small Business. As 2009 comes to a close, small businesses look to state leaders in Sacramento and wonder what will be done to help California's number one employer and creator of jobs. What will be Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's small-business legacy? To be sure, the governor's actions have helped small business. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/story/2348437.html Blogs Californians Could Save $31 Billion and Cut GHG Emissions by More Than One-Third by Living in Smart Growth Communities. While some people are questioning whether California can overcome its dominant car culture in order to meet ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets, a new study from TransForm shows that doing so is both the most cost-effective and environmentally sound option. Posted. http://www.publicceo.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=918:californians-could-save-31-billion-and-cut-ghg-emissions-by-more-than-one-third-by-living-in-smart-growth-communities&catid=148:environmental-issues-broad True Cause of Road Rage: Exposure to Gas Fumes? A lot of things can make people angry when they head to the gas station: the outrageous prices, having to wait in an awkward car-line, bad smells, and so on. But there's actually one thing that may be making you really mad without your even knowing it: exposure to the gasoline itself. A recent study has revealed that exposure to fumes from unleaded and leaded gas can cause heightened aggression. Posted. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/11/exposure-gas-fumes-cause-road-rage.php Global warming, the next partisan divide [Updated]. It's true that we have not yet seen the finale on healthcare reform. Nor have we heard the last about President Obama's Afghanistan policy. Or about financial regulatory reform that could pit Main Street against Wall Street. But you can tell that the next issue on the horizon, after the smoke has cleared from the current debates, is global warming. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/11/global-warming-the-next-partisan-divide.html Obama to Lay Out Emissions Goals in Copenhagen. President Obama will travel to Copenhagen and address a UN Climate Change summit in December. While not originally expected to attend the event, Mr. Obama will take the opportunity in an international venue to lay out his roadmap to achieving the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emission 83 percent by 2050, with benchmarks of achieving a 30 percent reduction from 2005 emission levels in 2025 and a 42 percent reduction off those levels by 2030, according to officials and a memo released by the White House. Posted. http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/11/obama-to-lay-out-emissions-goals-in-copenhagen.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:22:59 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for November 27-30, 2009 From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for November 27-30, 2009. 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. California Preliminary Draft Cap-and-Trade Climate Regulation Praised. Environmental Defense Fund praised the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for its preliminary draft regulation (PDR) to reduce global warming pollution in the state. The PDR outlines key concepts the agency is considering as it designs a comprehensive cap-and-trade program. Posted. http://www.californiachronicle.com/articles/view/130650 http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/11/25/25climatewire-agency-defers-decision-on-allowances-in-calif-5070.html http://www.mercurynews.com/business-headlines/ci_13860419 California Statehouse Staffer Is A Superstar Of His Own. Kip Lipper, who is as renowned inside the Capitol as he is anonymous outside, is responsible for some of the nation's most groundbreaking environmental laws over the last 30 years. If he were a basketball star instead of a statehouse staffer, he'd be Kobe Bryant or Magic Johnson -- a veteran playmaker, feared by foes, his best moves unleashed just before the buzzer. But like so many Sacramento insiders, Kip Lipper plays out of the limelight, in the back corridors of the Capitol, unknown to the public whose air and water and ecological ethos he has made his specialty over the last three decades. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-lipper29-2009nov29,0,7562121,print.story New Climate Targets May Not Change Daily Life Much. Washington—Americans' day-to-day lives won't change noticeably if President Barack Obama achieves his newly announced goal of slashing carbon dioxide pollution by one-sixth in the next decade, experts say. Except for rising energy bills. And how much they'll go up depends on who's doing the calculating. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13873325 US and China To Reduce Emissions, But Not Enough. Amsterdam—Even after the U.S. and China set targets this week for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the world's combined pledges ahead of next month's climate summit fall far short of what experts say is needed to avert dangerous global warming. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13879665 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/28/MN6I1ARCLQ.DTL&type=green Union Pacific Wins Award For Cutting Air Pollution. Union Pacific's efforts to reduce air pollution around the busy California ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles have been recognized. The Harbor Association of Industry and Commerce of Southern California recently gave the Omaha-based railroad its "Salute to Industry" award. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/state/story/952148.html#ixzz0YMR70mRc http://www.sanluisobispo.com/348/story/938100.html http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13889594 L.A. Suburb's Rebirth Rides On Electric Car Plant. Downey — This blue-collar suburb on the edge of Los Angeles once helped send men to space. After the collapse of its aerospace industry, its ambitions are now more down-to-earth but still looking toward the future. The City Council last week unanimously approved an agreement aimed at luring Tesla Motors' electric car manufacturing plant to the former site of a NASA plant that helped develop the Apollo program and the space shuttle fleet. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_13879093?source=rss&nclick_check=1 Long Beach Port's Clean Trucks Program Is Working. One year ago the Port of Long Beach launched its landmark Clean Trucks Program — an aggressive, cutting-edge effort to clean up the air pollution from the truck fleet by 80 percent. One year later, the success of the program is indisputable. Posted. http://www.presstelegram.com/opinions/ci_13886368 Doomsday Looming For Many Truckers At Los Angeles And Long Beach Ports. Clean-air guidelines banning older rigs and those without diesel particulate filters take effect Jan. 1. Many drivers says the changes are just too costly. Filiberto Cervantes has already separated from his wife and kids, lost his car, moved into his truck and says he subsists largely on a diet of $1 cheese burritos. But Jan. 1 looms like a date with the grim reaper himself. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-truckers27-2009nov27,0,32440,print.story Scientists Weigh In On The Politics Of Climate Change. When climate scientists talked recently about their latest research on global warming, they also responded to questions about the politics surrounding climate change. Here's a glimpse into the scientists' "take" on the role politics plays in the climate change debate. Posted. http://www.kpbs.org/news/2009/nov/30/politics-climate-change/ Climate Research E-Mail Controversy Simmers. The scientific conduct of climate researchers has come under increasing heat in a sprawling online debate over leaked e-mails that, critics say, raise questions about the arguments that global warming threatens the world. The fight comes as leaders of 192 nations prepare to meet Dec. 7-18 in Copenhagen to craft an agreement to stem the heat-trapping "greenhouse" gases that feed temperature rise. Posted. http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2009-11-30-warming30_ST_N.htm China Ties Plans To Cut CO{-2} To Economic Growth. Washington - China announced Thursday that it will cut its economy's carbon intensity by up to 45 percent by 2020, the state news agency Xinhua said, and that Premier Wen Jiabao will participate in international climate negotiations in Copenhagen next month. The move by the world's largest greenhouse gas emitter to set a near-term target of a 40 to 45 percent reduction, coming a day after President Obama set U.S. climate goals for the talks, suggests a possible breakthrough in Demark next month in the long-stalled climate negotiations. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/27/MNRT1AR37R.DTL&type=printable Official: Leaders May Join Obama at Climate Summit. An administration official says some world leaders may change their schedules so they can attend an upcoming climate conference the same day as President Barack Obama. Obama will attend the Copenhagen summit on Dec. 9 before heading to Oslo to accept the Nobel Peace Prize. At least 90 other world leaders will also attend the conference, though most are expected to arrive the following week. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/politics/story/953090.html#ixzz0YMStN4Dr Intrigue and Plot Twists in Global Climate Talks. In the otherwise ponderous and unhurried context of global climate negotiations, the past two weeks have seen a variety of gripping twists. It started this month in Singapore, where Barack Obama, the U.S. president, and other leaders used the sidelines of an economic forum to deflate expectations for a treaty at the December climate summit meeting in Copenhagen. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/30/business/energy-environment/30iht-green30.html Reader Rebuttal: Rules for TVs, Cars. Robert Murphy contends that recent flat screen TV and "cool car" energy efficiency regulations by the California Energy Commission and California Air Resources Board amount to central government planning, Soviet-style ["Buying TVs and cars, Soviet-style," California Focus, Nov. 19]. Sadly, his ideological blinders prevent him from recognizing decades of California environmental leadership, much of which is now institutionalized by other states and the federal government as well. Take, for instance, Title 24 energy efficiency building codes. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/common/printer/view.php?db=ocregister&id=221478 http://www.ocregister.com/articles/bill-217026-boxer-committee.html http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/warming-221491-california-global.html http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/warming-221483-global-one.html http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/peer-221438-reviewed-climate.html?pic=1 Solar Panels Causing Some Storms. Even as California and the federal government encourage solar power, homeowners often have to fight homeowners associations for their right to install the systems. Ready to chuck his electric bills, Camarillo resident Marc Weinberg last year asked his homeowners association for permission to put solar panels on his roof. When the Spanish Hills Homeowners Assn. said no, Weinberg sued the group. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-solar-panels30-2009nov30,0,610712,print.story Opinion: Climate Researchers' Stunning Lack Of Integrity. The following editorial appeared in the Dallas Morning News on Friday, Nov. 27: Not long ago, a computer hacker stole a large trove of e-mails between leading climate scientists from around the globe, and published them on the Internet. Suddenly, the heat is on - as well it should be. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/world/story/953032.html#ixzz0YMTrSwG7 Opinion: Panel Discusses Climate Change and The Clean-Tech Response To It. With California in the process of implementing the most aggressive climate change legislation in the country, "Energy and the Environment" was the topic for a panel discussion at the Silicon Valley Leadership Group's "Projections 2010: Leadership California" conference at Santa Clara University's Louis B. Mayer Theatre this fall. Participants explored the challenge and opportunity of climate change and the clean-tech response to it. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_13874393 Opinion: Copenhagen's Missing Ingredient: Water. Scientists stress water's profound link with climate change, yet delegates at next week's conference have deleted water from the working draft of a binding environmental treaty. Climate change conjures up factory smoke, corn ethanol, cap-and-trade, hybrid cars. It also evokes Al Gore, drowning polar bears, African famine and Hurricane Katrina. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-workman30-2009nov30,0,1314434,print.story Opinion: My Word: California Must Transition To Cleaner Diesel Trucks. AS THE country struggles to overcome the worst economic recession in 70 years, many families are confronting hardships unparalleled in their lifetimes. While there have been loud cries to wait to clean up diesel pollution from trucks and buses until our economy fully recovers, such a conclusion would be a monumental mistake. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/opinion/ci_13867491 Editorial: States Take Climate Initiative. California is not waiting for Congress to act on curbing industrial emissions that contribute heavily to smog and global warming. In Congress, the House passed a bill in June that would reduce industrial emissions annually through a cap-and-trade program. As reported by The Washington Post, the bill mandates that industrial emissions throughout the country be reduced to 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 and to 83 percent below those levels by 2050. Posted. http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/nov/30/states-take-climate-initiative/ Editorial: Real Progress Possible At Climate-Change Summit. The upcoming climate-change showdown in Copenhagen is shaping up as a test of gamesmanship. Which is better: a Washington pledge to trim emissions slightly at the start, and then more steeply over the following decades? Or China's pledge to promise greater energy efficiency right away even if it remains the No. 1 emitter of carbon dioxide? The contending claims and the politics behind them are a tangle. But that doesn't mean that next month's Danish conference dubbed "son of Kyoto" can't produce serious results. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/30/EDTP1ARCRH.DTL&type=printable Blogs California's Cap-And-Trade Trial Run. The California Air Resources Board released a draft plan to impose a cap-and-trade regime on the state's utilities, refineries and factories. The plan, which comes as part of the implementation of the sweeping environmental law AB32, makes California a laboratory for testing how the market-based approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions will work. The same arguments lodged against the federal government's attempt to create a cap-and-trade system are in play in the Golden State. (Read here to learn more about how cap-and-trade systems work.). Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/green/detail?&entry_id=52361 ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 1 Dec 2009 11:06:41 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for December 1, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for December 1, 2009. 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 Count Picks Up Moss Landing Plant. One of California's top greenhouse gas emitters is right on Monterey Bay. Dynegy's Moss Landing power plant came in fifth in a first-ever list of the state's largest greenhouse gas emitters, created by the California Air Resources Board. Posted. http://www.thecalifornian.com/article/20091201/NEWS01/912010303/1002 Kern County Company Fined For Emissions Violations. The California Air Resources Board says it has fined Sturgeon & Son Inc. of Bakersfield $14,500 for emissions violations during 2007 and 2008. CARB says the company failed to properly inspect some of their diesel vehicles, as required by California law. Failing to conduct the inspections can lead to an increase of toxic diesel particulate matter in the air. Posted. http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=13739 CARB Issues Drayage Truck Extension. Sacramento — The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has granted a temporary extension in its implementation of 2010 requirements for a limited number of drayage trucks which meet certain criteria. Posted. http://www.thetrucker.com/News/Stories/2009/12/1/CARBissuesdrayagetruckextension.aspx CARB Low Sulfur-Fuel South – Missiles And Traffic Issues. In Southern California, the unintended consequences generated by the California Air Resources Board low-sulfur fuel rules have involved ships rerouting to new approaches rather than engine-performance problems. Posted. http://www.cunninghamreport.com/news_item.php?id=1117 http://www.cunninghamreport.com/news_item.php?id=1118 CO2 Output Too High To Contain Warming. The world's emissions are too high to keep the planet from excessive warming by 2050, according to a report released today from accounting company PricewaterhouseCoopers. The Big Four firm called for "challenging" targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at Copenhagen. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/12/01/3 Carbon Dioxide Not The Only Climate Enemy. UCSD scientists focusing on others. Greenhouse gases - Carbon dioxide, or CO2, is the best-known of the compounds that warms the earth’s atmosphere, but some scientists want more attention paid to minimizing other greenhouse gases. — Black carbon, or soot, may be the second leading cause of global warming. Unlike CO2, it remains in the atmosphere for only a few days or weeks. Posted. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/nov/29/mike-lee-emissions-story/ EPA Signals Support For Higher Blends But Delays Decision. U.S. EPA said today that it may allow the mixing of larger amounts of ethanol with gasoline, but the agency delayed a final decision on the matter until mid-2010 to allow for additional testing. In a letter to biofuels advocate Growth Energy, EPA hinted that it is likely to support raising the ethanol limit above the 10 percent allowed in gasoline under current regulations. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/12/01/1 Logue Wants Air Rules To Face Popular Vote. Assemblyman Dan Logue is looking to put AB 32, the 2006 state legislation meant to address emissions and global warming on a statewide basis, before voters next year. Logue, R-Linda, said the economic impacts associated with AB32 are such he wants voters to decide whether it should be in effect while the economy is in a recession. Posted. http://www.appeal-democrat.com/news/state-89220-logue-jobs.html Our View: Emissions Standards Do More Harm To Economy. Scientific, economic and political realities are reining in worldwide efforts to combat global warming. But not so in California. As others stop short of committing economic suicide, California's over-aggressive government could inflict further economical harm on the state. Posted. http://www.appeal-democrat.com/articles/emissions-89227-california-regulations.html UN: El Nino Likely To Last Until May. Geneva - The weak to moderate El Nino weather system in the tropical Pacific Ocean has strengthened considerably and could create droughts and floods around the world until May, a U.N. agency said Wednesday. The phenomenon of warmer surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean can affect monsoons and hurricanes, causing droughts in some places and floods in others, said Rupa Kumar Kolli of the World Meteorological Organization. Posted. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/dec/01/un-el-nino-likely-to-last-until-may/ UN: US, China Climate Offers 'Can Still Evolve'. Geneva — The U.N.'s environment chief said Tuesday he is optimistic that the climate change talks beginning in Copenhagen next week will reach a deal setting firm targets to cut carbon emissions. Recent offers by the United States and China appear modest compared with European Union proposals and scientists' demands, but probably represent only first offers, said Achim Steiner, director of the U.N. Environment Program. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5haQ7D_evoXwEsnLew9u4aHxu_VNwD9CAIPF00 When Scientists Behave Like Bullies. This just in from the Times of London: After the leak of highly embarrassing e-mail messages from the University of East Anglia's influential Climatic Research Unit, CRU has been forced to admit that it dumped "the original raw" climate data used to bolster the case for human-caused global warming, while retaining only the "value-added" - read: massaged - data. In short, the CRU dumped the scientific data, but archived information that supports its conclusions. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/01/EDV01ASHN5.DTL&type=printable Gaming The System In Copenhagen. Climate-change skeptics are barking up the wrong smokestack. The shell game being played isn't with the science, it's with the solutions - specifically, the carbon-emission targets that enlightened world leaders are pledging to meet. That's where the numbers don't add up. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/01/EDS21ASKNR.DTL&type=printable The Climate Science Isn't Settled. Is there a reason to be alarmed by the prospect of global warming? Consider that the measurement used, the globally averaged temperature anomaly (GATA), is always changing. Sometimes it goes up, sometimes down, and occasionally—such as for the last dozen years or so—it does little that can be discerned. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB20001424052748703939404574567423917025400.html Most World Leaders to Attend U.N. Climate Summit. Copenhagen/Canberra - Most world leaders plan to attend a climate summit in Copenhagen this month, boosting chances that a new U.N. deal to fight climate change will be reached, host Denmark said on Tuesday. The number of leaders planning to come to the December 7-18 talks had risen to 98 out of the 192 members of the United Nations, Denmark said. The number was up from 65 in a first count after invitations were sent last month. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/12/01/news/news-us-climate-copenhagen.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print Major Cities At Risk From Rising Sea Level Threat. Sea levels will rise by twice as much as previously predicted as a result of global warming, an important international study has concluded. The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) calculated that if temperatures continued to increase at the present rate, by 2100 the sea level would rise by up to 1.4 metres — twice that predicted two years ago. Posted. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6938356.ece Global Warming Scandal Makes Scientific Progress More Difficult, Experts Say. The latest revelation came on Sunday with the publication of a report by The Sunday Times of London that scientists at the University of East Anglia’s Climate Research Unit in the United Kingdom confessed to throwing out most of the raw temperature data on which the theory of global warming is founded. Posted. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,578368,00.html Coal Concerns Lead U.S. Climate Bill Challenges. Washington - For anyone trying to understand why the United States is having such a hard time joining an international effort to combat global warming, a short drive west from Washington to one of the smaller states in the country might explain a lot. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/internal_ReutersNewsRoom_BehindTheScenes_MOLT/idUSTRE5B00UQ20091201 BLOGS Santa Monica Launches Program To Turn Cooking Grease Into Biofuel. Santa Monica, known for its eco-friendly initiatives, is launching a new effort to collect cooking grease and turn the waste into biofuel. The program is primarily aimed at restaurants in the downtown area. Restaurants will be able to dump their excess grease, fat and oil in special containers at public parking structures 2 through 6, which border the Third Street Promenade. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/11/santa-monica-launches-program-to-turn-cooking-grease-into-biofuel.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+lanowblog+%28L.A.+Now%29&utm_content=Google+Reader The Global Warming Email We’ve All Been Waiting For. I got a good chuckle out of this piece by George Monbiot in the Guardian about the recent global warming e-mail controversy. My view is that the emails aren’t that damaging. Is it surprising that scientists would try to keep work that disagrees with their findings out of journals? Posted. http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/01/the-global-warming-email-weve-all-been-waiting-for/ Capstone To Launch New Hybrid Electric Car At Los Angeles Auto Show. Capstone Turbine has introduced the CMT-380, a hybrid-electric supercar powered by traditional batteries and an untraditional, ultra-low emission, range-extending microturbine. Posted. http://greenpowertrain.automotive-business-review.com/news/capstone_to_launch_new_hybrid_electric_car_at_los_angeles_auto_show_301109 ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 2 Dec 2009 11:11:51 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- California Air Resources Board News Clips for December 2, 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for December 2, 2009. 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. Dan Walters: Air Board's Cover-Up Casts Pall On Diesel Rules. A year ago, high officials of the California Air Resources Board learned that the author of a statistical study on diesel soot effects had falsified his academic credentials. The CARB researcher, Hien Tran, acknowledged the deception and agreed to be demoted, but after his data were given another peer review, they remained the basis of highly controversial regulations that will cost owners of trucks, buses and other diesel-powered machinery millions of dollars to upgrade their engines. Posted. http://www.sanluisobispo.com/opinion/v-print/story/941189.html Fresno Doctor Wants Truck Air Rules Suspended. A Valley representative on the state air board wants the board to suspend new pollution rules for trucks because they rely on research from a staff member who lied about his credentials. Posted. http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1732165.html LOIS HENRY: Arrogance Pollutes Air Board. As much as the California Air Resources Board would like to ignore this pesky little issue of a researcher lying about his credentials and using questionable methodology to pop out a report so the board could justify its draconian new diesel restrictions, I'm not lettin' it go. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/news/columnist/henry/x789211529/LOIS-HENRY-Arrogance-pollutes-air-board Bay Area Pollution District Eyes First Guidelines For Reducing Global Warming. California developers seeking city or county building approval have to look at how their projects affect traffic, schools, water, smog and wildlife. They may have to add a new concern: global warming. The Bay Area's air pollution district is proposing the nation's first-ever guidelines for when projects would produce enough global warming gases to warrant an environmental review of ways to reduce them. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13902780?source=rss http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_13902780 8,000 Dirty Trucks to Be Banned From Socal Port. The Port of Long Beach says that by New Year's Day it will have banned about 8,000 high-polluting trucks from entering the facility as part of an effort to reduce air pollution. Port officials said Tuesday that 5,600 trucks that were made before 1988 have been replaced by cleaner-burning models. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13903028 http://www.modbee.com/state/story/955276.html#ixzz0YY3SBJJO http://www.vcstar.com/news/2009/dec/01/8000-dirty-trucks-to-be-banned-from-socal-port/ Plume of Pollutants From a Small Airport. For people who live near an airport, noise is a major concern. But air quality can be an issue, too: after all, aircraft engines produce emissions on the ground as well as in the air. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/01/science/01obplane.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse Groups Petition EPA To Set Emission Limits Under Clean Air Act. Two environmental groups petitioned U.S. EPA today to set national limits for greenhouse gases using the Clean Air Act. The Center for Biological Diversity and 350.org petitioned EPA to designate greenhouse gases as "criteria" air pollutants, which would require EPA to establish allowable nationwide concentrations for the gases. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/12/02/1 Climate Scientist Steps Down. The British scientist at the heart of a scandal over climate-change research temporarily stepped down Tuesday as director of a prominent research group amid an internal probe that follows the release of hacked emails involving him and other scientists. The University of East Anglia in the U.K. said Phil Jones, head of the university's Climatic Research Unit, had decided to step aside from the director's post. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125970198500271683.html?mod=rss_Today's_Most_Popular U.S. Proposes Climate Adaptation Fund For Poor Nations. The United States has proposed a new global fund that would direct billions of dollars to help poor countries prepare for climate disasters and adjust to low-carbon economies. The fund would likely operate under the World Bank, U.S. Treasury officials said, and would be the main vehicle to deliver emissions reduction and adaptation measures throughout the world. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/12/02/02climatewire-us-proposes-climate-adaptation-fund-for-poor-53618.html http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/12/02/1 HICKS: Climate Fears Harm Children. Here in the Midwest, we know a thing or two about climate change. Don't like the weather? Wait five minutes. It'll change. Perhaps it's my casual attitude about weather generally, or maybe my cynicism about big science, but the revelations of data doctoring by climate scientists at the University of East Anglia's Climatic Research Unit didn't come as a surprise to me. Posted. http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/dec/02/hicks-climate-fears-harm-children/ UN Official Calls for Funds for Climate Change. Developing countries will need tens of billions of dollars each year to cope with the effects of climate change such as floods and drought, the global head of the U.N.'s development arm said. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/12/02/world/AP-AF-Climate-Poor-Nations.html?scp=4&sq=greenhouse%20gas&st=cse http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13907079 Head Of Chemistry Council Predicts Cap And Trade Will Be Delayed. New York -- The head of one of the most powerful industry trade groups in the United States confidently predicts that federal carbon cap-and-trade legislation won't get passed even in 2010, let alone by the end of this year, due to a lack of political will. The outcome of the international climate negotiations starting in Copenhagen next week will also fall far short of even now-diminished expectations as economic and political realities constrain the U.S. delegation's hand, says Cal Dooley, president and CEO of the American Chemistry Council. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/12/02/3 CO2 Must Eventually Be Captured From Air -- IPCC Chief. Drastic cuts in carbon dioxide emissions will not be enough to mitigate the worst effects of global warming, and the world will eventually need to absorb CO2 directly from the atmosphere, according to Rajendra Pachauri, the chairman of the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/12/02/10 CO2 Output Too High To Contain Warming – Study. The world's emissions are too high to keep the planet from excessive warming by 2050, according to a report released today from accounting company PricewaterhouseCoopers. The Big Four firm called for "challenging" targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at Copenhagen. The economists apportioned out a carbon "budget" among the world's countries and modeled the economic trajectories for each of the G20 countries leading up to 2050, factoring in economic output, political circumstances and each region's potential for renewable power sources. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/12/01/3 Owens Lake As Solar Power Plant? The DWP seeks to build a 660-acre pilot project on the dry lake bed -- and avoid doing an environmental impact report. Nearly a century after Los Angeles drained Owens Lake by diverting its water to the Los Angeles Aqueduct, the city now hopes to generate solar energy on the dusty salt flats it left behind. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-owenslake2-2009dec02,0,7306921,print.story L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Announces Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan. Along with partners, the city plans to update 400 existing charging stations around the region and add 100, he says. By this time next year, electric vehicles could be popping up all around Los Angeles, and the "quintessential city of sprawl" plans to be ready, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said Tuesday. Along with a network of partners, the city plans to update 400 existing charging stations around the region while adding 100, Villaraigosa said. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13904493 http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-electric-cars2-2009dec02,0,4870619,print.story EPA Signals Support For Higher Blends but Delays Decision. U.S. EPA said today that it may allow the mixing of larger amounts of ethanol with gasoline, but the agency delayed a final decision on the matter until mid-2010 to allow for additional testing. In a letter to biofuels advocate Growth Energy, EPA hinted that it is likely to support raising the ethanol limit above the 10 percent allowed in gasoline under current regulations. The agency said two tests it has completed on the 15 percent ethanol blend, known as E15, suggest that engines in newer cars will likely be able to accommodate the fuel. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/12/01/1 Eugene Robinson: Should Talk About Both The Winners And Losers In Copenhagen. CLIMATE-CHANGE SKEPTICS are barking up the wrong smokestack. The shell game being played isn't with the science, it's with the solutions — specifically, the carbon emissions targets that enlightened world leaders are pledging to meet. That's where the numbers don't add up. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/opinion/ci_13900730 Blogs California Dams to Feel Impact of Climate Change. California’s high-elevation dams could generate considerably less power over the next 40 years as a result of rising temperatures associated with climate change, according to a recent study by researchers at the University of California, Davis. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/02/california-dams-to-feel-climate-impacts/?scp=2&sq=climate%20change&st=cse Science and the Smart Grid. The American Association for the Advancement of Science is holding its Annual Meeting from 18-22 February in San Diego. One of the Symposium Tracks at this conference will be on "Energy Today and Tomorrow." Within that track, a symposium will be held which will focus on "Smart and Secure Transmission Grids To Realize U.S. and E.U. Renewable Energy Potentials." Posted. http://blogs.redding.com/dcraig/archives/2009/12/science-and-the.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 3 Dec 2009 11:32:56 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for December 3, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for December 3, 2009. 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. Air Board Vote On Global Warming Emissions Limits Tabled Until January. GLOBAL WARMING vote tabled: The Bay Area's air pollution board will wait at least until Jan. 6 before voting on a proposal aimed at reducing global warm gases from new development in nine counties. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_13911407 Air Regulator Wants Calif Diesel Rule Suspended. Fresno, Calif.—A member of the California Air Resources Board wants to suspend new diesel emissions rules for trucks and buses after learning that a researcher whose work contributed to the rules falsified his credentials. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13910211 Controversial Economist Probing Cost Of Proposed New Air Pollution Rule. A controversial economist working at the Office of Management and Budget has raised questions about whether a new air pollution rule proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency would impose too high a cost on coal-fired power plants, according to documents obtained by The Washington Post. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/03/AR2009120302143.html?hpid=topnews India Unveils Target To Slow Carbon Emissions. New Delhi—India will significantly slow the growth of its climate-warming carbon dioxide emissions over the next decade as its economy keeps expanding, an official said Thursday ahead of world climate change talks. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13916695 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/03/AR2009120302314.html Republicans Call For Halt To Climate Efforts. Congressional Republicans called on the Obama administration Wednesday to suspend its efforts to combat climate change, given recently disclosed e-mails that, they suggested, raise questions about the scientific underpinnings of the issue. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/02/AR2009120204620.html New Model Outlines Climate Change Peril. In 2100, Fisherman's Wharf would become Fisherman's Bay, the baseball diamond at AT&T Park would flood and two major Bay Area airports would better serve seaplanes under a climate change model unveiled Wednesday by Gov. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/capitolandcalifornia/story/2366201.html http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/12/03/2 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2009/12/03/MN031ATUGC.DTL http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13909392?nclick_check=1 Emissions Cuts Won't Affect Price Of Everyday Items -- study Prices for food, clothing and other routine expenses would rise by only 1 percent if countries agree to cuts in greenhouse gas emissions of 80 percent by 2050, according to a study published in New Scientist magazine. "These results show that the global project to fight climate change is doable," the report quotes Alex Bowen, a climate policy expert at the London School of Economics, as saying. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/12/03/11 Toxics Law Revision Should Address Emerging Science, Uncertainty, Admin Officials Say. Any overhaul of federal toxics regulations must give U.S. EPA the authority and flexibility to stay on stop of emerging science and act in the face of scientific uncertainty, a leading federal scientist and the U.S. EPA administrator said yesterday. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/EEDaily/2009/12/03/2 As Emissions Increase, Carbon 'Sinks' Get Clogged. In the race to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, scientists have been looking to forests and oceans to absorb the pollution people generate. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/02/AR2009120203732.html?hpid=moreheadlines Bowman Design Group Wins CoolCaliforinia 'Small Business of the Year' Award. Bowman Design Group has earned a “Small Business of the Year” award for its green initiatives which resulted in slashing the firm’s greenhouse gas emissions by 65% in just two years. The CoolCalifornia Small Business Award Program, in its inaugural year, is administered by the California Air Resources Board. Judges selected Bowman Design Group for its comprehensive green business plan, awarding just five “Small Business of the Year” awards to a field of over 120 entries. Posted. http://www.exhibitoronline.com/news/enn-display.asp?counter=8318 Station Fire Leaves Residents In The Dust. Lisa Sarkin of Studio City feels like she's trapped in fog of brown soot. For the past several days, a thin sheet of brown dust has been covering her house, her cars, her clothes when she goes outside - and her conversations are broken up with a cough she can't seem to get rid of. "I've never seen anything like this in my entire life," Sarkin said. "My pool is covered in something that's not dust and it's not dirt and looks like little flowery stuff. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13911844 An Energy Answer In The Shale Below? The first time Chesapeake Energy tried to buy mineral rights from Diana Whitmore, a 74-year-old retired real estate broker in southern New York, it offered her $125 for every acre of land plus a 12 percent royalty on whatever natural gas it extracts. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/02/AR2009120204305.html?hpid=topnews BLOGS The White House Convenes Young Green Leaders. Washington - As the Senate wades back into the climate debate, the White House is enlisting some of the young voters who helped usher President Obama into office to galvanize support for the climate and energy bill. On Wednesday, the administration summoned an eclectic group of 20-somethings for a forum focused on laying the groundwork for a green economy. Posted. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/03/the-white-house-convenes-young-green-leaders/?scp=8&sq=environment&st=cse ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 7 Dec 2009 12:03:53 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for December 4-7, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for December 4-7, 2009. 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. WALTERS: Soot-Covered Pall Clouds CARB Policy. A year ago, high officials of the California Air Resources Board learned that the author of a statistical study on diesel soot effects had falsified his academic credentials. The CARB researcher, Hien Tran, acknowledged the deception and agreed to be demoted, but after his data were given another peer review, they remained the basis of highly controversial regulations that will cost owners of trucks, buses and other diesel-powered machinery millions of dollars to upgrade their engines. Posted. http://www.nctimes.com/news/opinion/columnists/walters/article_eb4c8d98-554b-5874-abc3-cd05882b8abe.html http://www.todaystrucking.com/news.cfm?intDocID=22945 http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/dec/04/still-shameful-air-boards-response-scandal-appalli/ http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/dec/04/roberts-ignored-scandal-year/ http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/dec/04/sac-bee-defies-own-policy-wont-correct-error/ http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/dec/04/time-clear-air-and-breathe/ http://www.pe.com/localnews/opinion/editorials/stories/PE_OpEd_Opinion_S_op_06_ed_arbdiesel1.33ca782.html http://www.bakersfield.com/opinion/editorials/x211509139/Suspend-diesel-regs-then-do-it-right Obama Administration Will Formally Declare Danger Of Carbon Emissions. The Obama administration will formally declare Monday that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions pose a danger to the public's health and welfare, a move that lays the groundwork for an economy-wide carbon cap even if Congress fails to enact climate legislation, sources familiar with the process said. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/07/AR2009120701645_pf.html http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20091207-709708.html http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-fg-obama-environment8-2009dec08,0,3159719.story http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/12/07bn/1 Global Climate Summit Opens With Calls For Action, Rebukes Of Critics. Island nations push for a binding treaty to deal with global warming. The U.S. EPA declares greenhouse gases a danger and subject to federal regulation. With strong appeals for action and sharp rebukes of their critics, diplomats from around the world launched a two-week negotiating summit in the Danish capital today in hopes of producing a new agreement to curb climate change. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-climate-summit8-2009dec08,0,2691769,print.story What Global Warming? A Look At The Arguments The Skeptics Make—And How Believers Respond. When we recently ran an article about ideas on ways to cool the planet, we were swamped with emails from people who were impassioned in their belief that global warming is a myth. It was striking that so many people held views at odds with what is apparently the consensus among climate scientists, as well as policy makers. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703819904574551303527570212.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsTop#printMode Min: Global CO2 Cut Pledges Not Enough For EU To Raise Target. Copenhagen -International commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions to fight global warming are still too low to prompt the European Union to raise to 30% its 2020 target for reductions in carbon dioxide emissions, Sweden's Environment Minister said Monday. "At this particular moment, the bids on the table are too low, and we still expect the parties to deliver more," said Andreas Carlgren during a press conference on the first day of negotiations in Copenhagen for a global deal to fight climate change. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20091207-708615.html Act Naturally. Thousands of experts and politicians are gathering in Copenhagen to search for ways to sharply reduce the amount of carbon we release into the atmosphere. Whatever limit they agree to — whether it is 350 or 400 parts per million — will require, first and foremost, curtailing global emissions. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/08/opinion/08iht-edlopoukhine.html Op-Ed: Common sense: Suspend AB32. When Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Assembly Bill 32 in 2006, California's unemployment rate was a modest 4.8 percent. Now it stands at 12.5 percent. AB32 requires a massive reordering of our state's economy and massive tax increases to pay for these shifts. It includes a provision for it to be suspended if our state faces economic hardships — and that time has come. Posted. http://www.appeal-democrat.com/common/printer/view.php?db=marysville&id=89365 OPINION: Cap and Fade. AT the international climate talks in Copenhagen, President Obama is expected to announce that the United States wants to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to about 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 and 83 percent by 2050. But at the heart of his plan is cap and trade, a market-based approach that has been widely praised but does little to slow global warming or reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. It merely allows polluters and Wall Street traders to fleece the public out of billions of dollars. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/07/opinion/07hansen.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print Editorials on Climate Conference in Copenhagen. The following editorial appeared in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Monday, Dec. 7: MOMENTUM BUILDS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE AGREEMENT. More than 100 world leaders are expected to make appearances at the international climate summit that begins Monday in Copenhagen. President Barack Obama is expected on Dec. 18, the conference's last day. He won't come home with a treaty for the Senate to ratify, but he may be able to close a tentative deal. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/world/story/962661.html#ixzz0Z1PfdADd Dairies May Benefit From Clean Air Rules. Kern dairies could be among the early winners in a proposed "cap and trade" system now under consideration statewide as a way of reducing California's greenhouse gas emissions. Using different manure-management technologies, more than a few local dairymen stand to make money by selling clean air credits to companies that produce more pollution than would be allowed under pending state regulations. http://www.bakersfield.com/news/business/economy/x211509052/Dairies-may-benefit-from-clean-air-rules Decade Of 2000s Was Warmest Ever, Scientists Say. It dawned with the warmest winter on record in the United States. And when the sun sets this New Year's Eve, the decade of the 2000s will end as the warmest ever on global temperature charts. Warmer still, scientists say, lies ahead. Through 10 years of global boom and bust, of breakneck change around the planet, of terrorism, war and division, all people everywhere under that warming sun faced one threat together: Posted. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091207/ap_on_re_us/decade_s_end_climate/print In East Bay, Where Pollution Goes, Health Problems Follow. In some hardscrabble East Bay neighborhoods, people die of heart disease and cancer at three times the rates found just a few miles away in more well-to-do communities. Children living near busy freeways in Oakland are hospitalized for asthma at 12 times the rate of young people in Lafayette's wooded housing tracts. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_13919582 Next Phase Of Clean Truck Program Takes Effect Jan. 1 At Port Of L.A. San Pedro, Calif. — The Port of Los Angeles says the next phase of its “successful clean truck program” will take effect Jan. 1, 2010, when trucks equipped with engine model years 1993 and older will be banned from the port. Additionally, “trucks equipped with engine model years 1994 to 2003 also will be denied terminal access unless retrofitted with an approved diesel emission control system,” stated a port news release. Posted. http://www.thetrucker.com/News/Stories/2009/12/7/NextphaseofcleantruckprogramtakeseffectJan1atPortofLA.aspx Plug-In Hybrids Have Miles To Go For Widespread Use. Many major automakers have unveiled vehicles at the L.A. Auto Show that are within a year or two of the showroom, but a lot has to change for such cars to be common sights in the U.S. private fleet. Anyone strolling about the exhibition floor of the L.A. Auto Show this week can be forgiven for thinking that the battle for the green car has been won, and the plug-in electric hybrid is the victor. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-hiltzik7-2009dec07,0,5713301,print.column Emission Trading Programs Struggle to Find Traction. Does Russia hold hostage the future of a carbon cap-and-trade system that many experts see as a critical tool for curbing global warming gases? Improbable as it may seem, the answer appears to be yes. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/07/business/global/07iht-rbogcarbon.html?scp=1&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse LA/LB Watch Impact Report Progress. The clearance of a seven-year Environmental Impact Report logjam is one of the most important port issues from the point of view of the Marine Exchange of Southern California. “This will result in a new VLCC (very large crude carrier) berth and several stalled container terminal upgrades to deepen berths, add shore power, improve acreage and improve rail access,” says Richard McKenna. Posted. http://www.portstrategy.com/archive101/2009/december/regional_survey_us_west_coast/green_issues Blogs CARB Should Do the Right Thing and Revisit Truck Rule. Just when everyone thought we were all set to move forward with the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) pollution rules set to go into effect next year, a wrinkle has been thrown into the plans. CARB member Dr. John Telles, a cardiologist, has requested the rule that requires the installation of diesel particulate filters on trucks operating in the state be revisited after he learned that one of the authors of the report CARB used to create the rule “misrepresented his credentials,” according to a story this week in the Fresno Bee. Posted. http://blog.fleetowner.com/trucking-straight-talk/2009/12/04/carb-should-do-the-right-thing-and-revisit-truck-rule/ The Jobs Initiative - Suspend AB32. When Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed AB32 [assembly bill 32] in 2006, California’s unemployment rate was a modest 4.8%. This past Friday we learned that it now stands at 12.5%. AB32 requires a massive reordering of our state’s economy and massive tax increases to pay for these shifts. It includes a provision for it to be suspended if our state faces economic hardships, and that time has come. Posted. http://foxandhoundsdaily.com/blog/dan-logue/5990-the-jobs-initiative-suspend-ab32 Appeals For Action Open Copenhagen Climate Talks. With strong appeals for action and sharp rebukes of their critics, diplomats from around the world launched a two-week negotiating summit in Copenhagen today in hopes of producing a new agreement to curb climate change. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/12/last-chance-appeal-opens-copenhagen-talks.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+GreenspaceEnvironmentBlog+%28Greenspace%29 ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 8 Dec 2009 14:21:02 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- News Clips for December 8, 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for December 8, 2009. 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. The Air Board’s Test. Will zealotry or common sense win the day? The California Air Resources Board faces a moment of truth tomorrow. Are board members subservient to their zealous staff? Or are they public servants with common sense? At issue is a proposal by two board members – John Telles, a Fresno cardiologist, and Ron Roberts, a San Diego County supervisor – to suspend and redo costly, sweeping new rules for diesel vehicle emissions adopted a year ago. Posted. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/dec/08/air-boards-test/ Editorial: Deception Sets Back New Diesel Rules. Whether and when California should impose sweeping new rules on diesel emissions is a political and scientific issue that has been made more difficult by a blatant deception, a state statistician's lie about having received a doctorate in statistics from the University of California-Davis. Discovery that Hien Tran actually received his Ph.D. from a storefront diploma mill probably will postpone enactment of the new diesel rules, which is unfortunate. Posted. http://www.montereyherald.com/opinion/ci_13950168 Board Outlines Rules On Use Of Tier 2 Engines To Comply With TRU ATCM. The California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Transport Refrigeration Unit (TRU) Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) requires all TRUs that operate in California to meet in-use performance standards by December 31st of the seventh year after the engine model year. Several compliance options are available, such as retrofitting the engine with the required level of verified diesel emission control strategy or using an alternative technology in a way that eliminates the TRU engine operation at all facilities. Posted. http://refrigeratedtrans.com/2010-emissions/carb_outlines_rules_on_tier_2_engine_use_1208/ The Major Players In The Copenhagen Talks And Their Positions. As worldwide U.N. climate change talks get under way in Copenhagen, every major greenhouse gas-polluting country in the world will put forward a proposal to cut or curb emissions. Needless to say, there will be a wide spectrum of approaches. Few countries have had much positive to say about one another's goals, and that's part of the strategy these next two weeks as negotiators sweet-talk, horse-trade and joust over the details of what may someday become a new international global warming treaty. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/12/08/1 EPA Ruling Allows Greenhouse Gas Emissions To Be Regulated. The Environmental Protection Agency issued a long-expected ruling Monday that greenhouse gases threaten public health, giving the Obama administration power to regulate smokestack and tailpipe emissions that feed global warming. Coming near the start of the international climate change conference now underway in Copenhagen, some experts said the ruling tells the other conference participants the U.S. can now control emissions whether or not the U.S. Congress passes legislative caps. http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2009-12-07-epa-greenhouse-dangers_N.htm Sacramento Biofuel Institute Gets Federal Funds. Sacramento's Renewable Energy Institute International has received a $20 million economic stimulus grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to demonstrate a new way to turn crop residues and wood waste into diesel fuel. Although REII is headquartered in McClellan Park, the "biorefinery" will be built in Ohio at the Port of Toledo. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/business/story/2378160.html#mi_rss=Business EPA Climate Finding Could Spark New Legal Struggles. It's official. Carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases are pollutants under the law, U.S. EPA has ruled in a pivotal decision first set in motion by a petition more than 10 years ago. The long-expected decision ricocheted on multiple levels yesterday, mostly due to its timing. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/12/08/2 EPA Chief Signals Opposition To Clean Air Act Curbs On Ghgs. Many legal experts say U.S. EPA's final endangerment finding could ultimately trigger national air-quality standards for greenhouse gases, but Administrator Lisa Jackson is signaling that her agency would oppose such limits. EPA yesterday unveiled its determination that greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare and that emissions from new cars contribute to the mix of those gases in the atmosphere. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/12/08/4 Getting Close In Copenhagen. The Obama administration is amping up the climate change debate by declaring that greenhouse gases pose a danger to public health. The announcement by Lisa Jackson, the top appointee who runs the Environmental Protection Agency, couldn't be more timely or pointed. The United States has endured a public-image flogging for years because the previous White House denied the compelling evidence that human activity was accelerating global temperature increases. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/08/ED291B0DQA.DTL&type=printable Nissan And San Francisco To Set Up Electric Vehicle Charging Network. San Francisco - Nissan North America's nationwide tour to promote its forthcoming electric sedan, the Leaf, cruised through the Bay Area yesterday, stopping long enough to sign an agreement with San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom (D) on developing a local charging infrastructure here. The plan is to collaborate on a network of residential charging stations that Nissan hopes will ease consumer fears about electric cars and how to fuel them. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/12/08/6 ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 9 Dec 2009 11:17:52 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for December 9, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for December 9, 2009. 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. Researcher's Lie Could Threaten Diesel Rules. Sacramento - A sweeping California regulation aimed at cutting hazardous pollution from diesel engine exhaust could be derailed after a key state researcher on the project was caught in a lie about his academic credentials. The California Air Resources Board is scheduled to meet today to discuss whether to delay the implementation of the regulation because of the weak economy, which some experts claim has led to a drop in diesel emissions. But that discussion has been overshadowed by revelations about the researcher's trumped-up resume. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/09/MNQR1B123E.DTL&type=printable State Air Board Will Debate A Recession Break On Diesel Rules. The California Air Resources Board must decide today whether the bad economy justifies giving truckers and construction firms more breathing room on the state's toughest-in-the-nation diesel pollution regulations. By cutting diesel consumption, the recession has likely improved the state's air quality, air board staff say. Fleet owners hope to use that evidence to convince the agency that it should delay mandated retrofits and upgrades they say the recession has made them unable to afford. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/politics/v-print/story/2381292.html California Diesel Rules Generate Debate In Wisconsin. Builders nationwide are rallying against California’s rules requiring diesel emission cuts in construction equipment. Although the fear is that California’s rules will become the standard for other states to adopt, regulators in Wisconsin are still content to partner with builders, rather than police them. Rule makers at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources are not drafting or considering any diesel emission rules, said Jessica Lawent, DNR air management specialist. Posted. http://dailyreporter.com/wp-content/plugins/dmc_sociable_toolbar/wp-print.php?p=36537 Letters To The Editor: Stolen E-Mails On Global Warming; Air Board’s Deception. We’ll look past the misinformation conveyed by your Dec. 3 editorial “Tainted science” and attempt to put the matter in perspective. Since a hacker stole and publicized the private e-mails of a handful of scientists, many of the subsequent charges made have already fizzled. The most serious charge by far against the e-mailing group is that they blocked publication by scientists with whom they disagreed and prevented the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) from considering the findings of those scientists in its assessment report. Posted. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/dec/09/stolen-e-mails-global-warming-air-boards-deception/ CARB Under Fire For Covering Up Scandal Involving Diesel Reg Vote. The California Air Resources Board and specifically CARB’s rules governing diesel emissions approved on Dec. 12 last year have come under fire off and on, but some of the most noteworthy criticism is from Dr. John G. Telles, an air board appointee who said recently that the board’s staff failed to meet its “ethical if not legal obligation” to provide all board members with pertinent data before they voted on the emissions regulation. Posted. http://www.thetrucker.com/News/Stories/2009/12/8/CARBunderfireforcoveringupscandalinvolvingdieselregvote.aspx Contractors Ask CARB To Retrofit Their Own Retrofit Rules. The latest data on off-road construction equipment currently in use in California indicates that the construction industry will exceed state diesel emission targets for 2010, according to the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), making the diesel retrofit regulations scheduled to go into effect next year unnecessary to meet state emissions targets after all. Posted. http://fleetowner.com/green/archive/contractors-carb-retrofit-1209/ CARB Reviews Truck Upgrade Rule. This week, the California Air Resources Board will discuss economic factors affecting implementation of major truck rules, but a scandal over a key employee’s credentials related to these regulations will not be among these considerations. On Dec. 4, a statement was published from Ron Roberts, a longtime board member. He said he and fellow board member Dr. John Telles, a Fresno cardiologist, would call for suspension of the Statewide Truck and Bus Rule.http://www.etrucker.com/apps/news/article.asp?id=83764 Central Valley A ‘Leader’ In Wind Power, Alternative Fuels. • Green jobs and business growth outpace rest of state’s economy. • ‘Green sector businesses are taking root across every region of California’. New data released Wednesday shows that California green businesses have increased 45 percent in number and 36 percent in employment from 1995 to 2008 while total jobs in California expanded only 13 percent. Posted. http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=13825 Job Growth In California Is Going Green. From January 2007 to January 2008 green jobs increased 5% while total jobs declined 1%. Green businesses are blooming in California, creating jobs at a faster pace than the broader economy, a new study has found. The report from Next 10, a nonprofit research group in Palo Alto, explores California's "core green economy," including areas such as research and advocacy, finance and investment, energy efficiency, recycling and building. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-green-jobs9-2009dec09,0,5169502,print.story Pressure for a Climate Draft Accord Grows. Copenhagen — Delegates to the international climate talks accelerated their negotiations on Wednesday, racing among the booths and offices of countries large and small, comparing competing “nonpapers” — sections of the proposed text with no official existence — in the quest to hash out a realistic draft of a new climate agreement by the weekend. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/10/science/earth/10climate.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print EPA Chief: Obama To Work With Congress On Climate. Copenhagen—The top U.S. environmental official told a divided U.N. climate conference Wednesday that the Obama administration's moves to "make up for lost time" and cut greenhouse gases would complement congressional action and wasn't intended to bypass recalcitrant lawmakers. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/science/ci_13958585 EPA Agrees To Review Oil, Gas Pollution Standards. Denver -- Federal officials have agreed to review air pollution standards for oil and gas operations to decide if they need to be updated. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/08/AR2009120803902.html The Copenhagen Concoction. For months, the U.N. climate change summit that began Monday in Copenhagen has been billed as the world's last best hope to match the scientific consensus on global warming with a policy consensus. But now it turns out there is little of either, and Copenhagen looks like it will go down as one of the more remarkable cases of political hubris in recent memory. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB30001424052748704007804574574053846536712.html Global Warming Is A Hot Topic. 2000-2009 is "on-track to become the warmest decade on record", according to a statement issued by Michael Jarraud, secretary-general of the World meteorological Organization during the 192 nation climate conference in Copenhagen this week. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-11270-Hartford-Wellness-Examiner~y2009m12d9-Global-warming-is-a-hot-topic Copenhagen's Political Science. With the publication of damaging e-mails from a climate research center in Britain, the radical environmental movement appears to face a tipping point. The revelation of appalling actions by so-called climate change experts allows the American public to finally understand the concerns so many of us have articulated on this issue. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/08/AR2009120803402.html EPA Chief: US Will Regulate CO2 With Common Sense. Copenhagen — The head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says she will take commonsense steps to regulate carbon emissions to protect the health of Americans. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said her newly declared power to regulate greenhouse gases will be used to complement legislation pending in Congress, not replace it. She said "this is not an either-or moment. It's a both-and moment." EPA declared Monday that carbon emission could endanger human health and would be subject to federal regulation. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i9TuMrvrknh-ZXwqmZ2N-48kff3wD9CFPT500 Big Utility Turns Bullish on Carbon Capture. The head of American Electric Power Co., the biggest emitter of carbon dioxide in the U.S., said advances in technology would allow the company to eliminate the emissions from its coal-fired power plants by 2025. Mike Morris, chief executive of Ohio-based AEP, said his company's early experience with a carbon capture and storage project at its Mountaineer power plant in West Virginia had exceeded expectations. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126032092489782773.html?mod=rss_Today's_Most_Popular Climate Deal Likely to Bear Big Price Tag. If negotiators reach an accord at the climate talks in Copenhagen it will entail profound shifts in energy production, dislocations in how and where people live, sweeping changes in agriculture and forestry and the creation of complex new markets in global warming pollution credits. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/09/science/earth/09cost.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=carbon%20emissions&st=cse Lawmakers Reject Attempt to Handcuff EPA Greenhouse Gas Rules. House and Senate conferees last night rejected an attempt to block U.S. EPA's work on regulations to curb greenhouse gas emissions. The vote came as part of the conference on a $446.8 billion omnibus spending bill that also sets the largest-ever budget for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/12/09/09greenwire-lawmakers-reject-attempt-to-handcuff-epa-green-33097.html Copenhagen Climate Summit a Wild Ride. The calls for climate action begin at the airport, where the thousands of arriving journalists, negotiators and observers are greeted by billboards showcasing eco-friendly hotels, drowning polar bears and stern warnings of impending climate catastrophe. One features a polar bear alone on an ice floe. "The Arctic can’t wait: climate deal now." Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/dec/09/copenhagen-climate-summiteers-face-wild-ride/ 'Green Economy' Growing In California Despite Recession. With California's unemployment rate at 12.3 percent, there's more job loss than growth these days. But a new report cites a surge of jobs being created in the state's young "green economy." Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/business/ci_13957800 South San Francisco Biofuel Firm Awarded $22 Million Federal Grant. South San Francisco — A bioproducts company has earned a federal grant of nearly $22 million to build a refinery that will produce alternative, algae-based fuel for vehicles on a large-scale basis. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_13946433 Tests Link Cancer To Snarled Freeway Air. In as little as three months, the brains of laboratory rats begin to change after being exposed to the air around congested Southern California freeways. "The evidence we are clearly seeing is the molecular cascade that can lead to the development of cancer," said Dr. Keith L. Black, chairman of the department of neurosurgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Black is a world-class surgeon who pioneered research on ways to open the blood-brain barrier, enabling medicines to be used in the fight against brain cancer. Posted. http://www.dailybulletin.com/news/ci_13955712?source=rss The Earth Is Crying Out for Help. As national leaders and others assemble in Copenhagen for the climate change negotiations, the whole subject must seem a mystifying cloud of acronyms, numbers and data. But as important as all these are in crafting an action plan, they completely obscure the fact that the planet works as a biological as well as a physical system. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/09/opinion/09iht-edlovejoy.html?sq=climate%20change&st=cse&adxnnl=1&scp=10&adxnnlx=1260378189-Qyj/lAha7uwdP7XfC+moqg Larry Wilson: Cold Weather Heats Up Debate Over Global Warming. SURE is cold here. Wednesday it was still just 2 degrees Celsius - which system I'm trying to get a feel for, even though it is a Commie plot - in my driveway at 8:30 a.m. The snow high on the mountains seen through the clearest almost-winter air was, as always, stunning to behold. Earlier, on a trail run, frost glinted everywhere on the Arroyo Seco floor. Posted. http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_13956918 Blogs Using Fire to Reduce Carbon Emissions. That's what the people at the Association of Fire Ecology believe. They are talking long range forecasts and they also assume that all forests are susceptible to stand replacing fires if left untreated which would negate any carbon sequestration efforts. This association has put out a "carbon position paper", based on this recent Executive Order. Posted. http://blogs.redding.com/lwinter/archives/2009/12/using-fire-to-r.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:20:40 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- News Clips for December 10th, 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for December 10, 2009. 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. Truckers Ask California To Delay Diesel-Emission Rules. Firms tell the Air Resources Board that with revenue down, they can't afford the new equipment to meet the state's tougher anti-pollution standards. Citing the poor economy, the trucking industry Wednesday asked California air regulators to delay the nation's toughest rules to reduce diesel emissions. The pitch came at a California Air Resources Board hearing, where regulators were reviewing whether trucking companies should be given more time to replace their fleets with cleaner trucks. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-truckers10-2009dec10,0,1239392.story Board Delays Diesel Rules. The California Air Resources Board gave truckers a break Wednesday on the state's tough diesel emissions rules, acknowledging that the bad economy has both improved the state's air quality and made anti-pollution upgrades unaffordable. After a nearly seven-hour public hearing in Sacramento that featured more than 80 speakers including truckers, health and environmental advocates and even high school students from Oakland, the air board ordered modifications to the rules drawn up for consideration in April. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/v-print/story/2384344.html State Orders New Diesel Pollution Report. Sacramento -- State researchers must redo a report that concluded 3,500 people prematurely die each year due to diesel pollution - a finding that was used to justify imposing the nation's strictest regulations on diesel engines. The California Air Resources Board ordered a new report after the employee who wrote it was found to have lied about his academic credentials. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/10/BAU71B1KL3.DTL&type=printable http://www.fresnobee.com/406/story/1742502.html http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hjooPmCuGCJUgcSiK8tDKkDNxQAAD9CG2IRO0 http://blog.fleetowner.com/trucking-straight-talk/2009/12/10/carb-to-redo-health-report-truck-rule-to-still-go-into-effect/ http://www.inlandnewstoday.com/story.php?s=12112 http://www.ttnews.com/articles/basetemplate.aspx?storyid=23374 http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/dec/10/diesel-pollution-rules-may-be-delayed/ http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=13838 http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/2384344.html http://www.bakersfield.com/news/columnist/henry/x211509579/Air-board-to-revisit-rule-after-controversy http://www.news10.net/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=71607&catid=2 http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091209/A_NEWS/912099985 http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/2381292.html http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2009/12/09/MNQR1B123E.DTL#ixzz0ZJAqanYW http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/dec/09/air-board-lies-fuel-global-warming-doubts/ http://www.inlandnewstoday.com/story.php?s=12112 http://www.ttnews.com/articles/printnews.aspx?storyid=23374 Regulation Clamps Down On Refrigeration Systems Leaking Greenhouse Gases. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has adopted the nation’s first comprehensive regulation to reduce potent greenhouse gases from commercial and industrial refrigeration systems. This rule will reduce greenhouse gas emissions of 8.1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) in 2020. That is equivalent to removing about 1.4 million cars from the road for a year. Gases used as refrigerants trap heat in the atmosphere at rates thousands of times that of carbon dioxide. Posted. http://refrigeratedtrans.com/2010-emissions/rule_clamps_down_on_greenhouse_gas_leaks_1210/ http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=13834 http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20091209-715385.html http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/12/10/6 Islands Rebuffed On Stronger Climate Action. Copenhagen - Declaring it "a matter of survival," one of the world's tiniest nations, speaking for imperiled islands everywhere, took on global industrial and oil powers Wednesday at the U.N. climate conference - and lost. "Madam President, the world is watching us. The time for procrastination is over," Ian Fry, delegate of the mid-Pacific state of Tuvalu, declared as he asked the full conference for more aggressive curbing of greenhouse gas emissions than is being considered. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/10/MN931B1O3N.DTL&type=printable Small Business To Bear 'Manageable' Transition Costs To A.B. 32 – Report. Restaurants, retailers and other small businesses operating in California face a "small and definitely manageable" economic transition to climate regulations once the state's global warming law goes into effect in 2012, said a financial consulting group in a study released late yesterday. The Brattle Group, based in Cambridge, Mass., conducted an analysis of the probable direct effect of California's climate law, A.B. 32, for all manner of small businesses operating in the state. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/12/10/7 New Index Tracks 'Carbon Efficient' Stocks. New York -- The International Finance Corp. and Standard & Poor's launched a new stock index today tied to carbon dioxide emissions, one focused not on carbon market prices or the clean-tech sector but on companies in rapidly developing countries deemed more "carbon efficient" than their industry peers. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/12/10/5 Majority Of Americans Support Cap And Trade If It Creates Green Jobs. A majority of Americans would pay for a solution to climate change if it would create "green jobs" in the United States, according to a new poll released yesterday. In the poll, conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs for McClatchy Newspapers, 69 percent of respondents said they would support cap-and-trade legislation even if it cost them $10 per month, as long as it created a "significant" number of green American jobs. Twenty-nine percent said they still would oppose the legislation. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/12/10/11 Tesla Says Decision Hasn't Been Made. A Tesla Motors spokesman said Wednesday that the company has not finalized its decision on whether it will locate an electric vehicle production line in either Downey or Long Beach. "Deciding where to build our state-of-the art, energy-efficient manufacturing home should be a deliberative process, and we intend to get it right," said Ricardo Reyes, who is vice president of communications for San Carlos-based Tesla. "We have nothing to announce at this time." Posted. http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_13964556?source=rss 'Greenhouse Britain' and 'The Force Majeure'. Some conservationists may take issue with the term "environmental art," considering the legions of artists whose practices are out of sync with the natural environment (for example, sculptor Christo, whose wrapping of an Australian coastline led to penguins and seals becoming trapped under the fabric). Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/10/NS7R1B1257.DTL&type=printable U.S. Plays Good Cop, Bad Cop At Climate Talks. Copenhagen - Two top Obama administration officials arrived Wednesday at U.N.-sponsored climate talks offering both diplomacy and a tough line: The United States is willing to be a full partner in fighting climate change, but the real problem is with China and the developing world. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/10/MN5S1B1ND0.DTL&type=printable Leaked Proposals Heat Up Talk Of Emission Cuts. Copenhagen - A leaked Danish document at the U.N. climate conference provoked angry criticism Tuesday from developing countries who feared it would shift more of the burden to curb greenhouse gases on poorer countries. The issue gained new impetus, meanwhile, when negotiators displayed charts of data that said the current decade is on track to be the hottest on record for planet Earth. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/09/MNUG1B163U.DTL&type=printable Soros: Finance Gap Could 'Wreck' Climate Talks. Copenhagen—The $10 billion a year proposed by rich nations to help the poor adapt to climate change is "not sufficient" and the gap between what's offered and what's needed could wreck the Copenhagen climate conference, American billionaire George Soros said Thursday. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_13967159 1,700 UK Scientists Back Climate Science. London—Fighting back against climate skeptics, over 1,700 scientists in Britain have signed a statement defending the evidence that climate change is being caused by humans, Britain's weather office said Thursday. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_13967237 Can Eco-Friendly Fashion Can Be Just As Stylish? London—Forget the animal-unfriendly fur coat and the painted-on pants made from polluting petroleum-based products. A runway show in Copenhagen on Wednesday aimed to show that "green styles"—some of them stitched in fabrics made from recycled agricultural or industrial waste—can be just as fashionable. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/celebrities/ci_13960743 Rise In Sea Levels Threatens California Ports. Because of global warming, ocean levels are expected to increase by 16 inches over the next 40 years, causing flooding and endangering facilities throughout the state. Global warming and a resulting rise in sea levels present a direct threat to the world's seaports -- and many of California's harbors are nowhere near ready, state officials say. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-ports-warming10-2009dec10,0,6408917,print.story ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:23:52 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for December 11-14, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for December 11-14, 2009. 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. Editorial: Air Board Right To Delay Diesel Rules. The California Air Resources Board voted last week to delay implementing tough new rules on emissions from diesel trucks and buses. It was the right move, though it should have come sooner, and the air board suffered a loss of credibility because Chairwoman Mary Nichols did not inform the board about an agency statistician who lied about his credentials in preparing a health study on diesel emissions. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/editorials/v-print/story/972151.html Editorial: Shifting Into A Lower Gear. Air Board Considers Delaying Diesel Pollution Rules Because Of Recession. The California Air Resources Board is considering slowing implementation of strict new diesel engine upgrades designed to cut pollution from the state's thousands of big rigs. This is a reasonable stance at a time of great economic stress. How stressful can be seen by the 20 percent reduction in air pollution this year simply because so many tractor-trailer rigs have been idled by the recession. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091214/A_OPINION01/912140317/-1/NEWSMAP#STS=g37hptkg.15cv EDITORIAL: Air Panel's Decision Wise, Belated. Diesel rule adjustments reflect tough economy, but bad moves hurt board. Even before Wednesday's hearing began, it was clear that the California Air Resources Board was prepared to roll back the tough regulations on truck and bus diesel emissions it approved last December. As its staff report stated, the down economy already had reduced at least some of the pollution that prompted the regulations in the first place. Posted. http://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/story/1746533.html Air Board Aims To Cut Gases. The California Air Quality Resources Board adopted a new regulation that it says will clamp down on greenhouse gas from large refrigeration systems, a release from the board stated. From 2012 to 2014 fees of $370 and $170 will be collected from facilities that are large and medium users of refrigerant. Posted. http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/ci_13992648 Results May Be The Same, But CARB Wants Report Redone. The California Air Resources Board voted somewhat reluctantly last week to redo a key report that was used to justify passage of the truck and bus regulation last year even though most of the board thinks the results will be pretty much the same as they were the first time around. The report was authored by CARB staffer Hien Tran, who later confessed to lying about his academic credentials. Posted. http://www.cunninghamreport.com/news_item.php?id=1137 Californian Clean Truck Laws In Question As Drayage Operators Seek Extension. California – US – After last weeks report that there were questions over the authenticity of results which showed particulate pollution kills 3500 per year in the state, when an employee’s qualifications proved false, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) who are the body responsible for administering environment contamination may now delay introduction of their controversial diesel truck and bus legislation. Posted. http://www.handyshippingguide.com/shipping-news/californian-clean-truck-laws-in-question-as-drayage-operators-seek-extension_1034 State Board Honors Cool the Earth. Kentfield-based Cool the Earth received an excellence award from the California Air Resources Board earlier this month. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13982910?nclick_check=1 Schwarzenegger Gets Failing Grades In Annual Green Report Card. San Francisco -- The California League of Conservation Voters has given failing grades to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) for vetoing environmental bills and seeking expedited project reviews under a state land-use law. In its annual report card released yesterday, the group gave Schwarzenegger a 28 percent ranking, the lowest of his short political career, for rejecting a number of measures pushed by green advocates in Sacramento. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/12/11/7 Schwarzenegger Will Share California Climate Change Story At Copenhagen. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger plans to carry California's climate change story to a conference in Copenhagen next week, a move that will burnish his international image as a leader in the war on global warming. He'll also take an entourage of 20 administration officials to Denmark. Three nonprofit organizations are picking up the tab. Posted. http://www.fresnobee.com/1148/story/1744087.html Schwarzenegger Urges US Action On Climate Change. London — California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger urged Monday the US government to take the lead in the fight against climate change, as he prepares to head to Copenhagen for the UN summit. "It would be good for the whole world ... if the US becomes the power behind the movement," Schwarzenegger told the Financial Times. He said he could sympathize with US President Barack Obama's efforts to secure backing in the US Congress for national emissions targets. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gfB_xJxDwfInHrvpIYXZVDqUZCoA Editorial: Green Fantasies / Governor Ignores Anti-AB 32 Evidence. Every now and then, rapid-fire developments serve to bring clarity to a big problem. This happened in a 24-hour stretch earlier this week. The topic: why California’s rotten economy is likely to remain rotten. On Tuesday, we asked Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger why he wouldn’t even consider suspending AB 32, the state’s landmark 2006 anti-global warming law, given that state unemployment was 12.5 percent. Posted. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/dec/11/green-fantasies-governor-ignores-anti-ab-32-eviden/ Copenhagen Talks Enter Final Phase. Copenhagen -- International climate talks have reached a boiling point. Voices big and small are weighing in on the negotiations, including more than 100,000 protesters who clogged streets over the weekend here and in other major city centers calling for countries to strike a strong deal. Ministers from around the globe have also arrived, working through the weekend in small groups behind closed doors. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/12/14/1 Summit Is Seen as U.S. Versus China. Copenhagen -- The political script for a big climate-change conference in this Danish city has U.S. President Barack Obama and other world leaders flying in later this week to christen a new era of global environmental cooperation. In reality, the summit is shaping up as a pivotal economic showdown between the U.S. and China. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126074144005789473.html Editorial: Finally, America Takes the Lead On Climate Change. President Barack Obama's appearance at the U.N. climate change summit in Copenhagen this week will draw the spotlight. But one of the most important developments in the fight against global warming took place in Washington on Monday, when the Environmental Protection Agency ruled that greenhouse gases pose a danger to public health and the environment. This paves the way to regulate them. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_13980516?nclick_check=1 Editorial: A Climate Shakedown. As American public sentiment and congressional will to combat global warming wane, climate zealots' strong-arm tactics ratchet up. The shakedown is underway at the Copenhagen, Denmark, climate conference where 192 nations are discussing how to impose worldwide restrictions on carbon emissions. Some European nations have agreed to send developing nations $3.6 billion a year until 2012 to help poorer countries finance transition from fossil-based fuels to greener alternatives. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/climate-223762-based-global.html Thousands March in Copenhagen, Calling for Action. Waving a panoply of signs warning that the planet is in peril and that powerful nations should take note, tens of thousands of demonstrators from around the globe took to the streets here on Saturday for the largest protest planned in two weeks of talks on a global strategy to combat climate change. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/13/science/earth/13climate.html?scp=2&sq=climate%20change&st=cse Groups Won’t Wait For Warming Treaties. ‘Subnational’ movement working on climate fixes. Sacramento — In South America, governors of nine Amazon states are working together to protect the rain forest from over-logging. In parts of Africa, United Nations experts are helping poor nations pursue clean-energy resources so they can grow without relying on “dirty” coal that fuels the burgeoning economies of China and India. Posted. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/dec/14/groups-wont-wait-warming-treaties/ If Emissions Cuts Are Negotiated, Measuring Them Will Remain A Challenge. With U.N. climate talks under way in Copenhagen, much of the attention has focused on countries' competing proposals to cut greenhouse gas emissions, and just how steep cuts included in a final agreement might be. But an equally important and harder to answer question, according to many scientists, is whether it will be possible to tell whether any one country is holding up its end of the deal. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/12/14/2 Climategate Changes Rules for Scientists. If, in the near term, anything comes of Climategate, the latest skirmish in the battle over the science of climate change, we hope it is this: That researchers will more fully appreciate the fact that the world is watching, that a vocal contingent will always doubt conclusions that support the idea of man-made warming, and that their work is being "reviewed" in a way few scientists have ever experienced. Posted. http://www.bakersfield.com/opinion/editorials/x113236872/Climategate-changes-rules-for-scientists Hacked E-Mails Don't Undercut Climate Science -- AP Review. Clinical scientists at the University of East Anglia stonewalled skeptics and discussed hiding data, according to e-mails stolen and posted online last month. But the messages don't support claims that climate science has been faked, the Associated Press found in a review of the e-mails. Five AP reporters scrutinized all 1,073 stolen e-mails, and summaries of the e-mails were sent to seven experts in research ethics, climate science and science policy. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/12/14/10 http://www.smdp.com/Articles-c-2009-12-09-66218.113116_Study_Businesses_not_harmed_by_emissions_bill.html#222 U.S. Emissions Won't Return To 2008 Levels Until 2019 – EIA. Greenhouse gas emissions from the U.S. energy sector have fallen and won't reach 2008 levels again until 2019, the Energy Information Administration said today. "The recession will have a lasting impact" on gross domestic product, total energy use and carbon dioxide emission levels, EIA Administrator Richard Newell said at the unveiling of his agency's 2010 Energy Outlook's reference case. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/12/14/3 New Data Show California's Fight Against Global Warming Supports Healthy Economy. Two new studies have popped up over the last week showing that global warming regulations can strengthen California's economy with negligible costs. These results confirm that the best medicine for our sputtering grey economy is a strong infusion of green policy. Posted. http://www.californiaprogressreport.com/site/?q=print/7221 U.S. Wind Industry Won't Grow Until 2011, Industry Executive Says. Copenhagen -- The U.S. wind power industry is in for another tough year in 2010 and won't see a return to growth until 2011, said Jan Blittersdorf, president and CEO of NRG Systems, a maker of wind measurement and turbine control equipment used by wind farm developers and utilities. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/12/14/7 EPA Publishes 2 Rules Targeting Refrigerants. U.S. EPA today published two rules aimed at reducing a potent greenhouse gas that depletes the Earth's stratospheric ozone layer. The rules target hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which are primarily used as refrigerants. The first rule forbids certain HCFCs to be used in the manufacturing of new air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment starting next year, although it allows some limited use to service existing equipment. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/12/11/22 Plan to Clear Valley Air Has EPA's OK. The federal Environmental Protection Agency said Friday it has approved a state plan and rules to meet an ozone health standard in the San Joaquin Valley starting in 2010.The rules are for meeting the federal one-hour standard for ozone, or smog, in the eight-county San Joaquin Valley air basin. In a lawsuit filed last year, activists charged the EPA was slow in taking action on measures for meeting the one-hour standard and an eight-hour ozone standard in the valley. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2384/story/969917.html#ixzz0ZgGrMwSw Valley Air Board Proposes Rule to Reduce Pollution from Commuters. A rule aimed at businesses that proposes to decrease air pollution by reducing the number of trips employees take traveling to work or job assignments could spell added costs for employers. A hearing is scheduled Thursday in Bakersfield that will give the public a chance to ask questions and offer feedback. A link to a live webcast will be available that day for those unable to appear in person. Posted. http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/article/20091212/NEWS01/912120304/1002/Valley-air-board-proposes-rule-to-reduce-pollution-from-commuters US Reveals Fund For Green Tech In Poor Nations. The White House on Monday announced a new program drawing funds from international partners to spend $350 million over five years to supply developing nations with clean energy technology to curb greenhouse gas emissions and reduce global warming. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/business/story/972145.html#ixzz0ZgIlXlW1 Editorial: Public Health Should Trump Recreation at the Dunes. Some amount of air pollution is the price we all pay for living in an industrial world, even here in relatively rural San Luis Obispo County. But it’s unreasonable — even downright arrogant — to expect one group of residents to breathe in harmful levels of pollutants so that others can get their kicks out of riding around on the Oceano Dunes. Posted. http://www.sanluisobispo.com/opinion/story/954883.html Running Cleaner: Pajaro Valley Replaces Polluting School Buses. The black cloud that's followed Pajaro Valley school buses for years is going away. With the help of a $1.6 million grant, the Pajaro Valley Unified School District has purchased 12 new buses to replace older models considered some of the worst polluting vehicles on the Central Coast. Posted. http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/localnews/ci_13983103 Rise in S.J. Toxic Emissions May Be Anomaly. Toxic emissions from factories and power plants in San Joaquin County climbed slightly in 2008, ending a run of nine straight years on the decline. But the 3 percent increase may be a blip. In most places, emissions have been dropping because of tighter environmental restrictions and, of late, the poor economy. Posted. http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091212/A_NEWS/912120321/-1/a_news14#STS=g37gqdrw.1epv http://www.register-pajaronian.com/v2_news_articles.php?heading=0&story_id=8084&page=72 Region Getting New Ethanol Stations. By year's end, the Inland region will have its first two stations pumping an environmentally friendly fuel blend consisting primarily of grain-based ethanol. San Diego-headquartered Pearson Fuels will begin dispensing E85, an alternative fuel with 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline, on Dec. 16 at Joe's 76 in Perris. Posted. http://www.pe.com/business/local/stories/PE_Biz_S_ethanol11.381304b.html Plug-In Hybrids Likely To Stay Expensive For Decades – Report. Plug-in hybrid cars and trucks such as the much-hyped Chevy Volt are likely to cost in excess of $10,000 more to make than comparable nonelectric vehicles for at least the next two decades, the National Research Council said in a report today. The council examined the incremental costs associated with plug-in hybrids and their advanced batteries, determining that the Volt and other plug-ins that are capable of traveling at least 40 miles exclusively on battery power will likely still be costing automakers an additional $11,000 to make in 2030. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/12/14/15 Toyota Will Launch Plug-In Hybrid In 2 Years. Traditional electric cars won't be the only energy-conscious vehicles to hit the market in the coming years, a Toyota executive said today. Toyota plans to launch its next-generation plug-in hybrid in two years, Executive Vice President Takeshi Uchiyamada announced. The car differs from a regular hybrid because its batteries can be recharged by plugging it into a standard electrical outlet -- unlike earlier hybrids that were charged by the car's engine and the braking system. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/12/14/16 Methods To Limit Fracturing's Impact Underused. While energy firms have known for some time how to limit the environmental impact of hydraulic fracturing -- a type of drilling increasingly used to extract natural gas from shale -- such technologies have seen limited adoption unless firms have been prodded by state regulations. One of the largest challenges for drilling is disposing of well wastewater, which is typically stored in open waste pits. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/12/14/12 BLOGS Man-Made Global Warming. How air board’s behavior made me an agnostic. Note: this combines three previous posts. When I blogged recently that the Climategate scandal had moved me from being a believer in man-made global warming to being an agnostic, I got lots of pushback. A professor wrote to note all the evidence that wasn’t massaged or hidden by influential scientists at the University of East Anglia, Penn State and the National Center for Atmospheric Research. Posted. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/dec/12/man-made-global-warming-how-air-boards-behavior-ma/ Senators Offer New Climate Proposals. Three Senators released a broadly-worded blueprint of a climate change and energy bill on Thursday afternoon that they believe can win the 60 votes needed to push the bill through next year. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/10/senators-offer-new-climate-proposals/?scp=7&sq=climate%20change&st=cse ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:31:21 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for December 15, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for December 15, 2009. 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. Guest View: Enforce Clean-Air Rules For Trucks. CALIFORNIANS cannot afford for the trucking industry to take two steps forward and one step back. We have taken great strides in making the trucking industry come clean. Now California must ensure that the rules and regulations that have previously been set are enforced to the fullest extent. Let's take a look back on the fight to clean up one of the most polluting industries in California. Posted. http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_13996355 CARB Reporting Deadline Looms; Rule Changes Up In Air. In spite of calls for changes or delays in the pending 2010 CARB (California Air Resources Board) emissions requirements for diesel-powered vehicles, the regulations are still in place but the new reporting deadlines for certain types of fleets operating in the state are coming up in just a few months. Posted. http://fleetowner.com/green/archive/carb-reporting-deadline-looms-1214/ OPINION: The U.S. Is on Board. Our world is on an unsustainable path that threatens not only our environment, but our economies and our security. It is time to launch a broad operational accord on climate change that will set us on a new course. A successful agreement depends upon a number of core elements, but two are shaping up to be essential: first, that all major economies set forth strong national actions and resolve to implement them; and second, that they agree to a system that enables full transparency and creates confidence that national actions are in fact being implemented. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/15/opinion/15iht-edclinton.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print The World's 2 Largest Emitters May Need A Middleman. Copenhagen -When China declared it would cut emissions relative to economic growth, energy analysts applauded. Congress yawned. When China offered specific targets -- 40 to 45 percent reduction from 2005 levels -- climate experts were impressed. U.S. lawmakers raised a collective eyebrow. China can't be trusted to do what it promises, moderate Republicans and Democrats alike maintained. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/12/15/2 Video: Black Carbon Travels the Globe. San Francisco — Black carbon, the soot emitted when fuels like diesel, wood and coal are burned, may have a bigger impact on climate in some areas than greenhouse gases. New research presented here at the American Geophysical Union meeting shows that the 20 percent decrease in the extent of Himalayan glaciers since the 1960s may be partly due to an influx of black carbon from Asian cities. Posted. http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/12/black-carbon-video/ Time for a Smarter Approach to Global Warming. Investing in energy R&D might work. Mandated emissions cuts won't. Copenhagen. The saddest fact of climate change—and the chief reason we should be concerned about finding a proper response—is that the countries it will hit hardest are already among the poorest and most long-suffering. In the run-up to this month's global climate summit in Copenhagen, the Copenhagen Consensus Center dispatched researchers to the world's most likely global-warming hot spots. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704517504574589952331068322.html?mod=rss_Today's_Most_Popular US Envoy: Doesn't Expect Any Change In US CO2 Cut Commitment. Copenhagen -The U.S. climate change envoy said Tuesday he doesn't expect his country will improve its commitments to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 17% by 2020 from 2005 levels at talks for a new agreement to fight climate change. "I am not anticipating any change in the mitigation commitment," Todd Stern said during a press conference. Other participants in the negotiations, including the European Union, have been asking the U.S. to do more, in order to pave the way for an international accord to limit global warming. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20091215-706594.html Climate Change 101. Wishing you had more intelligent things to say about the climate change summit in Copenhagen? The talks kick into high gear this week with President Obama set to arrive before Friday. And just in time — tonight — James Hansen, a climatologist and long-time director of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, will be at the Bell House in Brooklyn to discuss the carbon crisis. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/15/urbaneye/15ubn2.html Schwarzenegger Says States Key to Climate Fight. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says countries cannot solve the problem of climate change without the help of local governments. In a speech planned Tuesday before the U.N. climate conference in Copenhagen, Schwarzenegger will encourage international agreements but say that won't be enough to combat global warming. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/12/14/us/AP-US-Climate-Schwarzenegger.html?_r=1&scp=6&sq=california%20air%20resources%20board&st=cse http://www.vcstar.com/news/2009/dec/15/schwarzenegger-says-go-carefully-on-climate/ http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-us-climate-schwarzenegger,0,1028347.story Schwarzenegger Says Go Carefully on Climate Change. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says world policymakers do not have to choose between a clean environment and economic growth. Schwarzenegger said "we've proved that over and over again in California." Interviewed by ABC's "Good Morning America" from the Copenhagen conference, he said he thinks world leaders may be risking setback by pushing so aggressively for an accommodation on curbs to heat-trapping emissions. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/politics/story/973480.html#ixzz0ZmEDxGTq http://www.vcstar.com/news/2009/dec/15/schwarzenegger-says-go-carefully-on-climate/ http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_14000036 Pope Calls for Action on Climate Change. Pope Benedict XVI called for urgent action to protect the environment, saying Tuesday that climate change and natural catastrophes threaten the rights to life, food, health - and ultimately peace. In his annual message on the Roman Catholic Church's World Day of Peace, the pope argued that the world's economic, social, and environmental problems are moral crises that require mankind to rethink its way of living. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/world/story/973454.html#ixzz0ZmFpiPTP http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13999941 Governor Schwarzenegger Announces Subnational Leaders Coalition to Combat Climate Change. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and subnational leaders from Canada, Nigeria, France and Algeria announced they have agreed to advance the concept of a new regional coalition to fast track the results of the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference and push their respective national governments into more rapid actions and stronger commitments to fight climate change. Posted. http://www.imperialvalleynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6804&Itemid=23 US-China Showdown Looms over Climate Talks. In a showdown between the world's two largest polluters, China accused the United States and other rich nations Tuesday of backsliding on commitments to fight global warming and the top American envoy declared the U.S. would not change its offer on cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2028/story/973477.html#ixzz0ZmGzxgSi http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_13999608 On The Waterfront: Dispute over Low-Sulfur Ship Fuel Headed Back to Court. The shipping industry finds itself headed back to court with California's top air quality cops over a new law requiring ships use low-sulfur fuel within 24 miles of the state's coastline. The Pacific Merchant Shipping Association has been granted a hearing in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals over the Golden State's rule that freight ships use ultra-low sulfur fuels in both their main and auxiliary engines when traversing the coast and while visiting ports. Posted. http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_13995334 http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13995334 Federal Dollars En Route to Northern San Joaquin Valley. San Joaquin Valley earmarks are alive and well in a huge spending bill about to be signed by President Barack Obama. After a flurry of reform rhetoric, lawmakers slid several thousand targeted spending projects into the $447 billion package that's secured final House and Senate approval. Obama could sign the legislation within days. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/2343/story/973239.html#ixzz0ZmCWcWQM Miracle Light: Can Lasers Solve the Energy Crisis? Next year will mark the 50th birthday of the laser, one of the most productive and widely used mega-inventions of the last century. Scientists hope that 2010 also will see the launch of laser technology's greatest challenge: creating an inexhaustible supply of clean, carbon-free energy. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/politics/story/973528.html#ixzz0ZmDfrBPa California Port Truckers Will Protest, Reportedly Strike. Several port truck driver associations are saying they’ll protest a pending state diesel emission rule on Wednesday, Dec. 16 – and some drayage drivers may even strike. According to the California-based National Port Drivers Association, independent truckers at the Port of Long Beach are scheduled to form a protest caravan on Wednesday – two weeks before many trucks will be banned from the port. The trucks are protesting California’s Port Drayage Rule, which goes into effect next month. Posted. http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2009/Dec09/121409/121409-01.htm Editorial: Bay Area Air Regulators Should Drop Mandatory No-Burn Night. ONCE AGAIN, THE Bay Area Air Quality Management District has made a mess of a winter Spare the Air night. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/opinion/ci_13995074 Soviet Industrial Collapse Reaps Climate Credits. Moscow—As other countries struggle to cut greenhouse gas emissions, two ex-Soviet industrial powerhouses have found themselves heirs to an unlikely windfall. Russia and Ukraine head into the Copenhagen summit with credits for billions of tons of carbon dioxide they no longer belch, thanks to the collapse of the Soviet industrial machine that gave them favorable terms under the 1997 Kyoto Protocol. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_13999887 Ellen Goodman: The 'Human' Factor Missing In Copenhagen. London — Yes, there is something more foreign than being offered kippered herring for your breakfast. It's being offered PopOffsets for your conscience. After seven hours and 3,325 miles, I arrive here, open the paper and discover that a British think tank, Optimum Population Trust, is ready to make me a deal. As a good environmentalist, I can offset the 1.1 tons of carbon emissions spewed into the atmosphere from my trans-Atlantic flight by donating $7 to a family planning program. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/opinion/ci_13995049 Benicia Officials Eye Green Loans. Benicia -- The city may start a new financing program to help property owners borrow money to install solar panels and other "green" technologies. The money would come from a joint powers association in which the city would participate. The loans could be repaid over 20 years through assessments on homeowners' property tax bills. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13999568 Blogs Barbara Boxer: U.S. Already Acting on Climate Change. Everybody wants to get a word in edgewise in Copenhagen—even the politicians who can’t make the trip. California Sen. Barbara Boxer, chair of the Environment and Public Works Committee, meant to give a big speech at the Copenhagen climate summit. “The press of Senate business” kept her from delivering it in person. So she passed it to Mary Nichols, head of the California Air Resources Board, for distribution in DenmarkPosted. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/12/14/barbara-boxer-us-already-acting-on-climate-change/tab/print/ Copenhagen: Californians Make A Splash. Jack MacKenzie, a city councilman from Rohnert Park, Calif., is in Copenhagen this week to chat with a Scottish climate official about a mutual interest in making energy from waves — and to tell the world that Sonoma County is a leader in controlling its greenhouse-gas emissions. "Our message is, 'Hey U.N., we deserve a place at the table,' " he said. No final treaty is likely to emerge from the frenzied negotiations among 190 nations at the two-week global climate conference. Posted. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2009/12/copenhagen-californians-make-a-splash.html The Iron Chef and Climate Change: What A.B. 32 Means for Small Business. In the first nine months of 2009, over $300 million was spent by corporate interests to lobby Congress on the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Bill - more commonly referred to as the Climate Bill. Over a third of that has been spent by petroleum companies alone while the U.S. Chamber spent over $65 million to lobby on a variety of issues, including climate. Posted. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christina-erickson/the-iron-chef-and-climate_b_392221.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:43:15 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for December 16, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for December 16, 2009. 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. Californians Flock To The 'Disneyland' Of Climate Change. Hundreds of delegates from nonprofits, state and local government and green-tech firms are making the rounds in Copenhagen, sitting on panels, schmoozing with other policy wonks and buying furry hats. Jake Mackenzie, a city councilman from Rohnert Park, Calif., is looking forward to telling the world about Sonoma County's efforts to combat climate change -- he even has an appointment with a Scottish official to talk about harnessing energy from waves. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-climate-california16-2009dec16,0,5608729,print.story Prospect of Global Warming Pact Fades in Copenhagen (Update2). World leaders will arrive in the Danish capital of Copenhagen in the next three days to agree on an accord to fight global warming. There may be nothing to sign. Envoys from China, the U.S., the European Union and India, the world’s top polluters, have bickered, quarreled and walked out during talks among 193 nations. They’ve left presidents and prime ministers a choice between a fudge or a flop for the accord that the United Nations framed as the most comprehensive deal to curb global warming. Posted. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601086&sid=arV2NyF7o0hw# California Voters Could Get Say On Pursuit Of Reduced Emissions. A California lawmaker wants to let voters decide whether to suspend implementation of the state law that is intended to cap greenhouse gas emissions at 1990 levels by 2020. Assemblyman Dan Logue, R-Linda, says he’s getting encouragement from truckers. “Absolutely, truck drivers are supporting it. They have the most at stake because it will cost them millions of dollars,” Logue told Land Line Now. Posted. http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2009/Dec09/121409/121509-05.htm California Air Resources Board Finds Unsafe Levels Of Formaldehyde In New Homes. Today the California Air Resources Board (CARB) released the first ever study of indoor air quality in new homes. The report was alarming. The researchers found the majority of homes had ventilation rates that did not meet code. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-5101-San-Jose-Environmental-Health-Examiner~y2009m12d15-California-Air-Resources-Board-finds-unsafe-levels-of-formaldehyde-in-new-homes Ethanol Lobby Urges State To Halt Low-Carbon Fuel Standard. Ethanol lobbyists in Washington yesterday made a last-ditch attempt to send California's low-carbon fuel regulation back to the drafting stage with a plea to a key state official to reject the rule on the grounds that its architects did not follow proper procedures. In a letter to Susan Lapsley, director of California's Office of Administrative Law, the Renewable Fuels Association charged the state Air Resources Board with circumventing the required administrative process after it tentatively approved the low-carbon fuel standard, or LCFS, earlier this year. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/12/16/6 RFA Calls To Remove Low Carbon Fuels Standard. In the US, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has called on California’s Office of Administrative Law (OAL) to reject the Air Resources Board’s (ARB) Low Carbon Fuels Standard (LCFS) rule currently under review. The RFA has highlighted numerous instances where ARB violated established procedures by failing to properly address stakeholder comments on the LCFS proposal. Posted. http://www.biofuels-news.com/industry_news.php?item_id=1555 EPA's Greenhouse Gases Notice Sets Stage for Regulation Writing, Lawsuits. U.S. EPA published its finding that greenhouse gases threaten public health in the Federal Register today, setting a stage for a series of rules to begin regulating the heat-trapping emissions. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/12/15/15greenwire-epas-greenhouse-gases-notice-sets-stage-for-re-56845.html Differences Boiling Over Climate Change in GOP Circle. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was in Copenhagen Tuesday night for the International Climate Change Summit. During his visit he raised the heat in Republican circles by questioning the motives of Sarah Palin. Posted. http://www.news10.net/news/story.aspx?storyid=71910&catid=2 Climate Talks Near Deal to Save Forests. Negotiators have all but completed a sweeping deal that would compensate countries for preserving forests, and in some cases, other natural landscapes like peat soils, swamps and fields that play a crucial role in curbing climate change. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/16/science/earth/16forest.html?_r=1&scp=4&sq=climate%20change&st=cse My Word: America must learn from Chinese on cleaning the air. I JUST returned from an amazing conference in China on low-carbon cities. Several Chinese cities and American cities met during the same week as the summit between President Barack Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao to discuss the cities' progress in reducing CO2 emissions while, at the same time, improving their economies. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/opinion/ci_14001970 Eugene Robinson: Sarah Palin's strange climate 'epiphany'. SARAH PALIN is such a cold-eyed skeptic about the Copenhagen summit on climate change that it's no surprise she would call on President Barack Obama not to attend. After all, Obama might join other leaders in acknowledging that warming is a "global challenge." He might entertain "opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions." He might even explore ways to "participate in carbon-trading markets." Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/opinion/ci_14001930 PG&E customers will get cleaner power and more of it. OAKLAND — The chances are high that Christmas tree lights shining in downtown Oakland and in nearby areas are powered by fossil fuels churned out at a local power plant. That could change with the installation across the city of massive 45-ton vaults and cables larger than a burly man's biceps, which will carry cleaner energy to Bay Area customers. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_14004884 Reno Air Quality Improves; Pollution Alert Reduced. Reno, Nev.—The Washoe County Health Department says air quality in the Reno area has improved enough to downgrade the wood burning code to yellow. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_14009140 Climate Conference Emits Its Share Of Carbon. Copenhagen—If they fail to reach a climate deal in Copenhagen, world leaders flying in their private jets and huddling in five-star hotels will have little to show for their efforts beyond a big, fat carbon footprint. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_14002758 Letters: Green Diet. With the opening of the international climate conference in Copenhagen, the world's attention is focused on global warming and the resulting coastal flooding and extreme weather patterns. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/opinion/ci_13994655 Outcome Unclear As Leaders Arrive At Climate Talks. Copenhagen — The success of the U.N. climate conference hung in the balance Tuesday as China and the U.S. deadlocked over whether Beijing will allow the world to check its books and verify promised cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_14007782 World Mayors Compare Notes On Saving Climate. Copenhagen—The Obama administration should have sent federal stimulus money not to the U.S. states, but to cities, where "most of the environmental damage is done and most of the chances for improvement are," New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Tuesday. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_14002246 Sen. Kerry Uncertain on Fate Of Cap And Trade. U.S. Senator John Kerry raised the possibility on Wednesday that a major energy and climate change bill he is trying to craft might not contain the "cap and trade" mechanism for reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/12/16/us/politics/politics-us-climate-copenhagen-kerry.html Tesla Takes Its Roadster On A 3,100-Mile Trip. Tesla Motors, the San Carlos, Calif.-based company making a line of battery-powered sports cars, plans to send one of its Roadsters on a 3,100-mile road trip this week, showing off the all-electric car throughout middle America. The 19-day trip, scheduled to start tomorrow, will take the Tesla Roadster Sport model from Los Angeles to Detroit, the home of January's North American International Auto Show. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/12/16/9 Trackers Stage Another Protest At The Port Of Oakland. Oakland - About 150 truckers demonstrated in front of Oakland City Hall Tuesday after marching over from the Port of Oakland to protest new emissions standards for trucks. Shortly before noon, the group was circling in front of City Hall, chanting slogans. Many carried picket signs that read, "Money promised, not delivered" and "Not a merry X-mas for Oakland truckers." The protest began at about 9 a.m. at Middle Harbor Road at the Port of Oakland, port spokeswoman Marilyn Sandifur said. Posted. http://www.foxreno.com/news/21974736/detail.html Truckers Protest New Emissions Standards in Oakland. Oakland (Bcn) -- Several hundred truckers marched at the Port of Oakland and in front of Oakland City Hall Tuesday to protest new emissions standards that could force them to go out of business on Jan. 1. The protest began at about 9 a.m. when about 300 truckers gathered at Shoreline Park and marched on Middle Harbor Road to the offices of the shipping company APL. About 150 truckers then took buses downtown for a rally on the plaza in front of City Hall. Five leaders of the group went inside City Hall to meet with staff members for Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums. Posted. http://www.kron.com/News/ArticleView/tabid/298/smid/1126/ArticleID/4201/reftab/536/t/Truckers%20Protest%20Emissions%20Standards%20in%20Oakland/Default.aspx Cleaner Air For Oakland -- But No One Wants To Pay For It. A raging battle over who should shoulder the overhaul of old, dirty trucks. Green City On Jan. 1, the Port of Oakland and surrounding areas will get cleaner air — and as many as 1,000 truck drivers may lose their jobs. That's when the port's Clean Truck Management Plan (CTMP) takes effect, setting strict requirements for trucks operating in the port. Posted. http://www.sfbg.com/entry.php?entry_id=9547&catid=&volume_id=452&issue_id=463&volume_num=44&issue_num=11 San Francisco May Expand Smoking Ban. San Francisco, which was at the vanguard of the anti-smoking movement more than a decade ago when it became one of the first American cities to bar people from lighting up in the workplace, now is poised to enact much tougher restrictions on smoking in public places. Smokers no longer would be allowed to puff away near the doors, vents and operable windows of any building - restaurants, shops, offices and housing complexes. Diners no longer would be able to smoke at outdoor tables. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/16/MNP01B4T3P.DTL&type=printable BLOGS Down The Chimney. Mister Roberts finds himself in a political box. “With that, I’ll be quiet.” County Supervisor Ron Roberts had just wrapped up a blistering dress-down of board colleagues and staff of the California Air Resources Board (CARB), upon which he has rested his political keester for nearly 15 years. This was happening last Wednesday in Sacramento, the same day the remainder of the Board of Supervisors also had gathered in San Diego to slog through a lengthy land-use hearing over the proposed Merriam Mountains master-planned development of 2,700 homes west of Interstate 15 near Escondido. Posted. http://www.sdcitybeat.com/cms/story/detail/down_the_chimney/8784/ Global Warming Hysteria: Arnold Failing Upward. Arnold Schwarzenegger, my failure as a governor, has gone to Copenhagen to save the world. From the story: California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger told delegates that the “planetary transformation” needed to tackle climate change could not be the work of national governments alone. Posted. http://www.firstthings.com/blogs/secondhandsmoke/2009/12/16/global-warming-hysteria-arnold-failing-upward/ Study Suggests Greater Sea Level Rise from Warming. New York—Global warming in this century might raise sea levels more than expected in future centuries, says a study that looked at what happened at a time when Neanderthals roamed Europe. Unless global warming is curbed or expensive measures are taken to hold back rising water, the projected sea level rise could submerge about one-third of Florida, southern Manhattan, much of Bangladesh and almost all the Netherlands, for example, researchers said. An expert praised the work but cautioned that such projections can't be made with precision. Posted. http://www.usnews.com/science/articles/2009/12/16/study-suggests-greater-sea-level-rise-from-warming.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:27:35 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for December 17, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for December 17, 2009. 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. California’s Diesel Rule Gets Renewed Scrutiny. When Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger traveled to Copenhagen to tout his record battling global warming, at home a very different story developed. He told his top air-quality regulators to change – and, critics fear, potentially weaken -- a premier regulation curbing diesel soot. Posted. http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?_c=yhns8rqk5jtmrl&xid=yhneshlgbmxosh&done=.yhns8rqk5kbmrl 15-Day Draft of California Auto Glass Regulations Released; Now Available for Public Comment. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has released the 15-day draft of the auto glass regulations the board voted to adopt in June. The draft, which specifies the type of glass to be used in vehicles sold in the state for model-year 2012 and later, is now open for public comment. Comments are due on January 11, 2010. Posted. http://glassbytes.com/newsCARB20091216.htm Port of L.A. to Allow Some Extensions for Older Trucks. The Port of Los Angeles said Wednesday it will allow a limited number of truckers to continue operating their existing trucks past a Jan. 1 deadline for cleaner trucks. Posted. http://www.ttnews.com/articles/basetemplate.aspx?storyid=23417 Greater Sea-Level Rise From Warming Predicted. Copenhagen -- A new paper published online Wednesday in the journal Nature suggests that the world may face a long-term sea-level rise of 20 to 30 feet, even under a modest global temperature rise. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/16/AR2009121604191.html?hpid=topnews NASA Calculates a Carbon Budget for California. Researchers report that in 2004, the state’s natural ecosystems absorbed as much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as fossil fuel carbons emitted into the atmosphere. They also discovered that during periods of above normal rainfall, ecosystems trapped significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in forests and soils. Posted. http://www.physorg.com/news180199784.html States Race To Take Lead In Alternative Fuel Development. With renewable energy development expected to be a major economic driver for decades to come, state governments nationwide are positioning themselves to become players in that emerging sector. Thirty-six states now require that a certain percentage of electricity produced by utility companies come from renewable sources. Forty-three allow consumers who generate their own power to shrink their energy bills by returning electricity to the grid. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/12/17/10 U.S. Says It Could Help Raise $100 Billion To Fight Climate Change. Reporting from Copenhagen - Attempting to revive climate negotiations that appear dangerously close to flat-lining, the Obama administration announced today that it would join allies in raising $100 billion by 2020 to help the world's poorest countries adapt to climate change. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-fg-us-climate18-2009dec18,0,3752887.story Palin, Schwarzenegger Trade Jabs On Global Warming. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and former Alaska governor Sarah Palin publicly ridiculed each other's policy views on global warming in an exchange that highlights some of the complexities of the issue. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-13572-RNC-Examiner~y2009m12d17-Palin-Schwarzenegger-trade-jabs-on-global-warming http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2009/1216/GOP-s-global-warming-rumble-Sarah-Palin-v.-Arnold-Schwarzenegger Most Throw Cold Water On China Warming Theory. Reporting from Beijing - In the debate over global warming, some historical meteorologists in China pose a contrarian view. Their theory, in a nutshell? Some like it hot. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-fg-china-hot17-2009dec17,0,3842540.story Copenhagen: U.N. Chief Looks to Obama to Lead on Global Warming. "President Obama's commitment to dealing with global warming has changed the political dynamic for our negotiations," United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon told ABC News here at the Copenhagen Climate Summit. Posted. http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/copenhagen-climate-summit-united-nations-chief-obama/story?id=9356752 At Copenhagen, Many Global Warming Issues Likely To Be Unresolved. Talks on a new global warming pact in Copenhagen reached a more politically rarified height today as ministers from more than 190 countries took the hand-off from their technical negotiating teams. Over a week of negotiations left a large number of unresolved issues that now land squarely in the laps of cabinet-rank government officials to resolve. Posted. http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2009/1216/At-Copenhagen-many-global-warming-issues-likely-to-be-unresolved Internal Stresses Begin to Crack the Bloc of Developing Nations at Climate Talks. COPENHAGEN -- Developing countries have formed a powerful interest bloc in climate talks over the years, fighting collectively for the rights of poor nations. That's starting to fall apart. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/12/17/17climatewire-internal-stresses-begin-to-crack-the-bloc-of-41204.html Kerry: Copenhagen Could Change the Global Warming Debate. Though many Senate Democrats are stuck in Washington this week for the healthcare debate, Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry, the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee, is in Copenhagen with U.S. negotiators for the final days of the international climate talks. Posted. http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/energy/2009/12/16/kerry-copenhagen-could-change-the-global-warming-debate.html Climate Change, Minus The Hot Air. Philadelphia -- When it comes to public understanding of climate change - the forecast is hazy with a 90 percent chance of confusion. Is it a threat to life as we know it? Is it a hoax perpetrated by some bicycle-riding, SUV-hating, tofu-eating eggheads? In Copenhagen, President Barack Obama is scheduled to speak on Friday as world leaders continue to work out strategies to curb the world's ever-increasing carbon emissions. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/v-print/story/2399606.html Air District's Commute Plan Drops Fines. Valley air officials have softened a proposal aimed at thinning out daily commute traffic by eliminating fines for business owners who can't persuade employees to leave their cars at home. Posted. http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1751577.html $10 Million To Be Spent On SF Anti-Emissions Program. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission voted unanimously today to spend $80 million on an ambitious climate initiatives program that aims to reduce driving in an effort to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://sfappeal.com/alley/2009/12/10-million-to-be-spent-on-sf-anti-emissions-program.php BLOGS Target hit with $500,000 air-pollution fine. Target Corp. has been fined $500,000 after being accused of selling products in its California stores that violate air-pollution rules, including portable fuel containers sold in Westminster. Posted. http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/2009/12/16/target-fined-500000-accused-of-air-quality-violations/17501/ Can You Trust The Science? The vast majority of climate scientists tell us that increases in carbon dioxide cause higher temperatures over time. We know that this will mean changes in rainfall, melting of snow and ice, a rise in sea level, and other impacts on plants, wildlife, and humans. Posted. http://blogs.reuters.com/environment/2009/12/16/can-you-trust-the-science/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:22:57 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for December 18-21, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for December 18-21, 2009. 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. Air Board Calls For Flexibility. Sacramento - The Air Resources Board directed its staff Wednesday to return to the board in April with a new provision that would provide truck fleets more flexibility in cleaning up their diesel emissions under the state's truck and bus rule, adopted in December 2008, in light of the recession's effect on the industry. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_14025695?nclick_check=1 AP Interview: SC Senator Stumps For Climate Change. Washington—Sen. Lindsey Graham makes an unlikely champion for action on climate change. The South Carolina Republican has joined forces with Democrat John Kerry of Massachusetts and independent Joe Lieberman of Connecticut to drum up support for a bill that would put a price on heat-trapping pollution. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_14020020 Chinese Environmental Group Wins 2 Cases. Beijing—An environmental group backed by the government said Friday it had won two lawsuits on behalf of residents threatened by pollution, marking the first time such an organization has been allowed to file a public interest case. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_14025108 Climate Reality: Voluntary Efforts Not Enough. Copenhagen—Around the world, countries and capitalism are already working to curb global warming on their own, with or without a global treaty. In Brazil more rainforests are being saved, and in Chicago there's a voluntary carbon pollution trading system. People recycle, buy smaller and newer cars, and change lightbulbs. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_14033444 Danville School Working On Eco-Friendly Projects. Danville — Maggie Rowland wants to give something back to the school where she has spent the past several years. For the 17-year-old senior at the Athenian School, that could mean turning used cooking oil into fuel for the private school's buses. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/top-stories/ci_14033644 Acid Oceans: The 'Evil Twin' Of Climate Change. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary — Far from Copenhagen's turbulent climate talks, the sea lions, harbor seals and sea otters reposing along the shoreline and kelp forests of this protected marine area stand to gain from any global deal to cut greenhouse gases. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_14027657 Gas Could Be The Calvary In Global Warming Fight. An unlikely source of energy has emerged to meet international demands that the United States do more to fight global warming: It's cleaner than coal, cheaper than oil and a 90-year supply is under our feet. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_14037830 U.N. Chief Declares Climate Accord 'Significant Achievement'. United Nations -- The U.N. secretary-general tried today to put a positive spin on a controversial accord that came out of climate change talks in Copenhagen last week. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon insisted that the Copenhagen Accord fulfills the parameters he had sought, even though the end result fell far short of even the most modest expectations voiced before the meeting. "This was quite a significant achievement which we were able to make in Copenhagen," Ban told reporters. "We should be more proactive. We should be more forthcoming rather than critical." Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/12/21/21greenwire-un-chief-declares-climate-accord-significant-a-24845.html?pagewanted=print Merkel Calls On US For Deeper Emissions Cuts. Berlin—Germany's chancellor has called on the United States to cut back even more on emissions of carbon dioxide and other global-warming gasses. Angela Merkel told parliament ahead of her departure for the climate talks in Copenhagen on Thursday that the current U.S. offer of a 4 percent cut "is not ambitious enough." Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/nation-world/ci_14016130 Global Warming A Tough Sell For The Human Psyche. New York—The Copenhagen talks on climate change were convened with a sense of urgency that many ordinary folks don't share. Why is that? One big reason: It's hard for people to get excited about a threat that seems far away in space and time, psychologists say. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_14019358 Forest Plan Gets The Ax At UN Climate Talks. Copenhagen—A plan to protect the world's biologically rich tropical forests by paying poor nations to protect them was shelved Saturday after world leaders failed to agree on a binding deal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/environment/ci_14032929 Climate Change Deal Made In Copenhagen Elicits Disappointment, Criticism As Well As Optimism. President Barack Obama agreed Friday to a non-legally binding agreement which could require countries to set goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and monitor the actions made, and wealthy nations to pump out billions of dollars to developing countries. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_14029160 Martinez Congressman disappointed in lack of Copenhagen climate deal. Congressman George Miller, telephoning from Copenhagen, described what appears to be the failure of world leaders to come to a solid agreement at the global climate change summit as a disappointment but not a waste of time. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics-government/ci_14028069 San Rafael Pioneering Countywide Green-Building Regulations. The San Rafael Planning Commission recommended approval this week of a new-and-improved green-building ordinance that now will be shopped around to all Marin's cities and towns. Officials envision the ordinance, the first of its kind in Marin, to serve as a model countywide. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_14012491 Aid Group Tries To Reduce Carbon Footprint Of Weddings In Kashmir Valley. Srinagar, Indian-Administered Kashmir -- During every wedding season in the Kashmir Valley, love is in the air -- along with a thick cloud of grey smoke from thousands of cooking fires as platoons of wedding chefs, or wazas, slow-cook lamb and chicken over wood fires, sometimes for days. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/17/AR2009121704675.html Editorial: One Cheer For Copenhagen. LATE FRIDAY at the Copenhagen climate conference, cheers erupted when word came that President Obama had struck a deal with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. But privately, some climate activists scratched their heads. What, exactly, were people cheering? Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/19/AR2009121902333.html Spare the Air Debate: Nostalgia Vs. Asthma. Richard Johnson, of Pinole, is still stewing that he couldn't burn his wood stove on Thanksgiving. He says he'll be upset all over again on Christmas if Bay Area air quality regulators decide to declare another Spare the Air day that triggers a rule banning wood-burning fires. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_14019987 My Word: Climate Change Issues Must Be Made To Resonate With Voters. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA'S decision to attend the U.N. Convention on Climate Change in Copenhagen underscores his commitment to slow global warming. The administration has wrangled agreements from China and India to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/opinion/ci_14026722 Global Shipping Line First In Oakland To Cut Dangerous Diesel Emissions. Each time the 960-foot-long APL Korea glides into the Port of Oakland to deliver goods from around the globe, the container ship also brings with it something nobody wants: a half-ton of dangerous pollutants that foul the air and cause serious health problems for some West Oakland residents. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_14028492 Peninsula's Green Efforts Lauded. Leaders at Copenhagen's climate change conference are struggling this week to agree on actions to reduce global warming-related emissions, but a new report from the Sierra Club suggests that Peninsula cities are already fighting climate change at home. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_14012994 Commute Plan Approved By SJ Valley Air Board. Fresno, Calif.—Businesses across the San Joaquin Valley will soon have to follow new rules to help their employees cut down on their daily commute. As regulators try to improve air quality in the valley -- where the most polluted air in the nation is often reported -- the board of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District approved a plan Thursday requiring companies to reduce the number of miles employees have to drive. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_14021092 Readers' Forum: Climate Change Shifting How Bay Area Land-Use Decisions Are Made. IN THE battle against global warming, increasing attention is focused on land-use patterns because of the interconnection between development and transportation. Thirty percent of greenhouse gas emissions in California come from cars and light trucks. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/opinion/ci_14026259 Study Says States Need To Broaden Their Approach To Clean Energy Incentives. State solar rebates are plain vanilla, while other financing tools for renewable energy programs, like competitive loans, are more like tutti-frutti. They can add variety, appeal and reach to state energy efforts. A new analysis of financing mechanisms for clean power projects says states that offer a rich mix of rebates, loans, guarantees and other policies will advance their markets more quickly. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/12/18/5 Obama Tries To Rally The Conference, But Deadlock Persists. Copenhagen -- President Obama exhorted world leaders today "not to talk, but to act" as they scrambled in the closing hours of a historic U.N. global warming summit to salvage an agreement to curtail greenhouse gas emissions. Behind the scenes, dozens of presidents and prime ministers worked on a three-page document that they hope will become the lone outcome of the two-week negotiations here. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/12/18/1 A Pro-Bicycle City Faces Trouble Promoting Electric Cars. Amsterdam -- Cars in the pinched, medieval streets at the center of this city can quickly clog traffic. The policy has been to find myriad ways to discourage them, clearing the way for more and more bicyclists. The Dutch have tried stiff fees, a maze of prohibited lanes and other ways of outright discrimination to limit the number of cars in this antique city of arched bridges and canals. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/12/21/2 EPA Shipping Rule May Exempt Older Vessels. A pending U.S. EPA rule aimed at slashing air pollution from large oceanbound ships could exempt older steamships that are unequipped for switching to cleaner fuel, according to a key House Democrat. Rep. Norm Dicks of Washington, chairman of the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, said EPA plans to include an exemption for older steamships from regulations limiting the sulfur content of fuel in ships operating in U.S. waters. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/12/18/3 Mich. Lawmakers Approve $220M For Makers Of Next-Gen Vehicles. The Michigan Legislature has approved $220 million in tax credits for businesses developing battery packs, aimed at helping companies such as Ford, General Motors and Dow Chemical to create components used in hybrid and electric vehicles. Republican state Sen. Jason Allen said the credits would create more than 2,000 jobs in Michigan while positioning the state to gain from the expected rise in demand for energy-efficient vehicles. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/2009/12/18/8 Some Climate Experts Seek Alternative To U.N. Process. Copenhagen -- The U.N. global warming summit became a myth long before it happened. By the time it closed with a compromise to acknowledge a U.S.-brokered accord, the two weeks of intrigue, chaos and divisiveness had shattered for many the idealized notion of a global consensus to tackle climate change. The week started with a maneuver by the tiny island nation of Tuvalu to block work until it could be assured the 1997 Kyoto Protocol would be preserved as leaders tried to craft a new climate pact. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/12/21/1 EPA Delays Smog Proposal. U.S. EPA has delayed until January its plans to issue a draft reconsideration of the George W. Bush administration's smog standards, the Justice Department announced yesterday. The agency announced plans in September to reconsider the federal standard for airborne ozone, or smog, due to concerns about whether the Bush administration's standard satisfies the requirements of the Clean Air Act (Greenwire, Sept. 16). Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/12/18/22 Largest U.S. Thin-Film Plant Opens In Calif. A new solar power plant opened in California today after a three-month build-out, becoming the largest U.S. facility of its kind. The 21-megawatt plant in Blythe, about 200 miles east of Los Angeles, will supply enough power to run nearly 17,000 homes when operating at peak capacity, according to the plant's owner, NRG Energy Inc. (NYSE: NRG). The facility was built by First Solar Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR), which will maintain and operate it, and consists of electricity-generating thin-film solar panels. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/print/2009/12/21/8 BLOGS Recycling Could Become Compulsory For Businesses Operating In California. Following an example set in San Francisco, California's businesses may need to start recycling all of their solid waste within three years or face fines. Recycling and composting became mandatory this year for San Francisco residents and businesses, but The City is not yet imposing fines for violations. Posted. http://www.sfexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/under-the-dome/Recycling-could-become-compulsory-for-businesses-operating-in-California-79763077.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:00:35 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for December 22, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for December 22, 2009. 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. Watching Your Carb(S). The California Air Resources Board wants to clear the air in the golden state. But its efforts to establish and enforce new air-quality regulations leave many fleet operators confused, especially as the struggling economy makes it difficult to invest in clean-air (green) technology. Full-service truck leasing can offer fleet operators some answers. Full-service leasing companies, such as paclease, bellevue, wash., provide trucks that not only meet and exceed the state’s new air quality standards, but that also help operators improve their image, driver morale, productivity and fleet efficiency. Posted. http://www.recyclingtoday.com/Article.aspx?article_id=54948 Wood Burning: Hazardous To Your Health. Though the recent freezing weather may seem like the worst time to call a wood-burning ban, the scientific evidence documenting the harm caused by wood smoke pollution justifies such restrictions. As a physician, I know all too well the health impacts caused by toxic smoke. Breathing these particles can literally shorten life and send our most vulnerable residents to the emergency room. Posted. http://www.timesheraldonline.com/opinion/ci_14047375 A Cool Wind Braces The Hot Air Crowd. For years, global warming alarmists have pointed to every drought and heat wave as proof that global warming was a real environmental threat. They had few qualms about blurring the line between weather and climate to make a PR point. Perhaps, then, it was karma that brought a blizzard and freezing temperatures to the U.N. climate change Conference of Parties confab in Copenhagen (or COP-15 for short) last week. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/22/EDUT1B7LFC.DTL&type=printable AB32's Schemes Kill Jobs. Coming from Hollywood may explain Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s disconnect with reality. In the real world, saying so doesn’t make it so. In Copenhagen last week, he made the astonishing claim that the Golden State is evidence we need not choose between a clean environment and economic growth because: “We’ve proved that over and over again in California.” Environmental well-being and economic vitality need not conflict. But California is far from proof. Posted. http://www.desertdispatch.com/common/printer/view.php?db=desertdispatch&id=7535 U.S. Cap And Trade Looks Out Of Reach In 2010. Washington (Reuters) - U.S. lawmakers face an uphill battle enacting a climate bill in 2010 that includes a cap-and-trade market in greenhouse gases, after this month's U.N. meeting in Copenhagen failed to hammer out a global pact on emissions cuts. U.S. climate legislation remains likely as lawmakers feel pressure to help the country lead in production of low-carbon energy sources such as wind, solar and nuclear power. Posted. http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5BK3SJ20091221 OPINION: Time for a Climate Change Plan B. The U.S. president is in deep denial.The world's political leaders, not least President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Gordon Brown, are in a state of severe, almost clinical, denial. While acknowledging that the outcome of the United Nations climate-change conference in Copenhagen fell short of their demand for a legally binding, enforceable and verifiable global agreement on emissions reductions by developed and developing countries alike, they insist that what has been achieved is a breakthrough and a decisive step forward. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704107604574607793378860698.html?mod=rss_Today's_Most_Popular#printMode Editorials on the Climate Conference in Copenhagen. The following editorial appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer on Monday, Dec. 21: COLD COMFORT. The climate-change talks in Copenhagen provided another frank lesson to the rest of the world on the limits to a U.S. president's power. Posted. http://www.modbee.com/opinion/world/story/982380.html#ixzz0aR6uzKBz Climate Change Bill Tough Sell. Earlier this year, Democratic Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, the leader of an effort to write a U.S. climate change bill, argued that domestic cuts in greenhouse gas emissions would help President Obama pry similar cuts from China and other major developing nations. Posted. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/dec/22/climate-change-bill-tough-sell/ Earth, Too Big To Fail? Rebecca Solnit is the author, most recently, of A Paradise Built in Hell: The Extraordinary Communities That Arise in Disaster. This piece originally appeared on TomDispatch. It’s clear now that, from her immoveable titanium bangs to her chaotic approximation of human speech, Sarah Palin is a Terminator cyborg sent from the future to destroy something -- but what? It could be the Republican Party she’ll ravage by herding the fundamentalists and extremists into a place where sane fiscal conservatives and swing voters can’t follow. Posted. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/12/21/opinion/main6005817.shtml Green Battle Rages in Desert. Mojave Protection Bill Would Put Prime Solar-Power Sites Off Limits. Barstow, Calif. -- A California senator's move Monday to put more than one million acres of the Mojave Desert off limits to development is spotlighting a clash between two prime goals of environmentalists. Before Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein introduced legislation to create the Mojave Trails National Monument and other protected wilderness areas, solar-power developers had submitted nearly two dozen proposals since 2006 for projects that would make the Southern California desert the biggest solar farm on Earth. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126144129302900923.html#printMode Report: New Mexico's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Up. Albuquerque, N.M. — An inventory of New Mexico's greenhouse gas production shows residents have reduced their average emissions from gasoline use over a seven-year period, but they're consuming more energy to heat, cool and power their homes. Despite efforts by Gov. Bill Richardson's administration to address climate change and lower greenhouse gas emissions, a draft inventory prepared by the state Environment Department shows New Mexico's total direct emissions increased by about 4 percent between 2000 and 2007 to 80 million metric tons. Posted. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jHGcqoys1dlwTTOnjGfoz2ePu8_QD9COC50G0 EPA: Duke Energy To Spend $93M To Settle Air Rules Violations. New York --Duke Energy Corp. (DUK) will spend $93 million to resolve violations of federal emissions rules at a coal-fired power plant it owns in Indiana, federal officials said Tuesday. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Justice said a settlement reached with one of the largest U.S. utilities includes a $1.75 million civil penalty and $85 million in required environmental upgrades at the Gallagher coal-fired plant in New Albany, Ind. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20091222-707288.html Central Valley Farming Town Demands Answers On Birth Defects. Kettleman City — Maricela Mares-Alatorre was well aware of the industrial and agricultural pollutants that surrounded her as she grew up in this tiny farm town just three miles from the largest toxic waste dump in the West. Her parents had founded People for Clean Air and Water two decades ago to successfully fight a proposed incinerator at the dump. It was an early but defining struggle for the environmental justice movement. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_14043513?source=rss BLOGS California Study Finds New Homes Are Toxic. A year ago we complained that energy efficiency was obviously a good thing, but not at the cost of air quality and the health of occupants. Energy efficient houses are built to be as airtight as possible, filled with materials and cleaning products that release all kinds of hazardous chemicals, and yet there is no legal requirement for heat recovery ventilators. Posted. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/12/california-houses-are-toxic.php The Real Climate Hoax. In all of the recent news about climate change, leaked emails, complex negotiations, and watered-down agreements in copenhagen, one fact has't received enough attention. The climate "hoax" is real. The only problem is that the real hoax is the effort by climate change deniers who argue that the climate isn't changing, or that it isn't because of human actions. It is, and it is. The science is unambiguous. The climate is changing, rapidly, and it is doing so because of our emissions of greenhouse gases. Posted. Http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/gleick/detail??Blogid=104&entry_id=53957 Small CO2 Changes Make Big Changes In Global Warming. A research team out of yale university has found that the types of increases in carbon dioxide taking place in the atmosphere today could have a much larger effect on global temperatures than anticipated. Mark pagani, associate professor of geology and geophysics at yale and the lead author of the paper in the online edition of nature geoscience, and his team have found that a relatively small rise in co2 can have dramatic temperature issues. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-30464-Portland-Science-News-Examiner~y2009m12d21-Small-Changes-make-Big-Changes-in-Global-Warming Melting Permafrost Adding To Global Warming. Along with the melting Arctic ice caps, scientists are concerned about melting permafrost. Massive amounts of methane as well CO2 are stored in the permafrost. Methane (CH4) has 20 more times the heat trapping power of CO2. While the spotlight has been on the role of CO2 in global warming, some scientists are very worried about current methane levels. Methane levels have risen sharply before most of the major rapid warming spell in Earth's history. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-24190-Toledo-Environmental-News-Examiner~y2009m12d22-Melting-permafrost-adding-to-global-warming Population Growth and Global Warming. Are condoms and birth control pills more cost-effective than windmills and solar panels as tools to curb global warming? Yes, and by a wide margin, contends Thomas Wire, a post-graduate researcher at the London School of Economics and author of a recent study asserting that family planning is nearly five times more cost-effective in mitigating global warming emissions than green energy technologies such as wind and solar power. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/22/population-growth-and-global-warming/?pagemode=print Multi-Million-Dollar Cap And Trade Scheme Exposed. Documents due to be opened to the public in January via a court order will “unseal all the closed records regarding the successful prosecution for fraud of Anne Masters Sholtz, a former California institute of technology economist,” according to a www.nasdaq.com article. Representatives Joe Barton (r-Texas) and Greg Walden (r-or), who are house lawyers and ranking members of the energy committee and oversight subcommittee are responsible for contacting a federal district court in California concerning the records. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-16044-christianity--politics-examiner~y2009m12d21-multimilliondollar-cap-and-trade-scheme-exposed Help for Green-Minded Shoppers. If you’re the kind of consumer who likes to think about the environment before making a purchasing decision, some advice is at hand, just in time for last-minute Christmas shopping. Climate Counts, an advocacy group, has released its third annual environmental scorecard of consumer companies and wants shoppers to consider the scores as they hit the stores. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/22/help-for-green-minded-shoppers/?scp=5&sq=climate%20change&st=cse ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:19:53 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for December 23, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for December 23, 2009. 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. Sacramento Company Fined for Air Pollution Violations. The California Air Resources Board says it has fined General Produce Company of Sacramento $30,900 for reporting violations during 2006. General Produce failed to submit a one-time report for their transportation refrigeration units at their facility, as required by law, CARB says. Transportation refrigeration units or TRUs are refrigeration systems that are powered by diesel engines that control the environment of temperature-sensitive products in refrigerated trucks, trailers, railcars and shipping containers. Posted. http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=13945 E.U. Blames Others for ‘Great Failure’ on Climate. European Union leaders on Tuesday sought to deflect criticism that they had fumbled their strategy at the Copenhagen climate summit meeting, just as a feud between the British and the Chinese over whom to blame for the outcome worsened. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/23/world/europe/23iht-climate.html Copenhagen Climate Talks. Regarding the editorial “Beyond Copenhagen” ( Dec. 22), it is now crucial that the center of gravity of decision-making on how we respond to climate change moves toward the sub-national level. This will reinvigorate national leaders. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/24/opinion/24iht-edletters.html California Continues Forward as Climate Change Role Model for Country and World. As countries failed to reach a substantive climate change pact at Copenhagen last week, action at the subnational level has emerged as one of the likeliest paths toward significant climate action. Posted. http://www.newjerseynewsroom.com/nation/california-continues-forward-as-climate-change-role-model-for-country-and-world West Bound And Down: New Year Brings New Reefer Reg In California. The California Air Resources Board begins enforcement of its new emissions rule for reefers on New Year’s Eve. CARB said enforcement of in-use performance standards will begin in January 2010 for all trucks with model year 2002 and older reefers. The state requires all in-state motor carriers to sign up with CARB’s TRU registry, and recommends TRUS based outside the state to register. California-based truck owners can register online through California’s Air Resources Board Equipment Registration (ARBER) system. Posted. http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2009/Dec09/122109/122209-02.htm Editorial: Now He’s Worried? / Interest In Helping Small Businesses Overdue. As this page has long noted, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s goal of being revered as a global green giant has a potentially huge downside for California’s economy. The governor considers AB 32 – the landmark 2006 anti-global warming state law that forces increased use of cleaner but costlier forms of energy – his greatest achievement. Posted. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/dec/23/now-hes-worried-interest-helping-small-businesses-/ Editorial: For U.S., Leadership Role In Climate Talks Should Begin In Washington. The U.S. has to set a good example if it wants the rest of the world to follow suit with concrete action to address global warming. We've been reserving judgment on last week's United Nations climate summit in Copenhagen because we're still trying to figure out what, exactly, happened. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-copenhagen23-2009dec23,0,238153,print.story Editorial: Cap And Trade Will Increase Costs. Scare tactics in the media continue. Air at the Morristown Green has been measured since 1995 by the Environmental Protection Agency, but never released to the public. I would love to see the real findings. Our atmosphere is composed of approximately 78 percent nitrogen, 20.95 percent oxygen and other gasses, of which carbon dioxide is. 025 percent. All living things on this planet are carbon base and breathe oxygen. Posted. http://www.dailyrecord.com/article/20091223/OPINION02/91221092/1095/OPINION/Cap+and+Trade+will+increase+costs Opinion: Thomas Sowell: Climate Zealots Purge Science Of Facts. Science is one of the great achievements of the human mind and the biggest reason why we live not only longer but more vigorously in our old age, in addition to all the ways in which it provides us with things that make life easier and more enjoyable. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/science-225409-global-warming.html RFA Wants California's New Fuels Standard Stopped. Dinneen says CARB has made mockery of process. Citing obvious violations of the California Administrative Procedures Act, the Renewable Fuels Association has called on California's Office of Administrative Law to reject the California Air Resources Board's Low Carbon Fuels Standard rule currently under review. Posted. http://americanagriculturist.com/story.aspx?s=34109&c=8 Pachauri: Copenhagen a Good Outcome. New Delhi --The climate change accord reached at the Copenhagen summit is a good outcome but is inadequate to combat global warming, the head of the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said Wednesday. R.K. Pachauri--also the director general of India's The Energy and Resources Institute, or TERI -- told reporters that the accord "provides the foundation on which we can build upon for emission reduction." Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126155576184402639.html?mod=googlenews_wsj The Copenhagen Crash and Global Cooling. If you're wondering why the national political news focus has been on health care and not on the aftermath of the historic conference in Copenhagen, Denmark which ended less than a week ago...it's because nothing productive happened there. Even worse, more lies have been exposed from the IPCC report, more agendas uncovered about leaders at the United Nations and the "accord" that was supposedly reached at the 11th hour in Denmark is already falling apart. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-3854-Cincinnati-Weather-Examiner~y2009m12d23-The-Copenhagen-Crash-and-Global-Cooling Wood Fires May Be Banned On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day across Bay Area. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is asking residents to check before burning any wood fires on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day since predicted light winds and cool air may create unhealthy air conditions across the region. You can find out whether burning wood is prohibited by checking Spare the Air notices at www.mercurynews.com/extra. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_14055686 http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_14055686?nclick_check=1 Small-Business Group Says Majority Opposes Cap And Trade. An influential small-business group that has opposed climate bills in Congress said yesterday that its recent polls show there is limited support among job providers for a federal cap-and-trade program mandating greenhouse gas emissions reductions. "The majority of small-business owners viewed cap and trade as more of a hindrance to job creation," said Brad Close, vice president for public policy at the National Federation of Independent Business. Posted. http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/print/2009/12/23/3 Residents Reminded To Sign Up For Air Alerts. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is reminding residents to sign up for air alerts this week in the event of possible winter "Spare the Air" notices during the holidays. "We're asking Bay Area residents to remember to check the burn status each day including holidays, to see if an air alert is called which bans fireplace burning," said Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the air district. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_14054808 Tom Purcell: Is Pollution The Real Solution? IF HUMAN ACTIVITY got us into the mess, can human activity can get us out? I refer to "SuperFreakonomics," a hugely entertaining book by University of Chicago economist Steven Levitt and co-author Stephen Dubner. Levitt and Dubner mine cold, hard economic and scientific data to arrive at some offbeat conclusions. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/opinion/ci_14049327 China, India, South Africa Vital For Climate Deal. New Delhi—The emergence of China, India, South Africa and Brazil as a grouping was the most significant outcome of the climate talks in Copenhagen, the chairman of the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said Wednesday. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_14055325 UN Climate Chief Urges Avoiding Blame Over Summit. Amsterdam—The top U.N. climate official says that though the Copenhagen global warming summit went sour countries should avoid blaming each other and get down to work on a better deal next year. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_14055714 U.S. Wants Farmers To Use Coal Waste On Fields. The federal government is encouraging farmers to spread a chalky waste from coal-fired power plants on their fields to loosen and fertilize soil even as it considers regulating coal wastes for the first time. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/22/AR2009122203336.html Ballard Power Systems, Daimler In Fuel Cell Deal. Vancouver -- Ballard Power Systems said Tuesday that it has reached a deal with German automaker Daimler AG to supply fuel cell products. The company will provide technology for Daimler's fuel cell car and bus programs. The agreement provides a minimum of $24 million in revenue over 18 months beginning in April. Posted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/22/AR2009122203010.html After Summit, 'Cleantech' Firms Reset Strategy. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704157304574612272401446280.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_sections_tech FULL STORY BELOW: Businesses that had banked on global greenhouse-gas limits to spur alternative-energy investments now are looking to national and local policies to get more wind turbines turning and nuclear-power plants humming, after the muddled outcome of the Copenhagen climate summit. The failure of the United Nations gathering to produce an enforceable accord to cut fossil-fuel emissions leaves the U.S., Europe, China, India and other countries to pursue the energy policies they already had. In many cases, those policies are aimed more at strategic goals, such as economic development or reducing dependence on Mideast oil, than at threats posed by global warming. Still, some businesses say these policies could play a major role in fostering so-called clean technology, which includes non-fossil power sources, such as wind turbines, and related know-how, such as software that equips energy grids to cope with intermittent bursts of power from solar cells. Gary Sheffer, a spokesman for General Electric Co., whose products include energy-efficient locomotives and wind turbines, says his company is "encouraged and optimistic" because of rising sales to nations like China. He said GE's cleantech revenues in China for the first nine months of 2009 totaled $660 million, up 50% from a year earlier. Since 2002, venture-capital investments in cleantech world-wide have soared from about $1 billion to an estimated $5 billion to $6 billion this year, according to the Cleantech Group, a San Francisco market-research firm. After experiencing one of its first back-to-back quarterly declines in March, venture funding for cleantech, much of it based in California's Silicon Valley, has resumed its climb. In the U.S., the lack of a strong Copenhagen deal may set back some of these investments, already hurt by falling oil prices. But the Obama administration still plans to use the Environmental Protection Agency to clamp down on the nation's greenhouse-gas emissions, and the Energy Department remains committed to spending billions in public funds to jump-start alternative-energy technology. On a smaller scale, California is pursuing a program to garner a third of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020, more than double current levels. Most Northeastern states are expected to cut carbon-dioxide emissions, based on regional targets. The adoption of renewable-energy standards, completed or under way in many states, should boost demand for technologies that make electrical grids more efficient, says Dan Adler, president of the nonprofit California Clean Energy Fund, set up by the state to help spur cleantech investment. Such efforts have fueled the growth of Silver Spring Networks Inc., a Redwood City, Calif., grid-technology provider, which has tripled its work force since 2008 to about 450. "From our standpoint, we have been cheerleading Copenhagen," says Eric Dresselhuys, the company's executive vice president, "but it's not a direct impact on this business." Many U.S. states will continue to shift toward lower-carbon fuels, says Michael Peevey, president of the California Public Utilities Commission, which regulates investor-owned electric, gas and water utilities in the state. California is "not going to turn back," he says. Officials at Iberdrola, the Spanish power company and the world's biggest renewable-energy company say they are evaluating investments based on local policies, such as renewable-energy standards in states like Texas. Some businesses, worried about a patchwork of federal and state regulation, are still pushing for Congress to enact a nationwide system for cutting carbon-dioxide emissions. But the prospects for congressional action in the 2010 election year look dim. China, spurred in part by its desire to reduce dependence on foreign oil, remains committed to a sweeping energy efficiency program that calls for cutting carbon intensity, a measure of emissions relative to the size of the economy, by 40% to 45% from 2005 levels by 2020. That means government support for alternative energies, and for Chinese companies in that field, is likely to continue to grow. Gao Jifan, chief executive of Trina Solar Ltd., a Chinese maker of solar panels, says the continuous cost reductions being achieved by solar-panel producers are making the technology more affordable. "So the outlook for its development is unstoppable," he said in a statement. In the European Union, companies still have to comply with laws that require member nations to reduce emissions collectively to 20% below their 1990 levels by 2020, despite the summit's lack of binding targets. . "We just didn't get a good sense from the [Copenhagen] conference about the regulatory structures that might be in place and the general direction of where public policy is headed," says Andrew Turpin, spokesman for Centrica PLC, Britain's biggest energy provider, echoing complaints by other European energy investors about the gathering. BLOGS Climate Questions? Scientists Answer. Assertions of human-driven climate change are fraught with enough political, cultural and legal questions to fuel a parallel universe of blog and e-mail warfare. Sometimes obscured by these angry exchanges is the science itself — a quest to explain an incredibly intricate and dynamic system, earth’s climate, and its behavior over thousands, even millions, of years. Posted. http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/2009/12/22/climate-questions-scientists-answer/17711/ So, How’d That Global Warming Summit Go? Scant few other than President Obama claim Copenhagen’s global warming summit was a success because, well, for obvious reasons. How do others feel about it? “India hailed Tuesday the lack of targets and legally binding measures in the Copenhagen climate accord and vaunted the united front presented by major emerging countries at the chaotic talks. . .” Posted. http://orangepunch.freedomblogging.com/2009/12/22/so-howd-that-global-warming-summit-go/15301/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:09:16 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for December 24, 2009. From: gmassey@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for December 24, 2009. 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. Embattled Ethanol Industry Could Go To War In 2010. As 2009 wound down operating margins at ethanol plants were improving. And the industry could claim at least a partial victory when the EPA in December indicated that it's likely to approve a higher blend of 15% ethanol in gasoline sold to cars made in 2001 or later. That is if further testing confirms early results that showed no damage to cars from a higher blend. Posted. http://www.agriculture.com/ag/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/ag/story/data/1261589075457.xml LA, Long Beach Set to Ban More Dirty Trucks. Long Beach, Calif. -- The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will enter 2010 with more than 6,000 clean-diesel and alternative-fuel vehicles in the harbor trucking fleet as the industry works to comply with the ports’ clean-trucks mandates. Posted. http://www.joc.com/node/415446 Global Warming Will Cause Plants And Animals To Migrate. One upon a time, adaptation to global warming was dubbed a cop-out, a way to duck the challenge of reducing, and ultimately eliminating, greenhouse-gas emissions from cars, factories, and power plants. Posted. http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2009/1224/Global-warming-will-cause-plants-and-animals-to-migrate Cattlemen Challenge EPA Greenhouse Gas Ruling In Court. Washington — The [1] National Cattlemen’s Beef Association filed a petition Dec. 23 in the DC Circuit Court of Appeals challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s recent greenhouse gas (GHG) [2] “endangerment finding” rule. The endangerment finding does not in and of itself regulate greenhouse gases, but it is a step in the process for GHG regulation under the [3] Clean Air Act. Posted. http://www.farmanddairy.com/news/cattlemen-challenge-epa-greenhouse-gas-ruling-in-court/13835.htmlprint/ Loan Program May Stir Nuclear Industry. Washington — When experts on power grid reliability asked themselves recently how a cleaner energy future would look, seven of eight regional councils imagined how their systems would work with 10 percent wind power. Only one, representing the southeastern United States, chose a radically different option: doubling nuclear power capacity. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/24/business/energy-environment/24nuke.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&pagewanted=print&adxnnlx=1261674171-BBWb4eFRIijnkL1HIaeW0Q Grants Help Create Greener Diesel Trucks. The two exhaust pipes on the back of Rodriguez & Son’s 18-wheeler no longer attach to anything. Instead, the bright red truck that the Camarillo-based family business uses to haul sand, dirt and gravel now funnels its exhaust through a system that reduces the amount of emissions from its diesel engine. The company recently retrofitted the truck’s exhaust system using a state grant to pay for the overhaul. Posted. http://www.vcstar.com/news/2009/dec/24/grants-help-create-greener-diesel-trucks/?print=1 Classic Indian Chief Motorcycle Ready To Roll. The revived brand, already for sale in 16 other states, clears California's tough emissions standards. But it arrives during the worst motorcycle market in decades. The classic Indian Chief motorcycle, prized for its fanciful fenders and an American heritage different from its much bigger rival, Harley-Davidson, is back and finally ready to roll in California. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-indian-bikes24-2009dec24,0,5899610,print.story ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 28 Dec 2009 10:17:16 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- California Air Resources Board News Clips for December 28th, 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for December 28, 2009. 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. Air Quality Guidelines Face Unexpected Critics. California’s battle against greenhouse gases is likely to come to the Bay Area soon — with rules designed to reduce the carbon footprint of new housing and commercial development. That is a concept you might expect to be welcome in a region known for its environmental advocacy and hostility to growth. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/27/us/27sfpolitics.html?scp=4&sq=global%20warming&st=cse Report: County Emissions Drop 68% in 15 Years. Efforts to cut down on smog-forming pollutants appear to have worked in Santa Barbara County over the past few decades, according to a recent report from the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG).Even with increases in vehicle ownership, a hike in the popularity of trucks and SUVs and a jump in miles traveled and trip starts, ozone-damaging emissions have dropped 68 percent from 1990 to 2005, the report concluded. Posted. http://www.santamariatimes.com/news/local/article_1bc768ee-f379-11de-85ad-001cc4c002e0.html San Leandro Oks Plan To Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions. The city is moving forward with a plan to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent from 2005 emissions levels by a target date of 2020. The effort, called the Climate Action Plan, states that "global warming is unequivocal and primarily human induced." It lists several threats posed by that warming and presents a blueprint for action. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/news/ci_14070119 Ethanol Groups Sue California over Low-Carbon Rule. Two groups representing ethanol producers asked a federal court on Thursday to strike down a California rule that calls for a reduction in the carbon content of fuels sold in that state, saying the measure violates the Constitution and jeopardizes the nationwide market for ethanol. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126169282611304857.html Retiring Perc: A Tale of Two States. Two states that want to move drycleaners away from perc are using different approaches, one the carrot, the other the stick. In California, it’s the stick. The sale of perc machines has been outlawed for two years there and this year perc equipment that is 15 years old or older or located in co-residential situations will have to be shut down by July 1. Posted. http://www.natclo.com/1001/perc.htm Climate Change Brainwashing Turns Kids into Save-The-Earth Rebels At Home. The global warming movement has taken a decidedly sinister turn. Not content with scaring moms and dads with tales of a coming global warming apocalypse, the true believers in human-caused-climate-change have taken their controversial doomsday message into the classroom and onto the Internet, polluting impressionable kids with green propaganda and creating youth legions of enviro-fanatics. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-32936-Seminole-County-Environmental-News-Examiner~y2009m12d28-Headline-to-come Global Warming Debate: A Climate Scientist Responds: Part 2: Admitting Mistakes. This is part two of a series of email exchanges between Bart Verheggen and myself, which I am trying to separate into manageable chunks. The debate started on December 22 in this space, and you can read Part 1 here. I'm splitting the debate into specific topics because the discussion on each of them is getting too long. This second part is about hiding the decline and admitting mistakes. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-9111-SF-Environmental-Policy-Examiner~y2009m12d27-Global-warming-debate-A-climate-scientist-responds-Part-2 EDITORIAL: Biased reporting on Climategate. With trillions of dollars at stake in the battle over global warming, now would be the time for the press to closely scrutinize the claims of those who would reorganize the world's economy from farm to factory and laboratory to living room. And the Climategate scandal - where leaked e-mails and dodgy computer programs from the University of East Anglia raise powerful new questions about the role of politics in climate science - would be the perfect opportunity to explore what is going on behind the scenes. Posted. http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/dec/28/biased-reporting-on-climategate/ Acting Alone on Climate Change. This was a good, if distant, vantage point to view the proceedings in Copenhagen. Good because Australia has one of the highest per capita carbon emissions in the world and has been suffering from an extended drought, probably related to global warming. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/28/opinion/28iht-edbowring.html Landfill Energy: It's a Gas. Trash — it isn't just for landfills any more. The Recology Ostrom Road Landfill is using the methane gas produced during decomposition to generate power. Its landfill gas-to-energy plant has been in operation for almost a year and is producing 1.6 megawatts per hour, enough power for 1,500 homes. Posted. http://www.appeal-democrat.com/news/energy-90153-gas-landfill.html How Can I Throw a Green New Year’s Party? Everyone, it seems, is ready to say buh-bye to nasty, old 2009. Why not celebrate the new year and the earth by throwing an eco-friendly affair? Read on for some tips on how to send 2009 on its way in green style. Posted. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/dec/26/how-can-i-throw-a-green-new-years-party/ Top 10 Environmental Moments of the Decade. What a difference a decade makes. Since the turn of the millennium environmental issues have come to the forefront with a marked shift toward all things green in politics, technology and perhaps most importantly, society. Posted. http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TECH/science/12/17/environmental.decade.top.ten/ Green Stanford Needs to Change Buildings, Minds. It’s going to take plenty of green to make the Stanford campus greener, but money alone won't be enough to make trims in future energy use. The university's new energy and climate plan calls for spending $250 million over the next 10 years to slash power consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/28/BAHR1B6J5H.DTL#ixzz0b0MBlwOG Eat Vegetables and Save the Planet. The international climate conference in Copenhagen focused the world's attention on global warming and the resulting coastal flooding and extreme weather patterns. An article in the respected World Watch magazine suggests that most man-made greenhouse gases responsible for global warming are emitted not from industrial smokestacks or car exhausts, but from meat and dairy production. Posted. http://www.mydesert.com/article/20091228/OPINION02/912280318/-1/newsfront/Eat-vegetables-and-save-the-planet ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 29 Dec 2009 10:35:24 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for December 29th, 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for December 29, 2009. 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. Port Study Finds Air Quality Improvement. Air pollution from ships, locomotives, trucks and other Port of Long Beach-related sources dropped significantly from 2005 to 2008 -- including a 21 percent decrease in diesel particulate matter -- a new air quality study shows. The biggest part of the improvement came thanks to cleaner technology, not from a slowdown in cargo. Posted. http://www.etrucker.com/apps/news/article.asp?id=84055 My Word: Congress Must Give Port of Oakland Authority to Set Standards to Help Truckers. A THOUSAND truck drivers face unemployment in January when their rigs are banned from the Port of Oakland. The state is rightly enforcing new diesel truck emission standards, but these drivers can't afford the new trucks or upgrades needed to comply. The drivers are angry because they were misled about the availability of grants to pay the costs. Posted. http://www.insidebayarea.com/opinion/sanmateo/ci_14081666 More Carbon Dioxide May Create a Racket in the Seas. Here is another consequence of rising carbon dioxide emissions: the oceans are getting louder. It has long been known that chemical compounds in seawater, including boric acid, absorb sound, as energy from sound waves stimulates certain reactions. As the oceans grow more acidic, a result of increasing absorption of atmospheric CO2, the seawater chemistry changes, resulting in fewer reactions and less acoustic energy used. That means sounds will travel farther and be louder at a given distance from a sound source. Posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/29/science/earth/29obsound.html?pagewanted=print Quebec Adopts California Car Emissions Standards. Quebec is adopting California's stringent auto-emissions standards next month, in a bold move to tackle the province's polluting transport sector. When the new emissions standards take effect Jan. 14, Quebec will become the first Canadian province to follow California's lead in fighting greenhouse gases. Posted. http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2009/12/29/quebec-adopts-california-emissions-standards.html A Fast, Cheap Way to Cool the Planet. This month's Copenhagen talks focused on the leading climate change culprit: carbon dioxide. But reversing global temperature increases by reducing carbon emissions will take many decades, if not centuries. Even if the largest cuts in CO2 contemplated in Copenhagen are implemented, it simply will not reverse the melting of ice already occurring in the most sensitive areas, including the rapid disappearance of glaciers in Tibet, the Arctic and Latin America. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704039704574616130812043404.html?mod=googlenews_wsj Only Real Question Is: Does Man Cause Global Warming? Please put an end to this global warming debate. Of course there is global warming — look at the signs. The only question there should be is the following: Is global warming caused by man? I believe it is. I have two questions for the naysayers. Let’s go back 150 years. How many asphalt roads were there? How many concrete buildings were there? Posted. http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/dec/29/only-real-question-does-man-cause-global-warming/ Democrats Ask White House to Wait On Climate Change Issue. In the last few days of an economically disappointing 2009, and before an election year, several moderate Democrats are reportedly asking the White House to give up any intention of passing a cap-and-trade bill next year. Posted. http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2009/Dec09/122809/122809-01.htm Editorial: Climate Conference in Copenhagen Unsurprisingly Falls Short. THE LOW EXPECTATIONS of progress in advance of the U.N.'s climate change conference in Copenhagen were ratified by the results. Despite boasts by President Barack Obama and some other world leaders of a breakthrough on reducing carbon dioxide emissions, little of real substance was achieved. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/opinion/ci_14081645 Editorial: Shelving Climate Bill Sensible For Senate. A cap-and-trade program to curb greenhouse gas emissions and financially penalize businesses emitting them faces new opposition among moderate Senate Democrats, apparently worried about voter backlash in next year's election. Cap-and-trade, along with sweeping changes in health care, are the Obama administration's two principle initiatives, but polls already show more Americans oppose (55 percent) than support (40 percent) the yet-to-be-approved health program, Rasmussen Reports said Monday. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/trade-226115-cap-climate.html More Talk than Progress in U.S. Energy Policy. In 2009, all eyes in America's energy industry turned to Washington. A new administration entered office determined to rewrite the ground rules for every kind of energy company - from oil giants in Houston to renewable power startups in Silicon Valley. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/28/BUP21B6I2N.DTL&type=business#ixzz0b5ywn0LL http://www.energytribune.com/articles.cfm?aid=2771 Turbines Are Careful Fit in Desert. Some of the biggest windmills in the nation could begin popping up on the Mojave Desert landscape late next year. One plan would put more than 30 turbines -- each with blades that would reach 429 feet in the air -- on a ridge southeast of Barstow. The wind farm would generate enough power for 50,000 homes or more. Posted. http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_wind29.3fdb82f.html Giving People the Power - To Save. Information is power. And in the world of electricity, more information could mean less power. As people know more about how much electricity they are using, they tend to use less of it. Researchers call it “the Prius effect” — so named because drivers with an eye on the hybrid car’s dashboard slow down to keep gas mileage up. Posted. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/dec/29/giving-people-the-power-to-save/ Time to start fresh in the New Year. OK, Christmas is over. Time to clean up. Here are some green New Year's resolutions to get you started: I/We will:-Turn all ceiling fans counter-clockwise in the summer and clockwise in the winter. -Unplug my cell phone charger unless the phone is charging.-Wash clothes in cold water.-Check car tires regularly for proper air pressure.-Never allow my vehicle to idle. -Use caulk or weather stripping to reduce air leaks in my home or business. Posted. http://www.sacbee.com/702/story/2425932.html New Financing Schemes Make Solar More Affordable. If you think you need $20,000 to $30,000 in cash upfront to install a solar system on the roof of your home, think again. A number of Bay Area solar companies — including Akeena Solar, SolarCity, Sungevity and SunRun — are pioneering new business models and creative financing mechanisms to make rooftop solar more affordable. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/green-energy/ci_14066469 Blogs Ethanol Producers File Suit Against California Climate Rules. Two ethanol industry trade groups filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday that alleges California regulations to reduce the carbon content of fuels in that state are unconstitutional and should be struck down. Posted. http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/677-e2-wire/73781-ethanol-producers-file-suit-against-california-climate-rules http://www.truthabouttrade.org/news/latest-news/15373-ethanol-groups-sue-california-over-low-carbon-rule Global Warmists Will Sue You For, Well, For Just About Anything. Our favorite editorial opening line of the day (other than our own, of course): “Fresh from the fiasco in Copenhagen and with a failure in the U.S. Senate looming this coming year, the climate-change lobby is already shifting to Plan B, or is it already Plan D? Meet the carbon tort. “What do demagogues and despots do when they can’t get their way with a vote? There was the fiasco in Copenhagen where global warmists managed to get the vast majority of nations to merely “take note of” the already non-binding “agreement” of a decided minority. Posted. http://orangepunch.freedomblogging.com/2009/12/28/global-warmists-will-sue-you-for-well-for-just-about-anything/15397/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 30 Dec 2009 10:06:28 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for December 30th, 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for December 30, 2009. 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. Calif. Gov. Schwarzenegger Announces 244 Proposed Renewable Energy Projects Throughout State. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced the first comprehensive list of 244 proposed renewable energy projects that could produce up to almost 70,000 megawatts (MW) of clean energy annually, building on California’s aggressive renewable energy goals. These proposed projects throughout the state include solar, wind, geothermal, biomass and small hydro facilities and will help move California towards achieving the Governor’s renewable energy goal of 33 percent by 2020. Currently California facilities produce just over 8,000 MW of renewable energy annually. Posted. http://californianewswire.com/2009/12/30/CNW6385_014323.php Methane Migraine. When it comes to renewable energy portfolios, California is an archetype for other states developing standards to follow. Targets increasing the use of renewable power to 20 percent by 2010 and 33 percent by 2020 have set the clean energy bar high, especially when coupled with the state’s stringent air quality regulations. Posted. http://www.biomassmagazine.com/article.jsp?article_id=3377 CARB to Begin Enforcing Reefer Regulation This Thursday, Dec. 31. The California Air Resources Board begins enforcement of its new emissions rule for reefers beginning this Thursday, Dec. 31. CARB said enforcement of in-use performance standards will begin in January 2010 for all trucks with model year 2002 and older reefers. Posted. http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2009/Dec09/122809/122909-02.htm General Produce Company Receives $30,900 Fine From CARB for Violations. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) fined General Produce Company $30,900 recently for violations reported during 2006 at its Sacramento CA facility. General Produce failed to submit a one-time report for its transportation refrigeration units at the facility, as required by law. Posted. http://refrigeratedtrans.com/food-distributors/foodservice/general_produce_co_receives_carb_fine_1228/?smte=wr Ethanol and Farm Groups Sue California over Fuel Standard. The ethanol trade groups, Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association, along with state and local farm groups, have filed a federal lawsuit challenging Calfornia's low carbon fuel standard. The groups' lawsuit alleges that the new rule, which will be phased in starting in 2011, unfairly discriminates against corn-based ethanol made primarily in the Midwest, in violation of the Commerce and Supremacy clauses of the U.S. Constitution. Posted. http://www.agriculture.com/ag/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/ag/story/data/1262117785895.xml Orange Grove: The 'Pollutant' Vital to Earthly Life. The air we breathe contains 20 percent oxygen, which is vital to the survival of all human and animal life. Without oxygen we would all die within minutes. Atmospheric carbon dioxide on the other hand, at less than 0.04 percent, is a seemingly insignificant gas unworthy of legislative concern. Yet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson, without congressional direction or approval, declared this month that CO2 is a dangerous pollutant that endangers the health of every human on Earth and must be controlled by her bureaucracy. Posted. http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/co2-226259-every-percent.html Americans Can Take the Lead Toward Stopping Climate Change. The agreement at Copenhagen is a call to Americans to take a leadership role in stopping climate change. Unlike Kyoto, the U.S. is signing on, yet there is also room for each country to do the minimum or to do more. We can be the leaders in developing solutions, not only reducing and reusing, but also developing the best least-expensive and most user-friendly technology to allow us to use the sun, wind, tides and other green sources of energy to supply our energy needs. Posted. http://www.thecalifornian.com/article/20091230/OPINION03/912300310/1014/OPINION Can Wall Street Save the World? When President Obama wrangled an agreement in the waning hours of the Copenhagen climate change summit, left unsaid was how agreed-upon subsidies from wealthy nations to poor nations will be paid. The ambiguity of the agreement, which calls for $100 billion to be doled out annually beginning in 2020, along with an appeal from several European Union members to tap into the financial markets, has given momentum to the prospect of a worldwide financial transaction tax to help pay the freight for climate change solutions. Posted. http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/markets/industries/finance/wall-street-save-world/ How We Live Now: A Shift In The Landscape. At the turn of the millennium, "carbon footprint" wasn't a household term, "paper or plastic" hadn't become a moral dilemma, and reduce, reuse and recycle didn't yet come to mind as the three R's. But in the past decade, we've moved toward more sustainable living and begun thinking more seriously about how our lifestyle affects the environment. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/30/DDUE1B325L.DTL#ixzz0bC9OIpOa Plans for Nuclear Power Plant in Central Valley. A prominent French engineering company will help develop a nuclear power plant in California's Central Valley, even though state law forbids such facilities. The company, Areva, said Tuesday that it has signed a letter of intent with a group of investors trying to build one or two nuclear reactors in either Fresno County or Madera County. The company will work with the investors to pick a location for the plant and apply for federal permits. Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/29/BU071BB587.DTL&type=business#ixzz0bCBBi7RG Eco-Officers are Moving into Executive Suites. During his more than three decades in real estate David Pogue played many roles, but environmental expert was never one of them. That didn't stop his company, Los Angeles real estate brokerage CB Richard Ellis, from naming him the company guru of all things eco-friendly nearly two years ago. Posted. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-green-officers30-2009dec30,0,3283781.story Blogs Energy Star Gets Tough on LG Electronics. The Department of Energy has announced that, as of Jan. 20, LG Electronics will be banned from using the Energy Star label on 20 of its refrigerator-freezer models. The agency, which has received criticism for failing to ensure the integrity of products bearing the Energy Star label, said the refrigerators did not deliver required energy and cost savings, and that it was taking steps to protect the American public. Posted. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/30/energy-star-gets-tough-on-lg-electronics/?scp=3&sq=air%20pollution&st=cse Scientist Tackles Reader’s Question: Is the Planet Cooling? We asked last week for climate questions from readers, and received some thoughtful, interesting responses. Here is reader Charie Baker’s question about whether the planet is cooling; below that, the answer from Eric Rignot, a researcher at UC Irvine and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory who specializes in glaciers, ice sheets and climate change. Posted. http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com/2009/12/29/scientist-tackles-readers-question-is-the-planet-cooling/17843/ ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:52:04 -0800 Subject: newsclips -- Newsclips for December 31th, 2009 From: rblake@ARB.CA.GOV California Air Resources Board News Clips for December 31, 2009. 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. California Oks $3M for Oakland Port Truck Clean Up. California’s government set aside $3 million for grants to help truckers at the Port of Oakland buy diesel soot filters, which are required by Jan. 1. The Air Resources Board, part of California’s Environmental Protection Agency, freed up the money, since many truckers at the port had their grant requests denied when state funding ran out. Posted. http://sanfrancisco.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2009/12/28/daily19.html http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_14096397 http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126221193664410699.html http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/east_bay&id=7195313 Long Beach Study Finds Improved Air Quality. Air pollution at the Port of Long Beach fell significantly from 2005 to 2008, according to a new air quality study commissioned by the port. Diesel particulate matter from ships, trucks, trains and other port-related sources fell 21 percent over the three-year period, said the 2008 Air Emissions Inventory. The study also showed a 12 percent decline in smog-forming nitrogen oxides and an 18 percent drop in sulfur oxides. Greenhouse gases were cut by 7 percent, the study said. Posted. http://www.joc.com/node/415569 Valley Air Board, AG Differ on Limiting Emissions. The Valley air board this month adopted California's first guidelines for greenhouse-gas reduction on new development, but the state Attorney General's Office questions whether they will hold up in court. Posted. http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1765382.html Los Altos Looks to Reduce Gas Emissions. While already engaged in climate-change mitigation activities, the city of Los Altos is exploring ways to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions in an ongoing effort to combat global warming. Posted. http://www.losaltosonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20062&Itemid=46 New State Law Will Change St. Helena. Earlier this month local planners were invited to a presentation in Napa by the Association of Bay Area Governments to explain the impact of SB 375, passed by the California legislature last year. It is the law that requires all California regions and communities to have a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS), which is: “an integrated transportation/land use plan that meets the Air Resources Board targets for green house gas emissions from autos and light trucks.” Posted. http://www.sthelenastar.com/articles/2009/12/31/opinion/commentary/doc4b3c2d5667600149653401.txt California Fuel Rules Called Illegal. The impending California regulations aimed at reducing the carbon content of fuels is being challenged in court by the Renewable Fuels Association and Growth Energy, which claim the Low Carbon Fuel Standard is counter to federal energy law and would harm the industry. Posted. http://kansasfarmer.com/story.aspx?s=34253&c=8 2009: The Year Climate Change And Global Warming Activists Would Like To Forget. For those who believe the manmade climate change theory, the new year cannot get here fast enough. As 2009 comes to a close, many are faced with the realizations that not only are they losing in the court of public opinion, the ‘consensus’ about anthropogenic global warming is far from solid. The year saw preeminent scientists join the chorus of those saying that other drivers besides man influence the climate, a scandal erupted that shook the very foundation of climate science and a much touted climate summit fell into disarray. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-25061-Climate-Change-Examiner~y2009m12d31-The-year-climate-change-and-global-warming-activists-would-like-to-forget Climate Change 101: Does Carbon Dioxide Cause Global Warming? S. Fred Singer is an American atmospheric physicist, Professor Emeritus of environmental sciences at the University of Virginia, specializing in planetary science, global warming, ozone depletion, and other global environmental issues. He was a Special Advisor on space developments to President Eisenhower and the first Director of the National Weather Satellite Service Center. Posted. http://www.examiner.com/x-33398-LA-Public-Policy-Examiner~y2009m12d30-Climate-Change-101-Does-carbon-dioxide-cause-global-warming Climate 'progress'. Climate 'progress' What "progress" could there possibly be? Global warming and cooling have been a parts of our planet's events since it's inception. It happened systematically way before the dawn of man and will continue to take place long after we are gone. There is nothing one can do about the climate. Posted. http://www.contracostatimes.com/opinion/ci_14089437 More China Companies Are Going Green. Chinese entrepreneurs and private citizens are starting to become more active in trying to address concerns over global warming, a nascent trend that could have significant long-term impact on the ability of the world's largest greenhouse-gas emitter to curb its effects on the climate. Posted. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126221708139710993.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsForth 2010 Should Be a Good Year for Clean Tech. When a Redwood City company called Codexis disclosed Monday that it had filed documents in preparation of a Wall Street offering, some people said, "Co-who?" Codexis is one of those Silicon Valley companies that might be considered stealthy by accident — deeply scientific and hard to categorize, it develops biocatalysts to make pharmaceuticals, chemicals and biofuels. Posted. http://www.mercurynews.com/green-energy/ci_14096394 Santa Cruz County Wind Turbine Presents Conundrum For State Regulators. The state Coastal Commission encourages California's seaside communities to embrace clean energy -- with a caveat. It has to look good.The regulatory agency has told a Santa Cruz County couple that a wind turbine planned for their new home in the Pleasure Point neighborhood is too tall. Posted. http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/business/ci_14099284 Blogs Climate Change and All That. The best way to inform a climate-change denier is to show him the evidence of change. So I invited U.S. Senator James Hindhoof of Oklahoma to come to Marin this holiday season to see for himself the results of human-induced climate change. To my surprise he accepted the invitation! Posted. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/inmarin/detail?&entry_id=54324#ixzz0bHnpw8NO Oceans of Acid. It may be hard to believe but every gallon of gas we burn puts about 20 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Fortunately for us, but not for sea life, about one-fourth of that CO2 finds its way into the ocean. Posted. http://blogs.redding.com/dcraig/archives/2009/12/oceans-of-acid.html ====================================================================== You are subscribed to the newsclips mailing list. To UNSUBSCRIBE: Please go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/listserv.php and enter your email address and click on the button "Display Email Lists." To unsubscribe, please click inside the appropriate box to uncheck it and go to the bottom of the screen to submit your request. You will receive an automatic email message confirming that you have successfully unsubscribed. Also, please read our listserve disclaimer at http://www.arb.ca.gov/listserv/disclaim.htm . The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our website at www.arb.ca.gov. ======================================================================